I'll Answer Your Lafayette Questions! Part I

Colleges and Universities A-Z Lafayette College
21

<p>Hello aaron56,</p>

<p>Senior year grades will be placed in the context of your other years' grades in high school. All colleges would rather see improvement from lower grades as a freshman to better grades senior year. A downward trend (it sounds like yours is quite a severe deviation from your previous performance) is not the best. It may seem to admission officers that you got lazy...</p>

<p>I need more information from you, aaron56, in order to really give you any accurate remarks as to your chances of admission. Did you apply ED or RD? How good were your test scores? What were your grades in the previous years? How low did they drop, and for what reason(s) (be truthful, please!). Also, how good did you think your essays/recommendations were? Any other information about what you included in the application (voluteering positions, jobs, clubs, activities, athletics) would make it easier for me to give you my best guess as to your chances of admission.</p>

<p>I see that you are from Nepal...being an international student greatly increases your chances of admission at any college. Keep that in mind.</p>

<p>If you do not wish to share your "personal" information on this board, just shoot me an email at <a href="mailto:saydej@lafayette.edu">saydej@lafayette.edu</a>. I promise to get back to you ASAP.</p>

<p>J</p>

22

<p>Thank you,candyman92486.You are not only smart but also very kind and enthusiastic.I wish I had known you earlier,not after the admission deadline as I did.</p>

23

<p>I just sent you an email.....thanks candyman!!!!!</p>

24

<p>I posted earlier a question about the heavy presence of Greek life on campus. I've seen per centages in the 30's upwards to 50 for sororities. How would one feel on a small campus nnot being part of Greek life? Does it do more to separate groups by economics?</p>

25

<p>Hey bluejay,</p>

<p>I actually responded to a similar question earlier in this thread, so I have taken the liberty of pasting my response here for you:</p>

<p><<< 7. I have no interest in joining a frat myself, but my social life does not suffer in the least. I have many friends who are involved in Greek life, and they are some really cool people. The Greek system is very involved in the social life of ALL students, and really integrates itself into campus life. Honestly, I was initially a bit intimidated by the 6 frats and 5 sororities on campus, but you learn to really appreciate their influence on Lafayette. Rest assured there is MUCH to do on weekends with friends that doesn't involve the Greek system. >>></p>

<p>Please see my previous posts for what there is to do on weekends that doesn't involve Greek life.</p>

<p>Just to add on a bit more information, please know that about 34% of Lafayette students are involved in Greek life. That may seem high, but think about it...two-thirds (a majority) are not in a frat or sorority. I am unsure as to the percentages of males and females in frats and sororities, but rest assured that the 34% statistic is representative and accurate in portraying the presence of Greek life at Lafayette.</p>

<p>Seriously, don't be scared away by the influence of Greek life on campus...by not isolating themselves from the social scene and forming cliques, all students benefit socially. In response to your inquiry on Greek life "separating groups by economics", I can tell you that most people involved in the Greek system are white and preppy. Sadly, I think that is how it is at most colleges. I know from friends at other colleges that most frats and sororities are the same in terms of member demographics.</p>

<p>Unless I am misinterpreting the last part of your question, I really don't think economics has anything to do with anything. It does cost a few hundred dollars to join a frat or sorority (the $$$ goes into a budget for planning programs and to pay the PERSONAL CHEF!). Other than that, anyone can decide to join. Nobody really cares how much money someone has, and since people not involved in Greek life can be just as well off as those who are involved...does any of this make sense? Am I totally going in the wrong direction here? If you could reword your question in some other way, I would be more than happy to attempt another response.</p>

<p>Until then,
J</p>

26

<p>Thank you for your previous answer,candyman92486.My Lafayette application is almost complete,but for the SAT scores.</p>

27

<p>Dear Candyman,</p>

<p>Hello! My name is Stephanie. I am currently a senior at a Public High School in PA. I have applied to Lafayette college under the regular decision plan. As a student I hope to study biology, with a possible international relations minor. I visited Lafayette over the summer and really liked the "feel" of the campus. During my visit, I also participated in an interview with the college Chaplain. Additionally, I sent an email to to my regional director to introduce myself and recieved an email reply back. I do not know if you answer individual admission chance questions, but if you would be willing to look over my STATs and give me your honest opinion on my chances of being admitted, I would greatly appreciate it. </p>

<p>Note* I know that my SAT scores are considerably low for Lafayette. I took the test multiple times and took a review couse, but I am just not a strong test taker. </p>

<p>Academic Stats:
GPA: 4.264 (weighted) 4.0 (unweighted)
Rank: 52/535 (as of last year, updated with mid-year report)
Current Schedule: AP Calc AB, Psychology, Statistics, AP English Lang, Chem 2 Honors, AP Biology
SAT:
Math - 550
Critical Reading - 700
Verbal - 620
ACT - 28</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars (In school)
NHS Member (Junior/Senior Year)
Club Ophelia mentor (senior year)
Student Ambassador (soph-senior)
Yearbook (freshman-senior, currently senior editor)
Key Club (soph-senior, currently secretary)
Class Government (fresh-senior)</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars (out of school)
Hospital Volunteer (200+ hrs, 2005 Volunteer of the Year)
Silver Award recipient (2005)
Vacation Bible School Teacher (2004, 2005)
Girl Scout Camp Counselor (2003, 2004, 2005)
Youth Group Member (have been on numerous retreats, currently helping to plan missions trip)</p>

<p>I have participated in leadership conferences such as the National Student Leadership Conference (2004) and the Summer@Brown Leadership conference (2005)</p>

<p>Thank you very much. I appreciate the input of a current lafayette student.</p>

28

<p>Hey Stephanie!</p>

<p>I saw this post in the other thread, but just could not find the time to respond...I have been quite busy lately!</p>

<p>Let me start out by saying that I like the fact you sent an email to your regional admissions officer...it only takes a few minutes, but it shows great initiative.</p>

<p>Please keep in mind that I have no hand in the admissions decisions here at Lafayette...I only work in the office and see/hear what goes on. My guess as to your chance of admission is simply my opinion based on what you have presented in your post.</p>

<p>With that said...</p>

<p>I can tell that you did well in high school. You worked hard, put in the effort, and it shows. Nice GPA, solid rank. How competitive is your "public high school in PA"??? Do most students strive to do well? I would like to see your GPA/rank in context. Remember, grades matter the most when applying to any college, so you got it where it counts!</p>

<p>I wish I knew how demanding your course schedule was in prior years. Did you take other APs than the ones you are currently taking? How many Honors courses did you take? Having a high GPA is only half the battle...how hard was it for you to achieve that GPA (it depends on the courses you took!). As for your current schedule, I like all those APs...how are you doing with such a demanding schedule? You seem to really be pushing yourself academically...colleges appreciate that!</p>

<p>How did the interview with the college Chaplain go? Why were you not interviewed by an admissions officer? How did it go? Were you asking most of the questions? I am intrigued...</p>

<p>Your SAT is obviously not the best, but I disagree with you that they are "considerably low for Lafayette". The median SAT range for Verbal for the Class of 2009 (my year!) was 610-700 and 640-730 Math. Your Verbal score is respectable at a 620. You are along the median with that one!</p>

<p>The Math score is quite a shame...of all the parts on the application, the Math score is something that can usually be increased if the student puts in some effort. Even after taking a prep course, which usually teaches some good tricks for scoring higher on Math, you just couldn't pull it out. I really feel for you, Steph...some students just don't take standardized tests well, no matter how hard and how many times they try. </p>

<p>VERY IMPT: WHAT GRADES DID YOU GET IN YOUR MATH COURSES? HOW ARE YOU DOING IN CALC AB? IF YOU ARE DOING FINE, THEN THAT MATH SCORE WILL CARRY LESS WEIGHT! </p>

<p>The Critical Reading score of 700 is nice! Don't dwell on that math score when you did so well on this portion of the SAT. I just wish you had put "English" or some other humanity as your prospective major on your application because it would "make more sense" according to your SAT scores. Continuity in an application is important, and the fact that you wish to study a science might cause some confusion when the SAT shows that you should be doing otherwise...</p>

<p>Don't you just hate the SAT???</p>

<p>I like that you have some longer-term extracurriculars. NHS...how many students are admitted? Are you one of ten, or one of one hundred?</p>

<p>I did a bit of research on Club Ophelia...why did you only participate in this activity your senior year? It just seems you might be trying to pad the application last minute with that one!</p>

<p>Your participation in yearbook all thoughout high school shows commitment and perseverance. YOU ARE SENIOR EDITOR! Be proud of that! That is quite an achievement, and your efforts will be noted by the reader of your application.</p>

<p>I hope you clearly explained your role at the hospital on your activity sheet because you seem to have spent a good deal of time there.</p>

<p>I am sorry to tell you this, but that National Student Leadership Conference does not help you IN ANY WAY in college admissions. The same goes for the Summer@Brown Conference...doesn't say much about you except that you've got some spare change to play around with. I guess it is better than doing nothing during the summer, but there are many other (better) ways in which you could have used the summer to strengthen your applications to colleges.</p>

<p>When all is taken into consideration, I honestly am "on the fence" about your chances. I mean, you have a SOLID academic performance (don't get me wrong...), but other areas just don't hit me as anything special. You don't stand out as a "Must Admit", but you definitely are not on the "Throw Away" pile, either. I'd say your chances of admission are around 60%. You have what is takes, but on paper, you could get mixed in a pile of similar applicants.</p>

<p>PLEASE, remember how difficult it is to get into Lafayette. MANY students are turned down simply because there just isn't enough room on campus for more than 2,200 students (total). </p>

<p>BTW, what other schools did you apply to? Was Lafayette one of your top choices? If you had really wanted to go to Lafayette, you should have applied Early Decision (I think you might actually still be able to change your RD application to ED by February 15). Your application, if it had that ED stamp on it, would have given you a much greater chance of admission (around 75-80% I'd say).</p>

<p>Steph, I am so sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear...college admissions is not always a fair process, and students who really care (such as yourself) are sometimes lost in the process.</p>

<p>With that said, I wish you only the best...may everything work out in the end. Just know that I'll be rooting for you all the way!</p>

<p>J</p>

29

<p>Although I was a little discouraged by your response, thank you very much for taking the time to evaluate my chances. I really attach a lot of crediblity to your thoughts, especially becuase you work in the admissions office. I went through your list of questions and just thought I would respond to them. </p>

<p>I believe that my High School is fairly "competitive" compared to other high schools in the immediate area. According to my school report, about 59% of the student body continued their education at a 4-year colleges last year. For the class of 2005, the average verbal SAT score was 517, the average math, 526. Last year, "popular" college choices included Bucks county community college, Penn State, Bloomsburg, and Kutztown. My school offers a total of 11 AP courses. </p>

<p>I took all Honor's core classes (math, science, history, english) my freshman, sophmore, and junior years. I have also taken 1/2 year elective courses such as including photography and advanced health. I did not take an AP classes before this year, though (something I truly regret and believe will hurt my chances at Lafayette). I earned A's in all of these classes (A ranges from 90-100%)</p>

<p>As I mentioned in my inital post, I am taking AP Calc, Ap Bio, and AP English Lang. So far I have gotten all A's this year. Yesterday, report cards came out. My cum GPA increased to 4.477. Class rank has not be recalculated, but will be updated on mid-year reports. </p>

<p>I believe that my interview went well with the college chaplain. We talked about how I earned my silver award, other community service activities, and my couse selection. I am not sure why the Chaplian conducted my interview. He was just the one who came out to get me. I did not request to be interviewed by him. I asked him questions about Lafayette's clubs and reasearch opportunities. </p>

<p>You know that I am concerned about my SAT scores, although my ACT score is slightly higher than my SAT score. I am not really sure what to say about my SAT scores, they are just not very good. I am currently excelling in AP calc, so hopefully that will compensate partially for my poor SAT math score. </p>

<p>I understand what you mean about my low SAT math score and applying for the Biology program. My giudance counselor and I also recognized this inconsistency, but he told me to apply as a Biology major, primarily because I have excelled in Biology at school and many of my essays focused on my interest in a science/medical field. This will probably hurt me too. </p>

<p>On to my extra curriculars (sorry about the excessive length)
I would estimate that there are about 55-60 out of the 535 seniors in NHS. In order to be a member of NHS, you must be a junior or senior, have a certain number of points (obtained from community service), two letters of recommendation and a cum of at least 3.6. In order to remain a member of NHS, you have to participate in at least 5 NHS run activites through out the year. Right now we are planning our annual auction for the Kelly Ann Dolen Memorial society. </p>

<p>Now for club Ophelia, I agree that this does look like a "resume booster"...but..luckily I included an extra write-up on this activity with my application. The Pennridge School District just implemented this program in September in response to the the rise in physical and verbal abuse among girls in the district's middle schools. Six Senior Females were personally selected by the high school guidance office to be mentors in this program. I went into detail about this program in my application. </p>

<p>I also attached an extra sheet explaining my role as a grand view hospital "volun-teen"</p>

<p>I was extremely disappointed to learn that my leadership conferences will not help distinguish me in the admissions process. I have been involved in community service activities (girl scout camp, vacation bible school, volunteering at the hospital) during the summer. I guess my time would have been better spent pursuing international missions trips etc. rather than personal enrichment opportunities. This will probably hurt me too</p>

<p>You also asked about what other schools I have applied to. I have also applied to Ursinus College, Franklin and Marshall College, Lebanon Valley College, Delaware Valley College, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Bucknell University, and Colgate University. I have been accepted to Ursinus under their Priority Select Program (non-binding obviously), Delaware Valley College, and Lebanon Valley college. Lafayette is my second choice, after Colgate. If I do not get accepted at Lafayette, Colgate, or Bucknell (which seems to highly probable at this point) I plan to attend Ursinus (I did like Ursinus, its just not where I initially pictured myself). I am torn between colleges, so I am hesitant to apply early decision. </p>

<p>Also, judging from your experience, how much weight do you believe that the admissions office places on teacher recommendations and essays. I believe that my teacher recommendations are strong. I wrote me supplemental essay about the Club Ophelia program. In my common application essay, I evaluated a significant experience. I wrote about how I ran for senior class secretary and how running required my to step outside of my comfort zone. In the end, I did not obtain the position, but learned that losing is not the worst thing in the world.</p>

<p>Again, candymann, I would like to thank you for taking the time to respond to my initial post. If you have time, I would appreciate a response to this post, but if not, no problem, I understand college life is extremely busy). </p>

<p>Thank You,
Steph</p>

30

<p>Steph,</p>

<p>I am in awe of your response...I think it rivals all of my posts up to this point in length! After reading your comments a few times over (I wanted to make sure I understood all of what you had to say!), I thought of some additional things I wish to share with you.</p>

<p>While I am thinking of it, I guess I'll share a bit more information "from the inside". I was working in admissions yesterday and was able to take a peek at the master list of admissions decisions, many of them for RD candidates. After flipping through it quickly (it was hundreds of pages long!), I came to the conclusion that admission into Lafayette this year is ultra-competitive. We got a ton of applicants for the Class of 2010, and stats (GPA/rank/SATs) were surprisingly high for many applicants (higher than my year for sure!).</p>

<p>In short, getting in just got a little tougher here at Lafayette, but don't let your hopes down yet!</p>

<p>From what you have said in your post, Steph, your high school is "above average". The public high school I went to would be considered somewhere between "competitive" and "very competitive" by Lafayette, and 96% of my class went on to college! Our average SATs were around 600 for both Math and Verbal (I'm not sure as to the exact figures, though). We usually get a good amount of Ivy acceptances...in my class of 283 students, I can think of about 20 Ivy acceptances and MANY upper-tier acceptances as well (Georgetown, NYU, Swarthmore, etc.) My high school offered about 15 APs.</p>

<p>I am just trying to place your high school in context, against "competing" high schools that wish to have their students go to Lafayette. Then again, you really didn't have much power over which high school you attended, did you? What admissions officers want to see is that you took advantage of all your particular high school has to offer.</p>

<p>Your grades are your strong point, and that is where it counts! Even though you may be a bit disappointed with yourself over not having taken a few more APs, three out of eleven is better than many Lafayette applicants (believe it or not!).</p>

<p>Hey, I am so glad to hear you are excelling in your Calculus class...that SAT Math score will be overpowered by an "A" in that course! You know, MANY Lafayette students come in from high school not having taken calculus, let alone AP Calculus. You are in the minority in that respect, which in this case is a great thing!</p>

<p>I am glad to hear your interview with the college chaplain (was it Rev. Colatch?) sounds like it went well. Keep in mind that about half of the applicants to Lafayette are not even offered an interview simply because there just isn't enough time to interview everyone. The fact that you had an interview with someone from campus is a plus, as long as you think it went fine overall.</p>

<p>I agree with your guidance counselor that your application has that inconsistency in what your scores show and what prospective major you selected on the application. The fact that you wrote about your interest in the science/medical field will most likely compensate for any apparent inconsistencies, though.</p>

<p>NHS seems like a fine addition to the r</p>

31

<p>Justin,
First, I want to start off by thanking you for your time and well thought out responses. Your replies have been very educational, particularly as they relate to the admissions process. While my son is already accepted ED at Lafayette, in two short years I'll be starting this process again with my daughter. </p>

<p>Next are my questions: Are students who have been accepted ED considered for Marquis and Trustee scholarships? If they are, are they judged equally with the accepted RD candidates? From what I can tell by the posts here, the scholarships seem to be used as a tool to encourage top RD candidates to enroll at Lafayette. </p>

<p>I thank you in advance for your response and perhaps we'll get a chance to meet you at the April 23rd Experience Lafyette Day.</p>

32

<p>Hello joinville,</p>

<p>Congrats to your son for being admitted ED! You must be so proud of him (and relieved that the process is over, if only for a short time).</p>

<p>These are some really great questions that required me to stop by the admissions office earlier this morning. As you might already have found out from previous posts, I was given a Marquis Scholarship after applying RD. I know many other Marquis/Trustee Scholars, and off the top of my head, I honestly do not think ANY of them applied ED.</p>

<p>Interesting, huh?</p>

<p>Well, after doing a bit of snooping, I found the exact statistics for these scholarships over the past few admission cycles. It turns out that the merit scholarships are given out in a MUCH higher percentage in the RD round (I really don't think I should be sharing any specific percentages, though). I have taken into consideration the fact that the ED group is much smaller, and took the time to calculate actual figures for both rounds of applicants in terms of scholarships per student. In this way, the size of each round is negated (obviously the RD round is larger and should receive more scholarships, but proportionally, RD applicants get the bulk of the scholarships).</p>

<p>Why might this be so? Why are ED applicants given the short end of the stick?</p>

<p>If an applicant is admitted ED, they are BOUND to accept Lafayette's offer of admission. Even if they don't receive a dime in merit/need-based aid, they really have no choice...we got them to commit. Why would any college use up their limited number of scholarships on those applicants not in need of persuasion? Sadly, as I found out today, this is common practice at almost all ED/RD colleges.</p>

<p>The merit-based scholarships are meant to entice top applicants to come to Lafayette. These types of students usually get many great offers from many great schools, but we hope that $8,000/year or even $16,000/year might be just enough to turn the tides in Lafayette's favor.</p>

<p>Also, the school is always hesitant to give out many of the scholarships ED because they never know how the overall quality of the RD applicant pool will be. Maybe many RD applicants will be stellar students, or maybe it will be a "slow year". Admissions needs to keep the bulk of the scholarships on hand just in case many applicants from the RD pool prove to be exceptional students (at least on paper!). </p>

<p>Although this practice may not seem fair, since when has the admissions process claimed to be fair? Just asking...</p>

<p>I hope that answers your question. Maybe we'll be seeing each other on April 23, as I will most likely be leading tours that day.</p>

<p>All the best,</p>

<p>J</p>

33

<p>How helpful is it at Lafayette if a parent graduated from the college?</p>

34

<p>Hey Scrowman,</p>

<p>I am surprised it took as long as it did for someone to ask the infamous "legacy admission question"! You win the prize for being the first...don't you feel special? </p>

<p>The power of being a legacy applicant can't be denied. Here at Lafayette, legacies get a MAJOR boost in the admissions process because of the support the college receives from its alumni network (alumni help with off-campus interviews, offer internship opportunities for students, donate big bucks, etc.)</p>

<p>The increase in a particular applicant's chances of admission depends on the extent to which their parent (a Lafayette alumnus) is still involved with the college. Obviously, if the alumnus donates like crazy and has buildings named after him/her, chances for admission are 99.9% for that legacy applicant.</p>

<p>If an applicant's parent is involved in a smaller way (helping to organize alumni affairs, for instance), the chances are given a decent boost. This boost could definitely spell admission for a legacy applicant who otherwise would not have been considered, let alone admitted.</p>

<p>As for legacies with parents who choose not to maintain ties to Lafayette, chances still are given a boost, albeit a slightly smaller one. However, it could easily mean the difference between "ADMIT" and "REJECT".</p>

<p>Does all this really seem fair? Of course not! Applicants should not be admitted due to the qualifications or connections of their parents, but sadly, the practice of admitting legacies happens at every college and university. Here at Lafayette, being a legacy means A TON, more so than at most colleges simply because of Lafayette's obligation to "pay back" those alumni who are still involved in one way or another by admitting their children.</p>

<p>As you can probably tell from my post, I was NOT a legacy at any of the colleges/universities I applied to. Even legacies recognize how unfair the whole practice is to other, more qualified, applicants.</p>

<p>Allow me to illustrate a situation which happens all the time in admissions here at Lafayette (and other colleges across the nation). Two applicants are vying for a single spot in Lafayette's incoming Class of 2010. Applicant A is male, white, has a combined SAT of 1420, GPA of 3.82, and rank of 32/274. Applicant B is also male, white, has a combined SAT score of 1230, GPA of 3.21, and rank of 153/274. Both applicants go to the same high school, and their family incomes are equivalent. They are involved in many of the same extracurriculars, both are involved in a varsity sport, and both volunteer regularly in their community.</p>

<p>Who do you think will be admitted?</p>

<p>That doesn't seem that difficult, now does it? Well, what I forgot to tell you is that Applicant B's parents both went to Lafayette. Neither parent, however, maintains ties to Lafayette. Applicant A's parents are both graduates of very prestigious schools, but neither attended Lafayette.</p>

<p>Do you see where I am going with this one?</p>

<p>Applicant B would be admitted over Applicant A, even though Applicant A is obviously more qualified and would most likely perform better academically during their four years here at Lafayette.</p>

<p>Damn, when are they going to figure out how to fix this whole process so that "stuff" like this doesn't happen? I don't know about you, but it honestly makes me sick just thinking about the prospect of a less qualified and less deserving applicant being admitted over a harder working, more determined applicant.</p>

<p>There's my rant...hope you enjoyed it!</p>

<p>J</p>

35

<p>I am an alum- my son has applied regular admission but has lately started to lean toward the college. This was a surprise to me- I did not push him toward the school but took him to visit when we were "on tour". He is in top 10% of his HS class, takes all honors and AP courses- SAT-720 Math, 590 verbal, 650 writing, 29 on ACT- tennis team and a very good bass guitarist. I would think he would get into Lafayette on merit but I also would think my being a grad would tip the scale so to speak. I have contributed to the school minimally over the years and was an alumni interviewer many years ago until I got disgusted with the process. Anyway- you seem to have a pulse on the admission process and I'd appreciate your thoughts. BTW- his first choice was Vanderbilt but he's having second thoughts (distance from girlfriend I believe).</p>

36

<p>Scrowman,</p>

<p>I actually had a feeling while writing my post that you were asking about legacies because it pertained to you specifically...it turns out I was correct!</p>

<p>I hope you did not take offense to my post, as I let my disgust for legacy admittance get the best of me. I did not intend to insinuate, in any way, that all (or even some) legacy applicants are "stealing" spots away from more qualified applicants. There are many legacies, such as your son, who really do not need that "extra push" to get in. He would have had a great chance of admission based on his own merits, for sure.</p>

<p>It sounds as if your son is beginning to lean toward Lafayette for his undergraduate education. Good for him! I really respect you for not pressuring him into attending Lafayette...you are doing the right thing by letting him "feel it out" for himself. </p>

<p>Vanderbilt is a great school as well...what is your son thinking of majoring in? If he is undecided, what are his interests?</p>

<p>If you do not mind me asking, what exactly "disgusted" you about the interview process? I was thinking of becoming an alumni interviewer after graduating from Lafayette, so I am eager to hear about your experience.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>J</p>

37

<p>No offense taken- I tend to agree with you actually.
Well my son applied to Vandy ED so if he gets in- he's going. I guess that's a whole new thread-what happens when you change your mind after getting in ED to a school. Anyway- my son is undecided on a major although he leans to math and science- maybe engineering but he has a music interest as well. (Hence Vandy as a good opportunity).
My experience with the Alumni interview process was negative because I felt that the staff didn't care about my input- I felt they thought I was just there to sell the school and make their job easier. I expected them to think more about what I thought as to whether the applicant was a "good fit" apart from the usual stats. Maybe their idea was that I was to be an ambassador but I was busy too and after a while, I believed it was a waste of MY time. One person in particular REALLY wanted to go to Lafayette, I made calls for him etc. and he was rejected- that was the last straw (he went to Holy Cross)
BTW- Lafayette is a far different place than when I was there. The facilities are fantastic- especially the sports center and the student center. And the dorms are palaces compared to what I remember. I was in South College as a freshman and it's nite and day. And of course- it was all male in the 60's! Ha!</p>

38

<p>Justin let me begin by thanking you for the well considered replies you have been providing to the posters. You seem very warm and caring. I am Dana's Dad and I have a question that only an ole jaded attorney would ask. How can a young man with only four months at a college know as much as you purport to know about the inner workings of the admin process? How do you have access to the confidential statistics you have been citing? What is your job in the admin office? Do you believe that the Dean of Admissions would feel comfortable with the information you have been providing to the propective students? Your opinions voiced based upon your brief experiences are of course subjectively valid for you but is your information based upon objective evidence that you are allowed to be privy to as a first semester Freshman?</p>

<p>Please understand that I admire your desire to help and the truly warm expressions to all of the posters and for that I thank you. I just want to understand your bona fides to render your statistical opinions versus your opinions on dorm room size etc. I hope you do not read any meanspirited motives in this posting. It's almost like you are a member of the admissions inner sanctum. Dana's Dad</p>

39

<p>Dana's Dad,</p>

<p>I completely understand how you might be skeptical as to my credentials. I am, as you know, a first-year student. You are correct when you state that I have only been at Lafayette for about four months, so your concern over the validity of my responses is well-taken.</p>

<p>Let me start out by saying that I am glad you are taking such a fatherly role on these message boards. After all, you never know what your daughter may be reading and/or believing. There is A LOT of incorrect information on this website, and as a member of an internet community, one must be able to differentiate the facts from the lies and exaggerations found on such a site.</p>

<p>I took a great interest to the college admissions process from the moment I began looking at colleges in my sophomore year of high school. I read anything and everything relating to the process, and was always eager to learn more. By the time I had decided on Lafayette, I must have read thousands of pages on how to write college essays, how to take the SATs, how to fill out each part of the application, how to put together an appropriate resume, how to conduct oneself during an interview, etc. Even after reading all I could find on the subject, I still felt the desire to learn more.</p>

<p>As a tour guide, I was required to study all aspects of Lafayette College before I could lead prospective students around campus. I know WAY too much about Lafayette, and love to share my "wealth of knowledge" during tours. I was determined to start giving tours ASAP, and within a month after arriving on campus, I had reached my goal.</p>

<p>As part of being a "tour guide", I find myself spending too much time in Markle Hall, home of the Office of Admissions. When I am not giving tours, I am answering phone calls, working the front desk, entering applicant data, or organizing/opening/filing the mail as it arrives to make the jobs of the admissions officers a bit easier.</p>

<p>I am amazed, as you are, at the amount of information I learned about the admissions process within a few short months. You must understand that, when I am not in class or doing homework, I spend the majority of my free time in the admissions office. I have always been a very curious and observant person, so naturally, I caught on quickly. The employees are always willing to answer my questions about how the process works, and they seem to have no problem sharing what they know (even if that means helping me look up specific percentages).</p>

<p>Any and all information that I have divulged on these boards is "fair game". I have NOT given out any pieces of confidential information. Nothing I have said up to this point would be cause for concern...I know this as a fact because everyone in the office is aware of what I do on this website. They are very pleased that I have taken on the added responsibility of answering prospective student questions on this board. They were actually considering hiring a person to do what I am doing for free.</p>

<p>ALL of the information I share is readily available if someone really wants to know. It might take a bit of effort to find out some of the smaller details, but it is out there...you just have to know where to look. So far, the only data I have EVER cited has been from personal experience or readily-available college factbooks. I base all of my hypothetical situations/generalizations on real data, but have never actually divulged the actual figues. Saying that some rate is "HIGH" and another is "LOW" really doesn't give anything away.</p>

<p>As you pointed out in your post, my ". . .brief experiences are of course subjectively valid. . .". When I tell someone what I think their chances of admission at Lafayette are, I am pulling from the knowledge that I have collected from the moment I began my college search three years ago. Three years is a lot of time to gather a lot of information if you have the determination and drive to do so. My opinions are as valid as the opinions of others when it comes to evaluating someone's chances of admission.</p>

<p>Dana's Dad, I know that I still have much to learn about the whole process, but I think I have enough knowledge to answer the kinds of questions asked in these forums with a sufficient amount of detail. I can only hope that the information I provide will prove useful to those asking the questions.</p>

<p>At this point I can only dream of being in the "admissions inner sanctum". Until then, I'll have to settle with what I've got.</p>

<p>J</p>

40

<p>Justin: </p>

<p>Great reply to my recent comments. You took my input and responded in a very cogent manner. Keep it up Justin and I'll give you a job in my lawfirm. We are heading up to Lafayette in April for a campus tour and an info session and my daughter Dana is very excited about the prospect of applying to Lafayette next fall. Most likely she will have her interview and an overnight stay in September.</p>

<p>Perhaps you will be our tour guide or we will meet you at the admissions center.</p>

<p>Regards, Dana's Dad</p>