Visiting Days Prep

Visiting Days is approaching and we are excited to meet you all in person!  As a first year student, it is hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since my first step into UMSI; I cannot wait to share some thoughts on the school year with you all this weekend.

North Quad.  This weekend, weather sources anticipate 40º

Around this time last year, I was excited to visit a new city and a new campus.  This consisted of doing a Google search on "where to eat in Ann Arbor," "where to go for a hike in AA" "what to do on a Friday night in A2" (AA, A2, A^2 are all acceptable for Ann Arbor) but the more important part was continued research into the UMSI program.

I recall taking time the week before Visiting Days to write out the most important question I wanted answered, followed by probing questions.  This helped me come prepared and ready for engagement during Visiting Days.  Brainstorming questions also helped me piece together some of the information I had already encountered, as well as, determine what was most important for me: I was looking for a "good fit."  Thankfully, Visiting Days is set up to help answer your questions!  

The more I generated questions, the more I took this as a positive sign of being highly interested in UMSI.  For example, "What has been the best course you have taken and why?" and "How accessible are the professors?" are not questions Google can answer, so I asked everyone I met the same set of questions to help me evaluate multiple perspectives.  Google does not know all the answers but hearing first hand experiences from student panelists, mini-preview lectures from some of the top professors in Information, and UMSI staff showcasing the resources available to students was extremely valuable; coming prepared with questions made the process much more personalized and meaningful.

Finally, a quick note: the days are engaging and active, so as you come prepared with your questions, I would also suggest doing as much as you can to find time for relaxation before and after Visiting Days.

Hasta Sábado! (See you Saturday!)

Edgar Nuñez

UMSI Information Mentor