College Workshops Aim to Prepare Students for Application Process

By ABIGAIL CRANE
 
Since the start of the the Advanced Studies Program, the program’s college counselors have held weekly, optional college workshops, met with mixed reactions from students.

Designed to be a source of information for students beginning the college application process, the optional college workshops have been held on June 30, July 6, and July 13.  The workshops held thus far have consisted of intern interviews, a detailed explanation of the common application, and a mock deliberation of three applicants, where students posed as admission officers.

The college counselors believe the workshops have been successful. Attendance is up from last year’s sessions, according to college councilor Chris Moses. In previous years the college workshops “were not as developed as they are now, or as popular. [This year] and last year, students have made it part of their experience,” AD Hilary Paul continued to say.

College Counselor Jaime Caryl-Klika agreed.  “I've been very pleased with the level of enthusiasm demonstrated by this year's ASP class,” said Mrs. Caryl-Klika.

Many students at the Advanced Studies Program have expressed a positive reception of the latest workshop (a mock admissions committee); however, the previous workshops were not as well received.

“I thought that the first two were not helpful, but the last one [was] because it helps [me] understand what to put on my application,” said Emily Kolocotronis of the Conover 20 dorm.

“I didn't really care much for the college workshops.  I didn't really get anything out of the first one...and I quickly lost interest,” said Zacharie Dugas of the North dorm.  He continued to say, “[The third workshop] was still an experience, but truthfully I would have rather put my study hours to better use.”

The climactic event near the end of the program is the College Fair, scheduled for Saturday, July 24, where approximately seventy colleges come to speak and interact with ASP students. The college counselors will hold one final mandatory workshop the day before the fair.

“We'll get to hear from a…well-experienced and compelling admission professional, Nicole Baron, the evening before College Day,” said guidance counselor, Chris Moses.  This important guest will inform ASP students on selective college admissions.

The College Fair will allow students the opportunity to get answers to the questions they may have from a variety of schools and college representatives. The Fair also is an chance for students to establish a relationship with many colleges across the country, which otherwise could not be as easily contacted.