Students, parents, and counselors alike are often looking for an edge in the highly selective admission process. Recently, Boston College has seen an increase in the number of students who are making multiple campus visits in hopes of increasing their chances of admission. We wanted to take a few moments to clarify our position on the value of the campus visit.
Let us begin by stating very simply that Boston College does not make its admission decisions based on the number of interactions a student has with the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Students should not feel that they must make countless contacts with our office in order to make themselves more competitive. E-mail messages, telephone calls, and in-person visits are often helpful to students who are looking to acquire information, but should not be interpreted as another opportunity to present applicants' cases. This is not to say that Boston College does not look for students' sincere interest in the university through the way in which they present their applications for admission. Since it would unfairly bias our process, however, we do not believe in applying additional weight to the applications of students who have enough opportunities and resources to visit our campus, speak with our alumni, or meet us in person.
Applicants should not confuse our policy with one that discourages students from taking an active role in their college search. We feel that visiting our campus is an essential part of the exploration process in that it allows students to more fully appreciate the countless opportunities that await them here. By taking a college tour, visiting classes, and meeting current students, applicants can very quickly determine if Boston College is a good match for them.
Finally, students should not feel that we are discouraging them from contacting our office if we can provide assistance to them in the admission process. That is precisely why we are here. If you find that you need to investigate the university even further, we welcome your visit, questions, and concerns. If you are trying to determine the next unique way for you to stay in touch with us, however, we wanted to make our policy clear. Our hope is that instead of spending your time making unnecessary contacts with us, you may spend it enjoying the remainder of your senior year. The next few months will pass quickly, and we want you to create as many fond memories as possible. Best wishes as you savor the twilight of this exciting stage in your life.