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High school juniors jumpstart college application process
Posted on 03/05/2018
2018 College Expo

Hundreds of OCPS high school juniors flooded the Amway Center to meet university and college representatives. In its fourth year, the University and College Expo helped students to start thinking about the post-secondary application process.


“I thought the event was a great way to learn about new schools and learn about the schools I already knew about. I liked that there wasn't just the big schools like UF or FSU. There were many schools that I have never heard of that I could be interested in. I met with some of the admissions officers from the smaller schools, and they were able to talk to me about the requirements for their school and tell me about certain majors,” Boone High School junior Molly Cooper said.


The 2500 attendees, could meet college and university representatives from all major Florida colleges and universities, as well as prestigious schools like the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University. Additionally, The Citadel, United States Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point were also in attendance.


“Attending the expo helped me get a grasp on what I want to do with my future and that this is real and it is actually happening. The event will benefit me with the application process because it will help me narrow down what college is right for me,” Cooper said.


Students discussed college admissions, financial aid and career exploration with the specialists available.


“I would recommend this to juniors next year because it is a great way to expand your knowledge about some of the big universities and learn new things about colleges you have never even heard of. Also there are booths that will talk to you about scholarships and financial aid, like the Wells Fargo Booth,” Cooper said.


School Board Chairman Bill Sublette and Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins created the event three years ago to help college-bound students have direct access to a wide variety of post-secondary schools.


“This event jumpstarts juniors to think about the application process. Also, many students do not have the opportunity to go to a college visit. This helps them talk to someone and have first-hand knowledge about a school,” Sue Robbins, College Transition Counselor, said.