Local college fairs interests students, helps create relationships

Students around the valley are invited to explore various California colleges through meeting representatives and visiting college planning workshops at the Fresno Area College Night, Sept. 11, 6-8:30 p.m.

The yearly college fair is located in the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall and advertises over 100 college options to students deciding their futures. The event is hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools from 6-8:30 p.m., admission is free and all ages are welcome.

A graduate of Fresno Pacific University and campus academic advisor Evangelina Tello encourages students and parents to visit college fairs. Tello promotes the event to freshmen as well and advocates for early college searching.

“One thing that I share with the students and parents,” Tello said, “is that for this event it’s all the CSU’s and UC’s throughout California coming to Fresno for one night to be able to connect with students and families. It’s an awesome opportunity for students interested in private schools or specific UC or state schools. I hear of students feeling intimidated when they hear of the representatives from well known schools.”

Each year over 5,000 students and parents/guardians attend this annual event in downtown Fresno’s convention center. The event is often crowded so it is advised to come early and bring money to park.

“I feel it’s important to not feel intimidated,” Tello continued, “ take advantage of this opportunity because when you apply, they will be able to remember a face with the application. Regarding their options after high school, I tell our seniors, it’s kinda too late to start your college planning. Some applications open in September or October, not giving time to start planning or visiting schools. I say it’s never too early to start college planning.”

In the following podcast, journalist Morgan Parker, ’21, interviews academic advisor Evangelina Tello about the Fresno Area College Night.

The event goes from 6-8:30 p.m. and students can register on GoToCollegeFairs website. The building fills tightly with attendants every year, some choose to come early around 5:30 p.m. to ensure entering ability. Parents are motivated to join the experience along with their children to check out possible options with them. Bring money for parking in downtown Fresno.

Evangelina Tello shares more information about the Fresno Area College Night in the following tweet.

Come join academic counselor Evangelina Tello at the Fresno Area College Night! Hosted by @FresnoConvenCtr the event will take place in the exhibit hall on Sept. 11, 6-8:30 p.m. Students can register for their personal barcode at https://t.co/505jjyJYFT. @CommunityMed @FCOE_CTE pic.twitter.com/uhTzDY8apE

— The Feather Online (@thefeather) September 10, 2019

Senior Janae Shew attended the college fair last year, and plans on attending once again this year. Shew enjoyed her experience and hopes that it sparks an interest in underclassmen.

“I enjoyed being able to walk around and see so many colleges in one place, many of which I didn’t even know existed,” Shew said. “I wouldn’t say it made choosing colleges any easier, because with it being so crowded it was fairly difficult to talk to the college representatives. I would encourage people to go because even if you know where you want to go, it can always provide more options; going and seeing more colleges can start the conversation for underclassmen.”

While figuring out their futures, local juniors and seniors look to college fairs to broaden their options before making big decisions. Tello urges students to use the opportunity, and talk to all representatives at the fairs. She says not to miss out on informational events such as these.

Along with College Night, there is on-campus college fair available at lunch on Oct. 15. The same night, a Christian College fair is hosted by Hope Lutheran Church in Fresno. The church offers choices beyond UC and CSU schools, targeting people looking for faith-based colleges or a private school experience.

The representatives inform students about each university and let them know how their specific school fits the student’s needs. Tello advises that visiting college fairs shows representatives a face to go with the application, straying from becoming just numbers on a page.

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Morgan Parker can be reached via email and via Twitter.