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Ellie O'Connor

A representative from Emerson College talks to a student. Over 80 schools participated in Algonquin's College Fair on Oct. 6.

Students, parents and guardians were in attendance at the annual college fair, which was held in the A gym on Thursday, Oct. 6, for the first time since COVID restrictions began. 

Over 80 colleges were represented at the college fair, where students had the opportunity to speak to representatives and admissions officers. Schools from around the country were featured, including state schools, private colleges and military programs. This annual event is intended to help students with the college applications process, according to Director of Guidance Lisa Connery.

“The [college fair] encourages students to be open to opportunities and seek out information, and then make decisions that are right for them,” Connery said. 

Attendees were able to visit the different booths arranged throughout the gym, with pamphlets and posters providing information on the individual colleges and programs. 

“I hadn’t really done much to prepare for college before [the college fair], but I think just seeing all these schools helped me get more familiar with the whole process,” junior Eva Hamel said. “It definitely gave me somewhere to start.”

With the large variety of schools present, Connery felt that the event was successful in broadening students’ horizons as well.

“Oftentimes, students come in with a very narrow focus, with a handful of schools that they’re familiar with,” Connery said. “They don’t readily open themselves up to the idea that there’s a lot of great opportunities and options out there. Students can find a school that they hadn’t previously considered.”

The college fair is one of the first steps toward the college applications process, and the guidance department encourages students to visit with any questions or concerns they may have throughout this school year.