My wife returned recently from a college exploration trip with our son to Michigan Tech in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As our family works our way past the mid point of our college visits, here is one fact that amazes me. Most kids dress like slobs when they visit colleges, and don't show much respect for college officials. Let me explain ...
The college admissions process is competitive, particularly for scholarship dollars. Thus, my wife and I have insisted that each of children wear nice clothes ... and no sneakers, during their visits and meetings with the various colleges. However, most of the other children arrive wearing blue jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and worse. Given that the admissions staff, and professors, are often in coats and ties, shouldn't it be obvious that one should show respect, and be well dressed in return?
I've noticed that the treatment our family receives on visits is often better than other families. I wonder why? Is it because we respect the process. Given Erik's background, he will get into most schools to which he applies, but I have to believe our attitude towards these visits will help in the pursuit of scholarship dollars.
In closing, it is almost comical how many times I've seen kids wear college sweat shirts from "other schools" while on an admissions visit. While at Purdue University, one boy showed up wearing a Notre Dame sweat shirt!
... Rich Hoeg comments (blog owner): Looks like this post generated some interest! Parents of prospective college students take note!
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When I moved to the USA from Kenya to study, in 1998, I was shocked at the dress attitudes of my fellow college students. All schools in Kenya have mandatory uniforms, and my Irish Catholic school was even stricter. You couldn't take off your tie even if the heat was suffocating: you could only open the top button on your shirt. My college experience was a culture-shock and an 'eye-opener' (no pun intended). I had never seen girls in class wearing minimalist clothing and boys wearing flip-flops. I must have been the best-dressed person in all my classes that first semester. Alas, come the following spring, and I was one of them.
Your point about being well-dressed for the admissions personnel is head-on. Not only does one impress the staff, but it is also good practice for the future, when it's time for job interviews. I completed my BSEE and MSEE on scholarships and aid grants, and I know that I got a little extra scholarship money due to my dressing up in a suit for that scholarship interview, much to the ridicule of my peers.
Whenever I attend my university's job fair (for a look-see) I notice that many male students are uncomfortable in their suit. Lack of practice!
Posted by: Anand Mehta | May 11, 2007 at 02:19 PM
As a college admissions professional, I can say that I truly appreciate some tact and respect on the part of prospective families. Good job!
-Beth
Posted by: Beth | May 10, 2007 at 10:25 AM