ISSUED: 26 August 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University is hosting the annual West Virginia College Day Tour on Monday, September 12, at the Wellness Center. About 50 colleges and universities from across the state will send representatives to meet with public, private, and home school students from Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties.
Juniors and seniors from some high schools in the three counties will be bussed to Shepherd between 9-11 a.m. The college fair will be open from 6-8 p.m. to all students and their parents from throughout the region.
Jen Hnatuck, Shepherd’s associate director of admissions, said with 50 colleges in one room, students and parents have the opportunity to talk to representatives from multiple schools. Hnatuck suggests students come to the fair with a list of the schools that interest them the most, but to keep an open mind about the others.
“I recommend students visit at least five different schools to get an idea of what those schools offer,” Hnatuck said. “I also recommend students go up to a representative from a school that they’ve never heard of and just learn about the programs and student life on that campus, because you may find the school that’s the right fit for you.”
Hnatuck said students should also make a list of what they’re looking for in a college and plan to ask tons of questions. She said students are usually interested in hearing about what majors a college offers and what life on campus is like. Parents tend to focus more on cost and financial aid. Even if students attend the fair through school in the morning, she said it’s a good idea for them to come back in the evening with their parents.
“It will probably provoke students to have different questions in the evening that they didn’t have in the morning because their parents are there,” Hnatuck said. “After leaving in the morning they might think of a question to ask a representative from a specific school and they can come back in the evening and ask then.”
Hnatuck said choosing a college involves the whole family. She encourages students and parents to enjoy the process.
“While shopping for a college can be stressful and overwhelming, college is going to be one of the best experiences of your life,” she said. “You’re going to get a great education, and you’re going to meet some of your best friends for life. Just enjoy the process and don’t stress too much.”
For more information about the West Virginia College Day Tour at Shepherd, visit www.shepherd.edu/college-fair-home/.
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