Event puts LFCC students on next path

MIDDLETOWN — Derek Rauschelbach has a younger brother who excels in school and plans to go to college.

“I’m trying not to get left behind,” said the freshman at Lord Fairfax Community College.

On his first go-around, Rauschelbach — who said he was a “bum” in high school — didn’t get into his college of choice.

On Wednesday, he attended College Day in the Corron Community Development Center at Lord Fairfax’s Middletown campus and came away with brochures and information from George Mason, Old Dominion and Virginia Commonwealth universities.

“I’m hopin’ this will be my fresh start,” he said.

The event was part of the Virginia Associations of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (VACRAO) annual College Tour.

More than 60 colleges and universities, including William and Mary, Marshall, Virginia State and Penn State, had tables of information and admissions representatives available to talk with prospective students.

“We want to see them maximize their time and resources here, so they have a smooth transition to a four-year university,” said Christopher St. John, undergraduate admissions representative from Virginia Tech.

Four-year institutions will almost always accept community college transfer students with at least 30 credit hours and a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Some accept more credits (up to 90) or a lower GPA (2.2 or higher).

George Mason University wants a minimum GPA of 2.75.

“As long as they have the GPA to be competitive, it’s pretty easy to transition over,” said Veronica Wainman, admissions representative for the school.

Sophomores Meredith Breeden and Emily Polhemus left with brochures on Roanoke College, West Virginia University and Shepherd University.

“They have something more than what people would have if they stayed here,” Polhemus said.

Both women chose to attend LFCC for two years before transferring.

“It’s close to home,” Breeden said. “It’s a good transition school.”

LFCC freshman Warren Zeff checked out the smaller schools like Bridgewater College and Christopher Newport and James Madison universities.

“If I stick to my course plan, I’m good,” he said about transferring.

Zeff, who attended LFCC because it’s cheaper, will transfer to a four-year university because he wants to make more money.

“I want to get out into the job world,” he said. “Plus, I like learning.”

— Contact Rebecca Layne at rlayne@winchesterstar.com