by Ale Menendez
With the college application process soon approaching for many Juniors at Columbus, and the desire to learn more about where they will spend four years of their lives, the MAS program embarked on a college tour throughout Georgia and Florida schools, hoping to give these promising students an insight into their futures. Throughout the tour, students were able to ask questions about specific majors, student housing, and overall campus life at each of the schools. This tour was an important, as well as impactful, experience for Sophomores and Juniors alike, as it sparked interest in what kind of schools students would hope to attend, and provided lasting memories for many MAS peers not only through touring colleges, but also through fun activities such as bowling, Top Golf, and even a tour of the Allman Brothers Band’s house with Columbus legend Mr. Lynskey.
The tour began in Atlanta Georgia, where after a 2 hour flight, students hopped on a bus to visit the oldest public university in the United States, the University of Georgia, founded in 1785. Through an extensive tour, students were able to see everything that the school had to offer, from a top 30 business school to a football stadium that has been home to 4 time national champions. Overall, this campus was incredible, stretching over 760 acres and housing colonial revival architecture that provided a distinct college feel in the small town of Athens. The group then took a trip into the heart of Atlanta to play some competitive (or not so competitive) rounds of Top Golf.
Now in Atlanta, the group had an opportunity to look at two of the best schools the city has to offer: Georgia Tech and Emory. Beginning with Georgia Tech, students had the opportunity to sit in on an information session with a Georgia Tech student and ask questions about the university before going on a tour with Columbus alum and former MAS student, Alejandro Delgado. Walking through a top 5 engineering school, students were immersed in a modern campus with various programs to service students with copious interests. And although known for engineering, Georgia Tech still showcased a “college feel” with opportunities for students to get involved with Greek life, as well as support a Division 1 football team. If there was one downside to Georgia Tech visit, it was found in the form of disdain amongst the students for the school’s football team, as they absolutely devastated the University of Miami’s season last year, and will likely never be forgiven by Columbus students, no matter how great the university may be.
Moving slightly outside of the heart of Atlanta, the tour moved to Emory, a private liberal arts college located in a more secluded area. Although rain began to fall, Columbus students were still able to get a taste for the school, which was highly research focused and ranked top 25 in undergraduate education. With a beautiful, hilly campus covered with greenery and rivers, Emory would prove to be a great choice for any student who is curious in education, and wants a diverse education in a beautiful place. After visiting Emory, students moved south to the town of Macon to visit the Allman Brothers band house with Columbus Alum and head historian for the Allman Brothers, Mr. John Lynskey. This tour gave students (especially those interested in classic rock) valuable insight into the band. After this, students capped off the night at a bowling alley, building bonds with their MAS classmates.
Now still in Macon, the tour moved to the private research university of Mercer University, which was founded in 1837. With a scenic campus, students visited various libraries around the school, and saw amenities such as the recreation center, and even the basketball stadium which is home to the Division 1 Bears basketball team. Mercer holds a specific claim to fame in the basketball arena as they bested Duke (a school with 5 Basketball National Championships) in the 2014 Final Four by a score of 78-71.
After a long drive back to our home state of Florida, the MAS students were able to experience three Florida schools that are widely talked about within the state, but had not yet been seen or experienced by many students. Starting off with Florida State University, the students sat in on an information session for FSU’s Honors College. Students learned about specialized classes, housing, and overall benefits that the honors college offers. Students then took a walking tour around the 485 acre campus, viewing the famous Westcott Fountain which overlooks fraternity row.
Waking up bright and early in the city of Gainesville, the University of Florida was next on the list of schools for the MAS tour. With an acceptance rate of only 24% and a top choice for many Columbus Students, UF was of great interest to all. As they got a look at some of the gothic architecture and were able to go inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, more commonly referred to as “The Swamp,” students learned about some of the campus culture, such as singing “Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty at the end of every third quarter in football games (Petty was a Gainesville native).
Students finished up their tour at the University of Central Florida, the second-largest college in the United States. This tour was focused on the honors college and allowed for students to explore the extensive campus with tour guides.
Overall, this tour was an impactful experience for MAS Sophomores and Juniors that allowed them a taste of the college experience, and what they wish for it to be like for themselves.
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