Schools often receive thousands of applications. To increase your chances, it will be important for you to research schools, create a strategic list, and network with admissions. When possible, the majority of applicants apply to in- and out-of-state schools. Attending virtual info sessions is an important way to connect with schools near and far.

Our article will guide you how to maximize virtual info sessions. The questions provide support before, during, and after our event.

1. What factors should I consider when comparing and exploring schools/programs?

Which programs align with you depends on your interests/past experiences, goals, and needs. Some big ideas to consider are listed below. 

• Requirements. Do you meet prerequisites, LORs, residency, and other requirements? 
• Location. Where are you able to live or relocate to? Are you interested in being in a rural,  suburban, or urban setting? 
• Communities. Which populations and communities do they serve and outreach to? 
• Curriculum. How do you best learn? Learn about different models such as traditional, hybrid, problem/case-based learning, and interprofessional. 
• Resources. What will you need to succeed? Do they have learning strategists, tutoring, or other services? 
• Student Organizations. Do they have clubs that interest you, such as specialty, hobbies, identity/culture, etc.?

2. Why and how should I engage professionally?

Imagine you are an admissions representative and screening applications. Which applicant would you have a higher chance of remembering? The black Zoom box or the one who had their camera on and engaged? We would probably all say the second applicant. As prospective applicants, we highly encourage you to be active in this process and network.

Admissions representatives want to connect with you, UC Davis students and alumni! Overall, we encourage:

• Cameras on
• Ask and answer questions in the chat
• Unmuting when appropriate
• Dressing business casual

• First and last name listed

3. How do I ask good questions?

When possible, always try and find the answer to your question on their website first. But some websites can be tricky to navigate or may not have what you're looking for. This is when we want to ask a representative. Representatives know their program and want to find applicants that fit their mission. 

Don't be shy to ask clarifying questions. If needed, ask about requirements, admissions process, or unique factors, like:

• Letter of Recommendation requirements.
• Do you accept international and DACA students?

To impress a representative, you will need to ask more than clarifying questions. This will be the time to ask in-depth questions like:

• Can you share what competencies your program seeks the most in applicants?
• On your website I saw the curriculum model has interprofessional learning. How does this look at your school? 
• You mentioned students have the opportunity to gain research experience with faculty. Can you elaborate more on that process?

4. How do I take good notes?

Be actively present during the session. During sessions, representatives often share contact info. Be sure to write down the: Name of school, representative name, and contact info. 

Stay organized. Whether you prefer digital or handwritten notes, be sure you know you'll be able to find them again to refer back to. 

5. What should I do after the event?

Reflect. Do you have a better understanding of schools that reflect your interests? If you have questions or are preparing to apply, meet with an HPA advisor and attend HPA events.

Consider following-up. If you feel like you connected with a representative, sending an email can be a great way to further connect. The email can be as simple as thanking them for their time. Or it can expand to include a tidbit of what you learned and how that connects to you. Your email could also include follow up questions or request an advising session (if available).