By GEOFFREY SCOTT

Following the lead of several liberal arts schools, Juilliard's Admissions Office took a technological leap last fall and got on board with DigiChat, a software program that allows the School to communicate with prospective students in a new way.

The chat software is set up much like some of the chat rooms on the Internet, but with DigiChat, we are able to apply security filters that prevent students from using unsavory language or trading personal information (i.e., gossiping).

"Talk to Juilliard" read the flier that went to newly admitted students as part of their admission packets last April. We wanted to give those who couldn't make it for the Revisit program a chance to have their questions about the School answered—and who better to do that than current students?

Seven current Juilliard students volunteered, and we set a time frame of 7-8:30 p.m. to allow students on the West Coast enough time to get home and log on. The event was slow going at first, but as folks started logging in, the questions began flying. Students admitted to the Dance, Drama, and Music Divisions signed in to chat, and it was great to watch current Juilliard students get so excited about speaking with the new students and creating friendships even before they arrived on campus.

Return to the Revisit article.

Since the initial chat, other offices have decided to use the program as well. Sarah Adriance, who coordinated the Summer Dance Intensive, used it to enable her summer dance students to get acquainted before arriving for their three-week program. Clara Jackson, assistant director of student affairs, and Christopher Clarke, director of residence life, used it to allow new students to get more in-depth information regarding life on campus. This fall, the Admissions Office plans to offer another series of chats to help applicants with their online applications, as well as answer questions regarding application and audition requirements.