By Michelle Roberts
Arizona Daily Wildcat
"How big is the campus?" "Why go here instead of Arizona State University?" "How safe is the campus?" "Does it usually take four or five years to graduate?"
These are the most common questions received by Arizona Ambassadors when prospective students visit campus, according to Anthony Paul, the group's president. He and about 55 ambassadors will be answering these and other questions from 600 high school seniors this weekend.
These students and their parents and guests will flood the University of Arizona campus tomorrow for the first "Wildcat Experience." Admissions counselor Donna Bryn said about 1,600 people are expected to attend.
The "Wildcat Experience" is different from other information tours and orientations, because it is only for students who have already been accepted at the UA but have not made a decision whether or not to attend.
The high school seniors will have the opportunity to attend different sessions and to receive detailed information about the university. They will be addressed by representatives from the president's office and the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office, as well as by political science senior Anndrea Kawamura and biology senior Pete Sutcliffe.
The high school students will also attend hour-long sessions with the college or field of study of their choice. During lunch, prospective students and their parents will be treated with a performance by the band as well as appearances from mascots, Wilbur and Wilma.
In the afternoon, students and parents will be allowed to choose from sessions about the honors center, residence life, Greek life, financial aid and student-to-panel discussions.
Following the planned day, the high school seniors and parents will be allowed to explore residence halls, take campus tours or tour the Student Recreation Center.