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High School juniors visit national college fair
On Friday, February 5th, Keystone Oaks Juniors attend the National College Fair at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Over 250 two and four year colleges, as well as nursing, trade, and business schools, were in attendance of this year's college fair sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
Approximately 30 juniors from Keystone Oaks attended and had about two hours to explore over 400 booths. Numerous other high schools from the Pittsburgh area were also in attendance, making it difficult to maneuver around the convention center. Most booths were schools from the nearby area, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, but also far away locations like Washington or Paris and Switzerland. The most popular booths seemed to showcase Pittsburgh’s very own prestigious colleges including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University, Chatham University, Carlow University, and Point Park University. Students attending the National College Fair had the opportunity to speak one on one with college representatives and receive information on admissions, student life, and financial aid available at the schools. Students left the convention center with stuffed bags, not full of free pens, but instead with packets and brochures about their futures.
This year, the newest addition to the college fair was the special barcodes students were given at registration that allowed college representatives to quickly scan and have access to the students’ information. Instead of students wasting time filling out information cards at every booth, they could quickly have their barcode scanned and information quickly traded between student and representative. Registration for the college fair was also expedited in the process with online registration planned by guidance counselors. Students filled in the application with their personal information so college representatives had quick access to their address, and email so further information could be given.
The success of this year’s college fair was insurmountable and students thoroughly enjoyed their time there and learned all about the options they have ahead of them when it comes to what to do after high school graduation. Plus, the trip to Wendy’s on the way home sealed the deal of students having a great time on a field trip.