Tips for Campus visits

[brightsideup]

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I'm going to check out a school psychology program (It's at Texas A&M if you're wondering) and I am looking for advice on how to dress, what to ask, etc? I really want to take advantage of opportunity, but honestly, I'm not sure how!

 

[Rivi]

Make sure to email the people you meet during your visit and thank them for answering your questions, etc.

 

[glasscandie]

I dressed like it was an interview (skirt, blouse). I had several copies of my CV to give to the potential advisers I met with, and had several written down questions about specific research to ask. I think I might have also brought copies of the publications I have. This goes for both the mass open-houses I've been to, and for the individual meetings I've had with potential advisers.

 

[leavingprov]

Bring lots and lots of questions. Like seriously 🙂

You should definitely do a 'questions to ask on interview visits' search on SDN (I know there have been some great past threads on this board). I found that the most grueling part of interviews was having to have a list of about 100 questions to ask professors and grad students over and over again (well, it seemed like that many, at least). Even after I had exhausted all my questions they kept asking me if I had any more. AND, if you're not actually doing an interview, then they'll be asking you even FEWER questions! Moral: research the ins and outs of the program beforehand and ask them questions you can't find out from a website. You'll want to appear as interested in both the specific faculty and the general program as possible.

Also would second the suggestions of bringing CVs / publications (multiple copies!), a pen or three, and dress like an interview (there are definitely countless 'how do i dress for an interview' threads on here as well)...
Good luck and have fun!

Edit: found an old thread I found useful... look about halfway down for 'questions to ask profs and students': http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=475140

 

[applebottom]

I would definitely make sure to check in with the school before you visit, because I have seen disclaimers on the websites of several schools that they will not meet with applicants outside of the formal interview to which they are invited.

 

[leavingprov]

I would definitely make sure to check in with the school before you visit, because I have seen disclaimers on the websites of several schools that they will not meet with applicants outside of the formal interview to which they are invited.

Oooh good point! I got very wrapped up in the 'asking questions' advice. But making sure it's not gonna be weird if you're just 'dropping in' would probably be a good start 🙂.

 

[JockNerd]

Ask questions. Ask about anything, from how many publications students have to how bars in the area are. Ask everyone the same questions to get a variety of responses. Applicants with no questions look amazingly disinterested.