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The “College Talk” program has been a featured element of Saint Louis School for several years and help to lessen the stress of Saint Louis School students who are interested in applying and attending college.
Over the past two years, the program has expanded greatly by having, not just colleges from across the country, but universities from around the world. ”There are more diverse schools, like international schools, that we haven’t had on campus in a while [and] some colleges farther [on the] East Coast,” explains College and Career Counselor, Keenan Meyer, “not just schools on the West Coast.” Recent data has shown that 51% of students from Hawaii prefer to stay in the West Coast region; therefore, it is important to offer students a variety of school visits. “Now we’re working our way across the continent [from] Colorado to New Hampshire, D.C. , New York [and] the East Coast area,” shares Meyer.
Many students beginning their “college hunt” may not be aware of what is out there or how many universities and colleges there are. “I feel students are attending these talks to gain more insight on things that are out there… to kinda broaden their horizon,” adds Meyer.
Senior Counselor Cheryl Funk is also involved with the “College Talks,” bringing students in her division to these presentations to get a taste of what the college application process is like. “The purpose of having valuable college talks is to expose students to a variety of geographical areas of learning,” explains Funk. “Many of our students tend to want to stay closer to Hawaii, not ever realizing what other opportunities may be available to them.”
College Talks are a valuable tool for students because they may not know what they want to study or what college they would want to attend. “They are most valuable in that it broadens their horizons and allows them to become aware of educational opportunities available to them,” adds Funk. “Many of our students have not even ventured off this island.”
For some students, this may also be the first time communicating with a college counselor or learning more about a specific college. “First, it informs each college about the excellent institution we have here,” explains Funk. “It allows the students to put a face to the college and based on the presentation of the representative, it shapes their overall view of the school.”
For students, the “College Talks” provide key information that will be used in their college applications. “College Talks have helped me in the admissions process by getting me interested in different colleges that I didn’t think I would be interested in applying to,” shares Senior, Matagi Lilo. “They also help me be able to get my applications done faster, so I know what to look for and target in these applications.”
Hawaii students looking to continue their education often are faced with financial difficulties. The cost of tuition can be a major factor in determining which prospective colleges their families can afford “What is most important to me is probably the financial aid process,” explains Lilo. “I don’t want to be in too much student debt, so being able to apply for financial aid and different scholarships help me pick what college I decide to go to.”
Students are also able to directly connect with an Advisor from a specific college they are considering applying to: “It’s good getting to connect with them, a lot of times they will ask questions,” adds Lilo. “If you have any different questions about things they didn’t get to talk about, they really break it down for you and I think that part is helpful.”
