Fall 2009- As GEAR UP students begin their sophomore and junior years, college visits become a more significant part of the college preparation process. Several college visits are planned this year. Take a look at a recent trip by the Dunbar and Kenwood Academy students.

The itinerary was tightly planned and intensive.  GEAR UP students visited four schools in two days.  The students had an opportunity to meet and speak with students on the various campuses and participate in recreational activities such as bowling.
 
The college representatives were very welcoming and engaging. Students had the opportunity to see private institutions (Knox College and Eureka College) as well as public institutions (the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign and Eastern Illinois University. 

They also got to compare small campuses like Knox College with a student population of 1,400 and Eureka College with a student population of 700 to large and very large universities (Eastern Illinois University with a student population of 10,000 and the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign with a student population of 41,000).  They learned about the difference between a college and a university, and students learned about programs and financial aid available on each campus. 
 
On their evaluations, students seemed to like Knox College and the University of Illinois the most, although there were some students who expressed an interest in Eastern Illinois University. Eureka College has invited us back and is willing to provide housing for students on campus for the visit.  

The trip also included a visit to the Ronald Reagan Museum (on the campus of Eureka College, former President Ronald Reagan's Alma Mater).  The presenter at the museum was excellent. He related well to the students and provided a gamut of information regarding the admissions process (2.0 GPA and 17 ACT score).  Chad Stewart, GEAR UP, Post-Secondary Coach at Dunbar Vocational Academy, remarked that this was the best college tour for students that he has ever attended.

Students are looking forward to more trips and learning more about their college options.