The counselors at Jesuit High School Sacramento dedicate an immense amount of time preparing students for the next chapter of their lives: college.

This year, in order to ensure that students have access to as many college resources as possible, the counselors are hosting an event known as the Sacramento Private and Parochial College Fair. 

This upcoming college fair takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 28 in the Harris Center and the Fr. Barry Gym from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event welcomes over 100 public and private colleges from around the world. 

Students from Jesuit High School, Saint Francis High School, Cristo Rey High School, and Christian Brothers High School are all welcome and encouraged to attend and learn more about the next step in their academic journey. 

Counselor Mrs. Kathy Van Liefde wants to help prepare students as best she can before college applications commence, and she hopes the college fair does this well.

“I think one of the best things that the college fair can do for students is to just give them access to the person who knows the best about the schools they’re looking at,” Mrs. Van Liefde said. “[…] it’s a great way for them to either find out about colleges they don’t know about, or if they’re familiar with a college and they know somewhere where they’re going to be applying, they can actually meet the admissions reps that are going to be making decisions about their applications.”

Counselor Mrs. Jennifer Rasmussen further notes what students can do to make the most of the fair. 

“When [students are] talking with the college reps, [they should have] certain questions established [so] they can get direct answers,” Mrs. Rasmussen said. “For instance, what’s the average GPA? In admissions are they taking SAT or ACT scores? If they’re thinking about a certain major, ask about that major at that school.”

Kenny Castro ’23, one of the many students attending the Parochial College Fair, encourages students to attend in order to minimize the stress that comes with the college application process.

“I think it’s something that we shouldn’t take for granted,” Kenny said. “It’s something we should appreciate and we should go to even if you’re a junior and you don’t really know what you want to do… I just recommend [you] start thinking about it so you’re not stressed out during [the] fall of your senior year.”

Similarly, Mrs. Rasmussen thinks students from all grades should attend this resourceful event.  

“All students should go, even if they’re freshman because that way, they are starting to do their research even earlier,” Mrs. Rasmussen said. “They’re not all of a sudden [in] junior year and they don’t know where they want to start looking. The earlier they look, the better off they’re going to be senior year.”

Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, everyone is encouraged to attend the Parochial College Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 28. It’s never too late or too early to start researching colleges, so come by and learn more about what your future education has in store for you.