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Page 2
Walk (if the campus is small) or drive (if it is large) to areas that were not covered by your tour. Are they ugly places or scenic far-away vistas? Though you won't be able to get into other dorms, look them over from the outside. Do they seem like a place you might want to live? Wander around the student center and the campus in general. Stop a few students and ask them random questions. Are they receptive to talking to you or do they seem rushed and unhelpful? Remember that you will be going to school with these people. Explore the library. Walk through some campus buildings and peek your head into classrooms.
You are going to college to learn, after all, so shouldn't you check out how the learning works? Most colleges allow prospective students to sit in on a class or two, usually from a specially designated list. Pick two classes, one from an area you think you are interested in, one that seems completely random. Try to get one introductory and one advanced, so you can get a good sampling of what goes on. Try to sit in the back of the classroom and observe what goes on. Don't be worried if the material is over your head: their might be prerequisites, and even if their aren't, the students in the class have been reading and attending classes all semester. Concentrate on how involved the students seem, how engaging the professor is, and the way everyone interacts with each other. While you don't want to disrupt class with questions while it is session, feel free to contribute if you have something valuable to say. Check on how the professor responds to student comments. Also, get to class early to talk to other students about how representative this class is of their college experience, and ask the professor a few questions about readings and requirements afterwards. Staying Overnight Many colleges and universities give prospective students the chance to stay overnight before deciding to come to school there. Some allow all students, some allow only certain ones (for example students of color or star athletes). You will be given a current student as a host, treated to a few meals in the dorm, brought to activities, and given a chance to attend classes. If you want to do this, call the school's admissions office a few weeks in advance to arrange for it. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow, because you will probably get just a hard floor to sleep on otherwise.
The copyright of the article Making the Most of Your College Visit - Page 2 in Higher Education is owned by . Permission to republish Making the Most of Your College Visit - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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