Career specialist Karen Burke and counselor Bill Campbell worked together Sept. 13 to create an educational  College Information Night.

Campbell estimated that the turnout may have been the biggest in his fifteen years at South Lakes, numbering around 300 students and parents.

Guest speaker Barry Bradberry, Associate Dean of Admissions at Elon University, returned for his fourth year to discuss the college application process from the university’s point of view.

Bradberry spoke with humor, often recounting past college visits that went hilariously wrong or the misconceptions that both parents and students have about getting accepted to the college of their choice. However, Bradberry’s strong point was his sound advice on picking a school.

While many students should look at schools within their price, GPA, and SAT range, Bradberry stressed the importance of finding a school that fits a student’s personality and would make them happy. He likened the process to how he picks student application.

“It’s like how I know what a good essay looks like, but I can’t tell it to you,” Bradberry said. “I’ll know it when I see it.”

College Information Night provides parents an opportunity to get in contact with the school and ask questions regarding the application process.

“It’s a good way for us to touch base with parents so that everyone’s on the same wavelength,” Burke said.

For those who missed College Information Night, college application workshops will take place Oct. 17 and Nov. 19, while Financial Aid night will be held on Jan. 3.

Other events include College Fair and College Night, which will be held on Oct. 21 and 22 respectively.

College Night is at Hayfield Secondary School at 7 p.m. and includes workshops and booths where students can learn about college essays, financial aid and much more.

College Fair will be at the Fair Oaks Mall and 7:30 p.m. and hosts a variety of colleges from across the nation, complete with representatives who are ready to answer any questions a prospective applier might have.

“It’s a great way for students to kick off their college search,” Burke said. “There are around 300 schools and many of them are schools students have never heard of and can explore.”

The next date on the college application timeline is Sept. 18, when students must complete their counselor recommendation packet.