Back in my own college era, freshman orientation almost always took place just days before the academic year officially began. So new students met their roommates and classmates and toured the library and laundry room with an “It’s too late to turn back now” attitude. These orientations were included in the cost of attendance and didn’t require extra gas miles or plane tickets. The few colleges and universities that held summer orientations back then were primarily public institutions that drew the bulk of their student body from within several hours’ drive.
But, today, summer orientations–at both public and private colleges—are increasingly more common. Some of these are held when the ink on high school diplomas is barely dry. And the reports I’m getting from students are mixed. Many claim, upon return, “Now I’m more excited about college than ever … and less intimidated!” while others come home with doubts about their choice, wondering if the campus community they just encountered is really going to be the right fit or feeling a little miffed that they missed a beach blow-out with high school friends in order to go to “college” in June.
So here are some questions for those of you who have attended summer orientations (or for parents whose kids have):
-Do you think the pros of summer orientations outweigh the cons?
-Was the orientation optional or required?
-Was there a choice of dates (including those that wouldn’t require a separate trip to campus before the fall semester)?
-Was there an extra cost (aside from transportation)?
Thanks for any insights you can provide by answering these questions or by offering other thoughts on summer orientations.
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