Get Answers to College Prep Questions at College Fair and Google+ Hangout

The National College Fair returns to Charlotte this Sunday, March 9 at The Park Expo. To help students and parents get a grasp on all the elements involved on selecting, applying and paying for college before the college fair, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is hosting a Google+ Hangout on-air session today, March 4, from 3-4pm.

CMS counselor Cheri McCullough and high school senior Nancy Contreras will offer advice on college planning during the Google+ Hangout. Nancy attended the college fair during her sophomore and junior years of high school, and was recently accepted to Appalachian State University, her first choice, and offers a teen’s perspective on getting the most out of available resources at the fair.

Link to the hangout session here. During the session, users can ask questions using text, audio or video to which McCullough or Nancy will directly respond.

When it comes to college planning, it starts early. “Junior year is almost too late to start getting a feel for what college you may want to attend,” says McCullough. “I recommend that families take their eighth-graders to the fair. It opens their eyes to what they need to do in high school to get to that college of their choice.”

Eighth grade seems crazy early to start thinking about college but SAT and ACT tests come fast, and not all scholarship opportunities are limited to high school juniors and seniors.

At the college fair, students and parents can meet individually with admission representatives from a wide range of two-year and four-year colleges and universities, learn about admission requirements, financial aid, course offerings and campus environment, as well as other information pertinent to the college-selection process. At the fair’s counseling center, families can discuss their individual needs with CMS counselors and other college experts.

Families are encouraged to register for the college fair. Registration closes the day of the fair, March 9.