Offering an unrivaled opportunity for students and parents to learn firsthand about prospective colleges, the Annual Cathedral Catholic High School College Fair will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 6 to 8 PM in the Claver Center Gymnasium. This event has the distinction of being the largest college fair in San Diego with 180 colleges and universities from across the country and abroad represented.
Institutions will range from small private colleges to large public universities to international universities – all from 39 states and more than five countries. Also represented will be the academies of five branches of the United States military – army, navy, coast guard, air force, and merchant marine. The fair is open to all CCHS students and parents (students from other local high schools are also allowed to attend as well).
There are many important benefits to attending the CCHS College Fair: it enables students to familiarize themselves with different programs, majors, and extra-curricular offerings unique to each school. Students may also take advantage of learning firsthand on an in-depth basis about admission requirements as well as campus life and off-campus life. All of these are important considerations when matching students’ interests and needs with prospective schools in formulating college application lists.
Another significant benefit to attending the fair is “establishing personal contact with (school) representatives, particularly of selective private schools who do ‘holistic admissions’ (look at the whole package of grades, test scores, essays, interviews, etc.),” said Mr. Lou Centanni, Dons Counselor. Students and parents may obtain answers to their questions and concerns in person.
While high school students of all grades are encouraged to attend the College Fair, “juniors would seem to benefit most, since their planning is just beginning,” Mr. Centanni said. “Seniors may still want to add a school or two to their lists of colleges; freshmen and sophomores can start ‘getting their feet wet and learn about a variety of options.”
Students are encouraged to ask questions of college representatives on topics that are not easily found on schools’ websites or in printed literature, such as, does the college have job placement assistance following graduation? Does each student have a personally assigned advisor? Are on-campus, part-time jobs available? What internships or community service opportunities are available for students? What percent of students stay on campus for the weekend?
Students can contact their counselor with questions about the College Fair. For a complete listing of colleges expected at the fair click here.
