<p>Hey!</p>
<p>I'm definitely stoked about OA, but what makes OA DRASTICALLY BETTER than Community Action? Is the social interaction that much different? I would appreciate input from current Pton students who have done CA and OA (....yeah I know you can't do both at once, but I'm sure there are those that opted for CA instead of OA). Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>-Jon ;)</p>
<p>yeah, that's what I'm wondering too...I'm definitely NOT outdoorsy, so CA seemed like the right pick for me, but so many people say to do OA, that I wonder...why's it so much better, even for non-outdoor people?</p>
<p>Hey guys, I'll try to answer the CA vs. OA question quickly before I head down to dinner. It's not like one is drastically more mediocre or anything--rather, I think the general consensus is that the physical situation you're put in on OA--alone with your group in the middle of nowhere, totally relying and depending on each other, staying up late into the night, telling stories under the stars, really pushing yourself to the max to get through the day's hike and then the complete satisfaction when it's over, and just the intenseness of the situation makes for a lot more bonding/memorable experiences than CA. Not that CA doesn't provide you with friends and memories to take back with you, just that it doesn't shape you in such a way that OA does--it lets you stay in your comfort zone more, compared to OA. But this is just my perception, since I did OA, and don't know that many people who did CA. Also, OA is definitely, definitely accessible and enjoyable for people who don't consider themselves "outdoors" people. When you sign up, they ask you questions about your physical activity, and what kind of difficulty you want, and then they either place you in Outdoor Adventure (where you stay at the Blairstown Center and don't actually backpack) or Outdoor Action (the actual backpacking). Then, within Outdoor Action, you can request a difficulty level from 1-5, I believe. 1 and 2 can be really fun even for non-outdoors inclined people, I think it's generally 4-5 miles a day on level terrain.</p>
<p>Thanks Voovi16! OA definitely sounds right for me. Will you be one of the student volunteers for OA? I'm just wondering b/c you seem like a very knowledgeable student. I'd be very comfortable tagging along with you, since you know what you're talking about. In any event, thank you very much for the info! Oh, by the way, if you happen to know anyone at all who did CA, can you tell 'em to post about their experience on CC. If they don't have a CC username, would you mind letting them write a post under your username? I'm just curious to read about the experience of a student who chose CA. I think it would be most fair to judge both activities if I have some knowledge and background of both. I think I speak for a couple of us prospective Princetonians when I say, that your conscientiousness and knowledge are VERY much appreciated. You're the kind of undergrad I'd like to meet if/when I decide to attend Princeton. Thanks again!</p>
<p>-Jon :)</p>
<p>there is no way to request anything silly people. you can state your preferences, but it's all random.</p>
<p>Genius205, from your profile, I gather that you're a college-bound senior. Are you a prospective Pton undergrad? If so, are you leaning more towards OA, CA, or neither? And why? We other prospective Pton undergrads would greatly appreciate your input! Thanks in advance.....</p>
<p>-Jon ;)</p>
<p>int'l student orientation overlaps with OA. Can I just go to OA? (I live in the states)</p>
<p>or would going to int'l student be more informative/fun?</p>
<p>Hmmm... from what I've heard, it doesn't seem like many programs can be more fun than OA, but I don't know much about the international student orientation. Call or contact Princeton via e-mail to find out!</p>
<p>Who's going to April Hosting by the way??? :)</p>
<p>I'm going!</p>
<p>does anyone know dates for OA or CA yet?</p>
<p>I'm going to April Hosting. :D</p>
<p>OA starts September 3rd, I believe... but they want you on campus by the 2nd. CA is probably on the same dates.</p>
<p>I'll be at April Hosting :D</p>
<p>... but I'm torn between OA and Pre-Or. Agh.</p>
<p>Pre-Or.... what's that? Is that another option we got in the mail w/ acceptances?</p>
<p>Btw, I'm glad to see a lot of you guys are going to April Hosting!</p>
<p>Oh hey, on other schools' threads, admits have exchanged screen names. I don't know if I've seen that on a Princeton thread, so I suppose I'll start:</p>
<p>AIM: Smariomaster</p>
<p>Just post your screen name with your next comment. I think that'll be a good way for us to start talking before and after April Hosting. Maybe we can convince each other one way or another about Princeton and other schools! ;)</p>
<p>Pre-Or's for internationals. ;)</p>
<p>Maybe we should start a new thread for exchanging sn's...</p>