Prospective students and their families spent their Memorial Day holiday on campus trying to get a jump on the college admissions process.
The annual Junior Jump Start, sponsored by the Office of Admissions, included meetings with faculty, staff and current students, a tour of the campus and an up-close look at the College’s selling points.
“As juniors, you need to realize that time passes quickly and begin to think about closing out your high school careers and thinking toward your futures,” said Miles Kueffner ’09. "You need to realize you’re an integral part of the selection process. Just as colleges are figuring out if they want to choose you, you need to determine if you choose them.”
Therese McCarty, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, pointed to the success of Union seniors such as Stephen Po-Chedley and Naazia Husain, in helping prospective students understand their options.
“As you’re choosing your institution,” McCarty said, “think about what you want to accomplish in your short time there, and be sure the colleges you’re visiting will allow you to achieve those goals.”
One student who was impressed with all Union has to offer was Lisa Lawrence of Ballston Spa High School. Lawrence, who is interested in science, lacrosse and newspaper writing, loves the campus architecture and plans to apply early decision
Monday's event wasn't limited to juniors. Sophomore Jeremy Philipson traveled from Utica with his father, Gary Philipson '79, to explore the engineering program. "A class in computer-integrated manufacturing interested me, and I wanted to see what Union had to offer," said Philipson.
In all, the campus welcomed 437 visitors Monday; 173 of them prospective students.
“This is the largest turnout we’ve had in 10 years for this program,” said Lilia Tiemann, who coordinates the event. “We are off and running in high gear towards recruiting a great Class of 2013.”
The deadline for early decision is Nov. 15; regular decision applications are due by Jan. 15, 2009.
For more information, visit http://www.union.edu/Admissions