This is probably too late, but if not, the morning sessions were meet and greet with the department heads. Of course our day was shortened due to late opening so it could be different, but my guess is it’s still a meet and greet. But my son enjoyed meeting these professors.
@Arlmom2, I’m looking over the program schedule from last year. iirc, my D found helpful the optional academic college events. The events are held in the morning before the welcome luncheon and interviews. (I definitely recommend you and D2 attend the luncheon because you’ll receive information about what to expect for the rest of the day.) During the academic college event my D met professors and learned more about her major, as well as programs and other opportunities in her college, CMNS. She also met with other B/K students who were juniors and seniors and asked specific questions of them. The afternoon is a little more free flowing because interviews occur throughout that time. The Honors College Information Fair and Internship and Research Panel discussion were helpful too. My thought was to plan on spending the entire day at the program or until my D felt it was time to leave. I wanted D to feel comfortable that she had every piece of information she needed to make her decision about whether or not to attend Maryland. YMMV.
@Arlmom2 Our (optional) session was definitely a presentation and not a meet and greet. Glad we got there at the beginning! I thought the lunch presentation by Dr. Dorland was fantastic! What a charismatic guy. How did things go for your daughter? My son came out of his interview feeling good. He said the interviewers were really laid back and it was very comfortable. One of the current Honor students yesterday told my son that the decision was already 70% made before the interview. Good luck to all!
@mdneglag The BSOS session wound up being an informal discussion, because there were so few students there. It worked well, though – one of the staff members did a terrific job of facilitating the conversation, with four current students and half a dozen faculty and staff.
We talked with several students during the afternoon, and they all seemed to think the interviews went well and that the interviewers were quite positive. So perhaps the cranky person of a year or two ago is no longer being asked to do interviews!
For what it’s worth, one of the folks D2 spoke with during the day confirmed my suspicion that the interviews were focused in large part on determining whether the students were genuine. It’s sad that it’s necessary, but I guess that’s the reality in a time with so many kids who have been “packaged” by consultants. That said, I’m not sure it’s all that easy to figure that out with only a 20-minute interview. The same kids who’ve been “helped” with essays by consultants may well have also been prepped for interviews…
I agree that Dr. Dorland is impressive. I thought so at Marquis Day, before I knew his personal story. Truly remarkable man.
All in all, though, it was quite a good day from D2’s perspective. More to learn, though, which is why she’s planning to return for the overnight in early April. And before that, we should all find out which of these talented young people received the full award.
Best of luck to your son!
Watch your mailboxes. My D2 received her envelope today.
@PJW1234 Is the potal updated too or just snail mail?
Just snail mail. No change to the portal.
@PJW1234 Thank you. We are away from home. Have to wait for a few days to find out!
@2562ivy Is there a neighbor who could check your mail?
@Arimom2 We have our mail on hold until we are back! Just have to wait for a few days:(
Got the full ride!
Congrats, indianboy2400! So did D2! Are you going to the honors visiting day?
@2562ivy Sorry you can’t find out – hope it’s good news on your return!
I can’t remember whether you tried setting up the portal? They say it takes 1-2 days, I think, but my sense is that it has generally happened more quickly than that.
@arlmon2 Is there a separate honors visiting day? I think we are signed up for the April 3rd admitted students day.
@mdneglag I’m pretty sure the April 3rd day has a special section for honors.
Thanks @Arlmom2. It’s been awhile since we registered so I wasn’t sure if you were talking about a different day. Congrats to your D2!
Just came back and got the envelope! =D> =D>
@2562ivy What State do you reside in ?
MD
Thank you and Congratulations