High school is a place to prepare students for college or, at the very least, the path they decide to take outside of schooling. One way this is done at Mount Vernon High School is by exposing students to different colleges by bringing representatives from the universities to the high school.

The college fair brings 56 universities from different regions of Iowa and from out of state to our gymnasium on Wednesday, March 9. Representatives come from Wisconsin, Illinois, Arizona and more. 

“Having schools come from other states helps,” said student Jackon Koehn, “Because I don’t get to see those schools every day.”

You can research colleges that may pique your interest at any time, however the out of state colleges like Grand Canyon University, in Arizona, are harder to get a feel for. The college fair isn’t an official college visit by any means but it does give you access to paper, and online, information about each school as well as someone to ask questions to in person. 

All students should attend the college fair whether they are thinking of attending a four year university, two years, or entering the trades. Mount Vernon has brought people in to speak to students from schools of different sizes but also representatives of the military. The college fair is no different in that regard.

“I want to join the military,” said Koehn, “So talking to the ROTC gave me a better perspective on my future.”

The military is a much different route but it can very well involve classes at a university. That degree and experience can be put to use while serving and to find a job after leaving the military. 

Another benefit of the college fair, outside of gaining an understanding of college admissions, is learning about what universities will be best for your career interest. 

“I’m also interested in trades,” said Koehn, “So looking for schools with good programs would be nice.”

The college fair brings this information to students like Koehn to get a better understanding of college beginning in your freshman year. It may seem a long way away but getting a head start early in high school can relieve stress on making a decision.

“The college fair allows students to network with different colleges,” said Mount Vernon Counselor Brett Karkosh, “To explore different career paths and college degrees.”

A decision on your future should not feel rushed and the college fair will prepare you for that decision. It occurs every year for four years and the ultimate advantage is simply gaining information to use as you lean towards a path that surpasses high school.

College Fair Schedule:

9th/10th/11th graders – 9:30am-11:00am in the Gym/Commons.  Report to the following spaces at 9:30 a.m.:

• Freshmen/Sophomores:  report to the classroom that you typically report to for Health/Homeroom.
• Juniors:  check the lists posted around the building to find where you are to report first

You will then be dismissed from classrooms to come down to the Fair in the following order:

• Juniors – 9:30am
• Sophomores – 10:00am
• Freshmen – 10:30am

The schedule for the day is as follows:

Early Bird     7:05 – 8:00

Block 2         8:15 – 9:25 (70 minutes)

COLLEGE FAIR  9:30 – 11:00

Lunch/HR      11:04 – 12:18

A Lunch:                       11:04-11:39 (35 min)

B Health 1:                   11:43-12:18 (35 min)

A HR 10:                      11:04-11:39 (35 min)

B Lunch:                       11:43-12:18 (35 min)

Block 4          12:22 – 1:46    (84 minutes)

Block 6          1:50 – 3:15      (85 minutes)