Engaging students in the college visit experience

In early February, Project Success Executive Director Adrienne Diercks contributed her thoughts on helping students individualize the college search process on LearnmoreMN, a blog that looks for solutions to ensure that more Minnesota students succeed in school and move on to college, hosted by the Minnesota Private College Council. In her second post on LearnmoreMN, she addresses fully engaging students in the college visit process.

A student who has done the work of the “why” during her college search process knows herself – her passions, strengths, values, and what she wants to learn from a college search. When she is supported by a trusted adult, knows how to find out what’s “out there” and has the tools and skills she needs to explore her choices, she is equipped to make deductions and analyze her options.

Adrienne goes on to write about some of the best practices Project Success has learned from 20 years of bringing students to college campuses. Our staff conducts workshops on tour days to help students make the most of their campus visit. We offer college student panels to allow high school students the opportunity to ask candid questions about their college experience. We bring students to the office of cultural diveristy, eat lunch on campus, and tour the surrounding neighborhoods so students can ask themselves if the school and community feels like a right fit for them.

All along the way, students’ Project Success facilitators are available to help them prepare for, get the most out of, and take the next steps after a college visit. This level of enagement helps students make conscious, well-considered decisions with confidence, which builds the foundation for success.

Click here to read the entire post.