Flying to the United Kingdom for a campus tour probably isn’t possible for most high school juniors and seniors.
Which is why it’s great news that Aberstwyth University, located in Wales, will be sending representatives to Spokane this week alongside ~100 other higher ed institutions from across the nation and world.
The annual National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) College Fair takes place Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Spokane Convention Center.
Students and their families can attend the day session (9 a.m. to noon) or the evening session (6-8 p.m.) to connect with a wide range of trade schools, community colleges, and universities. Find details, registration, and a full list of presenters at www.nacacnet.org/student/events.
While wonderful colleges and universities dot our region, sometimes a student may feel that leaving home is best choice for them.
“So how do they know where to go?” asked Emily Gwinn, College & Career Readiness Facilitator at John R. Rogers High School. “There are thousands of opportunities for them out there, so if they go to NACAC they’re going to learn a little bit about what else is available.”
A few years ago, a Rogers student told her he’d never really thought about attending college. After attending NACAC as a junior, he applied, was admitted, and is now attending Washington State University.
“So sometimes students don’t even know what’s out there, what’s possible, and that college is for them,” she said.
Many SPS high schools will be taking students to the day session, accompanied by chaperones like Rosie Oty – a school-based advisor for the College Success Foundation.
“Sticker price is something that turns many students off when it comes to college, but going to things like NACAC, can help them see that it is possible,” she said, pointing to lots of generous grants and scholarships. “Oftentimes, students only know what’s in their bubble. Families, especially first-generation families, may not have experience with college, and don’t know what options there might be.”
Emily also encourages parents and guardians to consider joining their student for the evening session.
“College is a family decision as much as it’s a student decision, and so engaging with the reps can help answer their questions,” she said.
Get a glimpse at last year's NACAC here: