Mount Vernon High School holds a College Fair for students during College Acceptance Month

Over twenty colleges and universities visited Mount Vernon High School on Friday, October 11, 2024, during National College Acceptance Month. This opportunity allowed junior and senior students to meet college admission counselors and peruse different in-state and out-of-state institutions and add to their list of applications. 

“This gives students the opportunity to put a face to the admission counselor. They aren’t just a piece of paper anymore,” said Lolita Greene, guidance counselor at the high school. “When they get the opportunity to articulate and to have a discussion with admissions counselors who are probably looking at their applications, it gives them a boost of confidence to realize they are college-bound and ready. They feel excited about going to college.” 

The college admissions process can be very long and tough for students. It includes essays, interviews, and hours of research to find the program that best fits them. MVHS guidance counselors are making that process easier for students by bringing colleges to them and helping them get serious about their futures throughout all four years.

“It's very convenient that the school allows all these different schools to come here and introduce themselves to us. We can have a wide variety of schools like if you want to be local, commuting, or dorming,”  said William Robinson, a senior at MVHS who plans on majoring in Business Administration. “All these different opportunities provide variety and things that others may like and whatnot.” 

Upon entering the gymnasium, students were provided with a list of questions to ask college admissions counselors about campus life, academics and financial aid. They then roamed around and mingled with different schools such as Mercy University, The State University of New York at Purchase and the University at Mount Saint Vincent. 

The United States Marines Corps was also in attendance and gave away free keychains to students who could do a certain amount of pushups. This table was a very popular destination for students who may want to venture down a different route in the future. 

“I’ve definitely been looking at Monroe, PACE, Mercy, and Iona. Those are the top schools that provide the nursing program that I am looking for to become a Registered Nurse,” said Fatima Awawda, MVHS senior. “I fell in love with the major. Especially since I entered Mount Vernon High School, they provided an amazing CNA program where I can become a certified nursing assistant and graduate with a certificate!”

MVHS will take 200 senior students to Manhattanville College on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. for their College Fair event. Over 50 college and university admissions representatives will be in attendance that morning to speak to students and give them valuable program information. This is a great opportunity for students who want to learn about more schools or haven't been able to talk to a representative from their top schools.