Panel Set to Explain Collegiate Labyrinth

The signing of a national letter of intent marks the end of the recruiting process for most high school athletes.

But the preparation for college, especially the admissions and financial aid paperwork, should begin early in an athlete’s high school career.

That is why more than 500 students and parents are expected to attend the fourth College Preparation Seminar today at Diamond Bar High. The seminar is open to families from all over the Southland. Admission is free.

The event, the brainchild of Diamond Bar businessman Mike Shay, is designed to inform students and parents about college and financial aid opportunities and the process that must be followed to ensure consideration.

“I just had an idea that a lot of high school athletes were looking for academic and athletic opportunities at the college level [and] didn’t know the process of how to find them,” Shay said. “Understanding the process is the first step.”

Today’s program features a nine-member panel that will provide an overview of the college admissions process and financial aid resources. Dave Curry, athletic director at Chapman University, will serve as moderator for a panel that also includes college admission and athletics administrators from several colleges, a representative from the NCAA, financial aid officials, a professional career planner and student athletes who went through the recruiting process.

Four $500 scholarships will be awarded.

Curry, who has coached football at Cincinnati, Stanford, UCLA and Long Beach State, said high school students and parents should be aware that the vast majority of college students are eligible for some type of financial aid. “If there is a will, there’s a way,” he said. He added that even a full athletic scholarship does not cover all college expenses.

“Nowadays, if you don’t apply and get your paperwork done, you get left holding the bag,” Curry said. “That’s why a seminar like this is so important. It makes parents and students more aware of what they need to do. And it emphasizes the need to start early. It’s a nightmare if you don’t plan.”

The seminar has grown since its inception in 1996, when 40 people attended. In 1997, about 200 were on hand. Last year, attendance topped 400.

Shay said he is hopeful the event will encourage schools in other areas to sponsor similar seminars.

“I would welcome those calls,” Shay said. “I’d be happy to sit down with people who are interested and talk about it because every situation is going to be different. But the need for this kind of thing is universal.”

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At a Glance

* What: College Preparation Seminar

* When: Today, 2-4 p.m.

* Where: Diamond Bar High, Performing Arts Theater

* Admission: Free

* Information: (909) 396-5035 or (714) 563-6510