<p>Is anybody here considering going on one of the pre-new student week programs (Catalyst, Freshman Urban Program, Project Wildcat)? Or, better yet, have any current students around here been on one of them? I'm really considering going on Project Wildcat... I'm just lookin for some info like if its worth $250 and ending summer a week early, and does pretty much who applies for a spot get one? Or is it actually somewhat competitive to get a spot?</p>
<p>I had been interested in the FUP one. Getting to help out and experience the city would have been awesome. Except there was a conflict, it was going to be too much trouble to get all my stuff moved in since I would need to leave it some where for a week. Yet if it had worked out I definitely would have done one of the programs.</p>
<p>I went on PWild (Project Wildcat) this year, and had an awesome time. I didn't really know anyone before coming, and it gave me a small group of people that I could talk to the first few days during new student week. There's 2 counselors in your group and 8 freshman, generally, so you get to know each other pretty well. I have to admit that I rarely see any of them, but I am still glad that I did it. Last year they accepted almost all (if not everyone) who applied for PWild. If you get your application in on time, you will probably be able to go. I'm not so sure on the specifics of the other programs.</p>
<p>As for leaving a week early, a lot of people will have started school even before you leave for the pre-orientation trip, so all you are missing out on is sitting around your house bored. And some of the programs (at least PWild) can store your stuff in a room if your parents are dropping you and your stuff off before the trip. Otherwise, your parents can just meet you on Move-in Day when you get back.</p>