Private colleges gearing up for annual promotion

Staff reports
Published: July 25, 2008

Lynchburg College, Randolph College and Sweet Briar College are among 25 private institutions participating next week in an annual drive to draw prospective students to their campuses.

Students who visit three schools during Virginia Private College Week, from Monday through Saturday, Aug. 2, will receive special application fee waivers, a nearly $100 savings.

The three local colleges, along with other members of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, will host two daily programs for prospective students and their families.

Local programs include campus tours and information sessions on academics, student life, financial aid, and the admissions process at each college.

The collaborative effort promotes both the benefits of attending an independent college or university, and the importance of personally visiting campuses as part of the search process.

Last year, Virginia private colleges reported 1,800 visits during the event, with students and families visiting from 30 states and the District of Columbia.

The event also promotes the affordability of the colleges. Last year, Virginia private colleges gave students more than $200 million in scholarships and grants.

“It is a great opportunity to explore a variety of colleges and to discover what is distinctive and special about each college option,” said Ken Huus, SBC dean of admissions. “Visiting a college campus is the best way to assess whether that place is a good fit for you.”

Students who plan to visit three or more of the participating colleges during the week can redeem three application fee waivers at any of the 25 institutions. Students must pick up a passport at the first college they visit, and have it stamped by the end of each visit. Completed passports must be mailed to the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia to be redeemed.

Registration for Virginia Private College Week is not required but students are advised to contact the schools they plan to visit. For more information, check http://www.privatecollegeweek.org.

If you’re going

Lynchburg College
When: Programs run twice daily at the college all week from 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m., with only the morning session available Aug. 2.
For more info: Call (434) 544-8300 or (800) 426-8101, ext. 8300 or check http://www.lynchburg.edu/x2193.xml

Randolph College
When: Tours of the college run twice daily all week starting at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., with only the morning session available Aug. 2. Presentations will follow the tours.
For more info: Call (434) 947-8100.

Sweet Briar College
When: Programs run twice daily at the college all week starting at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., with only the morning session available Aug. 2.
Optional tours of the riding center also will be available at 11:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
For more info: Call the admissions office at (800) 381-6142. 

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