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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melody Kanney
Admission Control
512-452-4800
09/09/2005
ADMISSION CONTROL STUDENTS EXPERIENCE COLLEGE ROAD TRIP
AUSTIN, TX. Admission Control, a local non-profit organization that helps economically-disadvantaged high school students gain admission to college, successfully completed its first annual “College, Here We Come” Summer Tour of Texas colleges and universities this June. Aboard the bus were 23 enthusiastic Jack C. Hays High School seniors who buzzed with excitement about the colleges they visited during the six-day tour—Rice University, the University of St. Thomas, the University of Houston, Houston Baptist University, Sam Houston State University, and Texas State University.
Each university presented a workshop on a different aspect of the college admission process, including topics such as creating personal résumés, filling out college applications, discovering and developing personal strengths, applying for special programs such as honors colleges, and writing college application essays. Admission Control coaches and staff worked with the students every evening to help them put their newfound knowledge into action. The students also enjoyed campus tours, learning about each university’s academic programs, famous alumni, sports programs, traditions, and campus activities.
In addition to each day’s informative and educational activities, students were graciously hosted by each university and immersed in campus life. The seniors gained a thorough understanding of the different types of colleges that are available in Texas by staying in college dormitories, eating in campus dining halls, and spending time with current college students. They learned firsthand which types of schools best match their individual personalities and learning styles, whether public or private, religious or non-religious, large or small. Moreover, they had fun while they learned. They sent messages at Rice University’s “Whispering Wall”, met the University of St. Thomas’ president and were honored with a special barbecue dinner, worked out at the University of Houston’s state-of-the-art recreation center, competed in marshmallow team-building games at a “Strengths Quest” session at Houston Baptist University, and played a very competitive midnight game of “Capture the Flag” on Sam Houston State University’s campus. Family members were invited to join their sons and daughters for a memorable family breakfast and information session, hosted by Texas State University’s Hispanic Policy Network.
By the end of the week, each student had completed two college applications (the Texas Common Application and a private school application), written a first draft of an application essay, and gained a better understanding of the college application process. Most importantly, the students were excited and committed to becoming college students in the fall of 2006.
Admission Control’s road trip was intended to make college visits more accessible for students who participate in the organization’s two-year college preparatory program and to give them a head start on the college application process. The rising seniors were able to participate in the road trip as part of the program’s free services.
Admission Control is a service that high schools in Hays CISD are able to offer to economically-disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors who hope to attend college and earn four-year degrees. Learn more about the organization by visiting its website at www.admissioncontrol.org, or contact Program Manager Cyndi Robles at 512-452-4800.
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