Countdown to Virginia Private College Week—2014 edition

Washington and Lee University

Virginia’s private colleges are mowing lawns, mulching gardens, and otherwise putting finishing touches on plans to host hundreds of college-bound high school students for Virginia Private College Week, beginning Monday, July 28 and running through Saturday, August 2.

While websites, brochures, and recommendations from friends are definitely helpful when it comes to learning about colleges, there’s no substituting for what you can learn during a campus visit. 

And although summer months are not always ideal for this purpose, you can take advantage of quiet time to schedule more relaxed visits with admissions, coaches, or academic staff.

This summer, the 24 colleges participating in 2014 Virginia Private College week events welcome the opportunity to host prospective students and their families for information sessions, tours, and a little one-on-one time with staff delighted to introduce their schools.

Since most events are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each weekday and with a few 9:00 Saturday sessions, true road warriors can visit up to 11 of Virginia’s private colleges and universities by the time the week is over.

And there’s a special incentive. Students visiting three or more colleges during the week will receive three FREE application fee waivers for any participating college. That means no application fees for up to three Virginia private colleges of choice—not just those visited. Sweet!

According to the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV), Virginia's private colleges differ from big-name state schools because of emphasis on smaller classes and the personal attention students receive from faculty. “Our students are engaged in the classroom, involved on campus, mentored by their professors, and prepared for a career or graduate school.”

In addition to the educational benefits of a private college, the CICV wants to remind parents that Virginia 529 college savings plans can be used at any of Virginia’s private institutions. And then there’s the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG), which essentially translates into free money for any Virginia resident attending one of the Commonwealth’s private colleges as a full time student.

Virginia Private College Week is not the only state-wide program of organized private college tours. Wisconsin (July 14-19), Minnesota, Oregon (July 28-August 1), Iowa (August 4-8), and Indiana (July 21-25) are among the other state groups offering students the opportunity to tour private colleges during a special week set aside to welcome families on college road trips.

For a list of Virginia's participating schools and the schedule of events, check the Private College Week web page or visit the CICV website.