Families Find Information and Opportunities at BHHS College Night

“It’s the Auto Show of post-secondary preparation,” said Bloomfield Hills High School Counselor Tony Midea about the recent BHHS College Night event. Nearly 100 representatives from universities, community colleges, trade schools, and the military were stationed throughout the BHHS main gym at tables filled with colorful brochures. Parents and students were able to meet face-to-face with admissions representatives to ask questions and get information. 

“In an environment where we haven’t been able to be face to face, it’s important to build those relationships,” said Midea. “It’s also an expensive proposition,” added BHHS Counselor Jim Fogle. “With the ever-changing landscape of college admissions, families need to get information straight from the source.”

Taylor Coleman, Admissions Counselor from the University of Toledo (OH), said the night was very busy. “We see a lot of dedicated students who are college ready. It’s exciting to see what things they are interested in and hear their stories.”  Grand Canyon University (AZ) representative Dan Campbell agreed that College Night can assist students with their next steps. “I’m here to put a face with a name and show students that I’m here to help them in their college admissions process.”

Brooke Bylinowski (grade 11) said it was helpful to attend. “I’m looking for a small college, and they were able to give me information about the campuses, how big they are, and how far you will walk.”  Parent Karen Bylinowski thought the event was great. “We talked to so many colleges. We had no idea there were so many colleges in Grand Rapids or that there were so many out-of-state options. It also has been interesting to learn about the experiential, trade specialty schools that are non-traditional that Brooke might want to try first.” 

Attendee Mary Claire Byerlein (grade 9) is still a few years from college. “I wasn’t looking for anything in particular,” said Mary Claire, “but I did see a lot of really great options.” Parent Bob Byerlein said they wanted to get started early. “It was very informative and organized, but also overwhelming. You definitely have to do your research on options big and small.”

The BHHS Parent-Teacher Organization makes sure the admissions representatives feel especially welcomed. They provide dinner and organize the donation of hundreds of homemade cookies so each representative can take home a box of goodies. 

“Because of the last few years, students crave seeing admissions counselors,” said Nathan Mora, Admissions Representative at the University of Detroit Mercy. “This is cool to be able to have students come to us and be part of this community. There’s a whole air of excitement with students who will be applying to college.“