The program GROW, formerly known as Scope, plays an important role in helping prospective students decide if Ouachita is the right school.
“Nearly 80 percent of students who attend GROW end up coming to Ouachita,” said Keisha Pittman, director of admissions counseling.
Sophomore Maggie Taylor was no exception.
“I absolutely loved Scope,” Taylor said. “As a junior in high school it made me realize that Ouachita was the place I wanted to be. Hands down.”
The recently changed acronym GROW stands for Getting Ready for Ouachita’s World.
“We loved the option of these phrases,” Pittman said, “‘What are you doing this weekend?’ ‘I’m going to GROW at Ouachita.’ Also, ‘Come GROW at Ouachita.’”
GROW can give students an idea of college life.
“I think the best part of GROW for high school students is just being in the college atmosphere for a day,” Taylor said. “It really paints a good picture of how we live and what they’ll do when they get here.”
Some students even build lasting friendships while attending the program.
“My Scope roommate ended up being my current roommate,” said senior Leah Turner. “And we have gotten along with each other ever since.”
GROWers attend Thursday night’s Refuge service and Tiger Tunes.
“She is very excited about coming and seeing Tiger Tunes,” Taylor said of the GROWer she is hosting, “which in my opinion is one of the best things about GROW. Tiger Tunes is a great way for high school students to see how much fun college can be.”
High school students who attend GROW spend the night in current students’ dorms.
“I remember attending the longest musical, Refuge and coffee at Thrio’s,” said sophomore Kristen Glover. “We returned to the room around midnight and they [the hosts] were just starting their homework … I remember thinking, what a crazy college life. Even though college life seemed bizarre, I felt at home when I visited for Scope.”
GROWers also have the opportunity to attend college- level classes.
“Sitting in on classes is also a great opportunity for them,” Taylor said, “because they can start thinking about what they want to major in and what classes they’d possibly want to take.”
Attending classes also helps prospective students get a glimpse at both sides of college life.
“I think it’s good for them to get to experience everything because, to me, it shows them exactly what life is like on campus, minus the homework,” junior Amy Steeger said. “I really like that they go to classes.”
For some students, simply coming to campus can be a huge factor in their decision.
“When my parents brought me to Ouachita I was not very happy to be visiting a Baptist or any religious -affiliated college for that matter,” said junior Randal Stillwell. “But once I got here and met teachers and other faculty and staff, I was convinced that this was where God wanted me. Plus, on top of that, the campus was absolutely beautiful.”
“GROW is a great opportunity for Ouachita because it shows that we care about our prospective students,” Taylor said.
