• What makes MPCW different from other campus visit opportunities?
• Is MPCW only for seniors?
• Do I need to register for Minnesota Private College Week (MPCW)?
• Do I need to call each of the colleges individually to register? How do I register?
• How should I decide which colleges to visit during MPCW?
• Why should I consider private colleges?
• Are all private colleges in Minnesota a part of this event?
• Do colleges have any expectations that I'll apply to or attend their school if I visit MPCW?
• Can I make appointments to visit with people on campus?
• Can I visit schools before or after MPCW?
• Can my parents attend MPCW? What about my friends and other family members?
• Can we stay in on-campus housing for the night?
• What if I am on campus for a camp during MPCW?

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Q: What makes MPCW different from other campus visit opportunities?
A: This is a great introduction to your private college options. With short sessions scheduled at the same time at all of our campuses, we make it easy for you to schedule several visits over the week. Running about two hours, these sessions are also shorter than the typical open houses that our colleges organize individually. That’s what makes MPCW a good place to start your college search.

Q: Is MPCW only for seniors?
A: No — whether you’ll be a senior, junior or sophomore in the fall, MPCW is worthwhile. If you are starting to think more about your college options, you would benefit from these short campus visits.

• For next fall's sophomores, if you haven’t started yet, now is the time to jumpstart your search; MPCW can help you figure out just what you are looking for in a college.
• For next fall's juniors and seniors, if you are starting to think more about your college options, using MPCW to gather your own first-hand impressions will help you as well.

Q: Do I need to register for Minnesota Private College Week (MPCW)? How do I register?

A: Registration is highly recommended. It helps our campuses better prepare for the number of students expected to be at each visit. You can register online. You can also call our offices and we can register for you over the phone (800-774-2655). We send the registration information to each of the colleges and universities that you register to attend.

Q: How should I decide which colleges to visit during MPCW?
A: You could start with some research.

• Our colleges pages may be a good starting point; these profiles include links to the colleges’ websites if you want to dig further.
• Our colleges offer an array of programs; if you have an area of interest, use our College Finder tool to search for majors, sports and arts.

The important thing is to start visiting some campuses. It will help you better imagine just what you are looking for as your college search advances.

Q: Why should I consider private colleges?
A: A private college could be the best fit for you. The knowledge and skills you gain at one of Minnesota’s private colleges are exactly what employers are seeking. See career value.

They also offer academic excellence, through one-on-one contact with professors and other "real world" experiences, as well as a strong sense of community. With the variety represented by these 17 institutions in terms of size, location, affiliation and special areas of focus, you're sure to find several colleges you would like to explore further. See our value.

Q: Are all private colleges in Minnesota a part of this event?
A: Minnesota Private College Week is a collaborative event of the 17 private colleges and universities that belong to the Minnesota Private College Council. There are other private colleges in Minnesota, but they are not a part of this event.

Q: Do colleges have any expectations that I'll apply to or attend their school if I visit MPCW?
A: No — this is a "no pressure" opportunity to visit campuses, ask questions and get a feel for what different private colleges have to offer. You don't have to commit to anything before (or after) you attend MPCW.

Q: Can I make appointments to visit with people on campus?
A: This varies by campus. Some campuses do not facilitate individual appointments with professors, coaches or other people during MPCW, others do. Please contact the campus directly for more information.

Q: Can I visit schools before or after MPCW?
A: You are welcome to visit campuses anytime (contact admission offices to schedule a visit), but Minnesota Private College Week is a special event, offered only one week each year.

Q: Can my parents attend MPCW? What about my friends and other family members?
A: Absolutely! Parents are welcome to attend MPCW, even if their son or daughter can't make it. And are welcome to bring friends or family — including younger siblings since it’s never too early to start thinking about college choices.

Q: Can we stay in on-campus housing for the night?
A: Sorry, but no. We cannot make campus housing available for students and their families. Contact the admission offices on the campus you wish to visit for a list of accommodations in the area.

Q: What if I am on campus for a camp during MPCW?
A: Simply being on campus is not enough to give you the same information you would gain by attending the information session and campus tour. You may participate in MPCW if your schedule and camp director allow.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact the Minnesota Private College Council office by calling 800-774-2655 or e-mailing colleges@mnprivatecolleges.org.