As college application deadlines approach, students must face the crucial decision of choosing where to apply. If you are still undecided about where you want to go, attending one of the college fairs can help. College fairs provide valuable insight into the college experience and can help narrow down where you want to apply.
The Schreiber Guidance Department hosted its first college mini-fair on Sept. 11, with another three to follow. The next one was held on Sept. 25, in the lobby, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you are unsure, these events offer an unique opportunity to meet with representatives from various colleges, ask questions, and gather information to make a more informed decision on your future.
Various colleges and universities attended the first fair, giving students a versatile experience. Some of the schools included the University of Tennessee, St. John’s University, and High Point University. Schools that participated were each distinctive, representing different regions, sizes, and types of institutions. These are important factors to consider when choosing where you would like to attend, as each alters the experience that you will have.
“I thought it was really cool seeing all new colleges. I don’t know where I want to go, so it was nice being exposed to colleges I haven’t heard of before,” said junior Nina Diaso.
The University of Tennessee, a public university in Knoxville, Tennessee, was one of the larger schools at the fair, with a total of ~40,000 students. It is known for engineering, business, and health sciences, as well as their research programs. UT Knoxville is an NCAA Division I school, as the Tennessee Volunteers are a part of the Southeastern Conference. Their home turf, the Neyland Stadium, hosts over 100,000 students. If you are a student who wants the “traditional college experience,”— a large school filled with sports and a vibrant campus — the University of Tennessee might be a school to consider.
There were also some schools based in New York that attended, such as St. John’s University and SUNYs (State University of New York System). St. John’s is a private Catholic school with campuses all across New York City. For students interested in business, law, education, or health sciences, St. John’s has particularly strong programs in those fields. SUNY Canton is a smaller school, with about 3,000 students. They focus on practical, career-oriented skills. A SUNY school is a good option for students looking for a more affordable option, as a public school in-state tuition is more affordable than private or out-of-state colleges.
“Even though I don’t plan on going to the colleges that were here, it was still nice to see options and know what to expect when applying,” said senior Chelsea Rivera.
High Point University, a small private institution located in North Carolina, was one of the schools that had a representative at the fair. High Point prides itself on its connections and resulting internships as well as their personalized education system. They have an expansive, brick-laid campus with state-of-the-art facilities. High Point offers a lot of guidance for students, preparing them for post-college life in ways that larger colleges do not have the resources for. For students that want an intimate campus life with a focus on leadership, High Point is a school that you should consider applying to.
Named a “Public Ivy” by Forbes, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the top public research universities. Located in a city, the university offers a lively social environment that suburbs cannot quite offer. This is balanced by a rigorous academic curriculum, excelling in majors such as engineering, business, and environmental sciences. Wisconsin consistently ranks in the top 50 colleges in America, making it a competitive school for potential applicants.
For those wanting to stay in the northeast, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) may be the place for you. UNH is a public research university and is structured similarly to SUNY Canton. It offers a nice balance between academics and other activities, whether that be work, community service, or social activities. UNH’s best programs are business and liberal arts, specifically psychology and marine sciences. Their campus is also known for being beautiful, with lots of greenery and picturesque buildings.
The college decision-making process can be very stressful, but attending college fairs can help ease the process.
“The college fair was super helpful to see what our futures have in store for us,” said junior Lila Sendrowitz.
When attending, explore your options, and ask representatives questions. College fairs are beneficial to those who are just beginning to think about college and those who are tying up the college application process. Either way, make the most of the college fairs and use them to your advantage!