High school students and families packed the high school’s main concourse on April 16 for the semi-annual college fair, meeting admissions representatives, exploring programs and campuses, and learning how to stand out in an increasingly competitive application process.
For many students, the fair provides a first look at the vast landscape of higher education.
“I’m learning a lot about what colleges are looking for and able to narrow it down,” junior Nolan Guessford said.
Guessford felt that the environment allowed him to explore colleges he “didn’t know existed” and determine what benefits different schools could offer his specific interests.
Junior Alleyne Brown agrees and feels the people there were very informative to talk about their college because they were “experts.”
According to Commonwealth University Assistant Director of Admissions Geneva Murray, the primary goal of the event is to provide students with a “grand scope of exploration.”
Murray feels that beyond simply viewing brochures, students at these events get “educated on what colleges have their programs” and can see how they might fit on a specific campus.
Guidance coordinator Tom Overberger supports this sentiment.
He feels that the fair is as much about developing soft skills as it is about gathering data.
“I think the other great part about it is just an informal opportunity to develop better skills as far as how to talk to an adult, making yourself more comfortable having conversations,” Overberger said.
For many students, the fair helped broaden horizons beyond expensive “reach” schools.
“I think it’s a really cool opportunity because you see a lot of colleges you might not think of,” junior Ari Swindells said.
Swindells also said it can help students understand which majors interest them, as well as which programs they should be looking into and asking about.
For many admissions officers, the fair is an opportunity to look past the data points of an application.
“We kind of get to put a face to the name,” Murray said.
When evaluating applicants, Murray noted that her office looks for “who you are besides the grades,” specifically searching for student leaders and those involved in volunteer or community service opportunities.
Arcadia University Director of Undergraduate Admissions Erica Pulaski agrees that personal connections are vital.
“Coming to events like this is actually hearing from representatives what a school is really like,” Pulaski said.
She opposes students relying solely on social media like TikTok or YouTube, which she feels does not offer a “true, cool experience” of campus life.
Pulaski urges students to visit schools in person this summer and build relationships with representatives who can eventually advocate for them during the review process.
While grades remain a focal point, many representatives highlighted the importance of a well-rounded profile.
Delaware Valley University admissions counselor Kim Paulishen noted that she looks for involvement in clubs and organizations, as well as part-time work.