• No School - Spring Break - Mar.14 - Mar.18
  • No School - Spring Vacation Day - April 15
  • HS Theatre Spring Show - April 8-9
  • End of 3rd Quarter - Mar. 31
  • HS One Act Plays- April 13 at 7pm
  • No School - Prof. Development Day - April 25
The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

Gray skies ahead: college winter visit bit too realistic

Wintertime college visits to the Ohio State University (OSU) provide a dreary view of the school. When visiting a college it is easy to forget that the version of campus life often presented is idealized. However, there is more to consider than the university’s climate. Photo courtesy of Lila Englander.

A college visit could dissuade a student from applying to their dream school. Or a college visit could seal the deal for a student that was only mildly interested beforehand.

The great significance of these few days raises a pertinent question, how representative and realistic are college visits? While the answer ranges, spending a few days recently at the Ohio State University (OSU) has convinced me that a June visit could be quite unrealistic.

My visit to OSU was both brutally cold and gray. As one professor told me, “it’s a gray city, but that just makes us appreciate the sun more.”

Although the weather was certainly a turn-off, sitting in on classes improved my opinion. I was also able to sit in on a meeting between my brother, an OSU student, and his research adviser.

Story continues below advertisement

Shadowing a current OSU student gave me some insight into one possible type of daily life on campus.

For more information on preparing for college visit the College Board website.

More to Discover
About the Contributor
Lila Englander
Lila Englander, Assignment Editor
I am currently a senior. This year I serve as an assignment editor. I love writing about people or groups with fascinating stories who often fly under the radar. Beyond learning to use the Adobe design programs and developing my writing skills, journalism has allowed me to pursue my love of learning and gain a deeper understanding of the profound value of collaboration. I enjoy participating in Academic Quiz Team, Chinese Club and TEAMS team. I love backpacking, kayaking, climbing, reading and napping. I am learning Chinese at school at the AP level and can read, write and speak Hebrew because I went to Jewish day school until eighth grade. I also sharpened my Hebrew skills during junior year while studying abroad for a semester in the desert of Israel through Alexander Muss High School in Israel. The past three summers, I have been lucky enough to intern at a small nonprofit called Design Impact. My favorite book is "Infinite Jest" by David Foster Wallace. My favorite T.V. shows are "The Wire" and "True Detective." My three favorite news sources are "The New York Times," "The Atlantic," and "The Onion." I also listen to "This American Life" on NPR every week. Although I am interested in pursuing a career in engineering, I am confident that journalism will benefit me wherever I end up. I am looking forward to another great year on staff!
Activate Search
Gray skies ahead: college winter visit bit too realistic