At grad fair, students are urged to keep an open mind

by April Kim, contributing writer

The Graduate and Professional School Information Fair viewed representatives from numerous graduate schools fill up the Festival Conference and Student Center Grand Ballroom on Oct. 13, in order to educate interested students of the choices they have after finishing their undergraduate studies.

American University and William & Mary were among the 56 graduate schools in attendance.

The fair was mainly geared towards arts, science and law-related majors. However, Johns Hopkins University of Nursing and University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy presented more options to students. Supplemental conferences were offered including a discussion on financing graduate education and a law school panel.

Sponsors of the event, participating institutions and students had different mission in taking part, but they ultimately had the same goal: to assist and to be assisted in exchanging the knowledge about of higher education. Especially as more professions increasingly require graduate degrees, director of continuing professional programs Laura Ryman said she hoped to raise the awareness of the movement amongst the student community through this event.

Ryman suggests that students stay open-minded about schools, including ones that students may not be familiar with. Instead of stopping only for the renowned universities such as Campbell, Duke or UVA whose representatives  were there at the fair, students are recommended to find out about each school’s program that best fits his/her profession and studies.

Some students were able to find out about great opportunities and programs by keeping themselves open to some of the new universities, which had not been one of their considerations.

Representatives participated with open minds as well. They wished to meet students and see which program the universities offer will match students the best, said Anne Bentzel, marketing manager for Arts and Sciences of American University.

Students are also encouraged to think ahead so they can get the application process done early. Director of graduate admissions of JMU, Lynette Bible, urged students to be more involved in their career. Bible suggests juniors start taking the GRE and beginning the necessary research for the graduate school guidance. An early submission of applications is  recommended to students applying for competitive programs such as financial aid or honors education.

Students who attended the event walked out satisfied with goodie-bags and resourceful information. Senior Sarah Moore said the event allowed her to make many connections, and learn a lot about the field of her interest. “It was an event that refined students’ choices,” Moore said.