On January 9, juniors at Mount Carmel High School got a head start on their college journey thanks to the College Representation Panel. This event, held in the gym, featured four different representatives from colleges, sharing insights and advice for choosing a college.

The panel brought together admissions experts from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Illinois State University, the University of Missouri, and Cornell College. These schools differ in size, location, cost, and culture, offering students a wide range of options to consider.

“The point of the panel is to have them come here and talk to juniors at the beginning of their college search process,” said Mrs. Kristina Luster, Dean of Student Services at MC. “They will talk about fit, meaning size, location, cost, campus life, culture, and more. It is to give the students an idea about all the colleges that are out there.”

During the event, each representative took a turn speaking about their institution, and explaining what makes their school unique. After the presentation, they held a question and answer session where students were able to ask about topics like requirements, scholarships, and things that they did not cover in the presentation.

“They are all very different institutions,” said Mrs. Luster.

The College Representation Panel was put on to help juniors start thinking about what they look for in their future college choices. For most students, this is the first step in finding the right fit for them. By hearing from four different schools, students will learn about the wide variety of available opportunities.

“It gave me a great idea on what to look for in my future college,” said junior Frank Mitchell.

Panels like these are common in high schools and are seen as very important resources for students. They provide direct access to admissions experts who can give students honest and helpful answers. Parents and teachers often encourage juniors to attend events like this because they help students make good decisions about their future.

One of the key topics the panel discussed was the idea of “fit,”meaning finding a school that matches students specific needs and goals. This includes size–whether the student prefers a big university or a smaller college–location, cost, and even the culture on campus. For example, some students may prefer a lively city campus, while others might feel more at home in a quiet, low-key setting.

After the presentations, students had the chance to ask specific questions. This interactive part of the panel often gives students the most valuable information. It is also a good time for students to hear questions from their classmates that they might not have thought to ask.

“I think that it was a very important first step in my search for a college that fits me well,” said Nick Riordan.

Events like these help students feel more comfortable as they begin their college journey. With so many choices out there, it can be very overwhelming to decide where to apply and what schools fit what they are looking for. By attending the College Representative Panel, MC juniors took an important first step in figuring out their future.