<p>What the point of Alumni? I asked for the ones in my area, 28 in all, so now what do I do?</p>
<p>If a college website provides a list of alumni in your area, you can pretty much bet that those alumni have indicated they are willing to talk to local students who may be interested in the college. If you want to talk to them, I would suggest dropping them an e-mail explaining who you are, that you're interested in the school, and that you would appreciate the opportunity to discuss their college experience. The alum will probably engage in an e-mail exchange that is (hopefully) beneficial. Maybe he or she would even be willing to meet to answer any questions. </p>
<p>Some schools put a lot of stock in an applicant's interest in the school, and I would think that taking the initiative to discuss the school with local alumni would show such interest.</p>
<p>What kind of questions should I ask?</p>
<p>Ask questions to which answers cannot be found on the website - how was the social life? Rigor of courses? Food on campus? Greek presence and influence on campus? Collaborative or competitive environment? Student involvement in outside activities? Things to see and do in the surrounding areas, not from the POV of visitors but from students? Impact of their college "name" on future life? Reputation of your college in their current field?</p>
<p>I would try to contact both some recent and not-so-recent graduates who majored in an area that you're interested in.</p>
<p>Wabash, Since you're looking at H-S and Wabash, I'd definitely ask alumni about what it's like to be in an all-male environment - what are the pluses and minuses. I'd also ask alumni about the alumni networks at both schools, since that is one of their selling points --- how have those alumni networks helped them. I predict, however, that any alumnus who has volunteered to speak with prospective students isn't going to need much prodding to start talking about what they loved about their alma matyr. :)</p>
<p>here's the thing carolyn: I was given a list of 25 guys who attended HSC from 1943-2003 from my home state of AZ:</p>
<p>1943-- 1 email
1951-- 1 no email
1953-- 1 email
1956-- 1 email
1964-- 1 email
1974-- 1 no emil
1975-- 2 no emails
1977-- 1 no email
1978-- 1 email
1979-- 1 email
1981-- 2 no emails
1985-- 1 no email
1988-- 1 no email
1989-- 1 email
1990-- 1 no email
1991-- 1 email
1993-- 1 email
1995-- 1 email
1997-- 1 email
1998-- 1 no email
2000-- 1 no email
2001-- 1 email, but came back undeliverable
2003-- 1 no email</p>
<p>I though these guys stuck together. Guess not. So, now what can I do?</p>
<p>BTW, email/no email stands for email no email address.</p>
<p>I wouldn't be contacting all 25 --- I'm sure things have changed a bit since 1947. :) Did they give you a phone number? If so, I'd just call the three latest guys on the list. Be sure to ask if it is a convenient time to talk when you do call. I also do not think it is necessary to talk ONLY to alumni from Arizona. Ask if they have RECENT alumni who are admissions volunteers.</p>
<p>no phone numbers:( I am in contact w/ a guy who is a student volunteer from NC or SC can't remember. haven't taled to him in like 3 mths.</p>