At this year’s College Fair, representatives from schools varying from Ivy League institutions to private liberal arts colleges arrived with big smiles, ready to share information about their schools with students. Over the course of three hours, college reps talked with students and gave them pamphlets, stickers and advice.
For the reps, attending college fairs is a way of life.
Emily Chandler, the admissions counselor at the Evergreen State College, stated, “My life as a college rep is really busy. I tend to travel a lot… about five months out of the year. I flew from Washington state and I’ve been in LA for the past two weeks.”
As the reps saw the students bustle through the doors, their eyes glistened with excitement.
Stacy Chen, the International Outreach Counselor in student affairs at California State University Northridge (CSUN), stated, “My passion is to meet students and expand our equipment in the program.”
With motivation and passion, the reps talked about their individual schools with positive voices in order to garner interest from the individual students in attendance.
Madeleine Le, a current student at Christian Baptist University (CBU), stated, “I think my main motivation is due to my home experience at CBU. I love this school and I want people to love this school too and feel what it’s like to have a home at school.”
Rebekah Kim, the assistant director of admissions from Otis College of Art and Design, said, “As a fellow Asian here, [I know how] you’re always pressured to go into these Ivy League schools or go to a name-known school even for arts. I was always thankful to have the support to go to an art school and for that reason I want to help fellow Asian Americans to receive that same opportunity.”
For many of these representatives, the college fair was about helping students find the right colleges for them.
During a private conference with JSR, UC Berkeley Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Harry le Grande talked about his strong belief in finding “the fit” for students. He stated that instead of just attending a school for its name or rank, students should look for an environment in which they can thrive.
According to Chandler, from Evergreen, “It may be a daunting process but you’re going to be spending the next four years of your life [at the college you choose] so it’s important to ask questions. Everyone in admissions is here to help. If the school isn’t willing to help you, then that says something about that school.”
“Make sure you feel comfortable approaching the school staff,” she continued. “If you do feel comfortable, you’re going to have a great college experience.”
