<p>I'm visiting Columbia tomorrow and everybody (including my HS guidance counselor) is like, "you should go talk to some professors!" What does that mean? Do I just go to the offices of professors of my intended major/department?</p>
<p>What would you ask the professors if you could talk to them? Have you researched the programs and courses you are interested in? Do you actually have any specific questions that can 't be answered by reading the department website? If not, an unscheduled visit will be considered an imposition, and it will not yield any useful information for you. If, on the other hand, you have researched the department and you have something real to ask, you might drop by the department secretary’s office and ask if anyone is available to speak to you. It’s July, and many professors will be away, but the chair may be having drop-in office hours.</p>
<p>Usually people make an appointment either through admissions or by contacting the department in advance to speak to a professor. Not sure you want to just knock on office doors and expect professors to drop what they are doing to speak to you. And yes, many profs. will be away for the summer.</p>
<p>Agree with ^^. I often meet with prospective students and their parents at the college I work for. But it is always with an appointment. And I am rarely in my office in July or August. Get in touch with admission or the department for an appointment.</p>