This page is devoted to answering the general questions people tend to ask us about Pre-O. If you have a questions not answered here, you can email on of the contacts listed on our welcome page.

How do you decide who gets to go? In the past, Pre-O has been able to accept all applicants, however due to increasing demand, there is a 50-student cap this year. Decisions will be made on a first come first serve basis, and a $20 non-refundable deposit will be required so that others don't miss out on a great trip because somebody decided to drop out at the last minute.

How much does Pre-O cost? The total cost is $220, part of which is a $20 non-refundable deposit. If you need help covering the cost, please contact us as soon as possible.

Who do I make the check out to? Harvey Mudd College

How/when should I get to campus? Hikers should try to arrive at the Linde Activities Center (better known as the LAC) by noon on August 23rd (we are somewhat flexible with arrival times). Pre-Orientation will provide transportation to campus for those students flying in to Ontario airport. If you need to fly to LAX for some reason (i.e. international students), talk to us sooner rather than later.

Where will I stay after I arrive? Everyone will be staying in the LAC on the night of the 23th. If you arrive before the 23th, you may stay with us in the LAC as well, just don't be surprised when we ask you to lend a hand!

Where will I store my stuff? All of your belongings that you are not taking with you on the hike will be stored in a locked room in the LAC.

When do I get into my room? On the night of the 29th! Then we all get to crash, take showers, and enjoy the glory that is indoor plumbing.

Are the hiking groups co-ed? There are both co-ed and single gender hiking groups, though as a result of the group selection process, this is typically fairly random. If you have concerns, please contact Scott and/or Chris so that we may address them.

I'm not an avid hiker. Can I still go? Heck yes!!! We have trails (and even a cool new pilot program) to suit almost every type of hiker, from the never-seen-a-trail to the I-started-hiking-on-the-day-I-was-born-why-is-everyone-so-slow. Pre-O is more about getting together and having some fun with new friends before school starts than about hiking your feet off, though we have some of that, too, if you'd like.

I don't have the necessary gear, how should I obtain it? We can provide a lot of the major gear for those who don't own any (this includes the backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and group gear). If you haven't hiked a lot the most major purchase you may have to make is hiking boots (even then, leaders may have old pairs that could still be used, so don't hesitate to ask if you need anything at all)! Just please contact us about borrowing gear as soon as possible so we have ample time to go scrounging.

So what is this new pilot program you so coyly mentioned above? This year, we are going to have one of our groups camping at a campground for the week. You will participate in day hikes in the Sequoia area, largely determined by discussion of the whole group on what they would like to do. The food will be the same as what you would experience on the trail (a.k.a. delicious, don't believe what some of the other leaders say!). If you would like more information, please contact Chris or Scott.