The 30th annual Cathedral Catholic High School college fair will be  held today Oct. 22 from 6-8 p.m. in the Claver Center Gymnasium.

CCHS will host more than 208 schools this year, making the 2015 college fair the biggest one in the school’s history. This fair provides an opportunity for students across San Diego County to meet representatives of each college they are interested in and to communicate with them about their academic interests.

“The college fair really opens up my eyes to what is about to be my future,” junior Tess Powers said. “I’ve gone since freshman year, and now as a junior, I have prepared and know a little bit more about what I want to be doing in two years.”

The schools will be organized geographically, with the California schools in the downstairs Green room and the Military academies upstairs in the foyer. Since there are many schools visiting campus this year, students are encouraged to make a list of questions to ask their prospective college’s representative.

“Go in there and be knowledgeable. Introduce yourself, say your name, say you go to Cathedral, and really be prepared for the complex conversations you may have with the representatives,” Mrs. Ashley Bascom, Director of Counseling, said. “This can all give you a little extra edge in the application process.”

For students interested in going out of the country for college, there will be more international schools at this fair than ever before. Last year, some CCHS students attended the American University of Paris, King’s College London, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches International School of Hotel Management and University of St. Andrews, all of which are located outside of the country.

“We have the most variety this year than ever imaginable,” Ms. Kari Hooker, Office Manager of the counseling department and College Fair Coordinator, said. “It really means a lot to come to your own school’s fair, and I cannot tell you how often the colleges rant and rave about how well behaved our Cathedral students are. It’s really worth coming out to.”

All students are invited to come to this fair, but seniors are especially encouraged to attend. It gives seniors the chance to interact with colleges, explore and find new opportunities and even talk to a representative who could potentially read their application in the upcoming months.

Click here to view the list of colleges attending the college fair and their location in the gym.