Attire for Visitations?

[lookwhoslp]

Hi all! Hope you're enjoying your summer!

 

I'm beginning to visit some grad schools and was wondering what the best attire is? The first one I'm going to is a prospective student meeting that'll just have an overview of the program and a Q&A with faculty. Will nice jeans and a blouse/blazer combo be enough... or something more professional like a pants/blouse combo? 

 

Also, did you bring a purse or notepad? (Hopefully I can think of some good questions for the faculty!)

 

Thanks everyone! 

[S_Colorado]

I definitely would go with more professional look if faculty will be there. They will probably be wearing dress pants, slacks or skirts and nice shirts or blouses and youu'd want to look on par with them. I saved my actual suits for interviews. Save the jeans for a current student lunch or a general campus tour led by a student. Wear shoes you feel comfortable walking in because they might take you on a tour of the facilities and you'll want to feel comfortable.

 

Definitely bring a notepad. You might not have a hard surface to write on so a notepad with a back on it is a good thing. 

[Missthang]

Business casual or a more professional look is best. I don't think a suit is necessary but you definitely don't want your first impression being in tennis shoes and shorts or jeans lol My school has an open house each year and most prospective students wear dress slacks, flats and a nice blouse. It's also smart to bring a small notebook and pen to write down any info or questions. And of course make sure to introduce yourself and shake hands, don't be the person in the back of the group who never makes a peep.

This is a little off topic but is good to know when thinking about how to dress and make a good impression:
My clinical procedures professor told our class one day that she had an undergrad come to observe her one day in a skin tight dress and 5 inch heels. The girl could hardly walk and was constantly tugging and pulling to keep her cleavage and butt covered the entire time. My professor had to make the girl sit in a chair behind the desk rather than actually interacting with the kids, so that's definitely not a good impression haha! Make sure you have good footwear and nothing about your outfit could be questionable in any way.

[DeafAudi]

I wore a nice sundress with flats and a cardigan. I think something like this or dress slacks would be nice. I second the previous suggestions to wear something you feel comfortable in and bring a small notebook and pen. 

 

Good luck!