riverripper wrote:
Another question related to this...is it better to go at end of September or end of October. I would like to visit schools I am planning on applying to for R1 at the end of September or the beginning of October so I would have time to work on my essays and not feel rushed. However, its very close to the start of school so 1st years would not be involved that heavily in what the school is really about yet.
Are tour guides typically 1st year or 2nd year students? If its second year my concerns probably aren't really much of an issue. Do you have the opportunity to sit on more than one class (1st year and a 2nd year) and can you request a specific class or is it all very structured by the admissions office when you go on tours?
Visit before applying.
Tours can be with 2nd years and info sessions can be with adcoms, although you may attend some events with 1st years (eg: lunch with a student). Regardless of that, I still suggest visiting before applying. Students that volunteer for activities will do their best, would have been coached and will have been involved in the schools' spirit since admission, probably through some pre-courses, admit weekend, etc. Don't discount them just because they've been on campus only 4 to 6 weeks.
Classes: you need to book online and check the alternatives. At some schools you may be able to book more than one class or choose between a list of classes offered the day you visit. At other schools, you are assigned to a class. It depends on the schools and you. Attending a class that somehow matches your interests seems like a good idea. You typically visit 1st year classes.
L.