So I’ll be visiting some colleges in a couple of weeks, and I sent an email to my top choice (a small LAC), asking a couple of questions. It’s been a few days since I sent the email, and I was wondering when I could expect a reply. I realize that it’s the middle of app-reading season, and that probably has an impact on it. I would really like to know the answers to my questions, though, because I live a long ways away, and this will be the only chance I get to visit this particular college.
When you’ve emailed colleges in the past, how long has it taken for you to get a reply? If you don’t get a reply but still really need the information (on things like visiting classes and talking to profs, etc.), what do you do?
<p>Give them at least one to two weeks to respond to you. They're extremely busy right now so try to give them a little bit of extra slack. I have e-mailed one of the colleges that I applied to a few times, and it has taken them anywhere between one day and two weeks to answer my questions. If, for some reason, you don't get a response, try exploring their web site a little more in detail. You might even find an e-mail address of one specific and real person that works in admissions that would be willing to talk to you (which I was lucky enough to have found at that college that I e-mailed). It's a little easier to e-mail someone when you at least have some idea who you're talking to in the e-mail instead of just "Dear Admissions."</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to pick up the telephone. You can usually get directed to an appropriate person. If they're too busy, they'll politely say so...but usually, if you're coherent and organized, they'll take the time to answer your questions. LAC's in particular pride themselves on "customer service."</p>
<p>I have also sent e-mails to a few of my top choice schools, and it took anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for them to reply. They are busy so don't worry if you don't get a response right away. However, I also agree with TheDad that you can call them if want.</p>