Upper and underclassmen alike flocked to the auditorium commons Thursday to glean information about college admissions. A panel of admissions counselors from multiple post-secondary institutions visited HHS to discuss the admission process and answer students’ questions.

Two representatives from James Madison University, Laika Tamney and Adam Anderson, attended the discussion, as well as Bryan Eckstein from West Point Military Academy, Laurel Hayes (a current student) from Bridgewater College, and Emily Staubas from Blue Ridge Community College.

A wide variety of topics were covered, from how to construct a successful college application, to what extracurricular activities are offered at each of the institutions. James Madison University recently attained a breakdancing and dodgeball club. “[…] If you need to get back at someone from second grade,” Anderson said.

A recurring theme in the discussion was that different colleges suit different individuals; traditional four-year colleges and community colleges are different environments. Large universities and small colleges have different personalities.

Requirements to enter each of the schools was discussed. JMU and Bridgewater have a similar process, including entrance essays and a formal application. On top of these requisites, West Point requires applicants to contribute eight years of military service following their education. Blue Ridge expects an online form be completed and applicants’ test scores.

The discussion lasted the entirety of ELT block, with many writing their questions on slips of paper to be answered by the counselors. Senior Joseph Serage considers it worthwhile experience.

“I thought it was pretty useful; the information given was good. [I learned] how dual enrollment credits transfer and the fact that there’s a guide online to look at,” Serage said.

Freshman Corin Vogel expressed that it made his future less intimidating. “There were a lot of good questions asked. It made sense. I felt like I learned a lot,” Vogel said.