<p>Hi NMR--I do recall d was given a reading list with a book (usually a play) required for each week. I think there was also a Shakespearean dictionary that was required. Sorry but I can't remember when we got the list. But I do remember most of the books we either had or purchased on Amazon. I also know the book store at CMU had all the required material available. Hope this helps somewhat.</p>
<p>Hi CC friends - </p>
<p>I live in "The Burgh," and I was reading through these posts and saw the post above about the "infamous PA Turnpike traffic." I wanted to give anyone coming in from the east via the Turnpike that heads up that I wouldn't be nearly as worried about the Turnpike as the traffic you might encounter once you EXIT the Turnpike at Exit 57 - I am presuming the directions from the east are to take the Turnpike to Exit 57 and then get on 376 West toward Pittsburgh. 376 West takes you directly to the exit for CMU, BUT - Pittsburgh has been experiencing TERRIBLE traffic jams on the weekends into the city from that direction because construction is being done on this highway (376 West), reducing it to one lane going into the city. I don't know how long this weekend construction is scheduled to go on, but it's been happening the past 4-5 weekends, from something like 10 pm Friday to 6 am Monday. Traffic isn't bad very early in the morning, but otherwise, it's pretty terrible. So plan extra time if you are coming in from the east!!!!</p>
<p>Coach C, thanks. As people coming from the East, we need to know about this. Our plan is to arrive in the early to mid-afternoon on Friday, so I hope that means we won't be affected. Still, it's good to know about this stuff ahead of time! :)</p>
<p>Hey CoachC any news about traffic from other directions? We are heading to Point Park coming from south and West. We are driving to Pits. late Sunday (D has show a 3 pm that we are leaving immediately from.). I don't know the area at all and since it will be late would like to know if there is anything we should avoid.</p>
<p>Depends on what route you're taking - let me know and I'll help as much as I can. :)</p>
<p>Thanks Coach C!! We are still going back and forth trying to decide when to come in. We know it would be easiest to come in Friday...we are right off the turnpike, just east of Philly. We will look at the schedule for that Saturday. Do you have any other alternate routes to suggest? I seem to remember not being on 376 long, but if you are sitting, three miles can become 100!!!!! :D</p>
<p>coachC we are coming in on I79N to 279N.
THanks</p>
<p>notfromme- </p>
<p>You're right that it's not far from the entrance to 376 until the CMU exit - maybe 6 miles - but 3-4 of those miles have been bumper-to-bumper traffic that is not moving or crawling on the weekends. There isn't an easy alternate route if you're not familiar with the city (and there isn't a MUCH better one even if you ARE familiar), so I think you just have to allow for extra time.</p>
<p>keepingcalm, you should be ok :) -but we never know when construction will pop up, so I'd check PennDot's website</p>
<p>Thanks- will check the website before we leave.</p>
<p>Coach C, if we plan to arrive at around 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon, is this gridlock something we need to worry about (coming from the East), or is it mostly rush hour stuff?</p>
<p>I know that there are phone lines available in the dorm rooms at CMU precollege. But how about wireless? If not, is there wireless access in the library??</p>
<p>Just about the entire campus is wireless. When we were out there in April, there were kids outside on laptops and all over the drama building just sitting on their laptops and I know we did get some information on it and I believe it said that the campus was wireless.</p>
<p>D received an e-mail on her Carnegie page about the computer network. I have not yet read it, but I do remember telling her to save it. I know it had several links for information. Guess I need to look at that...soon!! Less than two weeks!!</p>
<p>I don't think that it is necessary to bring a laptop. The kids have access to a computer lab right in their dorm, with plenty of computers to check their email. Aside from checking email, I don't recall that they have any real need to use a computer. With the risk of theft or damage, I'd opt not to bring a laptop.</p>
<p>notfromme, what do you mean that your daughter received an email on her Carnegie page? I know there is info in the handbook about the computers available there, etc., but I am not sure what you mean by "Carnegie page." If you have time to tell me about that, I would appreciate it. JohnsMom, it's good to know that they don't really need computers other than to check email. I thought they might need them in order to write some papers or something. Or do they simply read all those plays and discuss them? Anyone?</p>
<p>NMR-It is true what JohnsMom said-it is not necessary but my d. thought it was so much more convenient. She used the computer to format her resume which they need to do as part of the conservatory but also liked it cause she had internet use late at night if she needed to look up info on a play or down load music to a song if need be. Many students did not bring their lap but as I said it just made things a little easier.</p>
<p>mtsmom, so the dorms do have wireless access, meaning your kid could then use his computer to do homework/email/search the web and so on at night? My D's laptop is kind of old (she got it in 7th grade) but might be useful for this purpose. Of course, she would have to print stuff out at the library, anyway.</p>
<p>NMR-according to D her room had wireless but some had cable access. The dorms had computer/printer labs were she could print out what she needed.</p>
<p>This may be a really obvious thing that I somehow forgot when reading about the pre-college program, but do they offer financial aid?</p>
<p>I'm thinking about where I want to apply for next summer, and I heard that CMU is <em>amazing</em> and would really like to go, but the fact of the matter is that I don't have six thousand dollars to throw around :? (I'm wanting to apply to MPULSE and OCU's programs, which are significantly cheaper, but even those will be hard to pay for if I get into them.)</p>
<p>They do not offer financial aid, but my d did recieve some scholarships from local music and teachers foundations. Check into your local foundations before you write CMU off!!</p>