All the answers in one place

Having admissions representatives from six different colleges and universities in one room can be a high school guidance counselor’s dream come true.

"It's so beneficial to have so many schools in one place," said Kathy Kleppin, a career coach at New River Community College and Pulaski County High School. "Rather than having to make 10 phones calls, we can ask a question once and all of them answer. That’s very helpful."

Kleppin is referring to a panel discussion held at Radford University Aug. 17 that provided area high school counselors an opportunity to engage with college admissions representatives from some of Virginia’s higher education institutions.

Held in the College of Business and Economics Building, admissions representatives from Radford University, James Madison University, Longwood University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and the College of William and Mary discussed admissions topics and procedures and answered numerous questions from the high school counselors.

For nearly two hours, the college representatives provided insight into how the high school guidance counselors can best advise their students who are preparing for and applying to colleges. They discussed and fielded questions regarding admissions processes and application deadlines, high school class requirements for various college programs, the new SAT and financial aid.

"It was interesting to hear how each school considered various aspects of the admissions process, what was important to them," said Kate Buchanan '93, M.S. '01, a counselor at Blacksburg High School. "It makes it easier for us to explain to our students because the No. 1 question we get from students and parents is: What do I have to do to get into college?"

Each representative also addressed their institutions’ various programs aimed at helping students succeed once they arrive on campus.

Radford University Admissions hosted the panel discussion to provide more school counselors in the Commonwealth with the tools they need to help their students successfully make the transition from high school to college, said James Pennix, dean of Admission and Enrollment Management.

"It was great to have them all here on the Radford campus," said Chrissi Vest '92, M.S. '94, who was happy to have the opportunity so close to her school. "Having the opportunity to ask an immediate question makes a huge difference."