by Alissa Chapman

College. It’s almost every senior’s number one concern. Where should I go? What schools have the major in which I am interested? What are the qualifications to attend a certain college? What options do I have to pay for college? Seniors have so many questions! Luckily, college fairs provide many of the answers.

On Thursday, September 9, several Willow Springs High School seniors traveled to West Plains High School to attend a college fair for area high school students. “There was a wide variety of colleges,” said Clint Harper, “I just wish there was more time to look at all of them.”

The colleges that participated in the college fair ranged from Arkansas State to Mizzou and several places in between. Though several four year schools sent representatives, many technical and community college advisors and military recruiters were  also present.

Allisha Shanks said the college fair was a “very educational experience. There was a lot of insight as to what different colleges had to offer in Missouri.”

“I didn’t realize there were colleges other than MSU-West Plains and OTC that accepted A+,” Jared Hummel commented. “I got the opportunity to look at colleges that I’d like to go to.”

Representatives from several financial aid sources also dispensed information on how to pay for college. Education is the one of the smartest investments. Most well-paying jobs require a college degree, so getting a college education needs to be a priority. This fair showed the seniors that options exist to help finance college so they will be able to earn a degree.

“Start planning as soon as possible,” advised Chelsea Seburn. Graduation will be here sooner than seniors realize. They should not wait until the last minute to decide what to do after they exit the high school doors for the last time. There will be more college and career fairs in the future, so seniors should use these opportunities to gain the information needed to make the best choices.