<p>First of all: YAY! I GOT ACCEPTED! =) I literally walked in yesterday afternoon seeing another package from Caltech. This being my "reach" school, I figured it just contained more information about another aspect of the college. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised!</p>
<p>Anyway, I'm wondering what to expect for Prefosh weekend and debating whether or not to go. Normally I'd be ecstatic and jump at this chance, but as a minor my parents don't trust me to travel by myself, and for them to have to go through expenses for something that will be repeated during orientation seems like a waste of money, especially in this economy.</p>
<p>Anybody have an overview of what's going to happen, and for those of you who went before, share/rate your experiences? Thanks!</p>
<p>It's really just a way for you to meet lots of Techers and see the campus at the same time. Some would say that it's a way to see what life at Tech is like, but I don't know how valid this is because the campus is always understandably more exciting (with more social events planned) over prefrosh weekend. Basically, prefrosh weekend has social activities, (parties, sports, discussions, etc.) and information sessions about majors/student life/fin aid, etc. I think it's a good idea to go if you can manage it, but not essential. What is more important is that you talk to some techers (preferrably from different years) and see what they think of Caltech. Prefrosh weekend is a good way to do this, but it isn't the only way.</p>
<p>PFW was my first time visiting Caltech and while it was helpful, it was definitely not representative of a typical Caltech weekend. The whole student body goes into a party mode, which makes it willing to come out and meet people. Some of the houses like to set up elaborate stunts to shock/abuse the prefrosh. I was pretty ****ed at one of the houses at the time, but it does make for a good story--and it's memorable enough that all Techers in the last 7 years seem to know about this event. The fact that current students are taking a break for their sets gives you an opportunity to talk with them and find out advice and thoughts regarding their experience. I found talking to seniors to be the most helpful for me. By the end of the weekend, I was pretty sure that Caltech was where I wanted to spend 4 years of my life.</p>
<p>If your parents don't trust you to travel by yourself, they are going to have a hard time sending you to college... where you'll do everything by yourself.</p>
<p>Anyway, prefrosh weekend is really important. You don't necessarily have to come during PFW but I do think an extended visit is very important and I think PFW is a great time to do it.</p>
<p>Do go to Prefrosh weekend. Caltech was D's first choice after getting accepted ED, attended Prefrosh weekend and decided Caltech was not for her. She had also visited prior to that weekend. We are glad she knew what wasn't going to be a good fit and she is extremely happy where she is now. Good luck and really try and go!</p>
<p>Prefrosh weekend is very helpful in making a decision. My son's problem was expense in visiting various schools for their admit weekends. He did go to the Caltech weekend and made many friends there. My son came from a tiny place halfway across the country and I was very reluctant to send him on his own, but knew he was just a few months from doing everything on his own anyway. His host contacted him on Facebook ahead of time and that was somewhat conforting. He had only been on a place once before when he was very young, but he managed. Cell phones help a lot. I also gave him emergency numbers of distant relatives in the city where he changed planes and in LA. I worry about everything, so if I can get through it, your parents can too.</p>
<p>This a perfect opportunity to learn how to travel alone. You realize most teens by your age have flown alone without incident. Just do careful planning to allay your parents' fears. Your packet has instructions how to get from the airport to tech and back after PFW. Carry a cell phone. You'll do fine.</p>
<p>Any chance of your parents coming along? there are lot of things for the parents - receptions, free meals, info sessions, etc. I enjoyed last years PFW very much.</p>
<p>Regarding meals at PFW- I remember three free meals: a reception at Tom Mannion's house, a lunch at Dabney Hall and In-N-Out burgers. At drop off - we got a discount voucher at the cafeteria. At parents weekend - we had to pay to eat at the Ath. PFW is definitely the better deal. Once they have you hooked, there are no more free meals :-)</p>
<p>congrats... PFW, like most prefrosh events in general, is pretty awesome, and even if you don't end up going to Caltech you may end up making some unforgettable friends (I know I did)</p>