Ludlow High School welcomed colleges and trade schools from the New England area when they hosted their annual college fair on Wednesday, October 23, in the LHS gymnasium.
The gym was filled with 112 in-state and out of state schools, such as MCLA (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts), Keene State and UConn (University of Connecticut), along with trade schools such as Porter and Chester and Jolie Hair Academy. There was also a booth for those students who were interested in enlisting in the navy after high school.
The event was held during sixth period into seventh period giving students an opportunity to talk to the admission officers of the college of their choosing. Each college or trade school had a booth set up that students could go to and receive information about the different majors, financial aid, and any other questions the students had or were confused about.
“The students are reacting wonderfully to the college fair,” said senior guidance counselor Linda Duame, “they’re getting easy access to the colleges, [as well as] one-on-one time with the admissions officers.”
Seniors were allowed first access to the event, talking to colleges that they were interested in applying to. Juniors, sophomores, and freshmen were also allowed access to the college fair to get an idea of any colleges they were planning on applying to come senior year.
“Ludlow had a great turn up, they had a lot of knowledge and ask a lot of questions,” said admission officer of MCLA, Gina Puc, “It’s always good when they’re interested and enthusiastic.”
Many students felt as if the college fair made the college process better and less stressful.
“It’s a scary and overwhelming part of growing up,” said senior Belinda Jozefczyk. “Talking to the colleges made it better but I’m still going to go on college tours.”
However, it’s not only seniors who are feeling the pressure, the juniors felt the realistic side of growing up when the walked into the gym.
“The college fair is really helpful, it’s exposing me to the college scene and what to expect,” said junior Dan Lavigne.
Jovan Sempa, an admission officer of Salem State, believes that college fairs help the students who are overwhelmed or undecided. “We are able to recommend majors that students never knew we offered and it gets them excited,” he said.