For high school juniors, the path to college can feel overwhelming. With so many options and so much to consider, where do you even begin? This year, again, Montgomery County students got the opportunity to start their college search on the right foot at the NACAC National College Fair held April 8-9 at The Germantown Soccerplex.
The National Association for College Admission Counseling organized the event, bringing together over 250 colleges and universities from across the country and around the world. The fair was designed to connect students directly with admissions representatives, giving them a chance to learn about different schools and the college application process in a more personal, interactive setting.
There were sessions during the day from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and in the evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. For MCPS students, this fair was a field trip experience, providing an opportunity to explore post-secondary options and ask questions about the next step in their academic journey.
More than just a place to gather brochures and swag, the NACAC National College Fair offered hands-on advice about college admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Workshops at the event covered a variety of topics, including how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), tips for writing strong college essays and understanding financial aid options. These sessions were especially useful for students starting to plan for college’s financial and academic challenges. “I got to talk to many different college admissions people, and it has made me feel much more prepared for the upcoming college admissions process,” junior Bryson Filbert said.
What made this fair stand out was the diversity of colleges and universities represented. From big state schools to liberal arts colleges, from community colleges to specialized art and tech programs, the fair offered something for every kind of student. This allowed attendees to explore a variety of academic programs, campus environments and extracurricular opportunities – helping them get a clearer picture of where they might fit best. “I got to meet representatives from colleges in London, and it was so interesting to hear about the school systems there and their fun accents,” junior Danielle Rubin said.
For students, speaking directly with admissions officers was a highlight of the experience. These representatives provided detailed information about their schools, answered questions about specific programs and gave tips on standing out in the application process. This personal connection made the college search feel less intimidating and more accessible, allowing students to gather the information they needed to make informed decisions. “Talking to the admissions officers from schools I have been interested in has helped me a lot because I now know all about the majors I would like to apply for and clubs and activities at each school,” junior Addison Purvis said.
