It’s a proud tradition of Woodstock to host a college fair every year to guide the students through a crucial part of their academic journey: college applications. Over 60 universities from across the globe participated this year in the fair offered to grades 10 to 12 on the 29th of August. With 12th graders in the process of finalizing their essays and applications, it’s safe to say that the college fair arrived at the perfect time.
The head intern Aadi Mehta says “I have been doing this for two years now, and never have we once put up such a large fair. We are very happy that the work put in by the college counselors and us interns is helping the students.” As college counseling interns, Pranav Agrawal, Abhinav Agarwal, Pritish Berry, Krishna Jaykrishna also played a key role in organizing, printing placards, making reference grids and pulling off this event which turned out to be a remarkable success. A big shout out to the college counselors Mr. Ganesh Kempaiah and Ms. Aanchal Negi who have been in the process of inviting and shortlisting universities about 5 months prior to the date of the fair.
The Win Mumby Gym space was aptly divided into four columns: The U.S, Asia and Europe, India, and the U.K. The gym was lit up with enlightening conversations and colors of different university flags. Besides bumps caused by the ever-pervading COVID 19 which prevented a few universities from participating at the last minute, this indeed was en event to take back a lot from.
“Affordable education” for instance, was emphasized as a motto of some schools in order to offer equal opportunities to internationational students. For instance, in Illinois Tech (the only tech school in Chicago), 98% of the students receive some kind of grant for both academic and living expenses. For students keen on the creative spectrum of learning, universities such as Loyola Marymount University and the Paris College of Art were present in the second row. The representatives provided an insight on how “hands-on experience” was integrated as a part of their programmes through internships such as in the “Paris Fashion Week.” One of the questions lingering in many students’ minds was “what is the process of admitting Indian students doing the IB diploma programme?” Pioneers to liberal arts college education, FLAMES university in Pune had an innovative solution in which students were filtered through a unique testing system consisting of four components: aptitude, math, english and an on-the-spot essay.
While some schools like UCL offered a wide range of courses in diversified fields and engaged in conversation with enthused students, other universities in the line, such as the Imperial College’s representative talked about the university’s impeccable STEM specific courses and its application requirements. With a good majority of students passionate about pursuing a career in business, King’s College London’s business program is sought after by many students due to its well designed course structure and heart-of-the-city location which gives access to a wide network of companies they can gain experience from.
Overall, one-to-one interactions with the admissions representatives was very beneficial to the students in helping them know what to anticipate whilst applying and building a connection with universities. “It felt constructive to know where I stand in terms of college readiness and what aspects I can focus more on before I apply next year,” said Japnamay Singh, class of 2024.
The positive outlook to the fair was mutual. A representative that has been visiting for the past four years shared that the students as well as organizers are incredibly welcoming. “I feel that Woodstock students are well prepared for the fair as well as their next step into university.” said Mr. Daniel Marschner from Loyola Marymount University. In the words of Ms. Rangholi Dhingra, “The Woodstock college fair just keeps getting better.”
Sakthi is a staff reporter.
Edited by Asha.
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