On Oct. 6, the Great Lawn bustled bustled with students interested in exploring out of state options. The event was organized by the Oak Park High School College and Career Team, Amber Preston and Amanda Fitts. The purpose of the event was to educate students about their options after high school.

“It is just so important to expose you guys to what is out there,” Preston said. “There are over 1,000 colleges just here in the U.S. and students don’t realize that. You guys are caught up in the UC system or IV league type schools, but there is a college for everyone. It’s about what college is the best fit for you and you may not even know about a college that is the perfect fit for you, and this gives you the opportunity to see what is out there.” 

College representatives agree that college fairs are important because they can promote their programs.  

“When you look at the name ‘Aeronautical’ it’s kinda misleading,” Sarah Terry, a college representative from Aeronautical University said.” “People think it is just about flying when we have a lot of computer science and space related things.”

While the information provided is valuable to every student, college fairs are especially important for juniors and seniors. 

“The more you know the better informed you will be,” Preston said. “It is a good opportunity for juniors who are preparing for that next step. For seniors, it is great if they are applying so they can have the rep remember them.”

The next event hosted by the College and Career Team is the Career Fair on Oct. 15, on the great lawn at lunch.