<p>In a recent college admit day I heard a student say, "I'll always buy the t-shirt just as a souvenir. But if I buy the sweatshirt, that means I'm committed." This observation had the ring of truth: I have lots of t-shirts from visits, but I have yet to buy the sweatshirt.</p>
<p>I have only one college shirt, and I merely have it because it is my father’s favorite college football team and I have had it for years. Once I decide one where I’ll be going (two weeks from now), I’ll probably get something or other.</p>
<p>This may be regional. Students that live in areas where college sports is big business can grow up with all kinds of gear from multiple schools. My kids grew up with tons of VT, UVa, UMDCP, with some SEC and Big Ten thrown in. For them, a sweatshirt is just a sweatshirt.</p>
<p>Having said that, I knew my student had made up his mind when a new set of t’shirt, sweatshirt, hat, decals, and keychain were bought during admitted students days.</p>
<p>At DD’s high school, the girls were allowed to wear the sweatshirt of any college where they had been admitted instead of their uniform shirt. We bought a sweatshirt for every school she applied to and the one rejection she received was from a school that she had decided she did not want to attend–but she had started the application (and paid it) and she had the sweatshirt already!</p>
<p>^ What a great perk for second semester seniors MDMom! It gives them a chance to let their hair down a bit. Those small concessions made by administrators go a long way for Seniors.</p>
<p>I have sweatshirts from two different colleges, one I didn’t even apply to, and none of which I’m planning to go to. I just get them because I thought I would go there when I got in (which is not true). A lot of people from my school wear sweatshirts from the top Ivies (we’re considered a high-achieving school) just for fun.</p>
<p>blueiguanna–It is a great perk and it is good internal advertising because the younger kids get to see where the seniors were admitted (as do any parents who happen to be in the school).</p>
<p>^ my high school does the exact same thing and I go to school in Maryland ! I always thought it was cool to see the seniors in my past yrs wear their college t-shirts with pride. I can’t wait to wear my college shirt this yr.</p>
<p>Haha. That is my belief as well. I have a couple of T-Shirts from several colleges, and I still want to get some from colleges I’ve been admitted to although I’m committing to UCLA already. I would only buy UCLA sweatshirts though.</p>
<p>I probably wouldn’t buy a sweatshirt unless I was accepted and planned to matriculate. Probably the same for a t-shirt.</p>
<p>I bought a Swarthmore coffee mug after my visit, though, because I was enamored. Tempted to get a t-shirt next time I visit.</p>
<p>Sweatshirts definitely are a sign of commitment. My friends and I have waited so long for the day we could proudly wear the sweatshirts from our school of choice… and now, the day has finally come! I’m way too excited about it. haha :)</p>
<p>I’ve had a UVA sweatshirt since 10th grade… Buying a 8ft x 2ft banner sealed the decision.</p>
<p>I’ve been buying t-shirts and sweatshirts from all sorts of places as a souvenir. I really did like all of the schools I toured (except one). For me, the commitment came with stickers and a banner.</p>
<p>i do this too. although i’m only a junior, i buy a t shirt at every college i visit. haven’t bought a sweatshirt yet, although i do know my top choices.</p>
<p>Commitment is the car sticker, absolutely.</p>
<p>If you make your decision by May 1st, then, depending on what part of the country you live in, a sweatshirt may be inappropriate for the season. If you’re in the Northeast, that’s fine. But if you’re in Florida or Southern California, I don’t see it being sweatshirt weather any time soon.</p>
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Yes, if someone has the car sticker, then it’s pretty obvious. The University of Miami keeps sending me car stickers, actually. I don’t know what to do with them…</p>
<p>I bought a cal sweatshirt just because I loved it</p>
<p>I bought a WashU hoodie, but I’m not going there. I liked the school, and I just really needed a new hoodie at the time. The 25% discount helped. Now, ia that the car sticker is definitely the decision. I had to buy a Yale one.</p>