The Columbus School hosted a university fair on Thursday to give Medellín high school students a chance to learn about programs offered by some of Bogota’s leading institutions.  

Ten universities attended the fair: Universidad de la Sabana, Universidad del Rosario, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad Externado Bancolombia, Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Universidad Santo Tomas, Escuela de Ingeniería Julio Garavito, UTADEO, La Salle College and Politécnico. Several of the schools are ranked amongst the best universities in both Colombia and in Latin America.  

“The university fair made it easier for students to decide where they want go study. It allowed students to realize that there are many different options to choose from,” said Maria Fernando Henao, TCS senior.

The main purpose of the fair was to give students the chance to meet universities face to face with official representatives of the schools. Students that attended received immediate information that could not be found online and information about the application process.

“I enjoyed the university fair because you can get personalized information without having to actually  go to the university. Students can also see the options available to them,” said Carlos Loaiza, TCS senior.

The fair was especially beneficial for the seniors who are already beginning the application process and have to decisions to make regarding their future education. Juniors were also encouraged to attend as they will have to make the same type of decisions in less than a year.

“The application process is very stressful and complicated for students because each university has a different method for applications so students have to research and change their applications depending on the college” said Maria Antonia Angel, TCS junior.

TCS college counselor Maria Teresa Mejia organized the fair because it is extremely important for the the students to have face to face contact with the representatives rather than rely on online research. Other Medellín schools such as Vermont, Marymount and Fontan also attended the fair.

“I am convinced that university fairs are very important because it is the only way that students have to reach out to those who have a greater knowledge of universities and get a firsthand account from them,” said Mejia.