Hijack - California Dreamin'

Parent Cafe
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<p>I have decided to withdraw all my applications to CA parties and to go out of state instead. </p>

<p>One of my goals is to use parties to get outside my comfort zones, or, more correctly, to make as much of the world as possible – geographically, linguistically, and intellectually – part of my comfort zone. I not only want to travel away to a party, I want to make friends in other areas and maybe live there for a while. I hope to choose parties accordingly. My parents have made their own preferences very clear in this regard, and they are not folks to be lightly reckoned with. They have offered to pay for my transportation to and from this party, although they do still expect me to apply for financial aid. (I am sure that they still love me even though they are really encouraging me to leave my home state for my party, although sometimes it does raise a few doubts in my mind.)</p>

<p>So, I am looking for good parties in the East, South, midwest, and possibly abroad. Could people please help me with suggestions? If I can only take one party tour, which parties should it include? What is the ideal time of year to take this party tour? I may take a gap year before attending my first party, so I have the entire next year to plan and research this topic.</p>

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<p>patient,</p>

<p>I applaud your adventurous party spirit!</p>

<p>Warning: make sure the party is on if you visit. Showing up at an empty dark building will not give you an accurate flavor of the party.</p>

<p>Try to go to a conversation or two. Aske random people how they feel about the party. Sample the onion dip and crudites. Mingle. If you can party all night, this is a great way to get a sense of your fit at the party.</p>

<p>Do not attempt to visit too many parties in too short a time, you will only get a cursory look and won’t have time to talk to people. The important determination is: can you see yourself at this party?</p>

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Oh, I have to say that this is one of the best approaches yet. Perhaps you can stop by when the parties are in session, to see how parties actually progress during the party season, and even participate in some if you call ahead to schedule an info session. (Be sure to check the party websites beforehand and make sure you won’t be visiting when people are at work or school, for instance. You won’t get the true sense of the party under those circumstances, although you will be able to explore the location and get a feel for the size of the party campus.)</p>

<p>Imagine: a gap year to fully investigate which parties you’ll be attending the next year. What a fine use of your time! If I weren’t already a host, I think I’d choose to take this approach. :)</p>

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<p>(great minds… :slight_smile: )</p>

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<p>Maize - this preppy-factor is a good point. What if we get accepted, but then find at the party that all the preppies have better clothes than we do, stick together and treat us like affirmative action admits? How will we have fun at the party?</p>

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<p>Mootmom, perhaps you can take some time during the slow season–you know, after the party applications have been processed and before the decision letters have been mailed–to visit a few on your own as well. I have heard that party adcoms do this sometimes, to keep up to date on new ideas generated by other party administrations. </p>

<p>I will be sure to write a thorough report of my party tour. It is sounding better by the minute. I just need my list of parties from the good and brilliant folks at partyconfidential.com. I certainly appreciate all the great suggestions already received about how to approach this important decision/selection process.</p>

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<p>patient - I am pleased to hear that you have a full year for your party research. You will find that there are significant cultural issues, that you may not be aware of, coming from California as you do. For instance, in other parts of the world, we have “seasons.” This means that there is not one best time of year for your party tour. Here in the NE area, for example, “leaf peeping” is a key season for us. This season even varies within NE - for example, Oct. 3 is “peak” LPP (leafpeepingparty) season in my area, but the season can extend much further into Oct/Nov. further south. Further, you may want to avoid our area altogether between Dec-April if you are seeking an “outdoor” party experience. This season is known in our culture as “snowbird” season when many of the most party-minded evacuate to Florida and the like. You will want to craft your party tour with all of this in mind, ideally moving from area to area to exploit the seasonal factor to its fullest.</p>

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<p>Jmmom, I actually went to a party in the NE some years ago, and I know that of which you speak. I will try to hit that area when the lilac is in bloom, my favorite time of year there–also corresponds to my birthday so perhaps one of the party adcoms will throw me a birthday party while I am there. I scored very high on my NPSQT (that is National Party Scholarship Qualifying Test); I took it before the current PPAT (Preliminary Party Aptitude Test)was instituted. Thanks for the heads up. </p>

<p>Perhaps if I can include some down-under parties on my trip schedule, I shall be able to avoid winter entirely. Are there any good parties in, say, New Zealand? I haven’t heard of any, but then of course my out-of-state search is rather new. And anyway, in the interest of broadening my horizons, it is probably better for me to suck it up and brave the elements.</p>

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<p>I did not apply ED, and I have not yet chosen between the schools. I also have not officially been accepted at the school where I received a likely letter. One of my top choices probably will accept 98% of the apps (everyone but yemayo13). I like both equally, and I want to find out more before I withdraw either app.</p>

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<p>Well, I attended my first CC party today. Had lunch with Courer, Jmmom and another CC mom from last year’s group of parents. It was great fun! Thanks guys - it was great seeing you in person!</p>

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<p>Oh, :cool: Carolyn!!! I’ve never met another CCer. :(</p>

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<p>At the risk of getting flamed at the fondue station, I wish to address a question that is likely on many party applicants’ – and their parents’ – minds:</p>

<p>Does attending the “right” party really enhance the odds of future career success? Is it worth it to “pay up” for the right party, or will my child do just as well in the long run if he parties hard at an in-state party? </p>

<p>I can certainly appreciate the potential advantages of networking with the right people at an elite party. But what have the studies of post-party careers actually shown? Would we perhaps be better advised to save our party dollars to put towards a down payment for a future party house for our child?</p>

<p>Or is the individual attention given guests, and the immersion in a group of similarly talented partiers, worth the additional cost for those four or so hours at an elite party? </p>

<p>Opinions, please? Party costs are getting so out of hand it seems only reasonable to investigate the long-term value of different party alternatives.</p>

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<p>Since jyber209 has already done the can opener work, I’m game. </p>

<p>I went to a top 3 elite party, and - unfair as it may sound - I find that it is easier to get the advantages of life, whether they are career, social, etc - just from that fact alone. I feel bad about it - to be honest, some of the finest people I know partied hard at in-state parties, and, surprise surprise * some who never went to any parties at all are doing very well and are fine, moral, upstanding, happy citizens!* So I am emphatically NOT a snob about it. I do NOT think I am better than the next guy because of the party I went to (and in fact, I’m quite a bit worse, depending on whom I am standing next to). Hey, Jesus, Buddha, Abraham Lincoln, and Mother Teresa did not go to elite parties.</p>

<p>That said, the mention of the party I went to has really opened doors for me. Unfortunately, we have to go war, parties, and life, with the armor we have, and my invitation to the top party (it’s framed, but not in a prominent place in my house, really!) is what I’ve got!</p>

<p>So it’s a tough call. To my mind, one should go to the best party one can, as long as it is a good fit and affordable in some way (loans, etc,). It’ll definitely smooth the way a bit. If not, you may have a bit of a harder row to hoe at first, but after some time, and with some success, you’ll find at the end of the day that it really made no difference whatsoever!</p>

<p>Yemaya - my apologies. I though you had applied ED. Since you didn’t, I firmly agree that you should keep your options open and decide only when you are sure!</p>

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<p>No prob, nedad. I have heard so many stories of people being accepted to a great and prestigious party, being pressured into withdrawing other apps, and then regretting it.</p>

<p>I think the people should go to whichever parties that they like, regardless of how it will affect later success. You should go to a party for the joy of learning and expanding your horizons, not to make connections that will help your career.</p>

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<p>And all the people say “Amen!”</p>

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<p>What have you guys heard about the new SPAT (Summer Party Aptitude Test)? I heard there was a lot more essay. Okay, does anyone know if any of the parties require 3 SPAT II’s, or can I get away with taking only the SPAT I? </p>

<p>Perhaps, I should sign up for a SPAT I prep course…should I SPAT more than once? If I SPAT more than once, do I have to report it? Is high SPATability really an indicator of my success at parties? :eek:</p>

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<p>Sluggbugg: yes, the top parties probably will be requiring three SPAT IIs in areas of your choice (joke-telling, hostess-gift-bringing, etc). However, I am a big fan of the PACT. Since it covers all areas in one comprehensive test, it substitutes even at elite Parties for BOTH the SPAT I and SPAT II. The best part is, unlike the SPAT, you don’t have to send ALL your scores.</p>

<p>The bad part is, like the new SPAT, there is a new writing component. Anyone have any idea what kind of writing prompts they have in mind?</p>

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<p>Prompts:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>You are enjoying a party, when a guest begins on a lengthy joke you have already heard. What do you do, and why?</p></li>
<li><p>A Party invitation can specify “Regrets Only” or “RSVP”. Compare/contrast the two systems from the point of view of practicality for host and guest.</p></li>
<li><p>Which is a worst offense: not bringing a gift, or double-dipping, and why? Back up your opinion with examples from Literature or your own life.</p></li>
</ol>

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<ol>
<li><p>If you had only $10 to spend on party favors, what would you do with the money?</p></li>
<li><p>Name the person in history, living or dead, whom you’d most like to bring to your next party and why. How would you introduce them?</p></li>
<li><p>Write a letter to your future party-mate and tell them who you are and what it will be like to share a party with you.</p></li>
</ol>

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<p>Oh Mootmom, I love those.</p>