To the Editor:
Imagine this, one hundred prefrosh running helter-skelter all over campus. In other words, freshmen released from the bounds of their parents to roam freely and without limits.
The prefrosh program, designed to help new students adjust to the rigorous academic environment here at Penn, has not only helped students bounce out of their senior slide, but has also helped them adjust socially to Penn as well, giving them a leg up on the other incoming freshmen. These students have several weeks in order to learn to beware of the mystery punch while balancing school and complete freedom simultaneously.
Students selected for the program take selections designed by school for the incoming Quakers. For example, a student in the college might take classes in Philosophy, English and History, while a student in SEAS would take Physics, Math, and Chemistry.
Prefrosh have had the opportunity to shop, head to South Street, and even participate in their first off-campus parties. However, Penn makes sure that the students don't go too wild at first by imposing a 1 a.m. sharp curfew Sundays through Thursdays and only extending it until 2 a.m. on the weekends. The students don't mind the curfew because it allows them time to bond with their new roommates.
In addition to the exciting free time, Penn offers several well-received activities that help them bond. For example, many participated in a scavenger hunt and there was an opportunity to travel to either the beach or Chinatown. Last Saturday evening included a well-attended party in the Harrison rooftop lounge.
One international student said that the program has been "exciting and fun and has allowed an adjustment to college life."
Unfortunately for those who have bonded to their roommates, these students will have to part at the end of the three week program, as they will move in with the other freshmen on September first. But these students will be better prepared than their counterparts as they will practically have had a practice run of their freshman year.
Daniel Matisoff
College junior
Sameer Al-Zahrani
Engineering senior
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