I have applied for this fall and want to visit the campus, but I'm not sure work will allow it at this time. Will this influence the admissions committee's admit decision? If so - is there a way I can mitigate this? Perhaps by letting them know my situation?
It should not affect the decision. Most schools address this directly on their websites; you may want to check out your target schools. You can certainly email the schools and explain ithe situation and ask their advice. Some may offer an interview with an alum in your area. Schools recognize that time and money are legitimate barriers. However, if you live and work across town a failure to visit can be a big deal.
A key benefit of a visit is the ability to see and feel the school and its atmosphere. I find that my candidates who have visited a school are much better able to articulate why they have chosen that school and what they expect to gain from studying there.
Net, net, a visit can be a great help to you, if not to the admissions committee, but time and money are real and their demands have to be respected.
Good luck,
