As many seniors are caught in the rush of the college application process, juniors are also beginning to think about their post-high school plans. The District will be hosting its 19th annual Palo Alto College Fair to give students a better understanding of the various college options available to them.
The college fair will be held at Gunn High School on Oct. 10 by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
NACAC sponsors college fairs in cities across the country to allow students and parents to learn about educational and career opportunities after high school. Information on admissions, financial aid and one-to-one counseling is also offered at these fairs.
The fair at Gunn will feature representatives from over 140 public and private institutions, state schools, independent California state colleges and international colleges.
The event will give students the opportunity to learn about schools without needing to physically visit them, putting students directly in touch with representatives and alumni. Morgan Keller, a senior at Palo Alto High School, believes that all upperclassmen should take advantage of the college fair.
“The college fair is really helpful because it gives students a chance to find out about colleges that aren’t necessarily as well known or talked about on campus,” Keller said. “It also allows you to ask more specific questions to colleges that you are interested in.”
To take full advantage of the college fair, Steve Munger, Director of College Counseling at the John Cooper School, advises that students come with a set agenda.
“You can’t walk around like you’re in a shopping mall,” Munger said. “Set up a game plan. Then you won’t waste your time on institutions that may or may not fit your needs.”
Students will also be able to attend workshops separately, which will be held in the dance studio at Gunn while the fair is going on. The first workshop covers the college admission essay, while the second is a Financial Aid presentation given by Karen Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of Financial Aid at Stanford University.
