Sitting in on classes at a college

<p>I know 3 people that I'm sure would let me sit in on a class with them- my brother (business major), his girlfriend (pharmacy), and my cousin (English). I'd like to sit in on a class of theirs to see what its like. Is there anything that has to be done before? Should they tell the school, or their teacher? When I go do I bring a book and pen or anything? Any other things I should know about sitting in on classes?</p>

<p>I’ve sat in on a class twice and both times arranged it through admissions, but that was because I didn’t know anyone at the colleges. Since you do, I would guess that just getting your brother or whoever to clear it with the professor first would be fine. I think that’s all admissions ends up doing anyway.
It’s always smart to have a pen/pencil on hand wherever you go, but I don’t think you need to bring any materials. You’ll just be observing, not participating.
Have fun! Just remember to really pay attention and think about whether the class is the kind of thing you like. And keep in mind that the class is just one small slice of a whole picture, so take it with a grain of salt.
Oh, and I found it helpful to talk to the students before/after =]</p>

<p>I agree with luca. Have either the person you know or the admissions department clear it with the prof. That said, count it as a bad sign if you sit in on a class unannounced and the professor doesn’t ask who you are!</p>

<p>haha, yeah that would be a pretty bad sign, but I can’t see that happening in any of the PharmD program classes (which are small- and its the program I’m most curious about) Thanks</p>

<p>^^^</p>

<p>It’s good manners to contact the prof and let him/her know ahead of time. Sometimes they’ll tell you if a day isn’t a good day to visit…such as a day when the class will be taking a test.</p>

<p>Then…arrive a few minutes before class begins and introduce yourself to the prof.</p>