<p>Was so poorly done that all I can conclude is that the University wants to discourage people from applying.</p>
<p>Anyone else have a similar experience or was this an anomaly?</p>
<p>I’ve been to one. Fantastic. My guess is it was an anomaly. Don’t let it influence your decision, if you can avoid it.</p>
<p>I’m going to one tomorrow. I’m not all that interested in applying to Yale, but it’s one of the few Ivies that are having info sessions I can attend so I RSVPd. Is it not worth going to?</p>
<p>It’s definitely an anomaly. The info session I attended was absolutely incredible, I came in looking for reasons to not apply and I came out really wanting to attend. The admissions counselor was passionate, expressive and specific about the school.</p>
<p>If you want a more accurate picture of the “real” Yale, I would suggest visiting, taking a tour, and attending an on-campus information session.</p>
<p>Are the regional visits more presentation-based or more q&a-based? I don’t really know much about Yale and would love a presentation that will give me valuable information about the school, but if it’s just a question and answer session, I don’t know if I would gain any useful knowledge.</p>
<p>They go over three main points followed by Q & A after each. Presenters try to be available afterward for more Qs if time allows. The points are Yale and its academics, ECs and other offerings, application process and Fin Aid.</p>
<p>^agreed.
My regional presentation (it could just be this particular counselor) talked a lot too about some of the details and stories about why he loved Yale. His presentation was somewhat structured, but each point he made included a personal story about it.
For example, he talked a LOT about freshmen orientation and how he came to Yale not knowing anyone and his “initiation” into his college. It was very vivid and provided a glowing picture of Yale.</p>
<p>I just got back from the info session and I thought it was really good - not riveting, but informative and even mildly entertaining. Even my mom (who is one of the most hypocritical and unsupportive people ever) got a little excited over the school (and its finaid). Maybe the OP’s speaker wasn’t feeling very awake during the session or something.</p>
<p>Information sessions will influence my decision. Every school has wonderful people, a nice catalog, fine tours and so on. </p>
<p>One of the reasons for going to information sessions is to hear what people from a school think is important about that school and to get a feel for the marketing points that the reps think will sell their school. Who is in the pictures they show? What do they stress about the application? Can you hear them? Does it look like they thought ahead when they set up the room? Do they understand basic norms about how to comport themselves in what is essentially a business marketing meeting? If not, why would anyone want to send his son or daughter there?</p>
<p>Information sessions make substantial demands on everyone’s time, including long drives, and late returns on school nights. Note to college marketing people: don’t waste that time. Do project a basic respect for your audience. Otherwise, how will your school induce enough families to pay the application fee so that you can reject sufficient numbers to raise your rankings?</p>