2013 Joyce Ivy College Admissions Symposium

            The second annual Joyce Ivy College Admissions Symposium will be held May 10 and 11, 2013 at Washtenaw Intermediate School District Teaching and Learning Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  This free event provides a comprehensive look at college admissions, from selecting a college to applying for financial aid and just about everything in between.  Each day of the Symposium provides group specific programming for guidance counselors on Friday and students and their parents on Saturday.        

            Last year, the Foundation was proud to welcome admissions officers from Dartmouth, Princeton, Wellesley, Duke, and Johns Hopkins who provided fantastic insight into the “behind the desk” world of college admissions.  This year, the same group of professionals has committed to attend, along with a representative from Penn.  In addition, the event will feature veteran counselor John Bosheven who hails from Community High School in Ann Arbor. 

             As a volunteer at last year’s symposium, I was fortunate to get a behind-the-scenes look at the event and observe its many successes.  The small breakout sessions allow participants easy access to knowledgeable admissions officers, ensuring that all questions are answered.  Participants raved about the case study portion, during which they got to act as admissions officers and decide whether or not an applicant should be admitted.  By the end of each day last year, it was evident that all who had been involved had learned a great deal. 

            This year, a new location will provide for greater flexibility in offering a multitude of sessions, such as a “Best Practices” discussion, during which guidance counselors will share what has worked for them throughout their experiences working with high school students.  There will also be multiple panels featuring parents, current college students, and counselors to ensure that topics are tackled from every angle. 

            The Joyce Ivy College Admissions Symposium is a valuable- and once again, FREE, chance to learn the ins and outs of college admissions.  This is the only event of its kind in Michigan, and it definitely should not be missed!  Reserve your spot here!