At Lauralton Hall, preparing students for college isn't just about applications, deadlines, and transcripts — it's about building genuine connections and gathering first-hand knowledge. That’s why the college counseling team takes to the road each summer, visiting colleges and universities across the country to better guide students in their post-secondary planning. 

This past July, College Counselor Sue Fracker exemplified this commitment by traveling to Florida, Georgia, and Massachusetts, touring campuses and meeting with admissions professionals. Her travels included stops at prestigious institutions such as Rollins College, University of Central Florida, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, and Wheaton College. These visits provide a richer, more informed perspective that directly benefits Lauralton Hall students. 

Why In-Person College Visits Matter 

The landscape of college admissions is constantly evolving. While brochures and websites can offer a glimpse into a school's offerings, there’s no substitute for walking the campus grounds, sitting in on information sessions, and having face-to-face conversations with college representatives. In-person visits allow Lauralton’s college counselors to gather nuanced insights that enhance the advice they offer students — whether it’s about academic programs, campus culture, student support, or internship opportunities. 

During her visit to Emory University in Atlanta, Mrs. Fracker met with Rashmi Anand, Associate Dean of Enrollment Services and Lauralton Hall’s college representative. Their discussion covered the distinct experiences offered at Emory’s main campus, as well as the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. 

 Ms. Anand is planning her own visit to Lauralton Hall this fall, continuing the relationship-building that benefits current and future students. 

Mrs. Fracker also visited Georgia Tech, a university praised by Atlanta locals as the “MIT of the South.” With more than 50,000 students and powerhouse programs in engineering, computing, and business, Georgia Tech is known for its innovation and research. Visiting in person allowed Mrs. Fracker to experience firsthand how the bustling midtown Atlanta campus contrasts with the more suburban feel of Emory — valuable context for advising students with different preferences and priorities. 

A 90-minute drive northeast brought her to the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, the state's flagship university. With a strong academic reputation and a picturesque campus, UGA is another excellent option for students looking for a large public research institution in a dynamic college town. 

Earlier this summer, Mrs. Fracker also visited Rollins College and University of Central Florida, both located in the Sunshine State. These schools offer unique academic programs and campus experiences, ranging from Rollins' liberal arts focus and lakeside campus to UCF's position as one of the largest universities in the country. 

Her travels concluded with a stop at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, where she explored the school’s new nursing program and toured its close-knit campus of about 2,000 students. Wheaton’s location — just outside of Boston — gives students access to valuable internships in a variety of industries. Mrs. Fracker also connected with Alexis Kublin, Assistant Director of Admissions, who is scheduled to visit Lauralton Hall on October 14 to speak directly with students. 

Bringing the World Back to Lauralton Hall 

Each campus visit equips Lauralton’s counselors with deeper insight — not just into academics, but into student life, institutional values, and opportunities that may not be immediately apparent from a website. These firsthand experiences inform the individualized guidance Lauralton Hall students receive throughout their college journey. 

By visiting colleges in person, Mrs. Fracker and her colleagues ensure that Lauralton Hall’s college counseling program remains dynamic, informed, and deeply personalized. It's not just about helping students get into college — it’s about helping them find the right fit, and that begins with counselors who are willing to go the distance.