Orientation

<p>What is the deal w/ Tufts Orientation? They seem to have several extra programs that begin before the general Orientation, one where you go camping and something run by the physical education people. Anyone know what the deal is with such things and if they are worth going to?</p>

<p>Tufts offers several pre-orientation trips. My son went on the backpacking trip, which is led by an experienced upper classman, the guide was not a phys ed major. They hiked in a group with about 6 or 7 other Freshman on the Appalachian Trail for 5 or 6 days. It was sometimes grueling, it rained some of the time, the shelters were minimal, it was kind of like Outward Bound. He had the time of his life, the kids really bonded, they are some of his closest friends on campus. He was really glad he went. There are some other less physically demanding programs as well that I'm sure offer similar experiences. </p>

<p>If you like Tufts only half as much as my son, you'll still be really happy there! It's a great place to expand your horizons with some truly outstanding, fun, well rounded, intelligent people. Congratulations on your acceptance! Good luck!</p>

<p>I am going to do the wilderness trip and I am so excited! I figure it's a great way to make a few friends before you get on campus and a great time in the outdoors. Their other pre-orientations are FIT (basically you work out for a week, I thought about this one too), one for the international students (but I'm pretty sure non-internationals can attend too), and I want to say that there is another one but I can't think what it is. I'm sure we'll be getting some big packet about all of them this summer though.</p>

<p>I am interested in attending the wilderness one!! Backpacking around New England with strangers and not showering...sounds awesome. No really it does!</p>

<p>Ok FIT is certainly not working out for a week. If you are interested in this program, I would be happy to clarify.</p>

<p>There's also Focus, right? I think it has to do with hanging out with little kids, or something. It's like a community service program.</p>

<p>I've already said what I thought about pre-ors. Making new friends is great, but just a word of caution: it'll become really inconvenient when you live in Hill and all your wilderness friends live in South. I sometimes have trouble seeing my friends and they live down the hall from me, lol.</p>

<p>For goodness sake you can walk. Its really not that big of a campus.</p>

<p>haha...laziness knows no bounds.</p>

<p>can anyone tell me the actual cost for attending l The wilderness trip. And the expenses for those water proof bags and gears.</p>

<p>I'm not sure how much it costs but I know that it's definitely worth it! I'm sure they'll send out some information soon about all the programs and costs and stuff. I'm a leader in Wilderness so if you have any other questions I'd be happy to answer them!</p>

<p>My day host said the wildnerness program cost about 400 dollars. I don't know about gear or anything, I already have my own; maybe they have something rent for those who dont?</p>

<p>hey TWOJumbo200,</p>

<p>do international students take the TWO? and what is the number of students like?</p>

<p>hey!
while i've never actually met an international student in wilderness, i'd assume the option is open to them. i think most just prefer to do the international orientation. there are 8 students in each group, and something like 25 groups...so about 200 kids. you won't meet all of them, but everyone hangs out before and afterwards, so you'll meet a bunch of kids and get really close to the other 7 in your group. as far as rentals, which i think somebody asked about before, i know you can rent packs and sleeping pads from REI or EMS through the program, so you shouldn't have to spend too much money on gear.</p>

<p>what is FIT like?</p>

<p>I haven't received anythign yet. I've arleady submitted the deposit.. but i haven't received anything else... did you guys already submit your housing form? I"m an international student.. so they might be waiting for my financial statement form.. gosh. what should i do?</p>

<p>I've submitted my deposit and housing form too but haven't heard anything else. I wouldn't worry about it though.</p>

<p>i havent sent my housing forms. but i did send them financial forms 2 weeks ago. so i guess, they r sending me I-20 within this week.</p>