Weekend in Vermont - Learn About College Admissions

I got an email from Lauren Starkey last week about a new program she's working on for this spring.  Lauren writes for the Examiner and her column often appears in HS Counselor Week.  In my, opinion her advice is always spot-on.

Lauren's press release is below.
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INNOVATIVE WEEKEND COURSE ON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS EDUCATES PARENTS

5 January 2011—Essex, Vermont. Just three months from now, hundreds of out-of-state parents will spend the weekend in Vermont. They won’t be there for the skiing, for a sample at Ben and Jerry’s, or for a fresh bottle of maple syrup (although those will be available). Instead, they’ll be taking a crash course on college admissions.

Vermont College Admissions 101 (VCA) offers a comprehensive understanding of the admissions process, from selecting a school to maximizing financial aid. Held at The Essex, one of New England’s premier resorts, the program is lead by a panel of admissions experts from five states as well as representatives from Vermont colleges.

Says Executive Director Lauren Starkey, author of Write Your way into College and 20 other books, “Admissions isn’t what it used to be. Even those parents who went through the process a few years ago with an older child will be surprised to learn, for example, how the financial crisis changed many types of aid. The early decision landscape is also completely different than it was just a year ago.

“We’re bringing an expert panel together to give parents cutting-edge information, and we’re holding it at The Essex to offer an exceptionally comfortable experience. Tours of colleges will be attended by college counselors, who will explain how to get the most out of them. What should parents look for, what can you really tell from a tour? Many travel hundreds of miles to visit a school without really knowing how to make the most of their time and money.

“Once the educational sessions and tours are over, The Essex—rated one of WorldHotel’s Top 10 for luxury—offers gourmet dining, a cooking class, and spa treatments. Nearby outlet shopping, a new state-of-the-art movie theater, proximity to downtown Burlington, and outdoor activities provide something for everyone during down time.”

Starkey adds, “College admissions doesn’t have to be stressful. When you’re armed with the right information, and you understand what to do when, you can help your student select and apply to the right schools for him or her. But it all starts with educating yourself.”

More Information

info@vtcollegeadmissions.com

http://www.vtcollegeadmissions.com/