Lafayette Questions: Part II - Page 14

candyman92486 · 01-03-2008, 10:11 AM

fencersmother,

An email would suffice...it is never too late for a quick email! A handwritten thank you note seems a bit over-the-top in these technological times.

FYI, whether you realize it or not, even "thank you" emails are printed out and placed in an applicant's folder. I'm not sure how much weight such materials carry, but I thought some people might be interested in hearing that.

- Justin

hudsonvalley51 · 01-03-2008, 12:43 PM

Justin -- My D is beginning to think about scheduling overnight visits to the colleges at the top of her list, which includes Lafayette. Do you have any tips about scheduling these visits -- best time of the year, best day(s) of the week, what to try to schedule while on campus. I guess in the ideal world April is probably the best time, once she has heard whether or not she has been accepted, but family obligations may limit her ability to wait that long. Did you spend a day or so on campus before choosing Lafayette and, if so, did that visit seal the deal for you?

candyman92486 · 01-03-2008, 01:19 PM

hudsonvalley51,

There really isn't a best time or day of the week to schedule overnight visits. Just pick the day that's most convenient for you.

From the Lafayette website:

<<< The overnight program BEGINS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008 and continues through WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008.

Overnight visits are scheduled with a minimum of two weeks notice based upon our availability. Arrangements can be made Sunday through Thursday nights – NOT Fridays or Saturdays. >>>

There are all kinds of activities/lectures/performances going on every day of the week, so trying to find the "best" day is not necessary.

You might ask to have a few meetings set up with certain professors in your daughter's area of academic interest. There will, of course, be opportunities for her to attend any class that interests her. I'm sure her student host will also take her on an "unofficial" tour of academic buildings, dining halls, residence halls, etc. So long as you don't visit during the week of Spring Break, you'll get a good sense of the campus atmosphere.

If you do set up a day, I'd be more than happy to meet with you guys to show you around campus. Just let me know.

I actually didn't overnight at any college I applied to. I probably should have, but I just couldn't find the time. I ended up falling in love (yes...love) with Lafayette after attending an accepted students' day sometime in April. I met with professors, all of whom seemed to take a genuine interest in me and my interests. I spoke with current students, all of whom seemed friendly and down-to-earth. I ate lunch with a professor of English who has now become a mentor and close friend. Most importantly, I left campus with a feeling that I belonged, that I could really take advantage of Lafayette's academic and social opportunities.

- Justin

Megaaadi · 01-11-2008, 10:17 PM

Hey Justin,
How much time will I generally have for extracurricular activities considering that i am engineering major and have work study in my fin aid.

PS. 2000 work study means roughly how many hours a week?

Brooklyn11217 · 01-11-2008, 10:22 PM

Candyman9248:

I am a Lafayette grad, mother of a son on a college search. Are you a student? If so, how do you have time to troll on this Web Site constantly? It feels suspicious. Does Lafayette compensate you? Are you really a student? Smells like propoganda.

candyman92486 · 01-11-2008, 11:04 PM

Megaaadi,

Even our Engineers have time to get involved in activities. Keep in mind that's it's just one more class a semester starting sophomore year than the normal courseload. Just to prove my point: there are many student-athletes majoring in Engineering despite the time commitment of a DI sport.

As for your work study question, it really depends. You don't have to work toward the full $2,000. In terms of hours, on average, it could be anywhere from 5-10 per week depending on how much you are willing to work.

- Justin

candyman92486 · 01-11-2008, 11:18 PM

Oh, Brooklyn11217...

Everyone's a skeptic nowadays, eh? You certainly have every right to suspect some sort of ulterior motive, but about 50 CCers who I've met with in person can attest to my honest intentions. People ask questions about Lafayette, and I answer them to the best of my abilities...it's really as simple as that.

While it might be hard to believe someone would do such a thing without monetary compensation, just know that there do exist people in this world who are nice (read: foolish) enough to do such a thing (read: me). As for my overall speediness, chalk it up to winter break and (during the academic year) my cell phone's instant email notification.

I'm a student, I'm a tour guide, I'm a Lafayette Historian (at least I like to think so...), and I enjoy helping people make informed college decisions (Lafayette or otherwise). The whole admissions process fascinates me, really, so it's quite easy for me to stay so involved.

Continue to be a savvy consumer of information, Brooklyn11217...a few CCers could take a page from your book!

- Justin

tjeff · 01-12-2008, 11:50 PM

Dear Brooklyn:

"Candyman" does seem to be too good to be true, doesn't he? But, he is exactly who he claims to be.

My daughter is a freshman at Lafayette and when we toured the campus two years ago, Justin was our tour guide. Had I not had proof of his existance, I would probably have been just as skeptical as you are when I first read his posts on CC last year. For some time I did believe that his posts were vetted through the admissions office. But, after exchanging several emails with him, realized that Justin is very intelligent, an excellent writer, and very committed to Lafayette.

You should feel comfortable with whatever information he posts here.

haru07 · 01-13-2008, 05:39 AM

candyman92486 is NOT "propoganda"! I've met him in person on campus. I spot him doing tours from time to time, he is very good at walking backwards.

SkyGirl · 01-13-2008, 06:20 AM

Candyman, ur thread has been really helpful! And I for one appreciate ur advices.
But I am not confident about getting into Lafayette. I live in a rural place, and and had a tough time getting out the application fee check to Lafayette with the only one crappy bank near here. Had to go down there 3 times! Anywhere while my transcripts, and online forms were sent in time, the check had to be sent real late. So yeah there goes my chance. My mom cant afford a credit card, so yeah the fee stuff has been a real mess.

candyman92486 · 01-13-2008, 09:45 AM

SkyGirl,

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. Rest assured that a late application fee will not in any way have an effect on your chances of admission. A late essay or Common Application, on the other hand, would be cause for concern!

Believe it or not, the fee may still have been received prior to formal review, while your materials were being sorted by admissions drones in the "back room."

- Justin

Basu · 01-13-2008, 11:34 AM

By admissions drones he means ppl like me

SkyGirl · 01-13-2008, 12:08 PM

Justin,
Thanks for cheering me up

I was really worried and already gave up on Lafayette because of the check!
I am afraid to ask but whn will the formal review have started?

candyman92486 · 01-13-2008, 12:36 PM

Basu,

Hahahahaha....exactly! You are one of the best drones around, though, so don't take offense to my comment.

How's your break going? Working on that RA application I presume?

**********************

SkyGirl,

Admissions officers have been reading ED applications for some time now, and will continue to do so for the next few weeks. Once those are all out of the way, they'll shift their focus to the RD applications.

- Justin

Brooklyn11217 · 01-13-2008, 06:24 PM

Dear Justin,

I do believe in you. I do. Thank you for confirming that you do exist. You are a talented writer, and a very gracious soul. You leveraged your wiley writing talent, and managed to compliment me rather than insult me for questioning your verity. That sort of knack to genuinely disarm people is rare and remarkable.

You may remember that I am a Lafayette graduate and mother of a son-in-search and daughter who will be searching imminently. The connection to LC does not stop with me: my sister graduated in the 70s, nephew in the 90s and niece in 2005. I have a bunch of siblings, nephews and nieces who have attended Princeton, Colgate, Hamilton, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Tufts and the like. My point is that I have a fair amount of experience with college life. I have a tough question. Sexual harrassment was somewhat pervasive at LC in the go-go 80s when I graduated; moreso than among other campuses at the time. Is it within your realm of knowledge and comfort level to discuss how this may have improved, or not, over the past 20+ years?

Best from Brooklyn.