Hey there! I'm a junior and self-proclaimed gearhead. I absolutely love college merchandise! Which colleges are generous with their gear and hand out the most free swag?
This is an interesting question! Often, colleges offer free gear or "swag" during campus tours, information sessions, or college fairs, so participating in these events can increase your collection. That being said, remember that this practice can vary a lot so there isn't a definitive list of colleges that give out the most merchandise.
However, universities with larger endowments generally tend to be more generous with their swag during campus visits. For example, the Ivy Leagues (like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton) typically have a reputation for providing goodie bags or free T-shirts during campus tours or special events.
Similarly, schools with big athletic programs (like the University of Alabama, the University of Michigan, or the University of Oregon) often give out shirts, hats, and other swag, especially if your visit coincides with a major sporting event.
Also, during open-house days or acceptance days, colleges often ramp up their swag handouts, with stickers, pens, and lanyards being common.
This can also depend on the college's marketing strategies. Some colleges focus on other forms of student engagement instead of distributing merchandise, so it's quite unpredictable.
Ultimately, while free merchandise is a fun perk of the college search process, it's best to focus more on the academic and social fit of the school. Happy hunting for both swag and your ideal college!
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