<p>This is my first post -- I cannot believe the amount of great information this website has. My only complaint is that I wish I had found it about 3 years ago.</p>
<p>Here's my question: what is the dress code or recommended attire for an Admissions Info session?</p>
<p>My son is a high school junior --- this is our first dog & pony show. We're headed for James Madison University in Harrisonburg VA.</p>
<p>I'm pushing for khakis & a polo shirt. He's negotiating for a good pair of shorts and a polo. The weather is supposed to be pretty hot (upper 80's). The school's website says to dress comfortably because there's a walking tour after the info session.</p>
<p>Honestly, just not a Hooters or “legalize it” tee shirt, and he should be fine. They aren’t taking notes on appearance, and people do wear just about anything.</p>
<p>I’ve gone to like five information sessions this year and I didn’t really see anyone dressed up at any of them. I would just wear shorts and a nicer shirt probably.</p>
<p>A male touring James Madison? If he combs his hair that should be enough IMHO. (Have you seen the M/F ratio?) I’m with your S on this one.</p>
<p>“What to wear” is an interesting question, and changes with the school. At Georgetown for instance, I don’t think it matters … and not because they aren’t going to admit you anyway, but rather due to the size of the tour groups. At Wesleyan dress slacks, polished loafers, and button down shirts are prevalent. Rose-Hulman? … don’t ask.</p>
<p>At the risk of sounding -I don’t know -insensitive? if someone is worried about how to dress at an info session (it’s NOT a formal interview - there are very few of those these days) I can’t imagine how they’re going to deal with the important issues. Go with the flow - enjoy the visits - they’re really a great time to bond with your kid and to learn about what’s important to both of you. The importance of visits at this point is for you both to learn - and not necessarily everything about each individual school. Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t put too much emphasis on the visits until they’re the ones after your kid is accepted and has to make a choice.</p>
<p>It sounds like this is a first time. The parent has legitimate questions, and this is as good a place to ask as any. It does not mean that the larger issues will be ignored.</p>
<p>I would wear something that you would be comfortable in while walking in 80 degree weather. Shorts and a t-shirt or polo shirt is fine. Absolutely nobody will care what you wear - but if you’re uncomfortable during the tour you’re more likely to not like the school! I would also bring a bottle of water.</p>
<p>Truely, no one will notice what your son is wearing (unless it is outrageous!). He (that means him, not you) should fill out the registration card at every school you visit. It is important for him to show interest. Many schools keep track and it can have an impact come decision time. Find out if schools want you to notify them ahead of time if you are coming, ask about eating lunch in the dining hall. Pay attention to notices in the halls, pick up the student newspapers. Sometimes those details are as important as the 'facts" you get at the info session. Most importantly, try to have some fun. Our college visit trips are the only time I have traveled with my son alone and it was great. You’re not going to have him much longer, enjoy!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about the registration cards - unless you want more junk mail. In my experience with my kids and students, they really don’t matter.</p>
<p>Thank you, everyone, for the quick and informative responses! My son sends an especially heartfelt thanks, since he’s not having to wear the ‘dorky’ khakis. </p>
<p>We’ve laid out the shorts and nice shirts and are on our way in a couple of hours!</p>
<p>I just wanted my son to look neat, nice shorts, comfortable shoes, a polo shirt. We usually were going out to eat afterwards so looking reasonably appropriate for a restaurant mattered at least to me. I was more surprised by the way some parents dressed!</p>
<p>On the first day of college tours my older son came downstairs with a t-shirt that said “Rick James - Cocaine is a hell of a drug”.</p>
<p>I thought I was going to pass out and yelled at him to change his clothes. He started cracking up and told me he just wanted to get a reaction. Funny kid, huh?</p>
<p>For the kids, nice jeans and a decent t-shirt / polo shirt / sweater are fine. As the parent, I wore nice dark jeans (not mom jeans!), cute flats (no way am I wearing sneakers with jeans - very aging) and a sweater and carried a handbag big enough I could throw the kids’ materials into it. I am kind of surprised how many parents show up looking schlebby, but eh, their problem, not mine. </p>
<p>Biggest piece of advice: Carry a few collapsible umbrellas in your car / in handbag. </p>
<p>And don’t be the parent who writes stuff down - nothing says “helicopter” like that. If anyone is going to take notes, it needs to be the kid. And let kid go up and register / check in while you hang back.</p>
<p>Disagreeing with previous poster (#12) - please do fill out the registration card if they offer one. Many schools track demonstrated interest - this is how they know you attended. The regional rep will have a master list of names - if the rep sees you attended an info session and then also meets your son at his high school or at an admissions fair - now there are 2 points of contact. The college process generates lots of junk mail - that’s what the blue recycle bins are for.</p>