High school students who visit four Virginia private colleges Aug. 1-6 will receive application fee waivers redeemable at any three participating private colleges.

EMU is among 24 schools participating in the ninth annual Virginia Private College Week, Aug. 1-6, sponsored by the (CICV).

High school students who visit four Virginia private colleges during that week will receive application fee waivers redeemable at any three private colleges in CICV. With application fees ranging from $15 to $50, students could save as much as $100.

Last year, CICV colleges reported almost 2,000 visits during Virginia Private College Week, with students and families visiting from 33 states and the District of Columbia.

“Families will be impressed with the diversity, quality and affordability of our colleges,” said Robert Lambeth, president of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV). “Students at private colleges benefit from a supportive campus environment where classes are small, professors are accessible, and students are encouraged to become involved in extra-curricular activities.”

A private college education is more affordable than many families think, Lambeth stated. Last year, private colleges gave students more than $200 million in scholarships and grants. In addition, all full-time students from Virginia attending a Virginia private college are eligible to receive a $2,500 state grant

EMU is among 24 schools participating in the eighth annual Virginia Private College Week, July 26-31, sponsored by the (CICV).

High school students who visit four Virginia private colleges during that week will receive application fee waivers redeemable at any three private colleges in CICV. With application fees ranging from $15 to $50, students could save as much as $100.

Last year, CICV colleges reported almost 2,000 visits during Virginia Private College Week 2003, with students and families visiting from 33 states and the District of Columbia.

“We participate in this statewide event because of its appeal to many families,” said Shirley Yoder, vice president for enrollment and marketing at EMU. “People who may not otherwise come to our campus use this opportunity to discover for themselves our wide range of quality academic programs and friendly atmosphere,” she added.

All full-time students from Virginia attending a CICV institution will be eligible to receive a from the state of Virginia for a maximum of four years at the undergraduate level. The estimated undergraduate award for 2004-2005 is $2,500.

Campus tours during Private College Week include informational sessions on how to apply for admission and financial aid.

Sessions at most colleges will be offered at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 31 (exceptions are noted on ). Families are encouraged to call the colleges beforehand and make an appointment.

Participants will receive a stamped “passport” at the first college they visit and should have it stamped at each college they visit. Passports with four stamps can be redeemed for three application fee waivers, which can be used at any participating CICV-member college.

CICV was founded in 1971 to promote the interests of nonprofit, independent higher education in Virginia. The Council was also instrumental in starting the state’s Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program.

For more information on Virginia Private College Week, contact the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia at 540-586-0606 or visit . The admissions office at EMU can also provide details at (toll-free) at 1-800-368-2665 or e-mail: admiss@emu.edu.