Virginia private colleges to hold open house week July 25-30

Prospective students are invited to participate in Virginia Private College Week from July 25-30, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV).

Colleges will offer a campus tour and information sessions about admissions, financial aid and academic programs. College officials will also address some common myths about the cost of a private college education.

“Visiting campuses in person is one of the most important steps in the college search process,” explains Robert Lambeth, President of CICV.  “I encourage parents to explore which college will be the best fit for their son or daughter, and I want to reassure them that a quality education at a Virginia private college is affordable and within reach.”

Students who visit at least three institutions during the week will receive three application fee waivers.  Students may use these waivers to apply to any three participating CICV colleges for free.  In addition, students visiting at least three institutions will also be eligible for a drawing for a $500 Amazon gift card.

Baxter Carter, a former Virginia Private College Week participant and current student at Randolph-Macon College:  “Private College Week provided me and my family with a key first step in my college decision. Not only did I receive three free applications from it, but visiting schools in such a short time frame allowed me to better compare the schools and make a more informed choice. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about choosing colleges.”

Sessions at most colleges will begin at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and at 9 a.m. on Saturday.  For more information about CICV and Virginia Private College Week, including a list of participating colleges and exceptions to this schedule, go to http://www.vaprivatecolleges.org .

The Virginia Private Colleges website provides information concerning the quality and affordability of Virginia private colleges to students and parents by increasing awareness of its member institutions and addressing myths concerning private higher education and its costs. 

The website is a user-friendly, informative tool to help identify which Virginia private college is right for any qualified student, according to a news release.