Sit in on classes

Overview

Sitting in on a class gives you a real sense of what learning at this school feels like. It's worth the extra effort to arrange!

How to Arrange a Class Visit

1. When registering for your campus visit, look for "class visit" option
2. If not available online, email admissions: "I'm visiting [date] and would love to sit in on a class in [department]. Can you help arrange this?"
3. Some departments let you email professors directly
4. For large lectures, you can often quietly sit in the back without prior arrangement

What to Observe

• Class size: How many students?
• Interaction: Do students participate, or is it all lecture?
• Professor engagement: Energetic? Accessible?
• Student engagement: Paying attention or on phones?
• Discussion quality: Substantive conversations?
• Facilities: Modern technology? Comfortable space?

After Class

If appropriate, briefly introduce yourself to the professor and thank them for allowing you to visit.

Why This Matters

You'll spend thousands of hours in classrooms over four years. A class visit helps you evaluate if this teaching style and environment fits how you learn best!