<p>Hi all!
I live in Kansas City and northwestern is hosting an information session here. I'm very interested in their HPME program, and was wondering if anyone has any insight into this type of information session. It seems as though it's more formal than a regular info session, but I'm not sure. Should I bring a copy of my resume or anything else? And how formal do you think attire is?</p>
<p>Not formal at all. Many colleges do this from town to town. Bringing resume isn’t needed or wanted. Go to learn and ask questions if you have any.</p>
<p>We attended an evening information session presented by four highly ranked LAC’s traveling together. It was held in a hotel meeting room. Students came dressed in everything from sports uniforms (having rushed in from a game) to Sunday best. I’d err on the side of Sunday best – neat, clean, no short skirts or plunging necklines. </p>
<p>There was time after the presentations for brief chats with the admissions reps, on the order of what you would have at a college fair but since the crowd was smaller there was more opportunity to visit. </p>
<p>You would not be expected to bring a resume, but you should try come with a question or comment that demonstrates genuine interest in and some knowledge of the school (not something that is covered in depth on the NW website). An adcom is more likely to remember the kid who asked about the school’s production of “Urinetown” or Professor X’s research than a kid who asks “How big is Northwestern?” (eg, something generic). Look 'em in the eye, smile, offer a firm handshake, get the name of the person you talk to and send a short note the next day that references something you talked about. None of this will get you admitted if your stats aren’t in the ball park, but the more the adcom knows and likes you, the better able he’ll be to advocate for you in admissions committee meetings.</p>
<p>yaupon,
Thanks so much for the advice! The setting of the meeting you attended sounds very similar to the one I will be going to.</p>
<p>Don’t overthink. These info sessions are set up to let you learn more about the school and get you to apply. They are not really like job fairs where recruiters may actually prescreen people. The NU staff are not there to prescreen or get some kind of first impression. It’s too early for that! Nobody will remember anything although they probably will have your name in the system that will show that you have visited and showed interest before.</p>
<p>Unless of course, you ask that “one in a million question” that piques the Ad Com member’s interest and subsequently you follow it up by emails to this person, just so you are on his/her radar. You never know!</p>
<p>Should one email their regional admissions counselor starting now to indicate their interest in their school after a visit or something?</p>