This is the time of year when hundreds of students and their families revisit schools to which they have been offered admission to kick the proverbial tires. We will host throngs on Friday and Tuesday. We'll all do our best, but it's not a pretty sight. The forecast calls for three days of rain by Friday, turning the campus into a mud puddle, and by Tuesday it should be snowing. What will visitors see? At face value, much is what you'd expect at any good school: talented teachers, plenty of eager students, and some kids looking tired.

While dozens of visiting students cram into classrooms with tourguides, we'll entertain parents with panels addressing educational philosophy and unique programs. As an admission officer, I recall being asked by a parent, "How many books do you have in the library?" I took a moment to compose myself and deliver some spectacular figure while thinking, "Why not ask a good question, like: 'How would your student body be different if you had ten times as many applicants?'"

I like this question because it illuminates the essential distinction within Proctor's mission: we're not looking for more students with higher test scores, but favor an academically diverse crowd that shares positive attitude and lots of motivation. This accomplished, we're able to succeed with any enrolled students, because we have the systems and structures in place to do exactly this.

At an oh-so-subtle level, then, visiting students should sense a difference at Proctor: the understanding that everyone is here for the same reason...not simply to provide challenge, but to provide success. Less subtle will be the experience of visiting families when they attend our daily exercise of community: assembly.