I am in the midst of fall travel season. October is so busy I am in 5 states and I might be home for a total of 5 full day (not all at one time). This is the time of year I get excited about the students who are starting their application process. Some students have visited DU as juniors and many more are scheduling their campus visits now during their senior year.
A typical day for me goes from 6:30 AM to 10 PM or later. I am conducting high school visits and attending college night programs throughout the Midwest. I am also asked to give presentations for high school junior programs and not-for-profit organizations like College Bound in MN.
In October there are four national college fairs in the Midwest; Chicago, Milwaukee, St Louis, Minneapolis. These national college fairs draw students from the home state and surrounding states. The Minneapolis National College Fair is the largest program I attend for DU. I always invite area alumni and current parents of DU students to join me for the two day event. If you happened to come by the DU table you would see us 2 – 3 deep with people asking questions and filling out inquiry cards to get more information. We talk non-stop from 9 AM - 1 PM and from 4 PM – 9 PM. I am ever so thankful for the assistance from my DU parents and alumni that are with me at these programs. They add a different perspective and insight that I don’t have.
Presentations offer me an opportunity to reach out to students and families in a different way. I have a PowerPoint on How to Set Up a Successful Campus Visit, help conduct Mock Admissions Committees, and a Dear Director of Admission Simulation. These presentations go beyond DU and offer insight into the admission process and campus visit planning. I am always amazed ant the responsiveness of the audience for these programs. The students offer thoughtful insight and really seem have a good grasp on the admission process this year.
As I wind down travel season, it is time to prepare for the optional Hyde Interviews and file review. Admission is a season that continually changes. Travel starts at the right time and concludes just when you need a break. I look forward to seeing many of my Midwestern students at the Hyde Interviews in November and I also am looking forward to reviewing the applications from my territory. Have a great fall!
Jenn Paar, Midwest Regional Director