<p>J and Joinville,</p>
<p>Is there anything really important/interesting that I missed from the June Advising session?</p>
<p>I would love to hear your experiences and comments about it!</p>
<p>ediaz,</p>
<p>I did not attend this year's session because I had no need to...I attended one of the sessions from last year, though. In my year, students got help selecting classes and met with professors roaming around campus. That was about it!</p>
<p>I believe that joinville already spoke of her experiences in the thread entitled "do you think this could work?!!". This is what joinville said:</p>
<p>"This past Friday, I spent 1/2 hour talking with three of the music professors at Lafayette. I was handing in my son's card expressing his interest in choral singing and they practically pounced on me wanting to know about his background in singing. They were so excited to hear about all of his vocal experience which is similar to yours. He has no plans to study music but they were enthusiastic about being able to convince him to take some theory classes in future semesters."</p>
<p>I am sure joinville will provide additional information as soon as she reads your post.</p>
<p>J</p>
<p>Yeah, J's pretty helpful like that.
He was pretty awesome and showed me around lafayette when I was visiting the school before making my decision.</p>
<p>I actually took quite a few notes at the parent's sessions which I can post here when I get a chance. The in depth academic advising, however, was done in the student only sessions.</p>
<p>We couldn't attend the advising session as it was between Sr. Prom and graduation. Also, we live in MA, so distance was a factor. Anything you could share would be helpful. My daughter spoke with Dean Robbins over the phone to confirm her course choices, so she is all set with her classes. I would be very interested to hear what parents were told in the sessions you attended.</p>
<p>We attended on Friday, June 9 which was oriented to social science/humanities students. This is an important point because engineers have a different program. The program was well organized and both our D and us felt good leaving campus in the afternoon.</p>
<p>Deans Robbins and Bukics welcomed parents and students at Colton Chapel. We were then split up for a session on academic requirements. Highlights:</p>
<p>-Four courses each semester are norm, not including music. One is First Year Seminar (FYS) course.
-Many options to fulfill language requirement which is demonstrating profiency at intermediate level; preferences will vary by student. A placement exam was given later in the afternoon. For those who hate languages a foreign culture cluster or study abroad options are available.
-One semester of math is required. How to fulfill this will depend on students major and math preferences. A placement exam in calculus was available in the afternoon. It is possible to take Logic or Philosphy to fulfill this requirement but your major may require more.<br>
-Two lab sciences are required. Again many options with science courses for non-science types available.
-In the first semester students should take classes they are interested in.
-Students are not asked to declare a major until sophomore year, second semester.
-Getting to know at least one faculty member was stressed. Lafayette obviously prides itself on close student faculty interaction.
-Assume you did well on APs and sign up for courses accordingly. If you receive bad news in July you can easily drop down a level before school starts.</p>
<p>We then reconnected with our D at lunch. There were information tables set up in Farinon at lunch. Our D connected with Music Dept. and signed up for string group and lessons.</p>
<p>After lunch our D went to a group advisement session and filled out forms to actually sign up for classes. Parents had another session in Colton on learned about resources available for academic and other counseling. We received a realistic and balanced talk on alcohol use and college's efforts to proactively deal with this.</p>
<p>Our daughter skiped the Spanish placement test after meeting with faculty member who reviewed her previous course work and advised her to sign up for advanced Spanish. She then went to a pre-law advisement session.</p>
<p>If you didn't attend Dean Robbins is the one to contact, phone or e-mail for questions and to confirm course selection.</p>
<p>Safisher,
Thank you very much for your thorough account of what happened during advising day. It would have been nice to do it all 'in person' but it seems the course selection and sign up was accomplished by my daughter nonetheless. I would have liked to have learned more about the college - but I guess I will find out first hand as D begins in August.</p>
<p>I think that it would have been nice for my daughter to meet some other incoming freshman. No one from our area (a suburb outside of Boston) is going to Laf. It seems most people around here are headed for the typical NE LACs. Did your daughter speak about meeting other kids who were there? What were her comments? Did she find the day helpful or boring?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Motheroftwogirls,</p>
<p>My D felt more comfortable actually meeting faculty and hearing versus reading course selection advice but all of this can be repeated at August orientation so I don't think missing it is a big deal. She did not have much time to really interact with other students. She had done an overnight last year and had more time to get a feel for the social aspects of Lafayette.</p>
<p>We are actually from California, and coincidentally one other girl from her high school will be attending from her "outer circle" of friends but they are not close. We have many relatives in the NY Metro area and were out for a family event which we combined with the advisement, otherwise we would not have made it out. From my own memories of college you find your social group all through freshman year from clubs, sports, dorms, music, theater and majors with initial contacts not all that important.</p>
<p>Thanks alot candyman92486..Seem like my decision to choose lafayette as one of my choices is rite after reading your post. I've just scheduled an interview with your school. Do you know what sort of questions they usually ask?</p>
<p>Sorry for this off-topic post but tbhnams, are you a Vnmese :D If yes I'm also enrolling in Laf this year :D Feel so eager to visit the campus :D</p>
<p>tbhnams,</p>
<p>All interviewers ask different questions, so I really can't help you by revealing what kinds of questions they usually ask. However, I do have a few tips to help you out.</p>
<p>Prepare questions to ask the interviewer with answers that are not readily available in any college guidebook. Try to show off your knowledge of the school as you ask these questions. For example, "I know that Lafayette has a very successful Division I men's soccer program, and I am very interested in trying out for the team. How do student-athletes say they handle the academic workload considering they have daily practices and games?". Be sure to prepare at least three of these types of questions and use them when the interviewer asks you "So, do you have any questions for me?".</p>
<p>You might wish to "show off" you knowledge of the Economics & Business program at Lafayette (refer to my previous post). Tell the interviewer about why you wish to major in E&B, and what Lafayette has to offer a prospective E&B major such as yourself.</p>
<p>Of course, always try your best to show interest in the college. Proving that you know something about the school always helps, but try to always be smiling and interested in what he/she has to say. Alumni interviewers love to talk about their own experiences, so if something you say excites them, let them talk away!</p>
<p>Most interviewers don't come with prepared questions to ask, but rather let the direction of the conversation lead them to specific questions. My interview was VERY open and informal. She started the interview by asking me "So, J, what should I know about you? Would you mind expanding upon what you listed on your activities resume?" I talked about my time on the varsity fencing team in high school, my involvement in community service throughout the years, and some of the academic honors I had earned.</p>
<p>Most importantly, be yourself and stay calm. If you are a naturally shy person, get over it quickly! There is NOTHING worse than dead silence during an interview. If you have a fear of being asked a tough question, then don't let the interviewer have to resort to such tactics. Keep control of the interview yourself, and don't let him/her lead the conversation. Naturally flow from one point to the next: "Oh, talking about my involvement in athletics reminds me of a time when...". The interview (which usually lasts about 30 minutes) will be over in no time if you heed my advice.</p>
<p>After the interview, do not dwell on the quality of your responses. Even if the interviewer didn't seem to take an interest in what you were saying, don't take that as a sign that he/she didn't think you would be a great addition to the Lafayette community.</p>
<p>I still have trouble believing that we have alumni connections in Singapore...am I wrong in assuming that you are having an alumni interview in or near your home?</p>
<p>Just remember to relax, and make the most of the interview. You might actually find it to be a fun experience!</p>
<p>J</p>
<p>To hlvietlong: yup:)..Im from Vietnam:)..Actually I'm Huong's classmate:)
candyman92486: Thanks again for your helpful post:)..I'm not really sure if lafayette got an alumni network in Singapore or not but after checking out the website, i found out that one of the admission deans will be visiting Singapore during that time so I just asked for an interview with him. Btw, does the school place alot of emphasis on interviews?
Oh and one other question, do you know anything about the double major program and ED? I'm considering whether to apply ED to lafayette and doing a double major (both BA probably). However, i'm applying for aid as well. Would it hurt my chance in applying to the school?</p>
<p>tbhnams,</p>
<p>I am so glad to hear you took the time to set up an interview with a visiting dean of admissions. That shows a great deal of initiative on your part.</p>
<p>Lafayette claims that interviews are meant to answer any lingering questions a student may have about the college, but in reality, they are BOTH informative and evaluative. How important is the interview in evaluating an applicant's chances, you ask? It is definitely not as important as one's GPA, difficulty of courseload, rank in class, and SAT scores, but that does not mean one should take the interview lightly. A good impression during an interview can increase your chances of admission, but will NEVER make or break you.</p>
<p>Your decision to possibly double major would have no effect on your chances of admission nor on the amount of financial aid you would receive if accepted. Anyone can choose to double major, but keep in mind that doing so gives you less freedom in choosing courses as electives each semester. If you wish to declare yourself as a prospective double major on your application, go right ahead!</p>
<p>If you come to Lafayette and later decide not to double major anymore (or wish to change what you are double majoring in), that is perfectly fine. MANY students change their major multiple times before graduating! As long as you fulfill the course requirements for at least one major in four years time, there will be no problem.</p>
<p>If you apply early to Lafayette, the amount of financial aid you receive will be no different than if you apply regular decision. Be aware that applying ED greatly increases your chances of admission. If you are serious about Lafayette and think that the school is a great fit for you, by all means, apply ED. Even though I do not know any of your stats as a college applicant, please know that if any part of your application is lacking (maybe low SAT scores), applying ED is a great way to make up for any limitations.</p>
<p>I would never pressure you into applying ED. Only YOU know how you truly feel about attending Lafayette. Ask yourself: "Can I see myself at Lafayette for four years of my life?" and "Does Lafayette offer everything I want out of an undergraduate education?".</p>
<p>Even if you apply RD by January 1, remember that the college allows applicants to change their applications to ED status by February 15.</p>
<p>Best of luck with your interview. If you don't mind me asking, which admissions dean is taking the trip to Singapore? I am curious!</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<p>J</p>
<p>Why doesn't LC offer Early action? I like the school a lot (will be visiting shortly), but don't like the whole binding thing. I'd just rather find out sooner if I am admitted. I don't think there are rolling admissions are there?</p>
<p>YARRR<em>for</em>teh_pirates,</p>
<p>Lafayette College does NOT offer early action nor rolling admissions. If you do not wish to apply ED, then you would have to wait until April 1 for your admissions decision (unless you are chosen as a Marquis/Trustee Scholar...sometimes, they get earlier acceptance letters than other applicants).</p>
<p>Sorry about that.</p>
<p>J</p>
<p>another quick question candyman,</p>
<p>how hard is it to double major if the majors don't share much in common. I like 2 programs, but they are very different and I want both (not to sound greedy or anything, lol)</p>
<p>also what are the average statistics for merit award winners (marquis scholars?)</p>
<p>how would rank these from a scale of 1-5
1. strong Pre-med program
2. campus location (2 hr drive within a city-at least 100000 people)
3. have a laid-back, friendly, home-like atmosphere
4. weather condition
5. campus aesthetics
6. dormitory cleaness (in general)
7. class difficulty (grade inflation....etc)</p>
<p>Hello again YARR<em>for</em>teh_pirates,</p>
<p>It really doesn't matter if the two majors have "nothing" in common...it doesn't make it any easier or harder to double major. If you like French and Philosophy, go for it! How about Gov/Law and Bio? It's all very possible!</p>
<p>What majors did you have in mind?</p>
<p>For information on the average stats of merit scholarship recipients (Marquis/Trustee), check out the Lafayette website at <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/finaid/scholarships.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/finaid/scholarships.html</a> and pay close attention to the "Who Qualifies?" section.</p>
<p>I know, for the incoming Class of 2010, Marquis Scholars had an average SAT of 1480/1600, and were all in the top 2-3% of their high school classes. Trustee Scholars had an average SAT of 1390/1600, and were all in the top 5% of their high school classes. As you can probably tell from this data, the applicant pool was a strong one this year!</p>
<p>Peace,</p>
<p>J</p>
<p>I was thinking along the lines of Mathematics & economics and Russian and East European Studies. thanks for your help candyman, you rock!</p>
<p>betterday55,</p>
<p>I understand that you live in rural Oklahoma, making it difficult to visit many of the colleges on your list. However, please take the responses to these "ratings questions" (which you posted on numerous college boards) with a grain of salt.</p>
<p>On that note, I will try my best to fairly rate Lafayette College according to my own personal experiences and my knowledge of others' experiences.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I would rank the strength of our pre-med program as a 4 simply because ALL of our science programs are rigorous and thorough. For information on our pre-med program, I encourage you to visit the Lafayette website at <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/academics/dean_of_studies/proadvis/health.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/academics/dean_of_studies/proadvis/health.html</a>. Be sure to peruse the Health Professions Program Handbook for a detailed look into Lafayette's approach. From stats I have seen while working in the admissions office, rest assured that the college's acceptance rate into medical school is astounding. Students are fully prepared for entrance exams (think: MCATS!!!), and often credit Lafayette's broad-based curriculum with their successes in medical school.</p></li>
<li><p>Lafayette is within a 1 hour and 30 minute bus ride to NYC, and is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Philly. I believe that earns Lafayette a solid 5 in this category! Students will go into either city on weekends with friends and enjoy themselves. Also know that many classes take advantage of the campus' proximity to both major cities by extending the classroom learning experience. For my art history class, for example, we took two trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Many economics classes will visit Wall Street and the Stock Exchange.</p></li>
<li><p>Here at Lafayette, we really have such a close-knit, friendly community. Remember, the campus holds about 2350 students TOTAL. This allows students to really get to know each other AND their professors. We pride ourselves on what we call the "Lafayette Experience", and this great sense of community is just one aspect of that experience! I'll be conservative with this rating...give it a 4.</p></li>
<li><p>Weather, you ask? Maybe a 2. We definitely get four distinct seasons here in Easton, PA. In the fall semester, you arrive when the sun is still blazing and the humidity is high. Then fall arrives with more pleasant temperatures. I wish you could see the campus in the fall as the leaves are changing colors...it is really a sight to see! The spring semester starts in the dead of winter. It get COLD, and everyone expects at least a few big snowstorms before spring arrives. Spring weather is phenomenal...period! I like the weather cycle in the northeast because you get a little bit of everything.</p></li>
<li><p>The campus is amazing...a true "sight to behold"! The college is beautifully landscaped year-round. The buildings themselves are both majestic and eclectic. It is a 100 acre campus (pretty small!), so it isn't hard to keep the campus beautiful! Give it a 5.</p></li>
<li><p>Dorms (or as we like to call them, "Residence Halls") are great. Some have carpeting in the rooms. Others offer A/C in addition to heating. They all have great lounge areas and kitchens. I was so impressed by how clean, comfortable, and large the dorms here at Lafayette are. On many of my campus tours, the parents of prospective students often say that Lafayette has the best dorms they have ever seen. Come see for yourself if you don't believe me! A SOLID 4.</p></li>
<li><p>Professors at Lafayette really expect A TON from their students, but offer support every step of the way. The courses are TOUGH...most professors do not hand out "A's" to just anyone. In some courses, you might have to work your butt off just to get a "B". Every professor is different, but in general, they teach some challenging courses. My brain got quite a workout this past semester, but I am looking forward to the rigor of next semester because I know the professors will make their classes as enjoyable as possible. I'd give Lafayette a 4 in this category.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I hope this little bit of information helps you in some way as you begin to narrow down the college list. If I can be of any further help, just holla!</p>
<p>J</p>