By Audrey Richardson
Over 500 high school students left their hometowns from Michigan and beyond to take part in MSU’s Alumni Distinguished Scholarship event, held on campus Feb. 3.
The next generation of potential Michigan State students seemed impressed with the Honors College event, according to many prospective students.
The day began with an hour-long general knowledge examination followed by various presentations and activities throughout campus. Students explored what a day in the life might look like here in East Lansing and what it means to be a member of the Honors College.
Alaina Pabbathi, a Lyman Briggs College hopeful, is leaning toward MSU because of the clarity she found at the event.
“They made more opportunities come to light that you don’t really know of before you come,” she said.
Pabbathi was deciding between two schools and hearing MSU professors explain differences between majors helped with her choice to attend Michigan State this fall.
The Davis family was impressed as well.
Although they were disappointed the MSU Dairy Store was closed, they said their visit all the way from Northern Kentucky was amazing.
“I think it’s been great,” said Angie Davis, parent of prospective student Lily. “It’s just been so informative, and everyone is just so nice and well spoken.”
Lily Davis is thinking about majoring in either Graphic Design or Business, so the family visited the Eli Broad College of Business.
“Broad was a wonderful building,” Angie Davis added.
Out-of-state prospective student, Samuel Clarke, said his favorite part of the day was the exam.
Traveling from Skokie, Illinois his first impression of Michigan State was that “it’s a good school.”
Clarke wants to major in Computer Science, so he visited the Engineering Building and the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
Prospective student Manasvi Patel said her favorite part of the day was visiting the academic sessions. She saw the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as she hopes to study this field in the future.
“I thought it was nice,” Manasvi said. “I got to see a lot of different locations and programs.”
Manasvi’s mother, Sandy, said she was glad she attended the event.
“It was very informative,” she said. “At least from a parents’ view, I didn’t even know 10% of the things they told us. We learned so much about what the college had to offer.”
Prospective student Alexis Bliesener said she is definitely attending Michigan State in the fall. Alexis is planning to major in computer science and hopes to join the MSU Marching Band as a member on the drum line.
Alexis’ mother, Bacht, said she learned a lot of additional information.
“I’ve already done an honors college presentation, but it was nice to go to the engineering building and to listen to what computer science is about and what they have to offer,” she said.
Michigan resident and prospective student Faith Aloia said the event was a lot of fun.
“It was cool that I got to choose where I went,” she said.
She visited the College of Engineering and the Eli Broad College of Business, as she is thinking of double majoring in industrial engineering and business.
Faith’s father, Frank, said he’s happy Michigan State is her top choice.
“I knew she’d love it here and that’s the most important thing,” he said. “The school she chooses has to align with her needs and I’m glad that this is going to be a good fit for her.”
Prospective students have until May 1 to decide if they want to be a part of the MSU Honors College community next fall.