I last prepared for the College Boards in 1967.

This afternoon, I prepared with the College Board for a bill hearing on Wednesday.

House Bill 854 would require the State to administer an outreach program informing high-achieving high school students about their college options – in terms of schools and financial aid.

My legislation is modeled on such a mailing by the College Board and the State of Delaware.

“You need to answer two questions in your testimony,” I stressed to College Board officials:

What was the impact of your Delaware mailing or of other similar efforts?

What follow-up is necessary after the mailing?

“First generation college students need the information in the mailing, followed by a professional who combines the data for them,” they related.

Full disclosure: I was admitted to college on the basis of my Board scores and my swimming times.

When I applied to college, my mother, Smith College ’45, was my guidance counselor.

Today, many students get advice from college admission counselors – if their parents can afford the hefty fees.

But those who are doing well in school but don’t have parents with a college education or  the resources to supplement their school guidance counselor are too often unaware of the colleges that meet their skills and needs, as well as the financial assistance that can make that education affordable.

The College Board and the State of Delaware have sent customized college information and application fee waivers to low-income high-achieving students.

The bill I’m drafting would require Maryland to do the same.

It should bring about a healthy discussion of the best way to make our high school seniors aware of their college opportunities.