15th Annual College Fair at Hoboken High School
Hoboken High School hosted its 15th Annual College Fair on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Students were able to meet with representatives from over 50 local and national colleges and universities.
This year’s event aimed to build on the successes of last year’s graduating class, which amassed over $4.2 million in scholarships to schools around the country. The 2015-2016 class boasted acceptances to such prestigious institutions as Baylor University, Boston University, Northwestern, the University of Notre Dame, Seton Hall University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Virginia, among many others.
Hoboken High School guidance counselor Damien Arnone said of the event, “The college fair provides students with the opportunity to gain important insight to different schools and become familiar with their financial aid programs and educational resources. Because it is seamlessly integrated into the school day, students can meet with representatives without missing valuable class time. It’s a tremendous feeling, connecting the students with opportunities they may not have otherwise had.”
This year, representatives included those from local schools like Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Montclair State University, as well as some national programs like Penn State University and the University of Arizona.
HHS senior Kobe Dawes, who hopes to pursue a career in chemical engineering, was able to take full advantage of the occasion. “It’s been tough; a lot of schools don’t offer chemical engineering. But after meeting with some of the representatives here today, I’ve found some really great information that will allow me to pursue what I want to do. I never would have known about some of these programs if I didn’t have this opportunity today.”
Students like Max Perelson found the interpersonal nature of the college fair to be the most rewarding aspect. “It’s great because it easily highlights all the different opportunities available at each college, straight from the source. It makes it easy to assess what you want when looking at schools.”
The learning process is perpetually on-going. The Hoboken Public School District takes pride in its ability to prepare each and every student for the steps along the way. With opportunities such as the Annual College Fair, Naviance College Planning, Financial Aid Nights, on- and off-site college fairs, and numerous instant decision days, the bar is being raised for all students.