In an attempt to lure prospective students, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions holds daily tours and information sessions. But now pre-freshman who want a more impartial sense of Penn life have another option. The Klass Report, a company developed by Christopher Klass, has created a series of videos, each focusing on a different college or university -- including Penn. Currently, the organization has produced 41 videos, geared toward students who want an objective view of a particular school. It is also helpful to those who are unable to visit the institution. Klass said he started the series because he had a negative college experience at Northeastern University. "It wasn't the school for me," he recalled. "I'd gone on the campus tour but the only person you speak to is the tour guide, who is biased. Had I had an unbiased way of finding out about the school, I would have made a different decision." Penn's half-hour-long video includes scenes on and off campus, student interviews and information about housing, safety and classes. Klass said the videos provide a balanced view of the institutions. "We have candid student interviews but we also don't slam these schools," he said. University Admissions Dean Lee Stetson said he had not heard of the program and had not dealt with any Klass Report staff members while they filmed on campus. At least one student who was interviewed, however, works in the Admissions Office and serves as a tour guide for the University. College junior Lina Panackal said she happened to be sitting near Van Pelt Library last spring when Klass Report staff members approached her to discuss security on the video. Panackal said her involvement with the Admissions Office was simply a coincidence. "I honestly had no idea what they were doing," she said. Klass said he plans to continue creating videos for schools throughout the country. He also hopes to update those videos already on the market. "Schools should not be afraid of us," he said. "Students will be able to feel comfortable to apply even if they live far away." The Klass Report can be purchased for $20 plus a $6 shipping and handling charge by calling 1-800-699-1330.
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