Hi,
I’m going to be visiting Wellesley next week and would like some advice on class visits. I am very interested in bio so I would love to sit in on a bio class, and luckily for me, several are open for class visits on the day I will be there! It makes the most sense to visit a 100s-level class, given the fact that I will definitely be taking many of those classes should I get into and attend Wellesley. However, I wasn’t sure whether I should visit an “intro” class or the “explorations/seminar” level, which is the same topic as the intro one but for students with significant bio background. The structure of the seminar is very appealing to me and that is the kind of experience I would love to be able to have in science classes in college, so I want to see how that kind of class is run. However, I just wasn’t sure whether a small seminar would really be indicative of the average Wellesley bio class, and I thought it might be more difficult to observe the class as a high-school student if it is a seminar and is probably at a higher level than the introductory version.
Since I’m just starting the college search process, this is my first class visit, and I’m probably way overthinking it. But if you have any advice as to which class would give me a better sense of the school or which would be a better experience in general, please let me know! In addition, should I email the professor before the class even though I registered for it through the Wellesley Admissions website (are professors notified when students sign up to visit their classes)?
Also, is there anything else you would recommend doing while visiting Wellesley for the day (any places I should check out on campus, your favorite restaurants in Wellesley, etc.)?
Thanks!
I went on a class visit to a 200-level class in the EALC yesterday (as opposed to a 300-level class that was offered) and it was amazing! I can’t answer all your questions, but if I were you, I’d take the 100-level class. It might be easier to understand and participate. (They told us that average class sizes are 18 btw.)
One strategy an alumna talked about was visiting equivalent classes at each college she visited. I think this would be a good way to compare the schools you’re looking at.
If you’re of African descent, I definitely recommend seeing if you can visit Harambee House.
I hope you have fun while you’re there 
I think jubilant makes a good point: going to a 100-level class will give you a better idea of what to expect during your first year and may be easier to participate in. It will likely be larger than the average Wellesley class, but the content should be useful for comparison.
As for places to go, definitely check out the college library and the Wellesley town library. I actually preferred studying in the town library, since it’s a short (but beautiful) walk from campus and allows you to escape the college student bubble for a bit. You could also check out the town’s bookstore, Wellesley Books, which is an awesome, locally owned establishment.
If you have time, take a walk around Lake Waban. It takes about 30 minutes and is absolutely gorgeous. In fact, I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to wander around the campus and the town of Wellesley. It’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived, particularly in the fall.
Have fun! I hope the campus visit helps you get a better idea of whether or not Wellesley is the right fit for you.
The intro bio classes (BISC 110 or 111) have 32 people in them. The Intro Bio First Year Seminar classes have 11 and 13 people in them depending on which section you choose. I think I’d go to the one with 32 people in it and then also try to sit in on an English/other humanities class or something.
All of my daughter’s classes have been between 7 and 32 people. I’m sure there are a few that are larger (Intro to Art History or something) but they are appropriately so.
I’m not very tall and walking around Lake Waban takes me closer to an hour or even over an hour (leave yourself time if you’re pokey).
Swing on that swing outside of the chapel. It has the potential to go really high. You’ll feel like you’re flying.
If you like baked goods, Quebrada Bakery on Washington St. (google it) is good. Blue Ginger restaurant is supposed to be good but expensive (I’ve never been). We are cheap and usually eat at Boloco (near campus) or Jin’s (Asian) which is not next to the campus. Be sure to drive over to Linden Square so you can get a full view of what’s available to you. It’s not far (it’s walkable), it’s just not obvious to out of towners. But there are a lot of shops and more eating places there.
But eat Wellesley College food! Some of it is delicious and some kind of odd. Definitely try it.
Thank you so much for the advice! I registered for the intro class (111).
I’ll definitely try to visit many of the places you all mentioned while I’m there! I’ll be with family members who love nature-y activities that so I have a feeling we’ll definitely end up walking around the lake, which should be nice!