Initial College Exam

Steven Ware and his 16-year-old daughter, Miracle, came to the University of La Verne from Eastvale on November 15 for what was their first stop in the college search process.

His daughter, a student at Roosevelt High School in Corona, scored high on the SAT and has already been courted by Ivy League schools, Ware said. He hopes his 14-year-old son will take the same path.

“All these years I’ve been working hard for them so they get a good education,” he said.

The Wares and many other families gathered at the University for Preview Day for a comprehensive look at college life. More than 1,300 people signed up to attend, a record high for La Verne, with the morning ceremony in the Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion standing-room only.

“It is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit our beautiful campus, to learn about the values of a La Verne education, and to hear about the fabulous experiences that our students have,” said University of La Verne Dean of Admission Chris Krzak.

The annual event, hosted by the Office of Admission, showcases the University to students and relatives who are in the initial stages of the college search process.

“It is the University putting its best foot forward and rolling out the red carpet for students that we want to apply and become members of our La Verne family,” Krzak said.

It is an important event because searching for the right college is an involved and, at times, difficult process, said Dr. Homa Shabahang, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Communications at La Verne.

“This is even truer about first-generation students who do not have the benefit of parents who have gone through the process,” she said.

Visitors attended breakout sessions covering issues such as housing, student and academic life, admission and financial aid, getting a snapshot of the University through the eyes of La Verne faculty and students.

In the “Life as a Leo” session, prospective students learned about the more than 50 student organizations at La Verne, as well as the NCAA Division III athletic program.

Participants in a Spanish-only breakout session provided visitors a glimpse of La Verne’s multicultural environment and gave them a tour of the campus.

Shabahang said that, overall, Preview Day answers questions students may have about whether La Verne has the programs they need, if they will be successful in academics, and whether the institution has the clubs and athletics available to give them a rich educational experience.

“This day is about sharing information for the college search,” she said, “as well as showcasing the advantage and academic excellence behind a La Verne degree.”

Spotlight, a second Office of Admission event that is open to students admitted to La Verne, will take place next spring.