The Thomas Edison High School 13th Annual Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Fair was held on November 17. Juniors and Seniors in high school were invited to attend and meet with admission representatives from 24 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Various schools were providing on-site admissions, scholarships, and fee waivers. Out of the 24 colleges and universities that attended the fair, 11 schools were offering on-site admission. 34 South Lakes High School students attended the fair, and multiple SLHS Seniors were offered on-site admission, and qualified for $70,000 dollars in scholarships.
To be offered admission at the college fair, there were varying requirements for each school. Transcripts were required for every school, and for some schools, a previously completed application was also required. Every senior who attended the fair was given their official transcript to give to the colleges and universities offering admission. Mrs. Luongo, South Lakes’s college and career specialist, stated, “It is not common, but in certain events, they do do it.”
Although on-site admission is not common, schools were eager to speak to the students. Senior Belen Ertta stated, “[The schools were] very eager. They were open and very friendly.” The different schools were also adamant about telling the students about admission and scholarship money. “They were eager to tell us information about the school and how much they were willing to offer.” There were also different opportunities to be accepted at the college fair. Mrs. Luongo stated, “If they feel like they need more information, like an essay, then they may not offer you an admissions offer at that point, but encourage you to apply with that essay, with letters of recommendation and things like that.”
Regardless of whether the students who are offered admission attend the schools they have admission for, the college fair is an eye opening opportunity for juniors and seniors. The college fair gives students an opportunity to see their options and understand the process of gaining admission. “If you walk away with an admissions offer, it’s so exciting, but even if you don’t get that offer right then, they’ll give you feedback.” Mrs. Luongo stated. Overall, it is a broad learning experience, and it is helpful in providing information and giving students perspective about their expectations of getting into college.
