local events for prospects....

TheDad
Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:48:31 +0000

I can give you a synopsis now. Starts out with mingling, then a fairly brief presentation on some of the Smith highlights, then a presentation about a field of study if a faculty member is present (there was one by an Art History prof a couple of years back that made want to sign up right away until I realized that I already had a degree and was male), then open Q&A.

Various bits of Smith literature are available and often there’s a looping DVD presentation on a TV in the secondary room. Usually, there are 10-20 current Smithies home on break to represent the current student body. They’re introduced and asked to give their name, major(s), House, what they like best/least about Smith, etc.
I remember thinking when I attended the first of these shindigs when D was in 11th grade that for me it was, “Wow, what an impressive group of young women. I’d love for them to be my D’s peers.” Little did I know.

She was equally impressed but by something else.

My role is to talk to parents about any concerns they may have, to discuss Smith from a parent’s perspective, and to give cover to prospective students who may wish to slide away to ask the current students questions they don’t necessarily want their parents participating in. I’m a very good fighter pilot escort that lets the bombers get through to targets unimpeded. :)

I understand that apps in our area are down this year. Normally, we get somewhere around 40, I think. Not all prospects come to these events, of course.

CB, I’m sure Eastern Smith Clubs do similar events but not evenly. It may also be seen as less critical since it’s easier to actually get to Smith in person if you live in the NE quadrant.