Preview days host 400 students

Author: Simran Bhalla

A total of 400 students visited the College during the Campus Preview days on April 13-14 and April 19-20, only slightly fewer than last year's 422 students. Sixty-one percent of prospective students attending Campus Preview days in 2008 matriculated, a number that justifies Middlebury's attention to this event despite the College's steep budget cuts.

The events and activities organized for the first day of Campus Preview days included the Dean's address and campus tours after which followed by being paired up and dining with volunteer student hosts. According to Admissions Counselor Christina Fulton, there has been a jump in the number of students volunteering to host admitted students, due largely to the administration's decision last year to allow students of all classes to act as hosts. Previously, only first-years could host admitted students.

"This has allowed us to accommodate a far greater number of prospective students," said Fulton. "The overnight visit is one of the most valuable experiences for students considering Middlebury."

The number of students hosted per weekend this year equaled the total amount of students hosted in 2008, a testament to the eagerness of students to welcome prospective students as well as Fulton's rigorous recruiting campaign.

Other opening events held for the recently admitted students included an ice cream social at The Grille and student entertainment including performances by a cappella groups, student bands and more. The second day of their visit involved class visits - most introductory classes are on the schedule - along with various information sessions on topics like February admissions and financial aid.

Attending classes played a key role in prospective students' visits. Angelissa Paulino, a prospective student who traveled from San Francisco, Ca. and attended an Italian class, had only good things to say about her experience with Middlebury academics.

"It was different from any language class I'd ever had. It was so fun!" said Paulino. Equally eager prospective students were given the choice to attend an address by President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz and to meet professors at a faculty/student lunch or the faculty/student research panel, or even discuss diversity at Middlebury during Cafecito Hour.

The Office of Admissions began preparations for the Preview days nearly a year in advance. In addition to planning and organizing events, they coordinated with the dining hall staff, facilities teams and faculty to help incorporate the swell of students on campus and ensure that the Preview days would be successful. Still, the most important factor in a prospective student's decision remains their interactions with current Middlebury students and their potential fellow classmates.

Paulino enjoyed Sunday night's show by the Otter Nonsense Players more than any other event she attended.

"They were so funny