Planning for College – Local Higher Education Institutions Host Workshops for Families

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By Lisa Herrick

saint martins engineering
Saint Martin’s University is collaborating with The Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College to educate local families about higher education options.

We are fortunate to have three distinct higher education options in Thurston County. Even with such fortune in our community, selecting and applying for college can be confusing. Navigating the application process and determining how to finance your college education can be tricky. The three local institutions – South Puget Sound Community College, The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University recognize that they represent a tremendous opportunity for local students and families yet many of us could benefit from their guidance during the college admission process. In a collaborative effort, the three schools are offering an upcoming series of college planning seminars to be held on three consecutive Wednesdays in October, beginning on October 8.

Clarisse Leong, Associate Director of Admissions for The Evergreen State College explains, “Last summer I was thinking about ways in which our institutions could work together to promote the higher education opportunities in Thurston County since we offer three different types of options. We developed a joint event geared towards local students to help people understand that we are trying to advise students regardless of what school they end up applying. We are not necessarily representing our schools. Rather, we are trying to assist students and parents in our area. We hope these events will help parents and students in their college search.”

The South Sound College Planning Seminars are intended for local high school or transfer students, their families and counselors. The workshops will highlight the differences between the three types of institutions: a public two-year community college (South Puget Sound Community College), a public four-year college (The Evergreen State College), and a private four-year university (Saint Martin’s University) while covering the topics of college fit, financial aid and the application process.

South Puget Sound Community College is one of three local institutions.
South Puget Sound Community College is one of three local institutions.

Christina Winstead, Program manager of High School Relations and Outreach at South Puget Sound Community College shares, “It is a great opportunity for those who are planning to go to college to really learn about the next steps. Navigating the process of college admissions can be challenging, so what really excites me about these workshops is being able to help future college students as they pursue their academic endeavors. Last year, it was so much fun to watch prospective students get excited about going to college. Families attended the workshops last year to learn about the process of applying for college. I think that is key when building a strong support system for college students.”

Sarah Weiss, Director of admissions for Saint Martin’s University explains, “As three very different institutions, we represent examples of the distinct options for post-secondary study and higher education. Thus, for our South Sound families, we can share a comprehensive knowledge base for students and families. We also want to show our South Sound families that in their own ‘backyard’ they have a diverse set of options.”

All three sessions are free and open to the public. The seminars will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Reservations are not required.

 

October 8 – How to choose a college that’s a good fit

Learn about the differences between all three institutions, degrees offered and how to choose a school based on fit.

Location: The Evergreen State College, Lecture Hall 1

For more information, contact Clarisse Leong at 360-867-6170

 

evergreen
The Evergreen State College will host the first of three college planning workshops on October 8. Photo by Shauna Bittle

October 15 – College essays and application 101

Find out how to apply for admission, the differences in admission requirements and tips on writing your college admission essay.

Location: South Puget Sound Community College, Buildings 26-101

For more information, contact Christina Winstead at 360-596-5446

 

October 22 – Financing college

Discover the different kinds of aid available at all three institutions, including scholarships, financial need and federal aid, merit aid, deadlines and processes.

Location: Saint Martin’s University, New Cebula Hall, Third Floor

For more information, contact Kacie McPartland at 360-486-8121

 

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