RUMFORD — Just before the Thanksgiving break, Mountain Valley High School sophomores boarded two buses for a trip to Waterville. They toured Thomas College as part of the school’s ongoing program to raise aspirations.

“College visits are often a first step in raising students’ aspirations to attend school after they graduate,” said Principal Matt Gilbert. “By the time a student graduates from MVHS, we hope they have seen several Maine colleges firsthand.”

Upon arriving at Thomas College, Kristen Grant, assistant director of admissions and special programs, greeted the students and outlined the day — a tour of the campus, an all-you-can-eat lunch and then a presentation.

College students introduced themselves and acted as tour guides for groups of 10 to 12 MVHS students. They showed the dormitories, fitness center, classrooms and other aspects of the campus.

Zachary Penley added, “The tour guide was very descriptive and made it very easy to understand what college is like and how it functions.”

Then the students enjoyed lunch at the “cafeteria,” which is set up more like a food court with a wide variety of food selections and restaurant-style seating.

Grant urged the MVHS students to consider major, location, size and extra curricular activities when they choose a college.

Thomas College offers majors in management, technology, education, criminal justice (the most popular major), psychology and sports management. It has an exchange program with Colby College. Students from both schools may take courses not offered at their school but offered at the other school.

Grant suggested that students begin building their resume for college now. She recommended taking at least four years English, three years of math, three years of science, two years of social studies, two years of foreign language and two years of electives.

MVHS requires four years each of English, math, science and social studies for graduation as well as health, physical education, visual or performing arts and various electives.

Grant explained, “We also look for a well-rounded student who is active in school events and the community.”

Dellshawn Harris reflected on the trip. “It was fun. The school was big and it was nice.”

Mackenzie Jones said, “It was very informational. I wasn’t excited about going at first but it really opened my eyes. Going to college isn’t that far away — only two years.”