<p>What does one do when sitting in on a college class? Do I just observe or actually engage?</p>
<p>I’ve sat in on a few classes. The best thing to do is just sit and observe. Most professors and students are very obliging, and if you can talk to the professor before and/or after class starts, that would be very good, but it’s best to just sit and watch/listen once class actually starts unless someone directly asks you to engage in class discussion since you’re not technically in the class.</p>
<p>Sometime the teacher will tell the students that you’re sitting in (usually for small classes), but sometimes you just go in and sit and then leave when it’s done. It really just depends. I go to/sat in on classes at LACs so the atmosphere might’ve been more inviting there than it would be at a larger university, however.</p>
<p>For smaller classes, definitely introduce yourself to the professor first. For larger classes, it might not matter. Some schools will have a policy about this and some will even have recommended classes to go to, or ones that professors have pre-approved in advance.</p>
<p>While you’re there, take in the atmosphere. Can you see yourself in this class? How interested does the professor seem? How engaged are the students? Are people feeling safe to ask questions? Are they just taking notes and learning, but not really engaged? Or are they completely disengaged and on facebook on the laptops?</p>
<p>Definitely try out a few classes, and unless it’s a smaller class, it’s ok to come and go as your please–just try not to be disruptive and sit near the door.</p>
<p>Also, note this is something you should do alone–parents, siblings, friends etc shouldn’t be sitting in classes unless your friend is also there on a college visit.</p>