Revisiting Revisit Day: Transparency as the Key to Discovery on Discovery Day

“Wanna walk with me to hype squad tomorrow?” someone asks me. I shoot off a response as homework, upcoming assignments, and personal hang-ups swirl in my mind. It isn’t until I arrive at the Kirby Arts Center, filled with my peers, that I realize I have made it to the other side. I realized how much my perspective of Lawrenceville had evolved from being cheered on to the KAC to doing the cheering.

For many Lawrentians, Discovery Days are the first times we visit campus after our acceptance into Lawrenceville. Students can immerse themselves in Lawrenceville’s classes and community without the stress of an impending interview or proper conduct. On Discovery Day, I met my future roommate, chatted with girls who would become my best friends, and sat in on teachers with whom I would build strong relationships during my first year. However, my lived experiences at Lawrenceville differ greatly from what I presumed it would be from my Discovery Day experience.

On Discovery Days, Lawrenceville strives to put its best foot forward in order to encourage kids to “say L-Yeah to Lawrenceville.” Understandably, the admissions department promotes certain aspects of the School more than others in order to appeal to students. On my Discovery Day, the program overwhelmingly focused on emphasizing the positives our school offers. From the All Arts lunch in Abbott to chatting with prefects in the Stanley House, Lawrenceville appeared to illustrate itself as the best in every area. Although our school boasts a diversely talented student body, the premise that one school can excel in everything is simply impossible. Like every other school, Lawrenceville possesses its own unique shortcomings. Families and students making their big decision need more transparency surrounding these faults in order to choose the best school for their goals. 

Additions to this year’s Discovery Day program focused on providing prospective students with a better understanding of what to expect at Lawrenceville would help balance attracting admitted students with preparing them for their first year. For example, a panel discussion with open discourse about topics such as academic expectations, time commitments and universal stressors would allow prospective students to see the more difficult side of Lawrenceville. By openly acknowledging the difficult aspects of school life, Lawrenceville will display its dedication to honesty, a quality that families of prospective students, who have to make a big decision, will appreciate. The unknown is a great source of fear, so being transparent about challenges that students may face will provide security for visiting families. Transparency from Lawrenceville can create trust in the School, and all families must build a fundamental form of trust before sending their children away.

Naturally, firsthand descriptions of rigor and stress at Lawrenceville can dissuade students from enrolling. However, these difficulties will lead to development. Lawrenceville is already renowned for its rigorous education that fosters capable and well-rounded students. Although the stress, exhaustion, and busyness tacitly included in the Lawrenceville tuition seem like they would repel prospective students, visitors on Discovery Day would benefit from hearing candid student experiences. Through all the pressure of Lawrenceville this year, I have also experienced countless joyous moments from overcoming my challenges, mastering difficult subject matter, and spending time in our community. We should try to deliver this more nuanced perspective of Lawrenceville on Discovery Day. A more transparent student panel discussion, that includes student anecdotes of Lawrenceville’s House system, sports teams, and academic workload, would provide visiting students with a deeper understanding of what they can experience if they choose Lawrenceville.

Discovery Days provide a positive, general understanding of life at Lawrenceville with tours. However, this program has the potential to provide prospective students with an even deeper and authentic understanding of our school. A knowledge that gives families the requisite information to make the best choice for the student. A choice which would result in Lawrenceville receiving students who made the decision to say “L Yeah” based on a more complete understanding of what is to come. Making strides towards increased transparency on Discovery Day will allow Lawrenceville to welcome future classes of students more excited, informed, and prepared for the true Lawrenceville experience.