On Thursday, Feb. 20, Marjory Stoneman Douglas students and parents had the opportunity to meet with college admission representatives to learn online and to discuss various scholarship opportunities, the majors and minors offered and other related topics. 

The cafeteria was open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with around 40 colleges ready to discuss what their establishments had to offer. Each representative was staying in the Broward County area as a way to reach as many schools as possible throughout a two week period. 

These fairs allow high school students and parents to gain more information on their prospective college choices and possibly be introduced to other higher education options. Representatives from in-state, out-of-state and international schools attended, all specializing in different fields of study. 

Mainly east coast schools attended, with most attendees focusing on Florida schools such as Florida State University and the University of Florida. 

“I am mainly focusing on Florida schools because of the Bright Futures Scholarship and the Florida prepaid program,” junior Annabelle Ousley said. “Getting into a top school while also at a reasonable price range is really my main goal.” 

Every college provided brochures that contained different student body statistics, GPA and SAT/ACT requirements as well as pictures of campus and dorm life. 

Meeting these various representatives provided students with direct information from the school which focused on their personal interests. This helped them understand the contrasts between different schools and programs in relation to their future endeavors. 

“I plan on studying dentistry and a few colleges told me flat out that they did not provide the program I was looking for,” sophomore Rozyna McKiernan said. “That made it much easier to eliminate certain colleges and helped me focus on programs I was actually interested in.” 

Admission representatives answered personal questions which helped students determine whether the school is a great fit for them. Every school varied in the student to professor ratio as well as the total student population and demographics. 

The college fair is organized every year during the spring semester to allow rising seniors and other grade levels to weigh their options and interests on what they decide to do after high school.  The college fair this year will also be providing students information about all the options to refinance student loans.