USF gives glimpse of college life at visit day

College-bound students can learn more about college life during a special Visit Day at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. High school students and their parents are invited to spend the day at the University of St. Francis on Saturday, Feb. 24, to learn more about living in the residence halls, making friends and finding the right major from USF’s 60 areas of undergraduate study.          

“Selecting the college that is right for you can be a difficult decision,” said Meghan Connolly, director of undergraduate admissions. “To make the right choice, you need to experience the campus first hand, talk with faculty and meet other students. On Visit Day, students will get all the information about why USF is the best place for them,” she added.

The visit day runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The agenda includes prizes and a student panel that will talk about what life at USF is really like and faculty will meet with students to discuss academic programs. A complimentary lunch is offered to potential students and their parents along with campus tours. Visit day participants will have an opportunity to see the new home of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, including the state-of-the-art SimLab, and tour the recently renovated Marian Residence Hall.

Students will learn about the special opportunities available at USF that lead to a successful career, said Connolly, who noted that more than 93 percent of USF graduates find employment or enter graduate school within six months of graduation.
Information will be available on USF scholarships, tips for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and on applying for admission will be offered. The admission fee will be waived for applying on Visit Day.

“With just a 13 to 1 student-to-professor ratio, we know that our students are getting an excellent academic experience by professors who not only know their names but know them as individuals. Our professors and everyone at USF is invested in the success of each of our students,” said Connolly.

“Many people may think a quality, private university education is out of reach. We can show you that private education costs can be comparable to public schools,” said Connolly.  This year, the University of St. Francis will award about $8 million in institutional funds to student financial assistance. About 92 percent of USF undergraduate students receive some financial assistance, according to Connolly.

The University of St. Francis is once again in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s edition of America’s Best Colleges. The magazine ranking is read by many prospective college students and their families. “We’re excited that our work at USF is being recognized by incoming students,” said Connolly.

For Visit Day reservations or information about the University of St. Francis, call (800) 735-7500 or visit the university’s website at www.stfranics.edu/visitday/