Helping to level the playing field for college admission | Press Releases

Fairfield University will hold a Pre-College Workshop on Wednesday, June 30, and Thursday, July 1, to help low-income and first-generation high school students from Bridgeport and Middletown overcome some of the advantages other students have in getting into college.

"While the college admission process can be intimidating even to families that have been through the process before, for young people who have never had a family member apply to college, the process can seem downright insurmountable," said Alex Scott, associate director of admission at Fairfield who is coordinating the workshop. "By bringing these high school students on campus and familiarizing them with each step of the admission process, we are helping to level the playing field when it comes time for them to compete for admission to the colleges they choose."

Among the skills the students will learn will be how to use computers in the college search, the steps for applying for financial aid, and preparing for the college interview and writing the college essay. Students will receive individual counseling, learn about academic support services and get some actual experience by participating in mock interviews. In addition, students will stay overnight in a residence hall and hear from current college students about what it is really like to live away from home.

While students pay a nominal fee of $10, the cost of the program is being generously sponsored by Fortune Brands, Mr.and Mrs. Louis Fernous, Mobil Corporation and the Fairfield University Office of Admission.