it's a campus visit where they sell you the school. there's also a financial aid presentation, too. they split up the group and then you go meet with a faculty member. you also are able to go on a campus tour. the whole day starts out with the essay writing, though. it's pretty laid back. and they are very accomodating. i think the faculty member does take notes about each student (each student is provided with a piece of paper to write his or her name to act as a placard). no one has given any insight on how they decide, though.... still a mystery. 🙂