FSCJ to host virtual open house to prepare students for college

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — High school seniors in our area are already planning what their college experience will look like this year.

The fall semester is still several months away, but local colleges and universities are preparing for what it will look like.

Action News Jax’s Alicia Tarancon got a look at how Florida State College in Jacksonville is connecting with potential students in the pandemic.

FSCJ told Action News Jax it used to do open houses face to face, but because of COVID-19 it went virtual last year and it’s been pretty successful.

It’s had hundreds of students of all ages sign up.

Grace Johnson, a senior from Baker County High School, is getting ready to start college at FSCJ in the fall. She’s studying elementary education.

“I’m actually aiding in a second grade class and I’ve done that in the past two years so I really enjoy the second grade level ‘cause they’re fun,” Johnson said.

FSCJ is holding a virtual open house at the end of the month in order to get other students ready.

RELATED: FSCJ hosting free event to help college students with FAFSA

Jacquelyn Thompson is the associate VP for enrollment management at the college.

Thompson says that while a lot of high school students usually apply in the fall, the number of applications in our area and nationally has declined.

“The one thing that we’re really concerned about is the number of FAFSA (free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications that students are completing. There’s been a drastic decline in those and that’s a huge indicator for students going to college,” Thompson said.

Thompson said fewer students are seeking a college experience.

Instead, many are working to help family members who have been impacted by the pandemic.

The virtual open house will discuss several ways students can pay for college and also what the fall semester will look like for incoming students.

Johnson says she knows she will get to choose either in-person classes, online or a mixture of both.

“I’m honestly looking forward to just starting my path towards my career and I’m excited about meeting new people that are in the same boat as I am, but also those who are wanting to be teachers of any sort of degree,” Johnson said.

For more information on financial aid and what the fall semester at FSJC, you can sign up for the virtual open house here.

The virtual open house begins March 27, 2021 at 10 a.m.

Cox Media Group