The College Fair Comes to Hills West

On October 23rd here at Hills West, the guidance department hosted the annual Fall College Fair, giving students the opportunity to learn about, and explore the multiple educational opportunities that await them after high school. On October 23rd, during eight and ninth period, Hills West’s juniors and seniors sauntered the gymnasium, carefully reading the materials handed to them and conversing with spokespeople representing over 50 colleges and organizations, including military options such as the Navy and Marines. One Junior, Meagan Teets, said she valued her visit to the fair, going so far as to say, “Without going to [the fair], I don’t think that I would’ve known about many of the colleges that were there.”

Indeed, many colleges at the fair were private and not as well “branded” as others. Although some colleges seemed to be smaller and more specialized, their presence alone was a friendly reminder to the students of any grade level, that this would be the next step on the ladder of education. Vincent Gacano, a Senior, wasn’t quite sure whether the colleges represented on Thursday truly represents where our alumni attend. He did however think highly of the event altogether, saying it was “well run and organized.”

The following colleges and universities attended this season’s fair:

Adelphi University                           New York Institute of Technology

Bowdoin College                               Nova Southeastern University

Castleton State University              Ohio State University

Cazenovia College                             Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Centenary College                             Roanoke College

Dowling College                                 Roger Williams University

Endicott College                                 Rowan University

FIDM                                                    Rutgers University

Franklin Pierce                                   Sacred Heart University

George Mason University                Saint Leo University

Hartwick College                               Salisbury University

Hofstra University                             St. John’s University

Indiana Univ./Purdue (IUPUI)         St. Joseph’s College-Patchogue

Island Drafting & Technical Inst.      Stevenson University

Johnson & Wales                                   SUNY Delhi

Lasell College                                         SUNY Fredonia

LIU – C.W. Post                                      SUNY New Paltz

Longwood University                            SUNY Old Westbury

Lynn University                                     SUNY Plattsburgh

Manhattan College                                SUNY Potsdam

Marist College                                        University of Connecticut

Mercy College                                         University of Rhode Island

Michigan State University                    University of Scranton

Molloy College                                         University of Tampa

Monmouth University                           Western Connecticut State Univ.

Mount St. Mary’s University                York College of Pennsylvania

The guidance office as well as the building administrators worked to provide this presentation in order to help students acclimate themselves with the climate of the higher education market. Guidance counselor, Ms. Kesten says, “This is a great way for the students to see the schools and speak with the college representatives.”

This spread of colleges and universities acted as a forum between colleges and students, allowing students to begin their search and pose questions such as: “Do I want to go to college? Where do I want to go to college? Do I want to join the military?” The helpful college representatives were there to answer questions about not only the college they were representing, but any general questions a rising high-schooler may have about their education and future career.

If you were unable to attend this college fair, or if you want to explore more about these colleges, High School West will be hosting an additional mini College Fair in the Spring, with many of the same colleges representing. Get your college search started here at Hills West!