Academic adviser Tello informs students of college fair opportunities

Fall welcomes a new season of SAT/ACT test dates, college applications and college fairs. Seniors are busy finalizing their list of colleges they plan on applying to while also maintaining a good academic standing. However, college fairs and North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP) benefits can still provide secondary insight.

The best way to be informed about a university is to connect with the college representatives to receive knowledge about the application process, tuition and programs which students are able to do at college fairs.

Fresno County hosts two main college fairs every year for Central Valley students to connect with a host of different colleges. As the Fresno Area College Night concludes, the students look forward to attending the NACCAP fair a few weeks later.

This event is for middle school and high school students and their families to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with admission representatives from specifically Christian universities. The NACCAP of Fresno, CA Christian College Fair is hosted by Hope Lutheran Church, Oct. 15, from 6-8 p.m.

Students can expect to meet representatives from Cal Baptist University, Azusa Pacific, Biola University, Vanguard and many more.

Biola University’s admission counselor, Emily Byrd, shared key points when attending the NACCAP fair.

“Interactions with admissions counselors and college representatives make you stand out in your college admissions process,” Byrd said. “It allows them to advocate for you on a more personal level. The better the school knows you, the more they will be able to provide you with opportunities to make your dream a reality!”

For students who are not sure if they would want to attend, Byrd provides a suggestion to encourage students to go to the event. 

“Come with friends,” Byrd continued. “It’s a little less intimidating. Try and compile a list of three of the most important things for your dream college to have so you come prepared. That way the representatives from the schools can help you see if their university has what you’re looking for.”

Logan Allen, Vanguard University’s admission counselor, provided benefits of the NACCAP fair.

“Some of the benefits of attending a NACCAP fair are that you are able to hear more about the Christian college experience,” Allen said. “Learn how these universities can help you grow academically and spiritually throughout your four years of college. One of the primary benefits is that you will be able to meet different admission counselors from different universities. You can start to develop personal relationships with them as you start to look for what college best fits you.”

Allen encourages students to get out of their comfort zone to give colleges an opportunity to meet them.

“Students who are hesitant about attending should attend because there are many fantastic colleges at this fair and excited admissions counselors,” Allen continued. “They would love to meet you and tell you all about their college and how they can assist you in helping you make your college choice.”

Any student who is not able to participate in the fair will still have the opportunity to meet with some of the universities. Fresno Christian will be hosting a college fair for middle and high school students during lunch, Oct. 15. Many of the colleges participating in the NACCAP fair in the evening will be visiting Fresno Christian in the afternoon.

Additionally, the high school students who signed up to take the PSAT earlier this semester will take the test, Oct. 16. They will be required to check-in at the FCS gym at 7:45 a.m. with a calculator and valid student ID. The test ends at noon.

For students with additional questions regarding the NACCAP fair or Fresno Christian’s College Fair, academic counselor Evangelina Tello will meet one-on-one with them. Students can contact Tello in her office or email her.

For previous College Corners and college prep. advice, read Tello’s College Corner: SAT & ACT registration details or Seniors: Applications, tests, deadlines. Oh my!