My son was fortunate enough to be invited to interview for the Banneker Key scholarship and apparently it’s a full day learning about the school as well. We had previously registered for the March 6th admitted student open house day before we received the BK invite. Is there a benefit to attend both days, or is the open house day no longer beneficial? Thanks.
You might find the admitted student open house beneficial if your S is undecided about Maryland or has not participated in any of the prospective student events, such as Maryland Day in April (last year) or the College Access Conference in June (last year). The information gathered from those pre-admit events about the colleges/schools and academic programs were helpful reference materials. Although my D gained a perspective on the UMCP college experience during those prospective student events, it was an entirely different experience when she visited the college as an admitted student.
During the UMCP admitted student open house, your S will try to visualize himself living and learning at the College Park campus, and hopefully, meet others equally discerning their choice of school. The Banneker/Key event has fewer students attending because of the assigned interview days. The program is structured to meet other B/K scholars (newly admitted and current scholars), and learn about the academic colleges, honors college, and internship and research opportunities. There’s also a campus walking tour available that is conducted by a student ambassador if you and your S choose to participate.
The adventure will truly begin for your S as a Terp during the New Student Orientation program in June. They separate the parents from the students during orientation and that’s when it truly hits you that your S will soon be leaving home for college and you’ve begun the process of really letting go.
Best wishes, and welcome to Terrapin Country!
Edit of duplicate post.
Here is a copy of a previous year’s agenda, compliments of @maryversity I don’t think it changes much from year to year.
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http://www.admissions.umd.edu/page_documents/ASOH_Program_3.8.13.pdf
Thank you for both replies. The open house agenda was particularly helpful and we can compare to the BK Day. But I’m leaning toward attending both days as the open house seems terrific, unless it’s truly all covered the first day.
@terpdad888 I’d recommend you make sure your son sets up the optional overnight visit with a student in the dorms. D1 found that extremely helpful when she was choosing from her “final four”.