Thursday, October 16, 2008 

College Prep 101 to offer five sessions to give vital information on choosing a college

October 26 at Pulaski FUMC in Pulaski TN, November 2 at Clifton UMC in Clifton TN, January 11 at Trinity UMC in Murfreesboro TN, March 15 at Columbia FUMC in Columbia TN and March 22 at Springfield FUMC in Springfield TN.

PULASKI, Tenn. – United Methodist families throughout middle Tennessee who have questions about getting their children – and their finances – ready for college are invited to attend “College Prep 101,” a two-hour information session from 2 to 4 p.m. being offered five times over the next several months by Martin Methodist College and the Cal Turner, Jr. Center for Church Leadership. Youth groups are invited to bring their members to one of these sessions as a service to the college-bound youth.

The first session will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Pulaski First United Methodist Church in Pulaski. There will be four additional sessions offered at different Methodist churches through the end of 2008 and early 2009.

The purpose of College Prep 101 is to equip youth of all ages and their parents as they prepare to go through the college selection process and to be a particularly key resource to those college-bound United Methodists in the Tennessee Conference.

“We recognize there are many questions that must be answered in order for a high school senior to identify the perfect college,” said the Rev. Mary Noble Parrish, director of church relations for Martin Methodist College. “‘How much will college cost and what financial assistance is available?’ ‘How far from home do I wish to travel?’ ‘What major should I select?’

“As the college of the Tennessee Conference, we at Martin Methodist College extend ourselves as a resource to the youth from the churches of our conference as they make this important decision regarding their higher education,” she said. Rev. Parrish points out, this is not simply a recruiting effort for Martin Methodist, focusing solely on its campus and program. “It will be beneficial to anyone in their college search,” she said.

Lisa Smith, director of admissions, said the Martin Methodist College staff will bring plenty of experience to College Prep 101. “Learn about the admissions process with the help of our admissions team, Smith said. “With years of experience from our staff, you will feel confident about your future college plans. From college visits to the application process to financial aid, come and learn at one of the College Prep 101 sessions.”

For more information, contact the Rev. Mary Noble Parrish at 931-363-9834 or 1-800-467-1273, ext. 3834, or e-mail her at mparrish@martinmethodist.edu