by Samuel Royer ‘15
The stressful college application process can get a little worrisome for high school students. Starting this spring, the College Experience Club, will give Saint Ignatius students the opportunity to visit college campuses with each other through our College Counseling Department.
According to Mrs. Gabor, the College Counseling director, the College Experience Club’s main purpose is simply to provide Saint Ignatius students with a way to visit college campuses. Gabor, who is also the club’s main contact, said the club should particularly benefit students who wouldn’t be able to go on many college visits otherwise.
Although it will be run by College Counseling, it was sophomore Anthony Ramirez ‘16 who suggested the club be created. “I’ve always thought education is an important factor for success. I haven’t seen another school with a club that allows students to explore their opportunities for college in this way,” Ramirez said.
Wishing to establish a club that would allow students to travel to college campuses in a group, Ramirez approached Mr. Hennessey and Mrs. Gabor. It wasn’t long before planning for the College Experience Club was underway.
The outings, which are planned to occur on school days, would be to various colleges throughout the country. The trips would be free for interested students, with the colleges providing busing and a free lunch.
The club could benefit students unsure of what college options to explore and ease stress surrounding the whole college-decision process. “There’s nothing that beats being on a college campus. I think it’s the single most determining factor for a student in choosing a college,” explained Mrs. Gabor. “Even if he doesn’t like the campus, at least then he’s got some idea of what he does like.”
The club is expected to be operational this spring with a trip to visit Wheeling Jesuit
in West Virginia. Besides that, the club would like to visit another college before the school year ends or possibly in the summer.
