<p>I am going to tour one of my top choices and I want them to know that I'm really interested. Would it be appropriate to bring an academic resume in case I see someone from the specific department I am planning on applying to?
Thanks!</p>
<p>You show them you’re really interested by applying. No need to give them a resume</p>
<p>You can, but why would you? It’d be rather foolish if someone randomly gave me a resume. </p>
<p>Why not? Making a personal connection can go along way in the admissions game. </p>
<p>The chances that you’ll just happen to run into a professor who 1) has the time or interest to stop to talk to you and 2) would do anything with your resume other than toss it–just about nil. It’s not their job to evaluate applicants. Someone may take your resume just to be polite, but unless you have dazzling credentials such as national awards in your field, it won’t do a thing for you. Besides, tours move along at a steady clip and you’ll be part of a pack of students and parents. There’s really no opportunity to engage a prof in conversation.</p>
<p>Plus, the vast majority of schools have no instructors involved in admissions…</p>
<p>Even admissions officers have little use for resumes they receive while on tour. I’ve met many who say they get them all the time while at college fairs, and students seem to think they’re getting a leg up, but they’re really just annoying. What they really want you to do is use whatever method they provide, whether that is a sign-in sheet, or a computer survey. Extra pieces of paper inevitably hit the round file somewhere along the way, whether they are resumes or business cards. They are almost never going to make it into your admission file. If you don’t sign in the way they provide, it may appear you never met them at all.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t bring a resume to a group meeting. In fact after going to 15 or more college tours, I have never seen anyone do that. The admissions information sessions are handled by admissions officers, not members of a specific department. But be certain to sign in so the school has a record of your visit. Bring a resume if you interview or you can attach it to the common application.</p>