<p>I won’t name names, but I’ve sat in on three college classes so far. CTCL School A had a teacher reading from a powerpoint, with zero class participation and a classroom of ~30 students, large for the schools I’m looking for… admittedly, this could be a fluke, or because that was the only science class I sat in on, but it helped me eliminate that school. CTCL School B, despite being in a room with similar technology as A’s classroom, involved more class participation and no PowerPoint, which interested me. And then Upper-End LAC had a discussion guided by the teacher, which interested me most of all.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s a good idea to choose schools based on Apples to Oranges comparisons. That’s what sitting in on classes basically amounts to.</p>
<p>My son has his short list somewhat narrowed down to 2 schools…one large and one small LAC. I felt it was important for him to sit in on similar classes at the two schools (200 level) so he could see the difference between a discussion based class with 25 students at the LAC, and 75 students at the large public. My feeling has been that he is the type of student who readily likes to participate and ask questions in class - which is not always feasible in a large class…so I wanted him to see the difference between the two.</p>
<p>My D (classical vocal performance) has tried to sit in on classes at the schools/conservatories visited. Primarily her focus is the masterclass so she can listen to the other students singing. She is not only interested in the interaction the teacher has but the calibre of student attending/graduating from the school. She has attended everything from language classes to history classes. I would say that she has definitely culled some schools based on the calibre of the masterclass and some schools have been reinforced because of it.</p>
<p>My s. sat in on classes at different universities and was greatly influenced by the experience, likely because he is pursuing a very specialized degree. He sat in on core courses only for his major, not just an “official visit day” simulation (always by special request) and in some cases was invited to experience both a freshman and senior class. He was able to identify “fit” almost immediately as a result and was also able to identify a major component that was “missing” in a competing program at a highly regarded school that was originally a forerunner. Today, his two profs in his two major courses this term are the same two he’d met sitting in on their first and 3/4th year classes during his visit. His experience continues to meet and exceed his wildest expectations (and hopes). For some programs, I think this is a highly recommended approach, but can appreciate that it can be a crap shoot in other situations (eg. Undecided majors).</p>
<p>Thanks, kmccrindle. I’d love to know your son’s program and college. Will you tell us?</p>
<p>Interesting topic. When we went to “Admitted student weekend” at the school my son was most interested in, we stayed through Monday just so I could have him sit in on a class. I pushed for something in the biology department (the area he was interested in). They found a genetics class, second level. My son already liked the school but the experience was just one extra little thing to bring the reality of it to him. With only 20 kids in the class he could see how discussion/questions went hand in hand with the teaching. I think the experience helped him just he better prepared for the overall college experience. My secret is that I had one concern about the school and his sitting in satisfied it. Since he was near the top of those the school admits (that’s the way to get merit aid) I had a little worry about the “rigor” of the classes. First, he found the topic interesting, and he said the pace seemed fast enough. He’s a sophomore now and yes, the rigor is high!</p>
<p>My son made the decision to apply to the college he’s in now by sitting in on a class that really interested him. He’d done a lot of research, visited quite a few colleges and sat through a number of classes at other schools. He’d finally narrowed it down to two, then we revisited them so he could take a few classes. He wanted to apply Early Decision so that he could have a relaxed senior year (which he did). </p>
<p>That final visit broke the deadlock between the two. He learned from kids in the class he took at one that the food “sucked”, which wasn’t a good sign, but it really was the outstanding classroom experience at the other that decided him. Today, he’s very happy with his choice.</p>
<p>Sally - Indeed, if only to commend the school for its excellent accessibility and openness during his search. He now attends University of Michigan’s School of Music, majoring in a BFA in Performing Arts Technology - Music (Curriculum B), which is portfolio/audition based. The PAT department and the SOM overall were absolutely outstanding in accommodating our research. I’d prefer not to specify the other comparable and well-regarded programs, as his emphasis (electronic composition) is different than many who review those other programs.</p>
<p>I will say, though, that anyone looking at music, theatre, performing arts or film programs should most definitely request permission to attend actual, regularly scheduled classes. There is a wide variance in emphasis (eg production or tech versus creation or comp and the balance between) in programs.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, kmccrindle. I already knew of Michigan’s strength in music and performing arts, but your specifics are helpful and informative.</p>
<p>Yes. I sat in two real classes at a local liberal arts school. It stopped me from making a the worst 4-year decision of my life.</p>