Through a series of tours and visits, the juniors immersed themselves in the college experience, by visiting the Northeast of New England. From visiting nine universities to rekindling with alumni, students celebrated both a week of leisure and discovery.
The genesis of planning for the out-of-state college tour began nine months ago. Planning the trip in January and finalizing preparations during the beginning of the school year, the Class of 2025 board managed the entirety of the trip, from transportation to food and hotel accommodations.
“I called restaurants, hotels and airlines, trying to get quotes from them. I needed to plan for 40 people, whether that be reservations in restaurants or rooms in hotels. We had been working constantly for months and were still calling businesses the week before we left,” junior Melissa Hernandez said.
Upon arriving at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, the day was dedicated to the stunning views of New York City’s Manhattan streets. Concrete monoliths towered over the broad walkways and busy roads, intimidating the stunned students. During their time in New York, the group traveled through Times Square by walking across and using the subway.
Day 1, Oct. 8:
New York University
The first stop on the trip rested at the heart of the city, New York University. Famous for modernity and lack of boundaries, the group was ushered from one side of the city to the next, finding many separate NYU buildings around the city.
Regarded as a school for accounting, finance, business management, marketing, computer and informational sciences, NYU emphasized its proximity to large businesses and job opportunities; it holds a prestigious reputation in the city.
Columbia University and Barnard College
From the subways of Manhattan to the streets of Broadway, students traveled six miles to Columbia University and Barnard College. Marking their second stop on the tour, students experienced the wonders of another New York university and its sister college.
Being the first Ivy-League college on the tour, the group visited the architectural wonders of the campus, such as Columbia’s famous Butler Library, inspired by Greek architecture. Towering ionic columns line the front of the library. Behind, three-story-high monolithic windows filled the library with light as the group walked inward into the prestigious school.
Building upon the momentum, Barnard College is a school containing an entirely woman student body. Across the street from Columbia’s campus, Gables students received an innovative tour of Barnard led by Maïa Berthier, Gables alum and former CavsConnect Editor-In-Chief. Giving insight into the acceptance policies of both colleges, Berthier guided her Cavalier-rooted team through the modern campus classrooms.
Day 2, Oct. 9:
Yale University
Moving into the second day, Gables students began their inter-state bus ride early to make the short journey to New Haven, Conn., into the college town of Yale. Greeted by former Highlights Editor-in-Chief Maria Cestero, the campus’s gothic architecture and medieval buildings reflected on the group through the library and bookstore. With lingering questions, Cestero stayed after the tour to give information on the university’s admittance.
Walking around campus, the Commons Dining Hall, with its vaulted ceilings and extensive wood paneling, left students in awe. Filled with a diverse array of menu options, the team got a quick meal before admiring the Battell Chapel.
“The campus was grand and gorgeous. The dining hall looked amazing and the food was delicious. Meeting the alumni was super helpful, she [Cestero] applied to Yale without her test scores, which was very interesting to me. Being physically present in the beautiful college helped to motivate me to continue my IB path,” junior Tiffany Beh said.
Day 3, Oct. 10:
Brown University
As the students took a short bus ride from their hotel, they found themselves admiring Providence, R.I. Taking in the view of the minuscule state, the students were attracted to the prestigious college of Brown University. Being welcomed by one of Brown’s tour guides, the group got to explore the college’s vast campus and learn about its strength in medical research, English, mathematics and social sciences with the uniqueness of an open curriculum.
Being a campus of grand and unique appearance, students were able to admire the Ladd Observatory along with the University Hall. These creative structures provided the emphasis the students sought in a well-rounded campus.
“Brown University is my dream college and was my favorite college on the trip. The English and literature-focused academics interested me alongside the gothic style of the campus. Brown’s open curriculum allows students to structure their major however they like and this quality appeals to me the most,” junior Caitlin Savage said.
Day 4, Oct. 11:
Colgate University and Hamilton College
After their day in Rhode Island, the group traveled to central New York for a double tour, starting with Colgate University. Upon arrival, students noticed that the university was secluded and had a rural environment. Tour guides formed groups based on student’s interests and toured parts of the school in relation to their potential majors.
The students then went on to tour Hamilton College. They were surrounded by nature colored in yellow and orange hues, not seen normally at Gables.
Cavaliers were also greeted by alumni such as Marcela Rondon. Elaborating on how lliberal arts is fundamental at Hamilton, those more interested in these courses got to learn the benefits of the college.
Day 5, Oct. 12:
Cornell and Syracuse Universities
The last day of the tour, the team still had something to look forward to as they had two more universities to attend. They first visited Cornell University, a Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics geared education.
While touring around the campus, students were attracted to the extensive green campus and were invited to eat at the dining hall. While enjoying their lunch, the group learned that Cornell raises their own cows and has hand-made products like milk. Getting a glimpse, the students were pleased by what they saw due to the positive energy, broad space and extraordinary education.
After an informative trip, the students had one final college on their list, Syracuse University. Similar to Cornell, Syracuse leaned more towards STEM majors consisting of informational science, psychology and finance. With over 700 acres of land, the tour guide pointed out over 15,000 students attending the university. The accomplishment of the JMA Wireless Dome highlights the modern style for sports like football, basketball and lacrosse.
“Cornell and Syracuse are schools with big campuses and despite their isolation, high school spirit. You can tell just by walking through the campuses, that the students are happy to be there. These schools tend to be more STEM-related, something I look for in a university, and that spikes my interest in their majors,” sophomore Adrian Perez said.
Returning back to South Florida on Oct. 13, the universities showcased a variety of future goals, yet they all emphasize a shared principle: that the students admitted to their institutions truly belong there. Students reflect upon the diligence, responsibility and effort required before entering Cavalier college-bound status, and the trip helps uncover insight into their future selves.
