More than 700 high school juniors and seniors took the next step toward their academic futures through attendance at the first of two school-sponsored college fairs, held in the gymnasium on Oct. 3. There were representatives from 107 local, regional and national colleges and universities in attendance, who provided valuable information for students exploring options after graduation. The college fair parallels the guidance department’s focus on aiding juniors and seniors in the college application process. 

Director of Guidance and Counseling Programs Justin Arini explained that attendance at a college fair is an opportunity for students to acquire knowledge about a broad range of college options, majors, admissions criteria, campus culture, scholarships and financial aid, athletics and clubs. “Students can use this information as a foundation for their college search and post-secondary planning,” Mr. Arini said.  

The district will host a second college fair and a career fair in the spring. There are also college application assemblies, such as the 12th-grade college application workshop for parents and students. Students are informed about the PSAT exam and there are small group application help sessions throughout the year.

High School senior Finn Rauch said the college fair assisted in giving him direction in his application to SUNY Maritime College to study marine transportation, while Peri Sallah enjoyed being able to explore other college options. She wants to study business and law at either New York University or Syracuse University. 
 
“The college fair helps us to look at our options,” student Jacob Livigni said. “It makes the application process easier to navigate.”