Private College Week helps students narrow their college choices
In June 2006, nearly 2,500 students attended Minnesota Private College Week (MPCW), the second highest attendance since the event began in 1994. MPCW — a free, weeklong event when all 17 member colleges open their doors to students and families — provides campus tours and information to help them with college decision-making.
Students and parents alike have found the MPCW experience worthwhile. This year, students made a total of 5,345 visits (many visited more than one school — in fact, three students visited 8 schools!) and came from 36 states and 3 foreign countries. Participant Sarah Holmes from Brooklyn Park used MPCW to test her “gut factor” before choosing which schools to explore more in-depth. “I really enjoyed the week. It opened my eyes to a few colleges I didn't think I wanted to consider.”
According to Jeff Kallay of TargetX, an interactive marketing company specializing in college recruitment, this type of event can have a big impact. His research shows that the top influencing factor for students in deciding where to apply is the campus tour — a central element in the MPCW formula.
A family affair
Paul Rolfes, who will be a high school senior this fall, visited four of the 17 campuses during MPCW 2006. Although his family has a tradition of attending Minnesota’s private colleges, MPCW provided him the opportunity to experience campuses as a prospective student. “I have had to help move my older brothers and sister to college. I’ve seen a lot of dorm rooms at the private colleges,” he says.
Paul (on left in front) is the youngest Rolfes child. Parents Nick and Peggy met in 1973 while they were attending the College of St. Catherine and St. Thomas College.
For now, Paul is undecided as to which one of Minnesota’s private colleges he will attend. He has some pretty tough acts to follow with siblings at Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint John’s University and St. Olaf College. Paul’s mother Peggy has some insight into why their family has chosen Minnesota private colleges. “I always tell people to check out the private colleges. I tell them not to rule out private colleges by looking at the tuition costs. Our middle income family received generous financial aid packages that made the financial choice easier. With the private colleges we considered, they all have good retention rates, great four year graduation rates, and most of all, a more personal feel. I thought if the student makes connections right away as a freshman (to other students, to professors, to volunteer activities) they would be more likely to feel commitment, and be successful.”
When looking at colleges Paul is also taking into consideration his plans after four years of college. “All of my siblings have continued their education. My brother Joe is getting his Master’s degree in architecture. My brother Bryan is in medical school. My brother Chris is an intern at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and working on his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. Julie will probably go onto med school as well. Their liberal arts degrees provided a great base on which to build. Now I just have to choose which one to go to.”
A winning formula
A sampling of comments from participants provided some additional perspective on why MPCW seems to work. “This was a great opportunity to squeeze in as many visits as we could in a short time and help narrow our selections down quickly.” “As a Minnesota resident, I was considering going to college outside of Minnesota but MPCW opened my mind to what Minnesota has to offer.” “With two working parents and a busy school year, we really appreciated having this week during the summer.” “…I am surprised how many parents/students still have no idea this even exists.”
As a result of its popularity in Minnesota, the MPCW format has been replicated in six other states with independent college associations. The next MPCW is scheduled for June 25-29, 2007. Read more about MPCW