<p>I know this is decision week so this is a bit off topic, but I'll jump in anyway. All over the country this is about the time that Jr's head out with their parents on well planned college tours. My son has the benefit of seeing several schools when his older brother toured three years ago. Different kids, different goals, and very little overlap, which is fun for me because I love touring schools...the architecture, the history, the class offerings, the dining halls!! I walk away always wanting a "Do over"! :)</p>
<p>I don't know if it was the sunny days that ended up being snow (yes, we were snowed on in NC), but S3 was somewhat ambivalent and underwhelmed just about everywhere we went. I tried to let things just settle thinking maybe in a week or so he'd reevaluate and find things he liked about some of the schools. Monday afternoon we drove into Williamsburg in the pouring rain and I suggested just driving around the campus. As I started to point things out to S3 I noticed the earbuds came out so I handed him a campus map and pointed to where we were. He started navigating, directing to things he wanted to see. Even in the rain the campus is beautiful.</p>
<p>The information session was crowded, as we knew it would be, but so well done. He was completely engaged. The admissions director who spoke (wish I had her name) was informative, funny, and really personable (if that's possible with a crowd that large). There was a newly graduated student who was still working in the admissions office who was there to give student perspective. She was charming without being cutesy, very well spoken without being overly rehearsed. She obviously really loved W&M and was very genuine without being overbearing. Oh, and a note about the slideshow in the beginning...don't bother looking through written materials and miss this, you can do that later. Watch the slideshow that is beautifully set to one of their a cappella groups. It's really beautifully done. I would suggest admissions put this on their website. It's really great.</p>
<p>The tour groups were large, again expected. I tried to shuffle all the kids towards the front as they're the ones that really need to hear what's going on. Our guide really did a great job of trying her best to speak loudly so everyone could hear. We saw a good portion of the campus, it was informative, and she answered many questions. The group gave her a round of applause and thanked her. As we broke away to grab lunch at the Cheese Shop S3 immediately said "I really, really, really like it. Realistically what are my chances here.". :) After lunch he asked to head to the bookstore and get a W&M t'shirt. I knew it was serious then, lol.</p>
<p>So, the double edged sword of your student finding a school that really clicks that's also really competitive. Like a lot of students he has some things that will really shine, and others that aren't his strongest points (or I should say he doesn't feel are strong).</p>
<p>Thanks to William & Mary Admissions team on campus for doing such a great job during what is a ridiculously busy time of the year. We felt welcomed in every way. You would have never known during our visit that just a few hours later that hard working group would be sending out thousands and thousands of decisions to the Class of 2017!!! Also, thanks to the W&M reps that keep us informed here at CC. So, many thanks to all and congratulations to the new Class of 2017!! :)</p>
S3 had a really positive experience and is looking forward to interviewing this summer.</p>