College fair prepares Argyle students for next step

With a 95 percent post-secondary education rate among its graduates, Argyle High School is making sure students are well aware of their options.

On Monday, 102 university, trade school, community college and military representatives gathered in the high school gym for the 2014 College Fair.

The high school’s juniors and seniors were given the opportunity to walk around various booths, pick up information and ask questions about their futures.

Principal Jeff Butts said this type of exposure to have a one on one conversation with recruiters is crucial.

“When our students are juniors and seniors they are given two college day visits,” Butts said. “But having recruiters come here keeps students from having to use up their days. Every little bit of help they can get closer to make a decision, I think the better.”

Vanessa Zielinski is a senior interested in going into graphic design. She is looking into schools in and outside of the state to see which one will offer her the best program.

“College is considered the best four years of your life,” Zielinski said. “I can’t wait to meet people that are like-minded and excited about what I am excited about.”

Parents were also welcome to attend Monday’s event. Butts encouraged parents to attend the fair’s financial aid information session.

“Applying for financial aid is a complicated process that you aren’t just going to hear about by word of mouth,” Butts said. “Hopefully it starts the conversation when they go home.”

Students have the opportunity to obtain college credit while they are students at AHS. Butts says many seniors can almost be considered sophomores in college by the time they approach graduation.

“Many kids graduate with nearly 30 hours of credit, which makes their college degree plans kick in a little quicker,” Butts said. “This speeds up the process of students have to decide where they want to go and what they want to study. Hopefully this fair confirms what they want to do is the right choice for them.”

To learn more about Argyle High School, visit Argyle ISD’s website: http://www.argyleisd.com.

Brianna Vela is a public relations intern with the Argyle Independent School District.