<p>I'll be visiting Columbia this Wednesday. I already have appointments with a couple of professors from the Environmental Engineering department. Should I bring my resume and a copy of a poster (mini version on computer-sized paper) I presented at a NIH sponsored conference about environmental causes of breast cancer? I shouldn't dress too formal right? Is there anything else in particular I should bring as well? What kind of questions should I expect? What are some things I should focus on in my meeting with the regional admissions officer? And are thank you notes via emails sufficient? Thanks to anyone willing to answer all my questions! :)</p>
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I already have appointments with a couple of professors from the Environmental Engineering department. Should I bring my resume and a copy of a poster (mini version on computer-sized paper) I presented at a NIH sponsored conference about environmental causes of breast cancer? I shouldn't dress too formal right? Is there anything else in particular I should bring as well? What kind of questions should I expect?
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<p>What's the purpose of these meetings? I'm not clear. This isn't an interview. Did you just email them out of the blue to see if they could spend some time with you? What did you tell the profs?</p>
<p>My guess is that the meetings will be YOU asking a bunch of questions, and they'll answer your question. If they're not interviewing you, they're not going to grill you with questions because nobody's telling them to evaluate you. It will probably be pretty informal.</p>
<p>On that basis, I think bringing anything is a bit much. You're there to get information from them, not to sell yourself. If I were a prof and some high school brought me in a bunch of materials, I'd feel a little awkward.</p>
<p>I'd wear business casual for a prof meeting.</p>
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What are some things I should focus on in my meeting with the regional admissions officer?
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<p>Is this an interview because your parents are alums? If so, let the interviewer control the interview but let them know your strengths. And have questions prepared.</p>
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And are thank you notes via emails sufficient?
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<p>Yep.</p>
<p>I emailed the professors to talk to them more about the department. It's not really a formal interview or anything, but I'm just nervous. I guess I'll just bring my resume along as my guidance counselor had suggested, but won't really refer to it unless one of them for some reason specifically ask for one or something. I was actually planning to wear jeans, but I guess I won't now as that really isn't business casual. The meeting with the regional admissions officer wasn't set up b/c my parents are alums or anything. I've just heard some people say that such meetings help put a face behind the applications or something. Is there any truth in any of this?<br>
Thanks for all the helpful advice by the way!</p>
<p>Chances are that the profs will be wearing jeans/Birkenstocks and look sloppy (they're profs after all), but some profs actually dress nicely so you might as well dress nicely. </p>
<p>Bring the resume just in case, but I wouldn't give it to them unless they ask. You could offer in the conversation to send them the research work you've done if they seem interested in it.</p>
<p>The meeting w/ the adcom probably can't hurt (assuming you don't make an arse out of yourself).</p>
<p>I think theres some truth to it. I actually did a similar thing, except I just met with one professor. Go with business casual. I don't think the resume is really going to help, but I'd say bring the presentation material with you, and see if the Professor gives you an opening to discuss your work, then pull it out. Don't try to force it.</p>
<p>Come with lots of questions. Ask about the program, ask about the professors research area (make sure to do your hw on them). Ask about what kind of things majors go on to do after college. I'll add more if I can think of anything.</p>
<p>Thanks guys!</p>