“I needed more information:” College boot camp prepares local seniors for admissions process

SALISBURY, Md. – Upwards of 200 Wicomico County students were in boot camp Friday all in the name of college preparation. Wicomico County Public Schools and Salisbury University partnered for the second year of the initiative.

“I talked with some students last year who told me that they really hadn’t done anything with their college applications yet. By attending the college boot camp, it kind of gets them going,” WCPS Family Engagement Specialist Beth Sheller said.

Several colleges and universities were present including Salisbury University, University Maryland Eastern Shore, Wor-Wic Community College, and John Hopkins University.  Personnel gave students like Bennett High School’s Brigid Reilly the 411 on the college admissions process. It’s something she said was needed. “I’m just really grateful because I needed more information and hadn’t taken the initiative to find that information,” Reilly said.

The selected group of seniors went into breakout sessions of their choice that dove into variety of topics from how to pay for college, resume building, time management, how to study abroad, and more. Students also had the opportunity to speak with current college students about their experiences.

WCPS Supervisor of School Counseling Amy Rhodes said the goal is to have students prepared. “There are early action deadlines that come up very quickly. October 15th, November 1st, November 15th. Those day comes up very quick, so we want to make sure we’re giving students all the tools they need as soon as possible,” Rhodes said.

For Reilly, it was the essay building that stood out. “I kind of feel like I needed to be forced to actually sit down and write my essay since I’ve been thinking about it since like May,” she said.

With more support in her corner, Reilly said she can not only tackle college but start thinking about her career goals. “I think I want to be nurse anesthetist, which is basically an anesthesiologist but a level below. They help administers anesthesia and keep the patient alive during surgery,” Reilly said.

“Understanding that there’s going to be choices that they’re going to have to make. So, if they are well informed, they can make an informed decision when it comes to figuring out what that best fit college is,” Sheller said.

Designated teachers throughout the school district will also provide seniors continued support with their essays through google classroom. That service will be offered from October through December.

School officials also tell us that they designate a full week in the month of October strictly to college application support.