<p>I am a parent observing the college application cycle for the second time - but five years later this time around. We recently attended a couple of information sessions, the kind where a college rep stops at a city near you with a power-point, video and usually a Q&A session. At two of the sessions, the reps commented about being surprised by the number of students and parents present, saying things like “Sorry. We’ve never had this kind of interest in our school in this city before. We’ll be sure to book a larger venue next year.” It was standing room only. At a third session, I could make a direct comparison because we had also attended the info session for this school in the same venue five years ago. It too was standing room only and there were easily 3 times as many attending this year.</p>
<p>Are other veteran parents noting anything similar? Are students and parents more aware of their options now? Is it another indication of the increased competitiveness of college admissions? Maybe it means nothing.</p>
<p>I will note that reservations had been requested for each session we attended. I suspect many show up without pre-registering.</p>
<p>My kids are looking at totally different colleges so I can’t make a direct personal comparison but I also heard at an info session that they had never had such large attendance at one of their info sessions and would have to book a larger venue in the future.</p>
<p>Statistically there are supposed to be less college-bound kids in the mix this year (I believe it peaked in 2009) but maybe parents are starting earlier looking at colleges so there is a greater number of high school Freshman, Sophomore, Junior families attending info sessions?</p>
<p>I think more people are aware that attending these sessions and getting a little face time can help if they apply to schools that consider demonstrated interest.</p>
<p>I’m sometimes surprised when a student shows up at a group travel event (four schools, each getting about 8 minutes to speak) after they’ve already been to our campus for the more elaborate info session and tour. I’m pretty up front about not tracking interest at my school, but with so many colleges on the list, I realize that some will forget and feel obligated to attend the hotel session.</p>
<p>The time of year also affects crowds dramatically. For years, I went on a group trip out west (Denver, Sacramento, SF, Portland, Seattle) and our crowds were pretty consistent. One year, we planned that trip a little earlier in the month and were totally overwhelmed in the same ballrooms we had been using for the prior trips.</p>
<p>The baseball schedule can also affect attendance in some cities. :)</p>