PORT ANGELES — More than 20 college representatives will talk with students at the Port Angeles High School’s first college fair Thursday, Nov. 4.
The fair, organized by the school’s guidance department, will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the student center on the high school campus, 304 E. Park Ave.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done this,” said Mike Nolan, guidance counselor.
“It should provide a wonderful opportunity for our students to speak with college representatives one-on-one.
‘Wonderful opportunity’
Nolan said he hoped students could use the opportunity to refine their choices.
“In addition to getting their questions answered, students should come away with a sense of whether or not a particular college is a good fit for them,” he said.
“That’s what we’re after. . . . they’re all good schools; now which one is the right fit?”
The idea of a college fair came about through a meeting with Peninsula College officials.
“Peninsula College is putting on a transfer fair for their students that same day,” Nolan said.
“Several four-year college representatives will meet with PC students that morning.”
So Nolan spoke last spring with Sophia Iliakis-Doherty, director of student recruitment and international development at the community college, and she contacted the college representatives.
“I was pleased to find out that every rep agreed to extend their day and visit the high school campus,” Nolan said.
The high school college fair is different from the transfer fair, however, in that representatives from two-year colleges and technical colleges, as well as four-year colleges, will be at the high school.
“Our college fair will include representatives from Bellevue College, Highline Community College and Peninsula College,” said Linda Robertson, the high school’s guidance office secretary.
“Last year, 30 percent of our students headed off to four-year colleges, but even more enrolled in two-year and technical colleges.
Representatives of Bates Technical College, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, ITT Tech Everett and other tech programs will be on hand.
“Parents are welcome to join us for the fair,” Nolan said.
“We are also planning to have a representative there to talk about college ROTC programs, preparing for the SAT (college admissions test), as well as someone to go over financial aid.”
“And,” Nolan continued, “we’ll have all three high school counselors on hand to meet individually with parents.”
