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William Tennent Students Realize Now is the Time to Prepare for College

William Tennent High School's cafeteria teemed with students and representatives from more than 60 colleges and universities Wednesday night.

Little surpasses the value of a high school student speaking with a college representative face to face when they are thinking about enrolling in a degree program.  Eventually the conversations swing around to money.  After all, the costs of attending in-state, let alone out-of-state, colleges and universities can be eye-opening.  For this and other reasons it is important that high school students do their homework and select postsecondary schools that best help them to achieve their academic , employment and personal goals. 

Administrators at know this well. Hence, Wednesday evening's college fair in the school's cafeteria.

 Advice to Use When Choosing a College to Attend

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One of the first college booths students passed as they entered the cafeteria was that of Montclair State University, a state college located in New Jersey.  Nadia represented the university at the college fair.  “William Tennent is a good high school,” she said.  “That’s the reason that Montclair came.  This is our first year at the college fair.” 

Nadia shared this advice with students who are looking for a college to attend:  “If you know what you want to study in college, focus on choosing a school that offers a solid program in your area of interest.  Also make sure that the college or university is accredited.  Visit the campus, especially if you plan to live on campus.  And don't get scared by tuition costs.  You can always apply for financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants or loans.”

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Rachel Holmberg, from Misericordia University, offered similar advice.  She also added that students should, “Ask college representatives lots of questions.  This will help you to get familiar with the school.  Also ask college representatives what makes their programs different from other schools.  Ask if the school has internships.  Also ask about the school’s job placement rate or percentage in your major,” she said.

Kyki Bobtas revealed that one of Millersville University’s strongest programs is its teachers programs.  “A few William Tennent High School teachers attended Millersville,” she shared.

What William Tennent Students Had To Say

Throughout the evening, students made their way from booth to booth.  While she stood next to a college booth, William Tennent student, Stacy, shared her views about the fair.  “This is my first year attending the fair,” she said.  “It’s really helpful.  Students can ask about advanced placement classes and if colleges accept credits from the classes.  We can also ask about a college’s athletic programs.”

Beth, mother to two William Tennent students, thought the college fair was, “a good idea.  College fairs weren’t this big when I was in high school. The fair exposes students to a lot of different colleges.” 

For this Beth was appreciative.  “One of my sons is going to college next year, while another son will be going to college the year after next,” she said.

As he prepared to exit the college fair, pamphlets and brochures in hand, Matt, a William Tennent linebacker and second team all-league footballer said, “I think it’s fantastic that we’re having the college fair.  Attending the fair exposes us (students) to more academic programs.  We can get information on several colleges at once this way.”  Matt said he plans to major in business at Temple University next year.

His friend, Luke, said, “I want to get a soccer scholarship.  I’m majoring in engineering.”  When asked why he chose the major, Luke said, “I’m good at math.  I like engineering and I want to work at an outdoor job.” 

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