Rockwood’s College Fair to be at Lafayette

For many high school students, college fairs are their first introduction to the world of higher education. The ’s annual College Fair promises to make the introduction a memorable one.

“We’re expecting a great crowd,” said Christopher Ramsay, one of the two college admission specialists in the guidance and counseling department at . Lafayette will host the annual event Monday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“The Rockwood fair is one of the largest in the St. Louis area each year,” he said.

More than 130 schools are expected to be represented at the event. Ramsay said most Missouri-based schools will be present, but that half the schools at the event will be from outside the state. Schools will include the larger state universities and smaller liberal arts-oriented colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. “The variety of colleges will be a great thing for a student to see,” he said.

Handouts will be available to help parents and students with what questions to ask college recruiters. “Students can ask themselves if they want the big, state school environment, or if maybe they would prefer the small, liberal arts campus,” Ramsay said. “How far away from home do they want to be? Does this college have the major(s) I am thinking about? What are the admission requirements? What do your college students do for fun? These are all great questions for students to ask the college representatives.”

In 2010, 85.3 percent of Rockwood's graduating seniors took the American College Test, a first step to going on to higher education, according to district records. That number has climbed each year, as more students realize the need for higher education.

“We are very proud of our graduates,” Ramsay said. “Our district college attendance rates are some of the strongest in the state. The number of colleges that come each year for the College Fair is a direct reflection of the type of students we have. These colleges want Rockwood students!”