The Zinch Report

What if a college offered you a free, all-expenses paid trip to visit their college?

I got a small pamphlet-like letter in the mail late last week from Carleton College inviting me to enter a sort of contest where about 50 kids from under-represented groups get an all-expenses paid trip (YES, THAT INCLUDES AIR-FARE!) to spend three days on their campus. My initial reaction was: "WHATTTTT?! THIS IS AWESOME!!! *runs around house screaming*"

Who knew colleges offered free trips nowadays? I'm incredibly surprised Carleton is so generous especially seeing as how airplane tickets have become über expensive lately.

Gosh, I'm really excited! I just mailed my transcripts and half of the small pamphlet-like letter they wanted back.

I'm not sure if this whole thing is invitation only but I thought I'd let you guys know. Here's the official description of what the Taste of Carleton is, as found on CollegeConfidential:

"The Taste of Carleton, a special campus visit opportunity [October 23-25], [2008], for high school seniors from traditionally under-represented groups within higher education. These under-represented groups include students of color, first generation students, or low-income students who are Pell Grant eligible.The Taste of Carleton or “TOC” event is designed to give students a flavor of college life at Carleton College, one of the US News and World Report’s top ten national liberal arts colleges. While on campus, students will attend classes, interview with the Admissions staff, stay with student hosts, and eat great food at a barbeque put together by our multicultural organizations. We will select students from these groups who are academically strong. Selected students will contribute $50; Carleton will cover the rest of their costs – including airfare, transportation to and from campus, meals and lodging – throughout the visit."

So, if you find yourself in one of these under-represented groups, then apply! Carleton is an awesome school and plus, FREE COLLEGE VISIT! The deadline is September 10th (Wednesday) but I'm sure they'll accept the application (aka your transcript) as long as it's postmarked as September 9th or 10th. I'm still not sure if it's invitational only but just call their admissions office (1-800-995-2275) to ask because I mean the more people that apply, the better, right?? Sorry for being so late notice on this, I just learned about this a couple of days ago!

* A piece of advice to all other colleges: If you want students to get more interested in your school, just offer them free trips! Please learn from the almighty, glorious, and benevolent Carleton College!