On Friday, August 22, the towering hallways of North Atlanta High School were transformed into a bustling marketplace of opportunity, with the annual College Fair taking place in the gym. With over 100 colleges, including Georgia icons, the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University, and schools from all over the world, students were able to explore their possible futures without leaving the skyscraper of learning. For years now, the College Fair has become a staple during the fall semester, pulling in many curious Warriors who are eager to ask questions, gather brochures, and imagine themselves on campuses both near and far. For some students, the school selection process was about narrowing down a list that already exists. For others, this process might have been about exploration, speaking with the colleges that might not have been an option after all.

Given that seniors don’t have much time left on the clock before they make their final decisions on what colleges they are going to apply to, it’s still best to go in with an open mind. This is true for Senior Elizabeth Nilson. Though her Common App list is solidified, she still wanted to talk to schools that she has not ever heard of before. “I went to a lot of international and smaller schools that I probably wouldn’t have talked to if it wasn’t for the college fair,” said Nilson. 

However, not every Warrior was satisfied with their experience. For some, the short time frame felt like a limitation rather than a launchpad. They only felt like they went to the schools they knew of rather than exploring new ones. Senior Melissa Palacios Echeverria was among these select few. “I just felt like there wasn’t enough time to be able to explore,” she said, “I hope that in future years, students will have more time at the college fair.”

For others, the fair opened doors far beyond the state of Georgia. International schools attend the college fair to give students the opportunity to talk to colleges oceans away. Junior Triston Willis is one who took advantage of the opportunity. “I’m glad that I was able to talk to international schools while I was there,” he said. 

As the fair wrapped up, the Warriors left with new brochures, new contacts, and most importantly, a clearer vision of their future. Whether the college fair was to learn about new colleges or speak to your dream universities, it has delivered once again. The only question remains: Can the 2026 fair top this year’s success?