<p>I have one scheduled this Sunday because I got an email about it on Tuesday...I'm kind of nervous for some reason. He's going to be a relatively young guy because he said he graduated in '04. Is there anything I should do to prepare? Is he going to ask me questions about why I chose Cornell/my major/etc, or will I do most of the asking? It's taking place in The Cornell Club in NYC, and I have no idea what kind of atmosphere that's going to be. D: Some advise would be nice~ :3</p>
<p>Do a brief study on Cornell. "How's the Wason collection in the Kroch East Asian Library? What about the bee keeping studies in Mann Library?" Try to make sure that you are sharpened before the session. What I mean by that is, if the alumnus asks "why Cornell?" do NOT hesistate or rant, or....you know. Make sure that you are sincere about believing in your heart that Cornell is your place.<br>
Not just 'because i love it' or 'because it's awesome'. </p>
<p>That's what I did, anyways. Good luck!</p>
<p>No, don't ask questions that are too obscure. They know that you're just a high school student. Show good interest in Cornell, and know why Cornell is a good fit for you. Have a couple of questions ready, and don't be nervous. Act like your intelligent, sane self and you will have no problems.</p>
<p>The Cornell Club in NYC is rather fancy looking, I think. It reminds me of a hotel.</p>
<p>Ah, I forgot to mention that specific questions is a boost when the alumnus shares similar academic interest like that of yours. If not, follow aloe's advice and avoid obscure questions.</p>
<p>I was just thinking of asking general questions I would want to ask most colleges. Something like if changing majors is easy or not because I'm not sure if I'm ready to devote myself to just one thing yet. I've only visited Cornell once, and I absolutely loved the study environment and I honestly hate living near the city, and being so secluded from nature (I'm a nature person =P) I don't really have questions I can direct to JUST Cornell, because I can ask the same question to any college, but just receive a different answer. =/</p>
<p>Just a casual reminder, but be sure to send a thank you note (or at least a thank you email) to the alumnus for taking the time out of their busy schedule to meet with you. I've had three contacts so far this year, and not one has sent a follow-up. </p>
<p>Manners are going to become much more important in the coming decade.</p>
<p>I'll definitely be sure to do that. :)
I've already said a thank you in advance in my email reply about setting up the time and date.</p>
<p>bump pleaseee.</p>
<p>I wouldn't ask about the bee keeping studies; he might give you a weird look. I would try to be genuine about asking your questions. For example, don't ask the questions just to show him that you know a lot of random factoids about Cornell. Instead, you should be asking questions to gather information that will help you make a decision if you get accepted in the end.</p>
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I wouldn't ask about the bee keeping studies; he might give you a weird look.
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<p>That said, if you are genuinely interested in entomology, go for it.</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree.</p>
<p>I would ask about things pertinent to your prospective major(s)/minor(s)/concentration(s).
I think questions about specific dorms vs. others are fine, etc</p>
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I think questions about specific dorms vs. others are fine, etc
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<p>Only for recent alums -- don't forget that the 50 percent of the housing stock has been built in the last decade.</p>
<p>Oh that's right, I guess a question like "How would you describe the general social atmosphere during your time at Cornell?" or "What are some social quirks/idiosyncrasies you ran into when you attended Cornell?" etc could maybe be effective when juxtaposed with more serious academic questions. It shows you have a human side to you rather than a 24/7 academic robot.</p>