Guiding Cavaliers in their college process, Coral Gables Senior High hosted its annual college fair, welcoming over 80 colleges from across the United States. With the first deadlines for college applications around the corner, this was a final opportunity for seniors to learn about the programs offered at each school while the sophomores and juniors start their college journey. The event was held on Oct. 10 in the gymnasium, separated into three sessions from 12:35 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.

Among the colleges in attendance, several were from Florida such as the University of Florida, Florida State University and Miami-Dade College. Others from around the U.S. included Emerson College, Virginia Tech, Davidson, Penn State University and Purdue University. All representatives gave out flyers with standard information about their school and some statistics on the undergraduates accepted in previous years.

“I thought the selection of colleges was very well rounded, and they even had colleges outside the U.S which was super interesting, especially for someone like me who knows they want to study abroad. I was most interested in FSU because it made me realize they had campuses outside of Florida like their London campus and was more than just a party school,” junior Amalia Garrido said.

As students came in to learn about different schools, they were able to ask one-on-one questions about the programs offered, life on campus and the teacher-to-student ratio. The admissions officers were also able to give ranges for required scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test or American College Test and grade point average that will increase one’s chance of getting accepted into the school.

“I learned that a lot of colleges are test optional and that not submitting scores does not mean that you got a bad score because they won’t look at it like that. Colleges also don’t base you off other people but rather the academic rigor that you take on, demonstrated in the classes that you take,” junior Veronica Montalvo said.

Organized by the Parent Teacher Student Association and the College Assistance Program advisor, Ms. Sanz, colleges were contacted through email to register for the fair. With the help of the Garden Project, Gables’ wrestling team and PTSA volunteers, the gym was decorated with the tables set up before the event.

Throughout the morning, National Honor Society members and volunteers welcomed the representatives, guiding them to their designated tables. A breakfast stand was set up with coffee and Cuban sweet treats, provided by Gilbert’s Bakery. A group of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets marched in with the American flag, parading through the gym. For lunch, the visiting representatives received a meal prepared by Gables’s very own culinary program.

“I think college fair is a really important part of the college application process for students to be able to talk with admissions officers…It brings comfort to the students and allows them to learn more about the college in a personal way,” senior Grace Zaky said.

The college fair gave sophomores and juniors the ability to get ahead of the college process and research which schools offer programs in relation to their interests. Leaving the fair, students had a better idea of what colleges expect in terms of academics, allowing them to plan effectively for their post-high school studies.