<p>I am a parent. I will go to the open house with my son. Any suggestions on what I can do during the visit? I am from Chicago and I want to know about the school as much as I can so I can help with the final decisions. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>According to the schedule, there are sessions specifically for parents. If you haven’t taken a tour definitely do that. Aside from the programming, Amherst is a charming college town with lots of interesting restaurants and an “art house” movie theater.</p>
<p>We did not go to the open house, but we have been to other family activities since. </p>
<p>Amherst is a beautiful college with a great reputation. But the same can be said for Bowdoin, Middlebury, Williams and a handful of select LAC’s. As a parent and an Ivy League grad, I will readily admit that I wish I were 18 again and a student at Amherst. The intellectual rigor and honesty of the school humble me. I digress.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the school choice is up to the student. We, as parents, can hope to influence their decision, but we see things through filters resulting from our own aspirations and life experiences. </p>
<p>Good luck to your son. I hope he will make a happy choice.</p>
<p>Went to Open House yesterday with my son who was accepted ED. This is the first time back as “real” student.</p>
<p>The day was VERY worthwhile…</p>
<p>1) Opening session led by Admissions and profiled applicant pool. 8,500 applicants with 12% admitted which is lowest percentage ever. 51% non-white and 25% low-income. 45 states represented (forget how many countries). President Tony Marx then spoke about Amherst values (diversity and faculty, e.g), facility changes (new Science Center over next four years) and search process (“should” have new President named within two months).</p>
<p>2) Parent panel session covered religious options, drinking policies, health services, orientation process, course selection, on-campus work opportunities and other topics you may have read about online or in various brochures. </p>
<p>3) Lunch was good chance to talk one-on-on with Admissions staff. Also chatted with some attendees were who were undecided but seems like just about all were considering Amherst versus some Ivies. </p>
<p>4) Went to Financial Aid session at which Counselor was very helpful in explaining payment timeframes and options. </p>
<p>5) Of course, highlight of day was going to AJ Hastings Store on Main Street and buying triple figures of Amherst clothing all of which I was told is “needed”.</p>
<p>All in all, the day reaffirmed why Amerst is perfect fit for my son’s academic background and personality.</p>
<p>Thanks, every one! We are excited for the trip to Amherst on the weekend. We have a feeling that Amherst College is the best fit for our son too. He is a “thinker” and a good writer. He also sings, plays guitar and trumpet. He should be able to find enough to do there.</p>
<p>Would minkominko care to share about what was said about on campus job opportunities?</p>
<p>Did they mention the wage scale?</p>
<p>Our DD is obligated by agreement to work for a portion of her college cost. This would not be work study and she will not have a car so I am wondering what is realistic for job openings and what is realistic for where they are located?</p>
<p>What about non-winter people, how do they fare in western Massachusetts?</p>
<p>The wage scale varies by type of on-campus job i.e. cafeteria, athletics, library, etc. The minimum and maximum wage scale was not discussed. Students learn about opportunities through the website and on-campus bulletin boards.</p>
<p>Any parents or students have any feedback on the open house?</p>
<p>My daughter early this evening. She seemed to like the program. Amherst is definitely still on her list.</p>