Sweet Briar to hold how-to clinic on applying for college

Admissions and financial aid professionals from six Central Virginia colleges are combining their knowledge and experience to present a free how-to clinic on the college application process.

The College Admissions Workshop for high school students and their parents will be 9 to 11:45 a.m. Oct. 3, a Saturday, at the Florence Elston Inn & Conference Center on the Sweet Briar campus.

Representatives from each of the sponsors — Central Virginia Community College, James Madison University, Liberty University, Lynchburg College, Randolph College and Sweet Briar — will present information on topics ranging from a general overview of the process to the specifics of how to write a college essay.

Sweet Briar admissions director Gretchen Gravley Tucker said the idea is to reach out to all high school students, whether they’re ambitious sophomores, juniors just beginning to think about college or seniors who want to improve their chances of getting into their first-choice schools. Also welcome are first-year students, who might not have family members who have gone to college to guide them through the steps.

“The college search and admissions process can be very intimidating,” Tucker said. “A lot of information exists on how the process works and it often varies from institution to institution.

“We want to provide a forum for students and families to learn more about the admissions process, tips on how to start the college search and general advice on applying, including writing the perfect college essay to learning how colleges review the SAT (and) ACT (entrance exams), curriculum and grades,” she said.

In addition to the presentations, admissions counselors will be available to meet individually with students. Students also may bring essays they are working on or essay topics. Counselors will proofread, make suggestions or critique their work.

Eight topics will be presented concurrently at 9:30, 10:15 and 11:45 a.m. Ken Huus, dean of admissions at Sweet Briar, will start the workshop with a 9 a.m. welcome.

The topics and presenters are:

“Opportunities of Starting College at a Community College,” Ashley Pearson, Central Virginia Community College.

“Overview of the College Search Process,” Laika Tamny, James Madison University.

“Proper Implementation of FERPA Regulations,” Terrell Elam and Krystal Tucker, Liberty University.

“Hints on How Colleges Use the SAT/ACT, Curriculum, Grades,” Sharon Walters-Bower, Lynchburg College.

“Writing the Perfect College Essay,” Margaret Blount, Randolph College.

“Mock Admissions Committee,” Ken Huus, Sweet Briar College.

“Financial Aid Basics for College,” Bobbi Carpenter, Sweet Briar College.

“What I Wish I had Known During My College Search,” by a panel of current students from the sponsoring institutions.

Registration is encouraged but not required, and you may attend part or all of the workshop.

To register or for more information, call Sweet Briar’s admissions office at (800) 381-6142 or (434) 381-6142 or e-mail .