4. Meet a professor in your field of interest
Some students know exactly what they want to major in when they go to college (but be assured that most students don’t). If you have a future major in mind, you might try to talk with a professor in the department of your field of interest.

Professor appointments can often be arranged through the admissions office. If not, call the departmental office. Professor names, biographies and contact information are usually available in the Academics section of a college website.

If you are uncertain what to talk with a professor about, here are some ideas about what to say, as well as a few questions to ask:

• First, introduce yourself and tell the professor which high school you attend. If you have put together an activities resume, give him/her a copy.

• Second, tell the professor about your interest in his/her specialty. You might give him/her some examples of how that interest has played out in high school courses or activities (e.g., you have taken AP courses, gone to special summer programs, written papers, etc.)

Questions
Third, here are some questions you can ask:

• How many students are in the major? How are academic advisers assigned to students?

• Who are the “special” professors or courses in the department?

• What kinds of undergraduate research opportunities are there?

• Can you give me some suggestions about books, courses or experiences that might prepare me for a major in the subject?

• How do you like teaching at X college? Why did you decide to teach here?

• If you had it to do all it over again, to which colleges would you apply for undergraduate school?