One of the best ways to learn more about a college and determine if it is the "best fit" is to attend an official college visit, participate in a college tour, or speak with a college admission/alum representative! Plus, many colleges utilize “demonstrated interest” as part of the college application process. “Demonstrating interest” is a way for colleges to determine if students are taking the time to research and understand the culture both inside and outside the classroom at that particular college.
Check out the CCC Calendar (posted on the left) or login to your SchooLinks account to see which college reps are coming to Lane Tech.
We encourage both juniors and seniors to attend college rep visits, though sophomores are welcome as well. Students must pre-register via SchooLinks.
Interested in a visit when you have class?
Get your teacher’s permission! College reps understand that academics have to be prioritized.
Pick-up a pass in the CCC (room 135).
Bring the signed pass to Ms. D.
Why is it important to meet with a college rep?
Because it’s a great way to put a “face” to your application. The rep is among the people who reviews college applications and determines who gets accepted. Plus, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the college and get your questions answered.
Pack your bags and hit the road! Visiting a campus is one of the most important steps in deciding if a particular college is right for you. Take advantage of Lane's College Tours, College Fly-In Programs...or better yet, schedule your own individual campus visit!
Not sure what questions to ask on a college tour? Be sure to check out this resource:
Questions to Ask on a College Tour
If you scheduled a College Visit during a school day, then be sure to submit the COLLEGE VISIT EXCUSED ABSENCE FORM at least 2 weeks prior to your trip!
Lane sponsors several college tours throughout the school year ranging from local day trips, two-day overnight trips in the Midwest, to extended four-day trips to the East and West coast. Registration details are sent via email to students for upcoming college tours.
OHIO COLLEGE TOUR - SEPTEMBER 2023
Juniors & Seniors interested in exploring the University of Dayton, Ohio State University, Denison University, the University of Cincinnati, and Miami University (Ohio), are encouraged to apply for this trip. A minimum 3.7 UN-weighted GPA is preferred based on admissions averages of these schools.
Trip Overview: Wednesday, September 20 through Friday September 22. Students will depart from Lane Tech at 7am on Wednesday, September 20, and return to Lane Tech at approximately 7:30pm on September 22. Students will be signed out of all classes on Wednesday and Thursday, Friday is a non-student attendance day. HERE is the more detailed itinerary. The cost of this trip is $75 a Lane Alum has donated funds to minimize the overall expenses of this trip. *We are able to help with the expenses for a few students if needed.
For more info & apply CLICK HERE
HBCU COLLEGE TOUR - MARCH 2023
Lane Tech is sponsoring a Historical Black Colleges and Universities Tour on March 28 - April 1, 2023. We will be visiting the following universities: Fisk University, Tennessee State University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman University, Emory, Morehouse University, and Tuskegee University.
For more info & apply CLICK HERE
ST. LOUIS & UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE TOUR - MARCH 2023
We're excited to announce our first overnight college tour since fall 2019! We plan to take a group of 48 juniors to St. Louis and University of Illinois Urbana Champaign on Wednesday, March 29th and Thursday, March 30th. The agenda for the trip is:
Wednesday, March 29th:
6AM: Depart Lane Tech bright and early!
11AM: Enjoy lunch at City Foundry STL
11:45AM: Walk to Saint Louis University’s admissions office
Noon: Attend information session at and tour of Saint Louis University
2PM: Attend information session at and tour of Washington University in St. Louis
4:30PM: Drop-off at 4:30PM: Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Convention Center (students will sleep four to a room)
5:30PM: Walk to see Saint Louis Arch/ take pictures
6PM: Dinner near the hotel
7PM: Game night in hotel lobby
Thursday, March 30th:
6-8AM: Hotel breakfast
8AM: Depart Drury Inn for University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
11AM: Attend information session at, tour of, and lunch near University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
1:30PM: Depart Urbana Champaign for Chicago
4PM: Arrive back to Lane Tech
The cost of this trip is $150, but fee waivers are available if you qualify for free or reduced fees or have special circumstances preventing you from paying this fee.
If you are interested in going on this trip please complete this form by 11:59 PM on Friday, January 20th. I would recommend reviewing the application before completing it as there are some writing portions. Completing this form doesn't guarantee that you will be selected and students will be selected based on GPA, interest (as shown in this form), and need-- not the speed at which this form was completed.
Many colleges offer overnight programs where students can spend a couple nights on campus, and get to know the students and faculty who bring the college to life.
However, traveling to these campuses can be extremely expensive. Here's a list of colleges that offer travel assistance for students who demonstrate financial need. Also included are a few programs that might not offer travel assistance, but are fantastic opportunities for multi-cultural students. Please see the notes below each program for details on what they offer. Many of these programs will start accepting applications soon, so make sure to bookmark your favorites.
Please reach out to Ms. Driesbach (eadriesbach@cps.edu) if any program requires a nomination.
CampusTours provides virtual tours of 1700+ colleges and universities and builds virtual tours and interactive maps for schools and organizations worldwide.
If you are participating in a college fly-in program, college visit, college interview, or scholarship interview during the school day....good news!!...your absence will be excused!
Please complete the COLLEGE VISIT EXCUSED ABSENCE FORM to at least 2 weeks prior to your visit.
Note: College Visit Days will be recorded as an excused absence. No more than three (3) college visit days will be approved, per student, during the school year.
All colleges have admission offices that can help you plan your visit. Contact the college admission office through the college's website or by email or phone to get details and make a reservation. By doing so, you can take full advantage of campus tours, department and general information sessions, overnight stays, admissions interviews and any other special opportunities the school has for prospective students. If you don't schedule your visit beforehand, there's no guarantee that someone will be available to answer your questions.
In addition to DePaul, Loyola, and UIC, there are numerous colleges and universities within a 100ish mile radius from Lane...ranging from a 30 minute to 2 hour car drive!
CLICK HERE to view the list and sign up for a campus visit!
Lane hosts two annual fairs throughout the school year, College Fair (Spring) and Alumni College Fair (Winter). These are great opportunities to meet with representatives from colleges from across the country.
Not sure what questions to ask? Be sure to check out these resources:
51st Annual Lane Tech College Fair
WHEN: Wednesday, March 19 @ 6:00-7:30 PM
WHERE: Lane Cafeteria + 1st Floor
REGISTER: STRIVEFAIR.COM
Students and parents will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from a wide range of colleges and universities from across the country. This event will give you the chance to talk to admission officers and get information on everything about their colleges—from what courses are offered to what life on campus is like.
BEFORE THE FAIR:
Review the list of colleges in attendance HERE. Research the colleges in advance especially the ones that may not be familiar to you. Remember, you want to select the college that is the best fit for you! Before you head out the door, don’t forget to pack a pen and small notebook, your questions, and a bag to hold all the college brochures and information you will collect.
REGISTER FOR A BARCODE AT STRIVEFAIR.COM.
So you can easily provide your information to the colleges you meet at the fair. When you register, you get a barcode that colleges can scan at the fair to get your information. The colleges you're interested in will start sending you information about their school, the application process, financial aid, and important deadlines.
Here are the steps:
Step 1 - Go to STRIVEFAIR.COM and fill out the form to get a barcode. We'll send you a reminder with your barcode again two hours before the fair.
Step 2 - At the fair, show this barcode to colleges. They'll scan it and get your information.
After the Fair - The next day, you'll get a report with information about all the colleges that scanned you. You'll also start receiving information directly from the colleges.
DURING THE FAIR:
There will be a wide range of colleges in attendance, focus your research so you can get in-depth knowledge about the colleges that really interest you. Check out the "Questions to Ask College Reps" for suggested questions to ask college reps if you're stumped! After you visit a college’s booth, take a few minutes to write down what you’ve learned. Try to leave time at the end just to browse through some of the booths that you didn’t get to—you can stumble upon a great college that you hadn’t previously considered.
AFTER THE FAIR:
Here are some post-fair dos and don'ts to keep you on track:
Do: Relax when you get home. Take a break — you've earned it!
Don't: Put the college materials in the back of your closet. Keep them on hand for when you're ready to review them.
Do: Look through the materials, and your notes, within the week.
Don't: Keep everything. Rule out colleges that aren't a good fit.
Do: Research colleges that interest you. Explore websites, request more information from admission offices and plan to visit.
Lane Tech’s 11th Annual Alumni College Fair 2024
When: Thursday, December 19th
Students will have the opportunity to meet with Lane Alums attending colleges and universities from across the country. Get firsthand insights into campus life, admissions, and academic programs.
This is your chance to:
Ask questions about the college experience
Learn about application tips and financial aid
Discover a variety of career paths
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to plan your future!
REGISTRATION:
CLICK HERE to register