ISSUED: 11 September 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University is hosting a college fair September 22-23 that will give high school students and their parents the opportunity to visit with representatives from about 50 institutions.
The annual West Virgina Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual college tour comes to Shepherd’s Wellness Center on September 22 from 6-8 p.m. and September 23 from 9-11 a.m.
Kristen Lorenz, Shepherd University director of admissions, said public and private four year colleges, two year colleges, and technical schools from across West Virginia and the region will be represented at the fair.
On the morning of September 23 about 1,400 students from high schools in Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson counties will be bussed to Shepherd to visit the fair. There’s also an opportunity for the students to attend the evening before, and Lorenz said there are benefits to coming both days.
“On Monday evening they can come with their parents, who might have some questions that the students wouldn’t think of asking,” Lorenz said. “It will also be easier to get the attention from an admissions counselor on that day because it’s not as crowded as it is on Tuesday.”
Lorenz said Monday evening is also a great time for high schools students who are not seniors, as well as home schooled students, to shop for a college.
Lorenz advises students and their parents to get the most out of attending the college fair by asking as many questions as possible and finding out when open houses are scheduled.
“I think it’s important for them to get on campus because the number one thing you have to do when you choose a school is make sure it’s the right fit for you,” she said. “We always tell students to visit at least three schools during their junior and senior year just to see what’s the best fit for them and see where they can actually picture themselves.”
Lorenz’s top five tips for students and parents who will attend the college fair are:
- Be prepared with plenty of questions.
- Print cards or mailing labels in advance with your address so you can hand those out if you’re interested in hearing from a particular school.
- Keep an open mind because there might be a college that you didn’t think about that might have a great program for you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be shy; the admissions counselors are there to help you.
- Relax a little bit. Deciding on a college can be stressful, but the admissions counselors are there to help you make it a little easier.
For more information about the college fair, contact Shepherd University’s Office of Admissions at 304-876-5212.
Audio is available HERE.
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