<p>Son would like to visit some of his college choices at spring break. However, some of the schools have restrictions on class visits and he won't be able to sit in on a class on the days we will be there. How critical do you think is it to meet with a faculty member and see a class before making that final choice?</p>
<p>Not at all. He’d likely never have a class with that instructor, and that class wouldn’t necessarily be indicative of any other classes there. Instead, I’d make an appointment ahead of time to pay an office visit to a faculty member or two in the field he’s considering as a major. Even then, realize that most college students change majors more than once.</p>
<p>For better or worse, college students will be influenced more greatly by their peers than their instructors. I’d be more concerned about meeting and observing students at the colleges. I’d also read their online campuses newspapers in advance of the visit.</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters if he sits in on a class at any particular school but it is important that he do so at representative types of schools. He should see first hand what a large lecture is like, the expectation of participation in seminars, etc</p>
<p>^exactly. sitting in on a class is not essential, but it can be important. when i visited swarthmore, what stood out to me the most was the small class sizes, which i really liked. i’d say your son should sit in on classes whenever he can b/c in my experience the classes have often made the biggest impact on me about colleges, but if he can’t do it at all his schools i don’t think it’s a huge deal. just make sure that he talks with a few students to get a feel of what the community is like.</p>
<p>Thank you for your replies and ideas. We definitely waited too long to do this part, so your help and input are most appreciated.</p>