U.S. University Fair provides personalized advice on college applications

High school students gathered at the Jetnasium to attend the U.S. University Fair on Sept. 3rd. From culinary arts to film studies, 16 American universities participated to offer students clearer understanding of college admissions and future academic pathways.

The event aimed to assist students explore various college options and establish clear goals for their high school journey. “It’s a great opportunity for them (students) to ask general questions that they could ask anyone. I’ve been telling the students to ask questions about the SAT. What do you think about the SAT? If it’s test-optional, is it really optional? 
What do you want to see in a personal statement?” counselor Mrs. Jolly said. 

To run the event smoothly, administrators coordinated schedule adjustments in advance. “It’s hard because it has to be during class time, or ASA time. And it usually has to be in the gym, so I’m also taking the gym, which takes away from the PE department and everything like that. So I think that’s the biggest challenge, but teachers are pretty accommodating, so we work together,” Mrs. Jolly said.

Beyond general admissions guidance, students gained direct access to programs that aligned with their passion. “I met with a good amount of seniors and also juniors. I think they are generally interested, and they’re really looking for a top science program, engineering, business, which is our expertise here at UMass Dartmouth,” Tina Rong, a representative from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, said.

Underclassmen also left with insightful understanding of the preparation process and motivation to dive into their interests. “I feel like it was a very valuable experience since I became a ninth grader this year. I feel like I should pay more attention to college applications, what I want to do, and what I want to be,” freshman Minju Koo said.

While all students received the opportunity to participate, some called for greater flexibility in time management. “Since we had to come out of our 4th period class and visit it for a very short time, I think that it might be better if we could get some longer time for the university fair,” Koo said.

Throughout the afternoon, the occasion provided helpful guidance on the imminent application process and encouraged students to examine personalized educational opportunities. “I hope students can really find very diverse options, like a school that offers them a lot of internships, job experience, and also has great connections,” Rong said.

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