<p>It is so refreshing when you drive for hours, pay the money to stay in a hotel far from home, and you get a tour where everything goes right. That's what happened when my junior son and I from NJ visited George Mason last week. The campus was drop-dead beautiful. How did they get the leaves to stay on the trees just for us when everywhere else was bare? </p>
<p>The tour began in the Johnson Center -- bright and beautiful, and so welcoming. There were logoed-shirted people everywhere with big real smiles waiting to greet you, recognizing where you came from. You received a George Mason backpack, already stuffed with your brochure, a pen, brochure and car window decal. (Talk about GREAT marketing -- and I am a 25-year veteran in marketing.) After a warm admission counselor talk, you were divided into groups with perky tour guides. We selected the one who had debate team experience even though he was only a freshman. He was PHENOMENAL. If only the other colleges we've visited could hear how genuine and informative this kid was. He was so glowing, yet also very honest and genuine - BRAVO, Carlos!</p>
<p>The tour went over 1-1/2 hours, and Carlos even took the tour to his own dorm room so you could see what a real freshman dorm room was like, stinky socks and all. While on tour, the president of the university walked over and introduced himself to make us feel more welcome. It worked. Everyone there seemed genuinely happy and having a good time. And talk about great programs -- abroad, internships with top firms, and lots of school spirit about athletics.</p>
<p>All in all, this college said all the right things, showed the right things and made it extremely personal yet professional. It is on our A list, near the top. KUDOS!</p>