<p>Hello.</p>
<p>I am one of the aforementioned CC posters/lurkers.</p>
<p>I second the notion that the website is much better than us outsiders, however I will delve:</p>
<p>Regarding the application process:
Writing the six essays is reasonably tough; tougher than all of the other applications I had to fill out. This being said though, it is not nearly as hard as it used to be. In the past 20 years it has gone from around 14 essays to 10 to 7 to the current 6 (at least from what I have been told [there is much Deep Springs lore, just like any other college]). The visit was more than worth the sweat n’ tears.</p>
<p>One thing that I think is important to note is that the school changes tremendously with the turning of the student body. While interviews in the past may have been two hour drags through the meaning of life, this years interviews were 45 minute proddings of your essays beyond initial scope. With the changing of guard everything from the academics to the interpretation of the ground rules sees new breath.</p>
<p>Another integral part of the school is the presence of self-governance. I had the opportunity to sit in on an SB meeting, and it was extremely diverse. Jocular pokes toward the induced celibacy were intertwined with serious debate regarding the isolation policy. There was snapping (agreeal), hissing (dissent), and even some yelling/crying. The SB meeting was followed by Christmas (where Michael [in-house rosy cheeked Santa] passed out gifts) and a boojie.</p>
<p>While Deep Springs may seem extremely radical at first glance (and it is in some regards), it is important to note that it is a college with college students. It is not as absurd at it seems (I myself thought the concept was the most ridiculous educational experiment conceived when I first read about it in Fiskes Guide) and is in most regards quite normal. You have the same awkward liberal arts students, the same wonderful professors, and the same caring administration you find at pretty much all post-secondary institutions. It is just that in this case the students are given a little bit more responsibility.</p>
<p>Quarpwarp!</p>
<p>Enjoy your day.</p>