-CAMPUS VISIT-

[Click link to expand/collapse answer.]

1. Can I attend a class?

ANSWER: Yes, class visits will help you learn more about academic life at Penn. Prospective students are invited to learn more about academic life at Penn by attending a class. Appointments are not required for class visits, simply plan on arriving to the classroom a few minutes early so that you have time to introduce yourself to the professor and find a seat. Each of the four Undergraduate Schools offers classes that are open to visitors:

• College of Arts and Sciences: View the course list for visitors
• Nursing School: Contact Marianne Smith at smithmar@nursing.upenn.edu
• School of Engineering and Applied Science: Consider visiting Physics or Math courses in the College or click here for more information about SEAS courses
• Wharton School: That link gives you an overview for planning your Wharton visit, but here is the class visitation schedule.
• Registrar:
  • 2009-2010 Course Descriptions
  • Fall 2009 timetable

Through Linking Legacies we also may be able to match you with a current student that can escort you to a class while you are on campus. Please email us at least two weeks prior to your campus visit with as many details as possible so that we can find a student that is attending a course that meets your interests or schedule.

2. What do you suggest I do during a campus visit?

ANSWER: We strongly recommend students attend an Admissions information session and take a campus tour, both of which are offered daily by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. No prior reservations are required. If a student has a particular interest in the Wharton School, or the School of Engineering, or the Nursing School, we would strongly recommend taking the school-specific tour as well. Also, attend a Legacy Advising Session with the Alumni Council on Admissions in the Sweeten Alumni House. Legacy Advising Sessions are scheduled at times which will coordinate with Admissions programming.

For additional details, visit "The Campus Visit."

3. When should I come?

ANSWER: You are welcome to visit campus anytime. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers information sessions and campus tours, and the ACA hosts Legacy Advising Sessions year-round, excluding major holidays.

If you are flexible, however, we would suggest visiting the campus during the academic year when classes are in session. Seeing Penn when the students are here gives you a better sense of the community. You also have the option of sitting in on a class (see FAQ #1 above).

Yet, having said that, the Legacy Advising Sessions offer informative academic and application advice, and are most helpful before an application has been submitted. These advising sessions are open to any alumni family thinking about the college process.

4. Can I stay overnight with a current student?

ANSWER: Yes. If you wish to stay overnight you must contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (215-898-7507) at least two weeks prior to your visit. Overnight housing is available on a limited basis Monday through Wednesday nights during the months of October, November and February.

However, if you have friends/relatives on campus willing to host you, there is no need to set one up through them! Consider sitting on a class with your friend, or possibly their roommate, in a subject area that is interesting to you. You don't need permission — just show up! See more information.

Note: Penn offers visiting opportunities for the benefit of prospective students and does not record the information for use in the admissions process.

5. Can the ACA arrange for me to meet with a coach?

ANSWER: Due to NCAA regulations, unfortunately, we are not able to do so. A student or parent might reach out to a coach in advance of a campus visit, to see if the head coach or a member of the coaching staff will be on campus. You can contact coaches directly by visiting the team's page within Penn Athletics. We encourage high school juniors or seniors complete the Recruit Questionnaire found on each team's page (sometimes as a stand alone menu item or by clicking on "contact").

Also, visit our FAQs: Outside the Classroom for additional details.

6. What if I can't make it to campus? What options do I have?

ANSWER: It is possible that a representative from Penn will visit your area. You can also take a virtual tour. We encourage you to explore Penn's website where you have the opportunity to view webpages of student activities as well as look up class offerings and academic requirements.

You can also see a college house (residential hall) virtually:

In 2004, students and staff from the College Houses worked together to produce a short video called "Making Space."

And here's another fun option. In 2006, students created a series of tongue-in-cheek videos, offering an insider's view of residence life at Penn: "Quakers gone wild." When you get to the website, click on the numbers along the bottom of the screen.