<p>Hey everyone,
I just got an invitation in the mail to apply to Amherst’s Diversity Open House Weekend. Based on previous threads, I understand what it is and its implications in admissions, but I still have a few questions that those other threads haven’t touched upon (at least, not from what I saw).</p>
<p>Firstly, are we allowed to apply to both dates? It says “check one” but this seems a little constricting. It would be beneficial to both parties if we were allowed to apply to both, instead of either.</p>
<p>Also, how competitive is this visiting program? The letter enclosed states that there are around 200 students chosen, but I was also wondering how many people apply to begin with. 200 out of 1000 is impressive, but 200 out of 201 is not much so.</p>
<p>Thanks to anyone who can provide any insight. :)</p>
<p>My D went to Divoh a couple of years ago. IMO, if the app says to choose one or the other, check your schedule and apply to one accordingly. I’m sure they have their reasons for the request.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard the application numbers, but I can tell you it is an honor to be invited. Amherst goes to considerable expense to fly you there and to host the program. I don’t know of what their criteria is, but it is a VERY competetive pool of applicants. If you are serious about applying to Amherst, I highly reccommend that you attend if they offer you a spot at one of the sessions.</p>
<p>I second GA2012 Mom’s advise. My daughter participated in this program and was admitted early decision. If you are SERIOUS about attending Amherst and have an opportunity to participate in the Diversity Open House, I would urge you to do so. It is very competitive and all of the applicants aren’t accepted. However, that doesn’t mean you aren’t a good candidate for Amherst. Many students who are denied a slot for the DIVOH are still admitted to the college. However, if Amherst is inviting you to apply and selects you to fly in for that weekend, that means they are serious about you as an applicant. This weekend allows them to meet you as well as you having an opportunity to visit the campus while school is in session. You have an opportunity to visit classes, live in the dorm, eat in the dining hall and experience a weekend at Amherst.</p>
<p>I was invited as well! I am very excited to apply! What are your ethnicities? I am multiracial- caucasian and asian. Does that play a role in acceptance, since it is called the “Diversity” open house? And in their statement about how they prioritize the invitation of people who have limited financial resources, how would they know if you have limited financial resources? I hope I get accepted :)</p>
<p>@GA2012MOM: Yeah I wasn’t ever planning on not doing what they asked, but thanks for the clarification. It sounds like a great program. If you don’t mind me asking, how did your daughter enjoy DivOH, and what were the other students like?</p>
<p>@lmpw: I’m not entirely sure whether or not Amherst is my first choice, or whether it’s “up there” either, but I am absolutely sure that I will be applying…if that makes sense. I’m interested in DivOH mainly so that I may be able to experience Amherst more thoroughly than I ever could have in my half-day visit a few months ago.</p>
<p>@elbeen: I’m sure you will be just fine They must have had a very compelling reason to invite you!</p>
<p>@swim: Congrats! I’m Asian haha. I’m sure your ethnicity does, but mine doesn’t I don’t have the application here with me but is there not a question on the application regarding your family’s financial status?</p>
<p>I just got my invitation/application in the mail today and I’ve rarely been this excited about college mail! I’m also a bit worried about my ACT or SAT score- I’ve taken both and I’m not sure whether they want one or the other. Both are roughly equivalent, but I’m planning to retake the ACT in September of next year.<br>
My parents said ok, but my father is worried that we make too much- under 75k a year… he doesn’t understand college admissions at all, Lol! </p>
<p>I’m really excited for this opportunity! Good luck to everyone applying! :D</p>
<p>Renee, there isn’t a question on your finances but it does ask if you wish to receive financial aid in college and if you have ever had a fee waived for a standardized test. I am the same as you! I rushed through Amherst during my winter vacation- we only spent a half day there. I wonder if the fact that we already visited will be detrimental in our application… Good luck :)</p>
<p>Rosco, based on your other post, I would put down multiracial (as I am doing) because it asks you to specify. Or I would put down hispanic, that would be helpful… I think. I wish I could put down hispanic, many people ask if I am :P</p>
<p>Thanks! Urgh, I’m so excited for a chance to visit an out of state school…
One last question (sorry- I didn’t mean to ask so many questions… ), how early can you send in the application? I’ve been searching old threads…</p>
<p>^^swim- I’ve been asked if I’m asian before, so it goes both ways :D</p>
<p>We were fortunate to receive such an invitation as well. We spoke with a representative from the college last week who was extremely helpful/professional/experienced in working w/apprehensive families who going through this process for the first time. Kudos to Amherst–they handle such inquiries with patience, class and hospitality. ;D</p>
<p>One of the biggest questions, speaking from a parent’s perspective is, “How much is the kid’s ‘great education’ going to cost me?”–read a excellent Washington Post article on Twitter this morning ~ wish I was able to post it here on CC, but don’t know how to do yet/suggest going to their website… </p>
<p>Didn’t know about this travel opportunity until reading one of the blogs under “Hispanic” section of “College Admissions & Search.” I’ve since discovered that Amherst is not the only LAC that provides these types of visits–apparently so does Williams, Grinnell, Pomona, Swarthmore… (Only wish more young people knew of these kinds of opportunities.) </p>
<p>What a fantastic/unprecedented opportunity! These schools are walking their talk regarding the issue of diversity. </p>
<p>This program looks for all types of diversity - racially, geographically, social/economic. If you were INVITED to apply, Amherst already knows your current stats. So, please don’t worry about them. Good luck to all of you. Amherst is an awesome college.</p>
<p>Do we need the transcript including our last term? My grades are not up for the 4th nine weeks yet, so my junior grades only go up to the first term. And those of you who have gone, we get to attend classes? Which ones?</p>
<p>You don’t need to have your last term on your transcript. The application says that you need at least your first semester junior year grade report, so what you have will suffice.</p>
<p>hi i got an invitation as well but i was wondering if this program is invitation only? and are other school’s similar programs invitation only as well or else i would like to apply for them too! they are great opportunities :)</p>
<p>My D did not receive an invitation, but called and requested an application. She was accepted to DIVOH and then Amherst ED (via Questbridge Match.) If you are interested in a particular school and have not received an invitation to theirs, just call them. I would think they would be happy to send an application to you.</p>
They must have had a very compelling reason to invite you!</p>
I don’t have the application here with me but is there not a question on the application regarding your family’s financial status?</p>
), how early can you send in the application? I’ve been searching old threads…</p>