<p>We will going back to one of the colleges that my D saw this summer. Currently it's here school of choice and she plans on doing ED. It's a reach school but that's not the issue. When we went this summer we didn't think that she was really going to like it. Didn't appear to have the look and feel that she wanted. That's where we were wrong. We did the tour and information session but didn't ask too many questions. Didn't think it was going to be in the tops and the parents and kids where split up on the tour so I didn't see how interested she was. She will be spending an overnight with the cross country team, going to practice with them and attending a few classes. I'm assuming after all this she will still be interested. </p>
<p>So for my question: My husband and I have some questions about the Biology program, scholarships (although I don't think there are any), transportation, and just some general questions about the area. Would if be appropriate to go in to admissions while we are there and see if there was someone who we could talk with even though we have already done the info session? I don't want to be a pain to admissions but do have some questions that I'd like to get answered.</p>
<p>I say ask away. If the admissions staff aren't welcoming, knowledgeable, and able to answer your questions, I would worry. Why don't you call in advance and see whether you can set up an appointment? You might have your D check with the coach or whoever is coordinating her visit to see whether she can meet with someone from the Bio Department as well. Good luck.</p>
<p>ditto zip's remarks. btw....no questions of parents are a pain...that's what CC is for. We've either been through it already, or are in the same boat as you. I doubt there are many questions that haven't already been asked here! Ask away!!!</p>
<p>Plunk yourself down in front of the FA person (or admission's rep) and ask away. At a school the size of the one y'all are thinking about you'll find them quite forthcoming. Personal attention is what they are all about. </p>
<p>It's also not an unknown on CC. jmmom's son did a Katrina year there and I'd p.m. her.</p>
<p>Small school - Bates College so we should get some info I hope. Good idea about making an appt. Thanks. </p>
<p>D will be attending classes and the coach is trying to get her in some bio and math classes since that is where her interests are. We'll know more next week when we get the iterinary from the coach. Thanks to all!!! </p>
<p>I'm really interested in how she would get home on breaks etc. Not sure if there is a way to get to the train station or into Portland etc. I'm NOT driving to Maine from NY everytime there is a break!! Bad parent!! I'd also like to understand the area a bit more. Seemed that there were some areas close to the campus that weren't very nice. Not sure of the crime level etc. both on and off campus. The info session was a bit distracting. There was someone from admissions talking but then there were 2 students also talking and one was operating an overhead but they were going on and off the pages so fast that you couldn't really read it. I was totally distracted with the screen movement!! Guess I'm easily entertained ;)</p>
<p>And don't be too surprised that she likes a school in person that didn't seem right. My d wanted a small school with a strong dance program and no Greek life. She ultimately chose the largest school she applied to, that has no dance program except student-run, and joined a sorority. And she loves it! (BTW, it's University of Rochester!)</p>
<p>Bates is a friendly place, so go ahead and ask away. At less friendly places DD and I had good luck walking around and asking questions. (You'd be amazed at what questions you can get answered that way!)</p>
<p>Great to time to ask all your questions is while she is off doing other things and maybe 1x1. Ask away and she won't be embarrassed at all and you won't be taking time from other student's questions. The only silly questions are the ones for which you walk away without the answer.</p>
<p>Absolutely ask. For my daughter one of the things that heavily tipped the scales in favor of one school rather than another she briefly considered was the friendliness and helpfulness of the admissions/scholarship/finaid people when she had questions.</p>
<p>
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And don't be too surprised that she likes a school in person that didn't seem right.
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Truer words were never spoken in a political year. ;)</p>
<p>Same story. LAC in a town or cornfield, male/female 50/50, no big greek scene. She's in Memphis at a 58/42 school and in a sorority and loving it. At least she is at a LAC. That's one thing that stuck.</p>
<p>If your D can talk to a departmental advisor or prof one-on-one, that may be useful to her, too. S did this and it was instrumental in his decision-making process. If she can find out before she arrives which classes she'll visit, an email to those profs may be a good place to start.</p>
<p>S1 also roamed the halls of the departments he was interested in and read bulletin boards, profs' doors, etc. It gave him some good feedback about friendliness, opportunities and general feel of the place.</p>
<p>S2 (HS junior) has visited some LACs and found them quite eager to sit down one-on-one with him and/or parents.</p>
<p>Thanks to all. I think going during session will have a totally different feel to it then going in the summer. I think one of the reasons that she really likes the school is the coach seems to be interested. Running is a big part of her life and most of her close friends are on the cross country or track teams. She is shy and this is a way for her to have a common bond with others. I wouldn't tell her not to go to a school based off of any of the questions that I ask. After all that is not my decision -- it's her's. I just want to know what I'm getting into. Thank goodness that I still have a cousin in Maine that I can rely on if need be. We did find the biology department website and it was far superior to any others that I have seen for the other colleges that she is interested in. Does anyone think that it is odd for a biology major who really has very little interest in English or History to attend an LAC?</p>
<p>
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Does anyone think that it is odd for a biology major who really has very little interest in English or History to attend an LAC?
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No. The same benefits that accrue to any student attending a LAC accrue to science students. (And the same detriments as well.) If there is research going on at the LAC (not limiting it to Bates), then she'll be able to do research. LACs can be very strong in sciences, and their undergraduate focus can be of great benefit to any student. As long as the curriculum is flexible, she should be fine.</p>
<p>
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Does anyone think that it is odd for a biology major who really has very little interest in English or History to attend an LAC?
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To state the obvious, that depends on the LAC. Some may have a dearth of opportunities for learning outside the structure of the classes themselves while some may be chock-full of research opportunities way beyond the norm. What to do? Check it out using every tool you have. Check out the courses offered for breadth and depth. Most schools have the prof's research areas and labs listed. Many have links to student research. Check and see if the kids get recognition at conferences and poster presentations or science scholarships or awards or summer internships. Check outcomes to grad and pro schools for the science majors. </p>
<p>On a personal note my kid is a science geek and is doing well at a LAC. It will get her where she wants to go.</p>
<p>zip is 100% right in post 2. Consider this one more screening tool to move this school up or down your list. Remember- they are selling a service, and whoever is paying the school bill is the customer. The are selling the service of continuing to prepare child for real adulthood and career.</p>
<p>Also - please re-consider ED. MAny many many posters here have offered their opinion on ED. It's easy for you to research previous threads. Most feel the disadvantages FAR outweigh the advantages.</p>
<p>Hi younghoss. Thanks. Guess I hadn't thought of it as a service. More as an elite club my D was trying to get into. Different perspective. Older child S also did ED. Seemed to work out great for us. We will not qualify for FA. Cost isn't a barrier. Is there another reason to not do ED? Just trying to understand the disadvantages. Looking for anyone who can comment.</p>