“The red folders are so key,” chimed in Fan.

In between introductions and ice cream, the question of where to enroll in September dominated most conversations, with Stanford and Yale as the most widely mentioned alternatives to Harvard, Fan said.

Both Stanford and Yale changed their early admissions policies this year from early decision to early action, allowing early applicants to turn down the colleges even if accepted.

Despite finding themselves unable to swipe into their hosts’ dorms and disappointed they didn’t get to interact more with current students, most pre-frosh interviewed by The Crimson said they were likely to join the 78 percent of students who accepted Harvard’s admissions offer last year.

“We had a ton of fun!” gushed Denman, who along with Fan, Patrican, Abi O. Orisamolu and Elizabeth J. McVoy navigated, red folders tucked under their arms, through the crowds of students and faculty enjoying the music, cotton candy and Earth Day fair at Springfest.

The secret to their success? “Meet tons of people,” said McVoy. “And don’t be afraid to ask directions.”

—Staff writer Bari M. Schwartz can be reached at bschwart@fas.harvard.edu.