6,100 miles, 11 schools, 2 weeks

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Just finished a marathon school tour. I was afraid all the schools would blur together but we took notes and discussed each school's perceived strengths and weaknesses immediately after the visits/tours (usually over a meal) and I think it turned out to be very worthwhile.</p>

<p>Schools we hit were: WashU, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Rochester, Cornell, Dartmouth, Amherst, Williams, Yale, Princeton and W & L.</p>

<p>I have to say there were some mild surprises. I think the whole family was blown away by Williams. They really seem to have something special up there. </p>

<p>My D's top three were: WashU, Dartmouth and Williams (she liked something about every school and will likely apply to 6 of the 11).</p>

<p>Most memorable event: As we pulled up to the guard shack at Rochester, the guard poked his head out the window and with his first words to us asked "Did you bring Laura?" Laura happens to be my daughter's name. He must have seen the TX plates and made the connection. Pretty impressive.</p>

<p>Best graft: Rochester gave every visiting prospect a Rochester T-shirt. They were the only school of the 11 to add that nice touch. </p>

<p>Best Building: Has to be the Cathedral at Princeton. Even beats ND.</p>

<p>Best Dorms: From what we saw...WashU.</p>

<p>Best Student Union: Williams.</p>

<p>Best Schedule: Dartmouth...we love the D-Plan (quarters). Runner-up: Williams with the one-class, one month winter session in January to get everyone back in the groove after Christmas. </p>

<p>I believe every school we visited is top notch in some respect. The above is not meant to slight any of the schools we visited. These are just some of the things that stood out from the norm.</p>

2

<p>Wow that is pretty impressive of Rochester to make that connection.</p>

3

<p>According to my brother at Dartmouth the quarter system is a killer. Very little time between when classes start, midterms and finals. He says this creates a lot of stress and this was one of the reasons he and I agreed I shouldn't transfer there.</p>

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<p>Out of the eleven, which would you say had the best campus, overall?</p>

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<p>But the atmosphere is awesome. And some of the buildings are really spiffy inside. The math building has power sockets for each student's laptop, a sophisticated computer lighting-whiteboard-projector system...it really made Amherst's facilities seem inadequate.</p>

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<p>I wanna see worst of the trip ;)</p>

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<p>laura and Texas ... there are some types of stories on it??</p>

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<p>LordJeff, do you want to transfer out of Amherst?</p>

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<p>"Out of the eleven, which would you say had the best campus, overall?"</p>

<p>That's a tough call. None of them are dogs! And it really depends on whether you favor architecture, surrounding countryside, urban availability, etc.</p>

<p>I have to say the two I'd most like to live on are Dartmouth and Williams. Unfortunately, I am 50 and my D gets to (hopefully) make the choices.</p>

<p>Princeton was probably tops for me in terms of killer architecture.</p>

10

<p>"According to my brother at Dartmouth the quarter system is a killer. Very little time between when classes start, midterms and finals. He says this creates a lot of stress and this was one of the reasons he and I agreed I shouldn't transfer there."</p>

<p>But you are only taking three classes at a time.</p>

11

<p>Wow, that sounds awesome. Which schools will your daughter apply to?</p>

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<p>Slightly off topic: my 13 y-o D was given a T-shirt at Franciscan when her older bro visited and she still wears it to this day. Franciscan! Handing out (very nice) T-shirts. Even if she never goes there, she's advertised it on her chest for 2 years. she loves that shirt!</p>

<p>It's the wintry weather which killed Rochester for my eldest son, who visited in january and in about 4 feet of snow. He went to Rollins (FLA)</p>

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<p>She will likely apply to WashU, Dartmouth, Williams, Rochester, Yale and Princeton (and several TX schools, too).</p>

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<p>Sounds great :)</p>

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<p>unregistered
No, I'm transferring to Amherst this fall. From Podunk University. Amherst should be somewhat of an improvement.</p>

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<p>Oh! Welcome to Amherst. It's a lovely place.</p>

17

<p>
[quote]
I think the whole family was blown away by Williams. They really seem to have something special up there.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Tarbe, My son just graduated from Williams and your remark made me feel nostalgic. We're all experiencing Williamstown withdrawal symptoms! It's definitely not for everyone but those that like it, love it.</p>

<p>Winter Study was one of Williams highlights for my son. He stayed on campus all four January terms and took some very interesting classes ( though I have to say that Winter Study is more social than academic).</p>

18

<p>^ For me, this thread in itself brings back memories of when I used to do college tours with my parents as well.</p>

<p>But I think it's very important to note that what you see and perceive of the atmosphere of a school at a visit, especially during the summer, may not be a very accurate portrayal of the school's actual atmosphere during the school year. The best way to get to know a school, in my opinion, is to talk to the students, who isn't your tour guide or representing the admissions office. The information from the admissions office or your friendly tour guide sometimes turns out to be a false advertisement.</p>

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<p>Thanks for proving to us that it can be done! I am already planning the two-week "Thelma & Louise" tour with my D for next summer. I'd like to know what you thought about W&L compared to the other schools you visited!</p>

<p>BTW - come back up to Rochester during the wintertime!!</p>

20

<p>^ Unfortunately, W&L did not do a very good job on the tour or the info session.</p>

<p>The folks we dealt with did not come across as enthusiastic cheerleaders for the school. I found myself thinking, if you aren't excited about this place, and you are trying to sell me, what are the chances I am going to get excited?</p>

<p>Sad but true, the best school, poorly presented, will not look too great to a visitor. Fortunately we know a little bit about the place so we can discount the mediocre presentations.</p>

<p>My brother is moving up to Rochester this month, so I will likely get to see it in the winter. Winter was my favorite time of the year growing up in Wisconsin. D, on the other hand, has been in the south all her life!</p>