SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — At times, the college transition can seem daunting on paper.
“It’s definitely a little overwhelming,” high school sophomore Olivia Neitzert said.
It’s not just teens who feel the pressure.
“Olivia’s our only,” Greg Neitzert said. “This is a new experience for us. We’re just a few years away. It’s very daunting and scary in a way.”
To help ease some of the pressure, South Dakota State University is reaching out to younger students sooner. Sunday’s “Jackrabbit Ready” event was geared toward high school freshmen and sophomores.
“We wanted to just bridge that gap from when they were in middle school to their junior year of really keeping in connection with them and letting them know that SDSU is here,” SDSU Director of Admissions Ellen Sandager said.
College faculty recognize that SDSU might not be the right fit for everyone, and they encourage students to explore other opportunities beyond just their university.
“We’re not the only institution that students are considering nor should we be,” Sandager said. “We think that there’s a lot of power and value in getting boots on the ground at college campuses so that they can see for themselves what it would be like on campus.”
Families started their Sunday afternoon with faculty presentations and student panels.
“Them coming to us has been huge to give us a way to ask the questions we need to ask,” Greg Neitzert said.
It was followed by connecting with various college programs.
“I’m glad there’s events like this because I want to be as prepared as possible and be able to just feel very confident about what I want to do,” Olivia Neitzert said.
More than 50 students and their families were at this year’s event in Sioux Falls.
