Parents and students informed at College Connection

Fifty nine parents and students shuffled into the Auditorium on Thursday for the annual PTA sponsored “College Connection” seminar. Lecturers from all over the country appeared in front of the group and gave advice to parents and students about the next step after graduating high school.

Laura Linn, the Director of Admissions at Drake University, spoke to the group about visiting and selecting schools. “We encourage everyone to not just settle,” said Linn. “There are really great schools for everyone out there.”

The Kansas University Professor of Design, Lance Rake, agrees.

“Setting up visits is a crucial thing to do,” said Rake. “Its important for every kid to know what they need to know.”

Linn gave advice like; Always visit a campus before getting admitted, Visit both large and small schools and talking to the administrators of the school.

Not only did the seminar offer help, but it offered information to students about ACT and SAT preparation. Stephen Heiner from “Get Smarter Prep” emphasized the fact that the tests aren’t all about academics.

“Its something that shows how intelligent people really are,” said Heiner. “Its not really that comprehensive it just shows the intelligence of the person.”

East parent Dave Clark, father of 2009 graduate Winn Clark, spoke about the ways an athlete can get to a division two or three school and play sports, but also attend a top 20 school.

In total, seven handouts were given to parents concerning what SAT and ACT scores were needed to get into colleges, along with helpful reminders and tips for campus visits. After the presentations were finished, parents and students had the chance to socialize and ask further questions about each subject with the speakers. Some of the most common questions asked involved administrations and the topic of being accepted into the college of their choice.