Registration is now open to STVM students in all grade levels for our College Bus Tour on Monday, November 9!

Choosing a college involves much more than selecting a school or major. Campus size, academic expectations, admissions selectivity, and student life all play an important role in finding the right fit.

This one-day trip is designed to help students experience and compare three very different college environments. By visiting Albion College, Trine University and the University of Notre Dame, students will see firsthand how colleges differ in size, academic offerings, admissions requirements and campus atmosphere.

The goal is not necessarily to find a future college among these three schools, but to help students understand what is needed and what to look for as they begin or continue their own college search.

COLLEGE TOUR STOPS

Albion College | Albion, Michigan

Albion is a residential liberal arts college known for its close-knit academic community, strong pre-professional tracks, including pre-med and pre-law, and hands-on undergraduate research opportunities through programs such as the Center for Sustainability and the Environment.

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 81%
• Average GPA: 3.5–3.6
• ACT Mid-50% Range: 19–27
• Student enrollment: 1,300 students

Trine University | Angola, Indiana

Trine is a career-focused university known for programs in engineering, business, health sciences and athletic training. The university reports a 99% graduate placement rate within six months of graduation.

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 85%
• Average GPA: 3.5–3.7
• ACT Mid-50% Range: 20–28
• Student enrollment: 2,500 students; 13,000 across multiple campuses

University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, Indiana

Notre Dame is a highly selective Catholic research university offering rigorous academic programs across the arts, engineering, business, global affairs and more, grounded in a strong tradition of faith, service and campus community.

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 11–15%
• Average GPA: 3.9–4.0 unweighted
• ACT Mid-50% Range: 33–35
• Student enrollment: 13,000 students

TRIP DETAILS

• Date: Monday, November 9
• Departure: 5:00 a.m. from STVM; students should arrive by 4:45 a.m.
• Return: Approximately 11:00 p.m. at STVM
• Cost: $60 per student, which covers transportation and campus visit materials
• Availability: First-come, first-served; seats are limited to bus capacity

MEALS

Students should pack a lunch with them to eat on the bus. On the return trip, the group will stop at a highway rest stop/plaza where students may purchase dinner.

HOW TO REGISTER

First-come, First-served. To reserve a seat, students must complete both of the following:

1. Register and pay the $60 fee here.
2. Complete and return this signed permission form.

If you have questions about the trip, schedule, or registration, please contact the STVM College Counseling Office.