Come and learn the answers to these burning questions:

  • What do I need to do to prepare my new high school student for college?

  • What are colleges looking for?

  • How do I pay for college?

  • Can my student take college classes during high school and have them count for high school (dual enrollment)?

When?

Thursday, June 13, 2024

  • 8:30am-9:00am – Registration

  • 9:00am-11:30pm – Program

  • 11:30am-12:30pm – Lunch

  • 12:30pm-1:00pm – Optional Tour

Where?

Elizabethtown College
One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Cost?

This is a FREE event, which includes lunch, but registration is required!

Optionally, you may purchase the iStartStrong inventory for $14 for each student in grades 9-12 aged 15 or older.  This inventory is purchased as part of registration for the event, and must be completed online at home.  The instructions for completing the assessments will be sent out on Monday, May 6th, 2024, and will need to be completed by Wednesday, May 29th, 2024.  The student’s results will be reviewed during the College / Career exploration session.

Note: Any minor visiting the campus must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Register Now

Topics

Preparing for College

Get an overview of the college admissions process, both in general and specific to Elizabethtown College. An admissions officer from Elizabethtown College will address homeschool families’ frequently asked questions:

  • What types of courses should students take at the high school level to prepare for college?
  • What extra-curricular activities should students participate in to prepare for the college admission process?
  • What qualities are college admissions counselors looking for in applicants?
  • What is the importance of the following college application materials?
    • The college application
    • The high school transcript
    • Standardized test scores
    • Letters of recommendation
    • The college essay
  • What about dual enrollment, dual admission, the transfer of credits in general, and taking AP and CLEP exams?
  • What merit-based scholarships are offered at Elizabethtown College?
  • How do scholarship offers vary from institution to institution?

College / Career Exploration

Have you wondered how to start exploring your career options? Does the prospect of deciding on a career seem overwhelming? This session uses the iStartStrong inventory to provide a way for you to explore your interests, learn how to research possible careers and to identify the education needed to pursue your goals. The inventory should be completed at home by each student that wishes to participate. The student’s results will be reviewed during this session.

Navigating Financial Aid

The presentation will provide an overview of the financial aid process. We will discuss topics such as types of financial aid available, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and important terminology for parents and students to know.

Includes a Free Lunch

Be sure to register all attendees so that the college will have meal tickets ready for lunch.

Optional Campus Tour

The college admissions office will conduct a tour of campus for interested attendees.

Presenters / Panelists

Gretchen Camp

Senior Director of Admissions and Operations

Gretchen oversees the Admissions office and serves as the coordinator for homeschooled students.  Together with her husband they homeschool their four children.  Gretchen earned her M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Bay Path University.

Carolina Concepcion

Financial Aid Counselor

Carolina joined Elizabethtown College in 2022. She is a financial aid counselor and is the first point of contact for prospective students. Additionally, Carolina manages the federal Pell grant program, out of state scholarships, and the financial aid website and publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Carolina enjoys helping others. In her free time, she likes painting (with oils and acrylics), spending time with my family, road trips, and reading. She resides in Lancaster County, PA with her husband and son.

Maureen Brown

Director of the Career Development Center

Maureen has dedicated her career to helping students and alums sharpen their professional skills and connect with employers. She provides a strategic vision to create a campus environment that engages students and alums in career exploration and professional development.

Maureen received her M.S. from West Chester University in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs. Maureen holds two certifications: Certified Career Counselor (CCC) and Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Certification. Maureen has received two Presidential Citations (2022, 2023) from the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE) for her work with the organization. As an undergraduate, Maureen studied Political Science and Paralegal Studies at Kutztown University.