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Here at Sewanee, the admissions office was great.  They set up a meeting for me to meet with a professor of history, Professor Register and he was great.  He was an American historian.  Really forthcoming about how the tensions between academia and scholarship and teaching all interplay.
Here at Sewanee there’s a 3/3 load for the faculty.  So, they have three courses they teach in the first semester and three courses in the second semester.  It’s a really good question to ask to get an understanding of how the faculty weighs the importance of scholarship versus the importance of teaching.  So, if they’re teaching a 3/2 load, that means that they have three courses in the first semester, two in the second.  Some places will have a 2/2.  Apparently here at Sewanee, in the not so distant past, it was 4/4.  So, that’s really a measure of a teaching college versus a university where it might be 2/2 or 2/1.  So that there’s much more time and priority given to scholarship versus teaching.
So, when you’re looking for a college and thinking about that you want to weigh what your own importance is.  Do you want to go to a place where the faculty are primary teaching, like a place like a Sewanee where it’s 3/3?  Or are you looking for that big research university where your professor may be only teaching one or two courses per semester.

The post The Importance of Teaching in Choosing a University first appeared on Great College Advice.

May I sit in on a college class?

Sitting in on a class is a great way to get a feel for the academic environment on a college campus. It gives you the opportunity to see how students and professors interact. Also, you get to know the teaching and learning styles being used. As well as what technology they use, and what the class sizes are like.

Some colleges will encourage you to sit in on a college class. They may even provide lists of options for you to visit, with different courses in different subjects. This way you can choose a course in a field that most interests you. 

Not all colleges will allow you to sit in on a class, however. In some cases, space may be limited, an exam is being given, or a field trip is taking place. Some professors really don’t like to have prospective students traipsing in to their classrooms, which can disrupt the dynamic of the learning environment.

In any case, if you are interested in sitting in on a college class, before you visit a college it is worth asking the admissions office if this is a possibility.

It’s also important to note that some colleges have special visit days for prospective students. Often on these days, the admissions office will provide a list of college classes you can visit. So if you are especially interested in the ability to sit in on a college class, be sure to visit on one of these special open days.

Why sit in on a college class?

The college learning environment can be very different from what most students experience in high school.  Sometimes the classes are much, much larger.  Professors lecture to hundreds of students in a large auditorium, and students are relatively passive in those sorts of classes.  Sometime professors will equip students with “clickers” that allow them to respond to questions posed by the professor, and the answers are projected on a screen at the front of the auditorium. One finds these sorts of classes in introductory level courses and in courses that are very popular. 

Other college classes can be smaller and more intimate, in which the professor engages students in discussions about the material being studied.  In these cases, professors may know all the names of their students, and the environment can be more personal and relaxed. 

In either case, you’ll be able to get a sense of how the class functions–at least in that particular class. However, it’s good–when possible–to talk to students in the class (either before or after class, of course–not to disrupt the proceedings!) to find out whether the particular class you are visiting is representative of others the student is taking, whether is it similar to or different from other classes in the department, and whether students this particular professor is good or bad.  

No matter what sort of class you visit, be sure to observe what is happening in the classroom.  Are students listening and engaged, or are many of them scrolling through their Instagram feeds in boredom? Do students seem prepared for what is being presented by the professor? If it is a discussion class, do students actively contribute or does the professor have to drag responses from them? Do students seem to know one another? Do they interact? How much does the professor interact and show interest in the student? Sitting in on a class allows you to be a keen observer of the classroom dynamic, even if you don’t understand the material being presented that day.

Three things to watch out for

Sitting in on a college class can be a very helpful exercise when visiting a college.  However, it can also lead to some incorrect assumptions about the general learning environment at the college.  Before you make gross generalizations about the college based on attending a single course session, consider these factors in evaluating the class you visit.

Remember that this is only one among hundreds or even thousands being offered on this campus. You are likely able to visit only one class, so be careful about extrapolating this experience to think that every class in every department will be presented in this same way.  

Remember that you are visiting this class on a single course session. Given the ebb and flow of the learning process, some class sessions could be full of lots of new information, and others might serve as review. Not every course session is going to be exactly the same from day to day or week to week. 

You may not be familiar with much of anything going on in the classroom.  Perhaps it’s a sociology class–and you’re not even sure exactly what sociology is.  Or maybe it’s a class discussing a phenomenon or issue that you know nothing about.  Or maybe it’s a science or math class covering material that quite literally flies over your head.  This can be frustrating, and may negatively affect your impressions of the class. 

The classes chosen by admissions for you to sit on generally are taught by some of the best and most popular professors on campus. However, in some cases, the professor might not be the best. As you select the class to sit in on, you can consult RateMyProfessors.com to see what former students have had to say about their experience with this professor and in this class.  Keep in mind that these rating are imperfect, and often students rate their professors only when they have something negative to say.  On the other hand, a professor with a lot of positive reviews is likely a respected and popular professor.  

Six tips for when you sit in on a college class

• Arrive on time (preferably a few minutes early).
• Introduce yourself to the professor so they know who you are and why you are there.
• Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent mode.
• Don’t leave early. It is distracting to the other students and rude to the professor.
• Be sure to thank the professor on your way out.
• Take time to try to talk to students before or after the class to ask their opinions of the class and the professor.
   
  
  

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Sometimes students will also sit in on a class or two, in hopes of getting a feel for what the educational experience will be like. Only a few, however, consider direct contact with professors during the visit.

Why would a visit with a professor be important on a campus visit?

Explore majors

Many students are still trying to learn about different majors as part of the larger decision about what college to attend. What better way to learn about an unfamiliar major than to talk to an expert? A professor in the department can give a first-hand account of what one is supposed to learn in that department.

Most professors are accustomed to “selling” their discipline to undergraduates, and most are willing to take the time to talk with prospective students and efficiently introduce them to the department. To give a concrete example of this, a student of mine was trying to decide whether she was more suited for a business and marketing degree, or whether she was more interested in psychology.

She had taken some introductory courses in both in high school, and she liked both. But she didn’t quite understand what the difference would be in terms of the courses she would be required to take. The format of those courses, and the career implications of both disciplines. So when she recently toured three campuses, she talked to two professors on each campus–one in marketing and one in psychology.

Upon her return, she had developed a very clear idea that while she wanted to take a few more courses in psychology, she was absolutely sure that she would be a marketing major in college. This self-awareness came through well-organized discussions with experts. Not only will her applications be stronger for having made this effort, but she is more certain of her academic path in college.

Establish contact with someone who shares your academic passions

If a student has a particular interest in (for example) the history of the Cold War and believes that he would like to focus on that period while pursuing a history major, it makes sense to learn more about the individuals in the history department who share that passion. And there is no better way to learn about that professor as a person than by sitting down in his office for a few minutes. By establishing rapport as an applicant, it will be easier to build on that rapport once you matriculate.

Gather information that will help on your application

Admissions officers all want to know why you have chosen to apply to their college. If you have taken the initiative to meet with a professor, and you can clearly articulate what makes a particular department stand out, or that you want to pursue advanced study with a particular professor (of Cold War history, for example). Then you can make a strong case for why you are academically suited to this school. Meeting a professor demonstrates that you are doing your homework and that you are really considering the academic fit between your interests and college offerings.

How do you prepare your questions to ask professors on a college tour?

If you decide to include a visit with a professor during your campus visits, you need to be prepared. Not only do you need to think about what sort of questions to ask, but you need to think about the practicalities of asking to meet with a professor in the first place.

It’s really not so hard to connect with professors. In many cases, they are really hoping to teach students who are genuinely interested in the academic subjects to which they have devoted their lives. They want to meet you.

Of course, this is less true at the most highly selective colleges. They are inundated with requests by applicants to meet with them. And don’t be too surprised of professors at these competitive schools refuse to meet with you. They just don’t have the time or interest.

But at schools that may be just a bit less competitive, professors are eager to help recruit bright-eyed and bushy-tailed students who want to learn the subject that they teach.

So how should you go about asking professors for a meeting while on a college tour?

Tips for contacting professors on a college tour

Identify the appropriate professor

For some purposes, you may want to start with the department chair. If you are hoping to talk to a specific person (because you share their academic interests), then go right to that faculty member. You can find full lists of faculty in every department on a college or university website. Make sure you find their bios, their teaching responsibilities, and perhaps even links to the courses they teach. Do your homework before you initiate contact. Remember: faculty members are teachers, and they like students who do their homework.

Start with an email

Explain briefly who you are, when you will be on campus, and why you want to meet with the professor. Address the professor formally, and respectfully (i.e., not, “Hey, professor!”). Set the tone by demonstrating that you are serious. The note does not have to be dull, but it has to be formal. Sign your name at the bottom and give your email and phone number. Also, your parents should not do this for you. The email must come from you. Professors have even less patience for parents than admissions officers.

Establish your goals or agenda for the meeting

Are you trying to learn more about a couple of different majors? Do you want to learn about research opportunities in a particular field or sub-field? Do you want to understand more about this professor’s research and teaching interests? How well your particular interests can be supported in the department?

Did you read about a particular program or curriculum element that interests you, about which you want to learn more? Don’t just say “I’d really like to meet you.” Tell the recipient of your email why you want to meet. Refer to specifics in the course catalog, the professor’s publications, or the departmental website.

Follow through

If the professor recommends that you contact someone else, thank her for the guidance, and then immediately turn around and follow that advice. I repeat: do not forget to say “thank you.” If the professor does agree to meet you, make sure to write down the appointment (and tell your parent or whoever is accompanying you on the campus visit), and then call and/or email the professor the day before to confirm the appointment.

Be prepared with questions to ask professors on a college tour

Come to the interview with three or four pertinent, relevant questions that relate to your agenda. Remember, this is not an admissions interview. You have asked for this appointment to gather information. So make sure you know what your questions are. Come with a pad of paper and a pencil, and be ready to take a few notes. Since you are asking for advice, be prepared to receive it. Furthermore, your notes may come in handy when you have to write that essay, “Why I want to go to College X.” You can make some specific references to things your new professor friend taught you.

Don’t be afraid

Just because someone has the letter “Ph.D.” after his name does not make him particularly scary. Professors are people, too, and they actually like it when students take an interest in them and their work. Most have chosen this profession because they enjoy students and genuinely enjoy dispensing advice. So if a professor agrees to meet with you, it’s because he wants to, and because he takes his job seriously.

Don’t invite your parents

As you explore a campus–and the people who inhabit it–you need to act independently. Professors expect you to act like an adult. Nothing will make you seem more juvenile than having Mom and Dad in tow. Of course, Mom and Dad may like to hear what the professor has to say. But this is your journey of discovery.

This relationship is one that you need to build yourself–adult to adult. So gently remind your parents that you are perfectly capable of handling this meeting alone and that you will meet them at the front door of the building in thirty minutes. While some parents may be a bit miffed not to be invited to this meeting secretly They’ll be impressed by your demonstration of your maturity and independence.

Need Some Help in Developing Questions to Ask Professors on a College Tour?

The expert college admissions counselors at Great College Advice can help guide you in coming up with your own list of questions to ask professors on a college tour. It’s not easy to think through what it is you want from your college application. It can be even more daunting to think about sitting down with a professor in his office to ask about your academic interests.

If you feel like you need some professional guidance, give us a call or contact us.  We’d be happy to talk to you about how we can help you map your college journey.

Great College Advice

The post Questions to Ask Professors on a College Tour first appeared on Great College Advice.

• Look at the curriculum.  When looking at schools, a lot of students automatically look at the male to female ratio, the size and location.  They don’t really take the time to dig into the academic side of things.  Look at what type of curriculum is offered.  Will you have the opportunity to do research?  Are the courses integrated across disciplines? Are there hands-on opportunities to learn outside of the classroom?
• Research academic departments.  In addition to the curriculum, it is important to really look into the academic department of your intended major (or several departments if you have no idea what you want to major it).  Read the faculty profiles.  Remember that what the faculty are researching and writing about will more than likely be the topics they are covering in their courses.  Look at the special events that are begin sponsored by the department.  Do they have any cool speakers coming to campus?
• Read the course catalog.  I don’t know of any colleges that are still publishing their course catalogs, but you can undoubtedly find it on-line.  Read through the course descriptions of the courses required for your intended major.  See if you can find sample course syllabi on-line.  How many pages of reading are assigned?  What are the grading procedures for the course? Will you mainly be graded on participation or exams? How many exams will you have?
• Don’t forget the library.  When visiting a school, don’t forget to stop by the library.  Research librarians are a great resource for questions regarding whether or not the students are academically engaged.
• Contact a professor.  Don’t forget to try to visit with a professor or sit in on a class while on campus.  Often times, the admissions office will help you set up these opportunities.

Katherine Price
Educational Consultant

The post Tips for Finding an Academically Challenging College first appeared on Great College Advice.

Educational Consultant

The post Teaching with Twitter first appeared on Great College Advice.

I was recently on the campus of Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.  Just being on that campus was surprising enough:  it’s truly a hidden gem in an unlikely location.

As I do on most campuses, I try to meet with a professor or two.  The admissions office set me up with one professor, who just plumb forgot about our meeting.  So I met up with another one at the spur of the moment.  He allowed me to record some of our conversation on the topic of how students and faculty interact at Millsaps, and at liberal arts colleges in general.

This professor shared a couple of anecdotes that knocked my socks off. As you watch, you’re going to think this was all a set-up.  I assure you, none of this was rehearsed or planned.  He was just supplying some evidence that students and teachers at Millsaps really do develop some tight bonds.

Have a look for yourself.

College Consultant

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Hi, Mark. I’ve been reading college profiles, and nearly all of them cite student-to-faculty ratios, all of which fall in to a relatively narrow range of perhaps 12:1 to 20:1. How important is this statistic in choosing a college?

My short answer: not very

The student-to-faculty ratio is supposed to reflect the intimacy of the educational experience. One would assume that the lower the ratio, the more contact a student will have with faculty members. One might also assume that institutions with lower ratios would have smaller class sizes, on average, than one with a higher ratio.

Let’s look first at the view from 30,000 feet. What is the national student-to-faculty ratio? According to the National Center for Educational Statistics’ Digest of Educational Statistics for 2007. There were 18 million college students and 1.3 million college faculty. A quick calculation tells us that nationwide, there are 13.8 students for every faculty member in America.

However, there are only about 700,000 full-time faculty members in higher education, and about 600,000 part-time faculty, or adjuncts. So if we recalculate the ratio, there are 25.7 students per full-time faculty member.
So how do universities report their student-t0-faculty ratios? Because a low ratio is associated with higher quality education. A college administrator has an incentive to keep this ratio as low as possible.

Every major publication and ranking system (e.g., US News, the Princeton Review, the Fiske Guide) slavishly reports these figures and uses them to compare one college against another.

So look behind the ratios!

• Does this figure include part-time faculty who may be brought in to teach a single course? If so, keep in mind that students have much less access to adjunct faculty (who rarely have their own office or even a place to hang their coats).
• Does this figure include faculty who teach only graduate courses–or may teach predominantly graduate students? If so, the ratio exaggerates students’ access to some of the most senior faculty–many of whom simply do not like teaching undergraduates.
• Does this figure include research faculty, who generally do not teach undergraduate courses at all, but may simply guide doctoral candidates or teach in a graduate professional school? If so, the ratio may be inflated.

When I was a college administrator, my colleagues and I always agonized about how to report our student-to-faculty ratios. The recipient of this information usually colored our responses. If we were reporting to the Office of institutional research (which is required to report information to the federal government in standardized formats). We were fairly careful in giving a more nuanced, detailed accounting.

But if the admissions office was asking for figures. We’d drum up every faculty member we could in order to report a low student-to-faculty ratio. So take these ratios with a grain of salt. As my prospective client noticed, the range of ratios does not vary all that much from one institution to another. And the ratio may not tell you all that much about the classroom experience.

You will want to ask other questions that may tell you more about the intimacy of the educational experience.

For more on whether student-to-faculty ratios tell us much about the quality of a college, click here.

Mark Montgomery
Independent College Counselor

The post Student-to-Faculty Ratios Explained first appeared on Great College Advice.