<p>We went to open house for CGS this weekend. I have read a lot of threads on CGS, but none that I thought really captured the spirit, so thought I would characterize for those who can’t attend.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>We have visited perhaps a dozen colleges, some twice. Never in my adult life have I witnessed such clear and honest enthusiasm from a panel including the dean, profs, and students. My impression was that the remarks were generally unscripted, and oozed both sincerity and commitment. </p></li>
<li><p>In a nutshell, the model is quite amazing. Every class is taught by a PhD (no TAs) and every professor is chosen for their commitment to teaching undergrads beginning their college career. Classes are 25 students or less… for freshman and sophomores!!! Students are placed on “teams” which are kept together for a year, and appeared very tight. The personal commitment to students was palpable. The caliber of both the students on the panel, and the students who served as tour guides was simply incredible. To a person, they all acknowledged that at first they were disappointed at not getting their “other” choice (e.g. CAS, COM, MGMT) but looking back, they were absolutely convinced that knowing what they know now they are very glad they began at CGS. None reported difficulty getting through the classes for their major/minor, although one did indicate that because she had changed her mind several times, she was carrying a slightly heavier load for some quarters. She indicated that she was busy, but it was manageable. Yes, tour guides and panelists are obviously a “self-selected group,” but you just can’t fake the level of enthusiasm that was present when they described their experiences. I was also impressed with the breadth of areas addressed in the coursework, and the depth of the writing course in particular. </p></li>
<li><p>When your capstone is complete at the end of sophomore year and you move to your junior year, you can pick any school that you want except CFA. Spots in prerequ courses (e.g. ED 101, Management, etc) are “held” for CGS students to ensure that they can fit them in their schedule. </p></li>
<li><p>The afternoon session was split, with parents separated from students. It was clear that our daughter was not the only one who realized the program was a perfect fit, and had gone from a open minded but a bit disappointed listener to a gung ho supporter. </p></li>
<li><p>As a student who is undecided in major who wants to “experiment” I was initially concerned about the reduced number of electives during fresh soph year. What she plans to do is take one of the two summer programs in England between fresh and soph year, freeing up two additional elective spaces. With these two additional spaces, I think she has plenty of experimental wiggle room. </p></li>
<li><p>Estimates varied, but we were told 50% of students live in West, and 50% in Warren Towers. She plans to live in West, which is right next to the athletic center on a pretty piece of land a bit off Commonwealth. </p></li>
<li><p>The one caveat that we are still investigating is that it appears that some AP credits may not matter as the course that would be considered completed (e.g. AP English) are required in CGS. We are planning to call and clarify this, but it is not a deal breaker. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>We are absolutely sold.</p>