These are just a couple of the questions that high-school seniors contemplate while making a final decision about what university to attend.

Freshmen and transfer students accepted by UB for enrollment in the fall will have an opportunity to get answers to these and a host of other questions Saturday when UB opens its doors for Preview Day 1998.

Coordinated by the Office of Admissions, the annual, university-wide event, to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will introduce accepted students and their families to the wealth of academic programs, variety of student services and numerous state-of-the-art learning resources available at UB.

This year's introduction to life at UB will feature academic presentations, exhibits, demonstrations, campus tours, financial-aid information, residence hall tours and the President's Reception. It also will showcase the university's computer and information-technology resources. (See related story on "UB Explorer," page 6.)

Preview Day is more than an up-close-and-personal look at the university.

"For those who have made the decision to attend UB, it's a wonderful opportunity to come and see the campus," said Frances Bernstein, assistant director of admissions.

But for those accepted students who may be on the fence about their plans for next year, it's an important part of getting them to commit to attending UB. And first impressions count.

"I've had a lot of people approach me at open houses and say, 'I've never been to Buffalo. I had no idea UB is so impressive. And the people have been so helpful,'" Bernstein said.

About 1,500 student are expected to attend, along with members of their families. In all, about 3,000 people will visit the campus Saturday.

The success of the program is in large part thanks to the hundreds of UB faculty and staff members from throughout the university community who work for months to plan Preview Day.

"It's heartwarming that the university pulls together for such a large event," said Bernstein. "The people who contribute go the extra mile to make it a special day."

Accepted students who attend Preview Day will receive a UB t-shirt, along with the bragging rights that will go along with it when they get back home, Bernstein said.

They'll also have the opportunity to tour the residence halls, as well as a number of academic departments, including the biology, chemistry and physics facilities; the Pharmacy Museum; the Center for the Arts, and Alumni Arena.

Walking tours of the North Campus will leave from 112 Norton Hall every 15 minutes. Bus and walking tours of the North and South campuses also are scheduled; participants will need to obtain passes in advance to participate.

Information about UB's academic programs will be offered at various sites on the North Campus throughout the day. Representatives from Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Academic Advisement, Career Planning and Placement and Dining Services also will be available to answer questions.

And just in case heads are swimming from information overload, entertainment will be offered to provide a respite. A number of exhibits and films will be on display at various campus sites, and several performances are planned, including the Buffalo Chips, UB's men's a cappella ensemble; Studiowerks and Zodiaque Dance Company, theater and dance troupes presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance; the UB Saxophone Quartet, and Dillar, an avant-garde student rock and jazz trio.