Figuring out the next step in life has always been difficult, even somewhat frightening for some people. College fairs aim to help lessen the anxiety of figuring out the next steps by giving students a chance to explore program options, compare schools, and ask direct questions to many of the college representatives.
On Sept. 30, 89 institutions were at the fair, including colleges, universities, trade schools, and even branches of the military visited Liberty. Large college fairs are great for seeing all of the possibilities in both Missouri and other states, and help to narrow down the possible choices for students. Not only did this benefit Liberty, but the other three WSD high schools who visited as well.
“It really helps out a lot of students that still don’t really know what they want to do and where they want to go,” Noah Stewart (11) said.
“College fairs help students make informed decisions by providing up-to-date information on programs and opportunities,” said Tess Winder, the Admissions Counselor at Lindenwood University.
Making the most you can of a college fair is important from being able to plan out ahead of time what colleges you wish to talk to, as well as knowing the right questions to ask, so you can make the best decision for you. Everything you need to know, the representatives will answer if you ask.
“Your college becomes your home away from home,” a representative for Ozarks Technical Community College said.
It is important to go for both junior and senior years of high school, so that you can stay up to date with any big changes that might be happening at school.
There are several benefits to going to the college fairs. For junior high school students, it is essential that you explore majors and campuses. Scheduling campus visits can help students understand comfort factors of the campus, such as campus culture, facilities, and student life. Understanding these can help students feel a sense of fit and help them find their preferred programs.
For senior high school students, it is essential to move deeper into the application processes by discussing things like financial aid, scholarship opportunities, payment plans, and housing options. This helps students be ready to submit applications and be able to budget for college.
