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Posted on: 10/18/24
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools — in partnership with the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Office (CACRAO) — held its annual fall College Fair on Oct.17 for high school students across CMS.
The CACRAO College Fair aligns with the district’s goal of increasing the percent of 12th grade students on track to graduate from high school enrolled, enlisted or employed. More than 600 students spoke with several different colleges and universities across the nation, exploring their post-graduation opportunities.
Julius L. Chambers High School counselors Samantha Rodriguez and Amy Cochran said they encouraged students to advocate for themselves, gather as much information as they could and to not be afraid to ask questions.
“There’s something here for everyone, and I think that helps motivate (students),” said Cochran.
“In my two years of attending, I’ve been able to see the impact and the excitement from students about the fair,” added Rodriguez. “It gives students an outlet to see schools they otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to see and get the information they need.”
Students shared that they came in with ideas of what they were looking for, but were also open to other schools and programs they hadn’t thought of. Other factors they considered were the school’s social life, athletics and town size.
Olivia Grooms, a senior at Hough High School, said she’s interested in engineering. She visited tables for Virginia Tech and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was excited to talk and learn more about their specific programs and study abroad opportunities.
“I’ve been having a great time,” said Grooms. “I would encourage others to come, talk to admissions officers and get your name out there. You might think you know it all, but by talking to people who represent the school, you learn so much more. It shows that you’re interested in the school and then the school is interested in you.”
