Post-high school life is a topic that concerns most upperclassmen. Whether students want to study at a university or immediately jump into a job, the North Atlanta College and Career Fair provides students with opportunities to explore a vast array of options for the future.
On 25 August, following the opening of CommonApp, representatives from over 200 schools visited North Atlanta High School to answer any questions. Juniors and seniors from North Atlanta and over 10 other APS schools participated in the event. Students saw colleges of all types – near and far, private and public, and even a cosmetology school. “CommonApp opening is exciting, but also scary,” said senior Kaleigh Fleming. “I did not know I had to write that many essays to apply to college.”
Like many of her classmates, senior Chelsey Hodge has been working away at her college list, determined to find a school that will fit her needs perfectly. She talked to a wide variety of schools – from SEC powerhouses to small liberal arts colleges. Being able to talk to a representative one-on-one has helped her tremendously with narrowing down her choices. “I have been so stressed for months,” she said. “After the fair, I am feeling much more confident and motivated to complete my applications.”
The class of 2025 has much more time to think about options after high school, but starting early is key to feeling more content with one’s decision. Junior Rowe McCarroll has been keeping track of schools he is considering attending for a few months now. He wants to go to a larger school in the north, This makes it somewhat more difficult for him to visit any campuses in person. The ability to visit representatives at North Atlanta’s fair helped him plan his future trips and tours. “After talking to a few schools, I have a greater understanding of where I would fit,” he said. “Now I can spend more time touring schools I think I would love.”
Gen Z has a plethora of opportunities to explore any school they want. With detailed videos online and even 3D virtual tours, high school students can get a glimpse of college life without even being there. There is more access to information via the internet than there ever has been, making the college application process more user-friendly. Even with all of these resources, nothing beats being face-to-face with an expert on what could be the next 4 years of someone’s life, emphasizing the need for a college and career fair.
