pianomom

My son is visiting Vassar for two days this month and submitted a request to visit three classes since he'll have quite a bit of time on campus. He received his reply which has him scheduled for just one class and nothing on his second day visiting. Do so many students visit that it would be inappropriate to ask for permission to visit at least one additional class, or do some students just contact professors on their own? He doesn't want to be a pain in the neck for the admissions people, but would really like to see a more representative sample of the learning environment. Any suggestions from those who have been through this? Thanks.

barbie123

I don't think you are being a pain to ask for another class. I would explain the situation to admissions. My son attended two classes, chem and physics in one day. There did not seem to be a problem. Two days without a bit of structure is a long time for a high school student on a college campus.

pianomom

Thanks barbie. That makes sense to us.

barbie123

No problem. In response to the other question you asked, I am not sure if Professors can give permission for non-registered students to attend their class. I think it has to do with tuition, etc. He can certainly contact Professors and show interest. They tend not to have too much influence on getting in from what I know. Athletics, even at Vassar, remains the one area where coaches can get kids in. Kind of ridiculous but that is how it is. Another thought is that he might be able to tag along with another student. My son attended class with his cousin but it was during an open house (not at Vassar) and things were pretty relaxed. Good luck!

Professor X

Professors can indeed give permission to non-registered students to attend a class. And we are encouraged to allow prospective students to do so.

Professors have absolutely no "pull" in the admissions process, however.

pianomom

Thanks for your responses. Son is not looking for "pull." He just wants to visit more than one type of class so he can get a better feel for the school. He visited a college last spring where he sat in on only one class and was unlucky enough to have hit both a professor and the students having a very off day. It really had a negative effect on his overall impression of the school. He decided that from then on he would try to visit at least two classes at each school.

On paper, Vassar is likely his top choice. He is an athlete and will be meeting with the coach and observing a practice. He also knows he's only getting this one visit to to find out as much as he can about Vassar. There is never a guarantee that one will make the team each year or that one will not become injured and have to stop playing. He wants to make sure that the academic and social environment are a fit.

I will mention your responses to him as I think he wants to go the route of picking a specific class and asking the professor for permission to visit rather than asking admissions to choose for him.

barbie123

My son plays lacrosse at Vassar and loves the team and the coach. FYI