CBI College Fairs Help Students Explore Postsecondary Paths

The school year is well underway, and our CBI seniors are deep in the process of considering the next steps in their formal education. This fall, our CBI team organized and hosted a variety of college fairs that allow students to get face-to-face time with admission reps and information to help them and their families make an informed postsecondary plan.

The fairs bring in anywhere from 15-40 representatives from public and private colleges as well as alternative pathways such as the FDNY and military. College fairs provide a convenient forum for our students to refine their college lists by asking questions about academic programs, housing, on-campus resources, and more.

A college rep talks to a prospective student who has her look of surprise on her face.

Students also have an opportunity to gain insight directly from admission reps–the same people reviewing their applications. CBI Associate Director, Ingrid Selman, says, “The students like college fairs because they get to see who’s actually reading the application and as long as the students are prepared to engage with the reps, it’s a valuable experience.”

Students appreciate the convenience and opportunity that college fairs provide. During a recent college fair at CBI partner school, Business of Sports School (BOSS), we asked a couple of seniors what they appreciated most about these events:

Dilenny stands with her hands in her front hoodie pocket and carrying a red tote bag.

“This is our first college fair at BOSS and I like that you get a chance to learn about different schools. We have schools come visit us one-on-one but at a fair, you get to see a bunch of schools instead of just one. You get to ask questions and find out more all within an hour. I’m happy our diector of college counseling (DCC) did this.” –Dilenny

“I like how the schools all have different opportunities for us. They all came and took the time to talk about their colleges. I’m glad we have the chance to have this.” – Tavonn (pictured with Jeffrey Petway, DCC at BOSS)

Tavonn stands next to his DCC, Jeffrey, for a photo. He is holding a red tote and wearing a red backpack.

College fairs are just one of many opportunities that our CBI team creates for our students to explore and determine the best fit for their postsecondary lives. Visit our College Access & Success page to see how we work and the impact we’re making. Flip through the slideshow below to see even more scenes from CBI college fairs this fall:

Students explore college options at the East Harlem Collaborative College Fair organized by our CBI team.

A representative from the FDNY speaks with a senior at the Bathgate College Fair.

Students stop by the SUNY Cortland table to pick up information about the school.

CBI students at Brooklyn Preparatory High School and Williamsburg Preparatory School pick up swag at their college fair.

The CBI Alumni Engagement team attends college fairs to share information about the support and resources they provide after high school.

The CBI team kicks off the day at the Bronx Collaborative College Fair held at Mercy College.