The Missoula College Fair was held this Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the University of Montana. This gave high school Juniors and Seniors in the county an opportunity to explore possible options for higher education, as well as get in touch with different colleges to learn about the different programs they provide.
Hellgate counselor, Aine Franczyk said, “Juniors are at a point where they’re really starting to explore what they’re going to do after high school and it’s a place to gather information about different four year options, two years options, the military is there along with some other programs.” She said that it is to the benefit of the students to go and gather information on the plethora of opportunities after high school.
The fair gave the attending students some sense of agency over their future, allowing them to speak with colleges free-form. “Students can walk around and talk to all the different schools that are there. It’s a pretty loose forum in that way. People can pick and choose where they want to go,” said Fraczyk.
While the fair does pose advantages for those who are looking for opportunities after high school and have not yet decided, for those who have plans in mind, it has minimal advantages. “It’s not going to make any difference in admissions. You are making contact, which is good,” she said, “I think that it does help to show that you know something about the school, and so the more you know about the school and learn about the school, it shows more that you’ve taken that time and maybe you’ve decided it’s a good fit.”
While the fair does not make any difference in the school students are admitted to, it is still helpful for high school students to explore their options for any higher education or post-high school programs. It can be very informative to students who would like to know more about certain schools, or other options that they may be interested in pursuing.
