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Published: July 18th 2008
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Dear All,
Tours of Wesleyan University, Trinity and the United States Military Academy follow…
WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Student Body Population--2800
Classroom Performance 78% had a 3.5 or higher
Mid 50% Test Scores (if required) 1300-1490
% Out of State 92%
% Male 49%
I arrived to the campus early and enjoyed a hot breakfast in the school’s dining hall. I was particularly excited to see Wesleyan because of its strong academic reputation. Our tour guide described the school as “mellow”, “open”. I would add that it seems to attract an eclectic group of students.
Note To Parents: The tour guides recommended parents and students follow separate tour guides so that parent and student can share different perspectives after the visit. This seemed to work well.
Tour
Otis was my tour guide. He is a rising sophomore from Connecticut with an interest in studio art and environmental science. He is also a member of the school’s Div. III basketball team. I asked him how he decided to attend Wesleyan. His story was interesting. He visited twice. The first time, he left in the middle of the tour. He said it was hot, he did not think he
Trinity College (CT)
This is Craig Tredenick's second field of dreams. Both Craig and Melissa Tredenick attended Trinity. Craig played baseball and hockey for the school. Trinity's baseball team were national champions this year. wanted to stay in state and there were very few students on campus. With encouragement from the basketball coach, he visited again in his senior year and fell in love with the school and its students. Notice, students’ minds do change and they do not always fall immediately in love with a school.
Random Fact Gathered
Expectations are high, but pressure is low with students able to take some classes pass/fail.
Most classes are discussion based. Collaboration is encouraged.
Professors and college president are most accessible and friendly. President Roth may be found at most college events and can sometimes be found on a treadmill or in a pick-up basketball game with the students. When a student wrote a note in chalk on the sidewalk, the president noticed the student’s environmental concern. Shortly after the note was viewed, the president implemented changes that resulted in a more environmentally friendly campus.
With no general education requirements, many students decide to double major.
The sciences are particularly strong. Otis said Wesleyan has the highest percentage of published co-authors among liberal arts colleges.
Wesleyan has a 3:2 Engineering program
Small classes, 10:1 student: teacher ratio.
95% of students live on campus
US Military Academy
I got camera happy with the beauty of West Point's campus. Many dorms are coed and have coed bathrooms.
More than 60% participate in community service.
60% of students are involved in some kind of athletics
Greek scene is not significant, but does exist
TRINITY
Student Body Population--2400
Classroom Performance 88% in top quarter of high school class
Mid 50% Test Scores (if required) 1210-1380
% Out of State 85%
% Male 49%
I was less familiar with Trinity until I met Craig and Melissa Tredenick, both alumni of the school. I now understand their pride in their alma mater! Trinity is another beautiful campus with a strong reputation and excellent student ambassadors.
Before heading out on the tour, I had the opportunity to meet with Reggie Kennedy, senior associated dean of admissions. He is a Davidson and UNC Chapel Hill graduate who loves North Carolina, but has also fallen in love with Trinity and been unable to leave after nearly 25 years of service. I am sure he would love to attract a few more North Carolinians to the campus.
When I asked him what advice he might offer to prospective students in the application process, he said he and his staff look very closely at teacher recommendations. They want to see students who are active and engaged in their classes and who possess a natural and genuine curiosity about the world around them.
Tour
Like so many schools I have toured, Trinity seems to have it all--small classes, caring professors and impressive facilities. Our tour guide said a large number of students travel abroad, participate in community service and pursue research and or internship opportunities. I left the campus impressed with both the friendliness of the people I met and with the quality of education I know our students would receive in and outside of the class.
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY
Student Body Population--4500
Classroom Performance 93% in top quarter of high school class
Mid 50% Test Scores (if required) 1160-1360
% Out of State 92 %
% Male 83%
“It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure.” This was my thought as I drove two hours from Trinity College to West Point, New York. I encountered both a wreck on an interstate (resulting in stand-still traffic) and a highway that was closed. Both instances required I take a detour and delay my arrival time. Lesson Learned: Expect the unexpected and give yourself plenty of time to get to the college/university as I did.
The scenery on the way to West Point was spectacular as I weaved through small towns and over bridges with mountains and water all around me. I guess I knew I had arrived at the United State Military Academy when I reached the guard gate and my car was searched. It was either then, or when I saw a sign that read, “Speed limit is 10 mph when passing a troop formation.”
The facilities are impressive and the campus is beautiful. Cadets I encountered were very helpful, courteous and appeared content.
Meeting with Major McBride, Southeast Regional Admissions Commander
Major McBride says West Point offers an Ivy League education with an added component, leadership. He said leadership is developed over time. A freshman is responsible for himself, a sophomore is a team leader for two freshmen, a junior is a squad leader responsible for one to two sophomores and their freshmen and a senior will lead a platoon.
Graduates are required to serve their first five years after graduation. After that time they can choose to go inactive for three years and or continue.
Classes are small. 8:1 Student: Teacher ratio
There are over 100 clubs. Interesting clubs mentioned include boxing, Model UN, parachute team, concrete canoe club.
140 students go abroad each year, sometimes in a civilian capacity.
Admissions is based on the following: 60% Academic, 30% Leadership and 10% Fitness
Admissions Tip: Apply for nomination to all Congressmen and Senators in your district and the Vice President to increase your chances of receiving a nomination.
Army has one of the top undergraduate engineering programs in the country.
Army is among the college/university leaders in producing the most Rhodes and Marshall Scholars
If this is your last visit of the day, consider staying at the Thayer Hotel, a historic landmark and in close proximity to the academy.
It’s hard to believe the tour is nearly over. One more day, two more colleges (Bucknell and Susquenhana). I hope to develop pictures from the trip upon my return and will add to the blog. My, how time flies....
Best,
Kirk
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