Opportunity for Morgan Juniors- NACAC College Fair
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 30% of students change their major at least once. Even more concerning, data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows that over 13% of students transfer schools; meaning after all the overthinking about choosing the “perfect” college, students often realize it was never the right fit for them.
Luckily on March 19, 2025, students in the Junior class will be able to attend a field trip to the Hartford Convention Center for the day, to explore the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) college fair and connect with admissions representatives for over 180 colleges.
History of the Fair
The NACAC has been hosting college fairs for over 40 years at different locations nationwide, serving students opportunities they may not have known about. The event hopes to provide a “one-stop shop for students to gather information and make connections,” said guidance counselor, Ms. Zdunczyk.
Fair Schedule
The Morgan juniors will attend the field trip on March 19 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. This event will also take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on March 20 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. to allow families to attend and explore options with their children on their own time.
Why Attend?
Ms. Zdunczyk mentioned that “students typically have a harder time touring schools less local,” due to their parent’s work schedule or families’ financial situation. Bringing a wide range of schools together in one place is an important opportunity for students and can make navigating the college search less overwhelming.
Students attending the fair will have the ability to speak directly with college admissions representatives, collect brochures and information from various schools, and learn about campus life, admissions requirements, sports, and clubs.
“This fair is a great way for students to discover schools they may not have considered before,” said guidance secretary Ms. O’Beirn. “It is also a chance to get real answers to questions about programs, campus culture, and the application process.”
Prepping for the fair
In order to make the most of the fair by going into it with some understanding of what you might or might not like, guidance counselor Ms. Zdunczyk recommends using Naviance SuperMatch, to identify schools that match your interests, GPA, and preferred location. She also suggests students apply to at least five schools; including one reach, three realistic options, and one safety school.
The guidance department believes that this fair puts your foot in the door of the college process. Meeting representatives and admissions officers allow you to make connections with people who will be reviewing your applications. This gives students a big advantage in a competitive process, especially for students interested in “nursing, business, or engineering,” said Ms. Zdunczyk.
“Students should take advantage of this opportunity to ask important questions,” O’Beirn added. “You never know; you might even impress the person who will be reviewing your application.”
After the fair
While this college fair does not cover financial aid or scholarships, The Morgan School will hold more opportunities for students to be informed about these topics. Morgan holds the Into the Future event to focus on college applications, and fall workshops next year to cover FAFSA, essay writing, and interview preparation.
Taking the Next Step
Attending the NACAC college fair is an efficient way to not only research schools, but also explore potential college options, make connections, and ask questions. Each year, around “80-85% of Morgan Juniors attend,” said Ms. O’Beirn, and counselors strongly encourage students to participate and take advantage of this opportunity.
“If you’re unsure about your college plans, this event can help point you in the right direction,” O’Beirn said. “No student has ever come back and said it wasn’t worth their time.”
Attending the NACAC college fair is a great place to start the college search, whether you have a list in mind or are just beginning your search. Don’t miss your chance, your future could be waiting for you at one of these tables!
