Three Quick Questions

Three quick questions with Eastern Michigan University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from David Reyes, Admissions Advisor at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Eastern Michigan University?

In 1849, Eastern Michigan University opened its doors with one goal, enriching the life of future educators. Flash forward 175 years, and the College of Education is doing just that. As the foundation for our academic history, the College of Education is an extremely unique program on campus. As a trailblazer in the realm of special education and disabilities, EMU became the first institution in the world to create a department dedicated to teachers who work with disabled students. Today, we continue to strive for a dynamic and enriching curriculum that grants our students the ability to utilize their strengths and passions in and out of the classroom.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at EMU?

At our core, Eastern Michigan University is a place of equity and access. Access to the tools and education with which our students forge their futures. Students looking for community and a path toward success are welcomed on these grounds. Here there are no imperfect students, only individuals seeking to better themselves.

When people come to visit Ypsilanti, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Whether you’re here for a tour or just passing by, we highly recommend a pit stop at the Depot Town and Downtown area. Serving as the epicenter of Ypsi, you can find everything from local shops and artists to food offerings from around the world. Not only that, but the Huron River cuts right through Ypsilanti, offering a stunning view for any nature lover. Frog Island and Riverside Park sit adjacent to the river bank and are great options for sporting events, afternoon walks, or a picnic with friends.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of EMU. I use the same photo for all Three Quick Questions posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with the University of Southern Mississippi

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Campbell Cave, Admissions Recruiter at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.


What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to the University of Southern Mississippi?

A unique traditions that we have at Southern Miss is “Painting of the Eagle Walk.” Eagle Walk is an area under our football stadium where the football team walks under 2 hours before every home football game. At the beginning of the year, freshman students get to paint the Eagle Walk gold and leave a hand print on wall of the walk. It is a very fun tradition. Here is a picture of what painting of the Eagle Walk looks like.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Southern Miss?

At Southern Miss, I would say that any student can flourish. Whether they have a 36 on the ACT or struggles taking tests, they have the opportunity to succeed. At Southern Miss we have numerous different student support offices ranging from offices for first generation students to offices to help students land internships. Our main goal at Southern Miss is for all of our students to flourish no matter their background.

When people come to visit Hattiesburg, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

When people come to Hattiesburg, I recommend that they visit 2 places. One is a restaurant called Keg and Barrell. It is a locally owned restaurant with an incredible atmosphere and a range of food (burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, thai chicken wraps, etc). The other place I recommend people visit is The Lucky Rabbit, which is a very unique vintage market that is open on Saturdays and Sundays in downtown Hattiesburg. It is honestly hard to describe the place due to how unique it is, but here is a picture to help grasp what it is. Also, their Instagram is @theluckyrabbit if you wanted to check them out.



Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Southern Miss. I use the same photo for all Three Quick Questions posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with University of West Georgia

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Michaela Wright, Admissions Representative at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to the University of West Georgia?

I would say our Welcome Back Blasts. It's one of our first events of the school year and it's open to the entire student body. It goes through the first week into the second week of classes in the fall. It's a great way for students to have fun with outdoor activities like Screen on the Green, which is an outdoor movie night, carnival rides, concerts, and free food and swag. As a student, I loved going to the Welcome Back Blast as it was a great way to relax after classes and catch up with friends and even help create friend groups for our freshman students. 

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at UWG?

Students who tend to be more introverted and even have more niche interests flourish on our campus. Not every student, me included, did much with extracurricular activities at high school, mostly because it was hard to find something of interest as clubs and organizations tend to favor a more broad student interest. I personally joined an organization called Anime Otaku Incorporated or AOI. At AOI, I was able to again build a great friend group, but also gain leadership and organizational experience as I became a secretary and president later in my college career. I've seen many very introverted and socially anxious people get out of their shells and become very confident people because they are able to find a place to be themselves and feel comfortable with who they are. This has not only translated socially, but academically and helped with a few members in their careers as well.

When people come to visit Carrollton, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Adamson Square in historically downtown Carrollton is one of my favorite places. There are all local shops and restaurants and a great place to hang out and study outside of classes. I highly recommend Chip's Burgers and the Irish Bread Pub for eateries. The Butter'd Udder for some ice cream and Gallery Row for a coffee. The Underground Bookstore is a very nice and aesthetically pleasing bookshop with tons of great finds. Lastly, my favorite shop is The Vinyl Frontier which is a vinyl shop that caters to all genres and budgets, as a vinyl collector this was a huge plus for me for staying in Carrollton. 

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of West Georgia. I use the same photo for all Three Quick Questions posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Marquette University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Nicole Gasiorowski, Admissions Counselor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Marquette University?

Each year, the campus community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends – comes together to celebrate National Marquette Day! This annual tradition, now in its third decade, unites the Marquette nation together in pride and spirit to commemorate the values of the University: Catholic and Jesuit, dedicated to service, and being individuals for and with others. The Marquette community gathers in Milwaukee and around the world to cheer on our Men’s Basketball team at Fiserv Forum and invites everyone to join in a weekend of festivities to celebrate Marquette! 

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Marquette?

Here at Marquette, undecided is our most popular major. In fact, we have found that few students are truly undecided. They have many interests about what they wish to pursue in college, which is why we prefer to say “multi-interested.” Marquette has more than 80 majors and 79 minors, and we will help you choose a major or minor combination that matches your interests and skills. While you are exploring different areas of studies, you will be taking the Marquette Core Curriculum, which is designed to teach you how to think, say what you mean, and say it well. Taking the Core early in your career at Marquette allows extra flexibility to discover a major you didn’t know existed and might be interested in studying! 

When people come to visit Milwaukee, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Milwaukee is known as the City of Festivals, so I recommend checking out Henry Meir Festival Park right on the lakefront. There are hundreds of festivals year-round, from Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, to ethnic fests and food fests. There is truly a fest for everyone!  


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

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  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Zoe Herring. [The banner photo is not of Marquette. I use the same photo for all Three Quick Questions posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Emory University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Katie Phenix, Admission Advisor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Emory University?

Emory is a high-level research institution, but also follows liberal arts curriculum. This encourages students to explore academic areas outside of their major, along with giving students access to discussion based classes where they can truly become immersed in the content they are learning. Emory Univeristy is also one of the most diverse universities in the US, with over 80 languages spoken and all major religions represented on campus. 

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Emory?

During the application evaluation process, Emory University looks at students holistically, meaning we take into account not just grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and community involvement. We also evaluate the community the student comes from and the resources that may or may not have been available to them throughout their life. We look for uniqueness and authenticity.

When people come to visit Atlanta, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Ponce City Market and the Atlanta Beltline are places I always recommend! If you are a Braves fan, the Battery is always cool!   


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Emory. I use the same photo for all Three Quick Questions posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Southern Methodist University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Brenda Del Rio, Admissions Counselor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. (And today’s response is very special to me, because I spent two years at SMU getting my Master’s Degree. Pony Up!)

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Southern Methodist University?

While SMU is a very tradition heavy campus, one of our most unique ones is Boulevarding! Instead of tailgating, we Boulevard. It’s even greater considering that it’s never students alone celebrating their team, it truly is a Dallas wide community effort.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at SMU?

What makes SMU really unique is that aside from drawing in students who know what they want to do with their life from a very young age, we also draw in students who are completely clueless about what they want to do, and we love that! Because our curriculum is flexible and 3 in 5 of our students double or triple major, it allows for some unique opportunities for students to marry different areas of study to create the education experience they are truly for. Often times, students who are unsure about their future don’t want to commit to just one area of study, so those that are interested in multiple ones really tend to flourish here.

When people come to visit Dallas, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

There’s so many places, this question is hard! But the M-Line trolley is a lot of fun! It’s free to use and takes guests around the Klyde Warren Park area (also a lot of fun) and Uptown Dallas, which is right down the street from us.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of SMU. I use the same photo for all Three Quick Questions posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Quinnipiac University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Michael James, Associate Director of Admissions and Communications at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Quinnipiac University?

Unique Courses/Majors – Game Design and Development; Film, Television, and Media Arts; Health, Medicine, and Society; Justice and Community Engagement.

Unique Tradition – Battle of Whitney Avenue. Our Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams compete in the same conference as Yale, and our universities are 15-20 minutes apart from each other down one road. The games are always well-attended with students lining up for tickets hours in advance!

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Quinnipiac?

I would say that while of course we’d love to yield the straight A students, our sweetspot is A-/B+/B students who really will blossom in college with the individualized attention and opportunities they get once they matriculate at Quinnipiac. We’re in a small town and our campus is a bubble, so our successful students are the ones looking to get involved in a number of different clubs and organizations on campus, rather than the ones who hope to enjoy the big city life every night and weekend. Leadership is important, yes, but willingness to be involved matters just as much.

When people come to visit Hamden, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Sleeping Giant State Park – it’s literally right across the street from our campus and has a number of great hiking trails. Great view of campus from the top of the mountain!


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Quinnipiac. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Alabama State University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Reletta McGhee, Admission Coordinator at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Alabama State University?

Turkey Day Classic is a 99 year old tradition and the longest classic football game in history. ASU goes head to head with rival Tuskegee University. The game is played on Thanksgiving Day.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at ASU?

The students that attend our Summer Bridge program. These students don't quite meet the regular admission requirements and are enrolled in enrichment programs to help them prepare for college level courses. 

When people come to visit Montgomery, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there? The EJI Legacy Museum.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of ASU. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with the University of La Verne

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Luz Cabada, Admission Counselor at the University of La Verne in La Verne, California.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to the University of La Verne?

A tradition here at the University of La Verne is our annual Spotlight event. This is a weekend event where we host admitted students to the university. It provides students with an opportunity to get to know the university before decision day. This event includes campus tours, department presentations, faculty meet and greets, one-on-one appointments, student panels, food trucks, raffles and more. It is an awesome opportunity for us to show our LEO pride and give students a taste of the University of La Verne community.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at La Verne?

Something incredible about the student population at the University of La Verne is that no matter who they are or where they come from, they receive a very personal and one-on-one education. We have very small class sizes (around 16 students per class). Students are able to get to know their professors and faculty members allowing for more opportunities and success. With this style of learning, every kind of student can flourish. You do not need to be the loud and outgoing student to stand out and be noticed by your professor. Every student can flourish at the University of La Verne.

When people come to visit La Verne, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

The University of La Verne is located right in the middle of downtown La Verne. Downtown La Verne (D Street) is full of eateries and shops for students and faculty to enjoy! A community favorite is Warehouse Pizza located on the corner. There are also restaurants such as Lordsburg Taphouse, Fourth Street Mill, Allegro, and Miss Donuts and Bagels!


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of La Verne. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Marymount University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Christopher Valenti, Admissions Counselor at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Marymount University?

 Located just six miles outside our nation’s capital, Marymount provides countless opportunities for internships and research. Students are required to complete an Internship in order to graduate. Marymount students have interned with the White House, the State Department, the CIA, the FBI, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and countless other notable organizations in the Northern Virginia area.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Marymount?

I believe that all students have the opportunity to flourish at Marymount. Because we are a small, close-knit community, it is very easy to get engaged and involved on campus. Our average class size allows students to truly interact with their professors. So if you are a student who is looking for small class sizes, and a personalized learning environment, Marymount is the place for you! 

When people come to visit Arlington, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Arlington is very beautiful! You can go to the National Cemetery and pay your respects to the Unknown Soldier. Washington D.C is only 6 miles away, so I always like to encourage students to explore the monuments and Smithsonian Museums. Restaurant wise, I always like to recommend the Ballston Quarter located inside the Ballston Mall. There are so many food options to pick from! If you are a sports fanatic, the Washington Capitals &  Washington Wizards are just a few metro stops away! 


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Marymount University. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Mary Baldwin University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Kit Schulz, Admissions Counselor at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Mary Baldwin University?

Mary Baldwin University is the first college in Virginia to offer Autism Studies & Applied Behavior Analysis as a major (BA).

This major is available to both residential and online students, with the option to obtain a Masters in ABA in one additional year after undergrad. We are proud to offer this program at Mary Baldwin.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at MBU?

First generation students, which make up 40% of our student population, can thrive at MBU. Our McCree Center for Life Success in our library gives students access to counseling and academic support throughout their undergraduate studies. This is also a place where they can pursue internship opportunities within their field starting their freshman year.

When people come to visit Staunton, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

As a Mary Baldwin alum, having downtown Staunton within walking distance of our campus is one of the greatest appeals of our school's location.

I would recommend the American Shakespeare Center, which is a couple blocks from our campus. The ASE is integral to our connection to downtown Staunton.

There are also plenty of cozy coffee shops like the By&By, which is on the way if you're headed to the theatre.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Mary Baldwin University. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with DePaul University

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Mariesa Negosanti, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to DePaul University?

We actually have a list of traditions on our website that you can peruse. One of my personal favorites, though, is the Chicago Quarter. It's a required course for first-year students and is a "Chicago 101" of sorts. It helps get students acclimated to the city and learning different aspects of its history.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at DePaul?

I actually am not sure I subscribe to the notion that we're all looking for the "perfect" student. I'm not even sure what the "perfect" student is or if that even exists, or if we even want it to exist! I think the types of students who thrive at DePaul are independent and creative. Our students really are fully functioning adults living in the city of Chicago, and for some it's their first time living alone and living in a city, but their spirit longs for the challenges and growth that experience brings.

When people come to visit Chicago, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Lastly, this question is the toughest because there is simply SO much to do in Chicago. Truly within minutes of leaving your front door, you could be eating at some of the world’s best restaurants in Fulton Market, enjoying the charm of Chinatown or the creativity of Wicker Park, or soaking in the skyline from the lakeshore. Explore a theatre scene that offers everything from Broadway hits to improv groups. Wander through a collection of the world’s finest art and artifacts at The Field Museum or Art Institute of Chicago. And, of course, there are more coffee shops, gardens, monuments, fountains and all-around points of interest than we can fit on this screen.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

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Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of DePaul. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

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Three quick questions with the University of Arkansas

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Charles Robinson, Admissions counselor and Regional recruiter at The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to the University of Arkansas?

One of the unique traditions we have at the University is senior walk. After you graduate from the University of Arkansas, your name will be cemented into the sidewalk of our campus. We are the largest university to do this, and we will continue to. 

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Arkansas?

What's great about our University is our admission requirements. You only must get a 3.0 GPA and a 20 on the Act and 1030 on the SAT. These relaxed admission requirements allow students who aren't perfect get a chance to attend the University. As you also know, high school curriculum is a different learning style than college, so many students who have good grades in high school may not have good grades in college. The same is true for people who didn't do well in high school may do very well in college. It's all about the student and our university caters to everyone's strengths.

When people come to visit Fayetteville, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

As a native to Fayetteville (Fayettevillians what we call ourselves) I know the area has array of things to do. Arkansas is an outdoorsy state. Fayetteville has loads of trails, hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing spots. In terms of arts, we have Crystal Bridges and the Momentary which are all world class art museums. For music venues, we have the Walton Arts Center for Broadway shows and the Walmart AMP for concerts for musicians. NWA is a great place and more is being added every year.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

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  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of U of Arkansas. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Rhodes College

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Caleb Fowler, Senior Assistant Director of Admission at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Rhodes College?

Right off the bat, Rhodes is distinctive from most other colleges by being one of the only liberal arts colleges located in a major city. That combination allows students the personalized collegiate experience that many desire out of a liberal arts environment along with the opportunity to practice what they learn in a city that’s accessible and welcoming.

Additionally, our honor code is a tradition that we highly value.  While many colleges have honor codes, what’s different about the Rhodes the honor system is that it’s completely student-run and truly apparent everywhere on campus in daily life.  From students feeling comfortable leaving laptops and backpacks unattended knowing that no one will touch them to students refusing to step on the seal that represents our honor code, it really shapes students' campus experiences.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Rhodes?

One type of imperfect student who would succeed at Rhodes is one who is unsure of what they want to study. We’re a great place for the curious. Whether a student has an idea or not about a field they want to study, they will leave Rhodes having sampled many various disciplines and skillsets that they can apply to their post-collegiate lives.

When people come to visit Memphis, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

I recommend the Crosstown Concourse just a mile from campus. It's a recently renovated “urban, vertical village” repurposed out of an old Sears distribution center that hosts restaurants, art galleries, bars, boutiques, and a theatre among other attractions. It's a great place to go study, grab a bite, or wander.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Rhodes. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with McDaniel College

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Chad Koontz, Admissions Counselor at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to McDaniel College?

McDaniel has many campus traditions that have evolved over the institution’s over 155 years. One of the most meaningful is the ringing of the Old Main bell. The Old Main bell plays an important role in every McDaniel College student's experience. Each first-year student "rings-in" to be welcomed into the McDaniel community and, on graduation day, graduating seniors "ring-out" to complete their McDaniel experience. The Student Alumni Council also honors this tradition by ringing Old Main Bell as they read the names of alumni who have passed to show respect for their alumni experience. View more McDaniel traditions at this link.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at McDaniel?

What we look for at McDaniel is a student with an open mind, who enjoys being involved in their community and has a passion for learning new things in a unique learning environment.

When people come to visit Westminster, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

The JeannieBird Baking Company started as a farmers' market stall in the summer of 2008 and is now a physical location that has become a landmark on Main Street in Westminster, within walking distance to McDaniel’s campus. It is a great place for students to study, indulge in fresh brewed coffee and baked goods, or hang with friends.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of McDaniel. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Juniata College

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Steven Simons, Senior Associate Dean of Admission and Marketing at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Juniata College?

Juniata has so many traditions, it’s impossible to pick just one. Our most infamous is storming the arch, where first year students attempt to make it into Cloister Arch to get priority room draw, but are met by the men and women’s rugby team and other upper classmen who have stormed before. It is not for the faint of heart and rarely, if ever, does a first year student make it through. If storming isn’t your speed, you might like “Mountain Day”. A total surprise day in the fall where students are woken up at 5:30 AM because classes are cancelled. After sleeping in, students head out to the lake for a day of activities, food, sunshine, and simple fun. More traditions include Lobsterfest, Madrigal Dinner, Mr. Juniata, The Bailey Oratorical, Springfest, Surprise Day and Liberal Arts Symposium, but to learn about those, you’ll need to come visit!

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Juniata?

Juniata is the ideal choice for inquisitive, intentional, and interesting students who want a college experience that will have a powerful impact upon their lives, and who are ready to do the work of self discovery. Imperfection is a pre-requisite to the type of learning that students do at Juniata. Here, they find a place that is completely committed to their personal growth and intellectual development. Each of our students are on their own journey of personal discovery. At Juniata, we give students a safe place to fail, so that they graduate with more than a hard-earned degree, but they take with them intellectual dexterity, courage of heart, and an ease with collaboration. Our students are fun, smart, and focused. At Juniata, we don’t have majors or minors, we have the Program of Emphasis, which allows students to collaborate with their faculty advisers to design a POE that is perfect for them and aligns with their career goals and educational aspirations. We aren’t looking for students who sit in their rooms all day and study, but are looking for students who come prepared to engage with their education and the people around them.

When people come to visit Huntingdon, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

We always recommend people eat and hang out at Standing Stone Coffee Company, which is an alumni owned coffee shop right down the street, that is the unofficial hang-out spot for students and faculty. All the coffee is roasted on site, and students stick around in the evenings for live music, trivia nights, game nights, and much more. For people interested in the outdoors, they should check out Raystown Lake, the largest inland lake in the state of Pennsylvania. There are beautiful views, beaches, and students can get kayaks and canoes from our Environmental Science Field station located right on the lake, one of the few of its kind on the east coast.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Juniata. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Hiram College

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Sally Hoffman, Admission Counselor at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Hiram College?

We have multiple courses, traditions, programs, and events that are unique to Hiram College. From our unique semester schedule (12+3 and two free summer classes) Tech and Trek program (1-to-1 technology program), Direct-Admit Nursing Program (which is accessible even to our many student-athletes), and Experiential Learning opportunities, to our Lantern Tours, Sugar Day (day of research presentations), and Springfest, Hiram is not lacking in unique opportunities and traditions for prospective and current students alike.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Hiram?

Hiram attempts to view students from a very holistic lens without putting too much consideration on any one area when it comes to the admission process. With that being said, any student who genuinely wants to learn and grow typically has success at Hiram. Between our small class sizes, service-focused faculty and staff, and abundance of resources, if a student wants to succeed, those supports are in place. Some of the supports that are available are our Emerging Scholars Program, ARCH Tutoring, and our Writing Center.

When people come to visit Hiram, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

Local to the college itself, great places to check out are the Hiram Inn, Maggie’s Donuts, Gionino’s Pizza, and Cellar Door. For additional options for food, shopping, and entertainment, we often suggest the nearby towns of Garrettsville, Streetsboro, Kent, and Aurora. With our biggest population of students (aside from Ohio) coming from California, Florida, and Texas, we often recommend checking out the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, as well as Cleveland and all it has to offer.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Hiram. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Warren Wilson College

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Sarah Farrar, Admission Counselor at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Warren Wilson College?

So many Warren Wilson traditions - my two personal favorites are Work Day and our annual Circus. 

Work Day is a day when we pause all academic programming to beautify campus, work in fellowship, and build community. While we hope to accomplish great work and be super productive, the primary focus of Work Day is to come together in the name of work and bond with each other. It is an important opportunity for us to laugh, learn, and love with each other.

Circus is a time for students, faculty and staff to come together and celebrate the end of the year. It is a platform for individual and group expression in art, production and design, and is completely student scripted and run. The performance is a culmination of the talents of circus arts performers on campus, including German Wheel, aerial silks, fire dancers, and acrobatics (to name a few). It’s one of our quirkier events, but it definitely encapsulates the Warren Wilson spirit.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Warren Wilson?

Our most successful students tend to be those looking for something different, those with a desire to explore unique pathways, and those with a genuine curiosity about the world. We attract lots of students with learning differences and students from non-traditional schooling backgrounds, not that that makes them imperfect!

When people come to visit Asheville, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

We are located in the mountains of North Carolina, so spending some time out in nature is a must. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or just want to take in some mountain views, the Blue Ridge Parkway is well worth the visit. Downtown Asheville is just down the road from campus and offers all the city vibes - great shopping, delicious dining options, and museum galore. And while you’re at it, you might as well go see some live music or check out an art show! Head to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge afterwards for something sweet.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Warren Wilson. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with the University of Vermont

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Jay LaShombe, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to the University of Vermont?

I think UVM’s approach to educating students about the importance of caring for the environment and sustainability is a hallmark of the UVM experience. While our Environment focused majors are world class, regardless of major, every student at UVM takes at least one course in sustainability. Caring about each other and the planet are core values of the UVM community.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at UVM?

We find that students who really don’t know what they want to do really love UVM. It’s completely fine to come to college and not have a clear plan for your future. UVM is a place where students are supported in their exploration of their passions and interests. 

When people come to visit Burlington, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

I’ll start by saying that I have a lot of love for Blue Bell Creameries, it’s wonderful. Having said that, Vermont’s own Ben & Jerry’s is pretty darn good too. When folks come to Burlington, I encourage them to head to the Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop on the Church St. Marketplace. Strolling up and down the pedestrian marketplace while enjoying a scoop is a classic Burlington experience.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of UVM. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.

Three quick questions with Rollins College

A magical fox who surprises the campus with a day off and pancakes? That sounds wonderful!

For Three Quick Questions, I send the same three questions to admission representatives at colleges all over the country, and then I hope to hear back from them. The three questions are meant to probe some of the things that make a school unique but that aren’t easily captured as a stat to go in a book or web search.

Today’s response is from Frank Thomas, Senior Assistant Director of Admission at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

What is a course, tradition, program or event that is unique to Rollins College?

Fox Day is an annual tradition established in 1956. Each spring, on a day deemed “too pretty to have class,” the president cancels all classes for the Colleges of Arts & Sciences and Professional Studies, providing undergraduate students with a surprise day off.

A statue of the Rollins fox is placed on Tars Plaza by the president early in the morning. The Chapel bell rings to alert students of the special occasion while the president hands out Fox Day proclamations and donuts to students who line up outside his office. A free pancake breakfast is offered in the morning, fun activities are planned throughout the day, and a family-style picnic is laid out on the Green, free for everyone in the Rollins community.

No one knows exactly when Fox Day will happen each year. But students are known to camp out on The Green eagerly awaiting the fox’s arrival during the weeks leading up to the highly anticipated day.

Naturally every college wants to recruit the perfect student--high grades, high test scores, involved in their community, leadership...everything. But what kinds of imperfect students tend to flourish at Rollins?

The overwhelming majority of Rollins College applicants are imperfect students! At Rollins, we aren’t looking for one reason to say no; we’re looking for lots of reasons to say yes. All students are going to face some setback or adversity in their high school careers, and the more interesting and instructive stories relate to how they faced and overcame those challenges. Any student who feels that part of their application is imperfect can make up for that with strengths in other areas of the application. For example, a lower level of rigor in course selection could be balanced by higher and more diverse involvement in internships, organizations, and service.

When people come to visit Winter Park, what's a place off campus that you recommend they check out while they're there?

The Rollins Admission office is at the intersection of Fairbanks Avenue and Park Avenue.  Students walking north on Park Avenue from there will encounter charming downtown Winter Park, with blocks of local shops and restaurants, a park, and a light rail train station.  On weekends, there is a wonderful local farmers’ market at the park, which is also the center of holiday celebrations and decorations.  It is a great asset within short walking distance from campus.


Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, here are three easy things you can do:

  1. Share it on your social media feeds so your friends and colleagues can see it too.

  2. See which other colleges and universities answered the questions.

  3. Is there a school you’d like to hear from? Let me know, and I’ll make sure they get the questions.

Apply with Sanity doesn’t have ads or annoying pop-ups. It doesn’t share user data, sell user data, or even track personal data. It doesn’t do anything to “monetize” you. You’re nothing but a reader to me, and that means everything to me.

Photo by Angela Elisabeth. [The banner photo is not of Rollins. I use the same photo for all Meet the Class posts so you can spot them easily.]

Apply with Sanity is a registered trademark of Apply with Sanity, LLC. All rights reserved.