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Colleges Using Online Chat Site to Reach Students

Georgia colleges are among those using CollegeWeekLive. It bills itself as the 'world's largest college fair.'

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The University of Georgia, Georgia State and Emory University are among the Georgia-based universities using CollegeWeekLive, which bills itself as the "world's largest college fair." Nationally, Yale University and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point use the online service, which is free to prospective students.

The Los Angeles Times reported that on CollegeWeekLive, students create a free account and are able to visit chat rooms for the 300 or so colleges that use the site. Students can give their name or stay anonymous, and they can browse videos and other information on each college's specific site.

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For teens, the option of anonymity online gives them the freedom to ask whatever they want.

"As high school students change in how they're getting their information, it's important for us to make those changes as well," Emily Engelschall, director of undergraduate admissions at UC Riverside, told the Times. "Students feel more comfortable in that environment."

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According to the website, CollegeWeekLive is based in Needham, Mass., and it boasts tech titan HP and ACT, the testing service, as partners.

"Join hundreds of colleges and universities from around the world and tens of thousands of high-school students," the website says. "Watch college application and admissions experts speak on topics such as how to prepare for the SAT, how to write a winning application essay or how to pay for college. Video chat with college students to learn what campus life is really like."

-- Do you know a student who has used CollegeWeekLive? Do you think this is an effective tool for recruiting students, or for students to learn about colleges? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


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