Well over 800 prospective members of the class of 1996 are getting a taste of the Harvard lifestyle this weekend.

The numbers are "approaching 900, and it may even be bore than that," said Patricia B. Callaghan '89, an admissions officer and coordinator for the Visiting Program.

The pre-frosh, who descended on Cambridge yesterday, are staying with Harvard undergraduates, experiencing dorm or House life first-hand.

"We've been fortunate because so many undergraduates are willing to help out," Callaghan said. "We really appreciate that. The pre-frosh learn so much through their first-year or undergraduate host."

Pre-frosh weekend began officially with registration at 8 a.m. yesterday, and scheduled activities will continue through tomorrow morning. However, Callaghan said many pre-frosh plan to stay and take advantage of other campus activities later this weekend.

These include Minority Welcome Weekend which begins tomorrow and continues until Sunday, and the Undergraduate Council-sponsored "Spring Fling" later this weekend.

Scheduled events "pull together so many different things," said Callaghan. Yesterday pre-frosh attended an admissions reception, as well as faculty panels.

Last night they streamed into the North House dining hall to hear some of Harvard's musical performance groups at the ever-popular a capella jam. Afterwards, pre-frosh attended an "ice cream smorgasbord."

Prospective student Candice K. Kwan said the a capella concert was her favorite activity so far at Harvard. She added that she has decided to come to Harvard next year because she likes "Harvard Square and the whole atmosphere of Harvard."

President Rudenstine will wel- class of '96 this morning, opening another fullday of activities.

Darren M. Kilfara, a prospective student, saidhe attended classes, meals at the Harvard Unionand the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra openrehearsal.

"It's given me a good overview of Harvard. Thisis what I needed to help me decide," Kilfara said.

Ambrose J. Huang, another prefrosh, said hedidn't need to attend this weekend to make up hismind. "I decided to come here a long time ago," hesaid