Representatives from more than 80 colleges and universities gathered at Coral Gables Senior High School on Monday, Oct. 12, giving students an opportunity to explore academic programs, financial aid and college life without leaving campus.

The school's College Assistance Program hosted the annual fair in the gymnasium from noon to 2 p.m. Students attended in three separate 35-minute sessions, according to CavsConnect, the school's student news publication. The report did not specify the start times for individual sessions.

Students registered through StriveScan, a digital platform that allows admissions representatives to scan student barcodes and collect contact information. Participants received colored wristbands for entry.

International colleges expand students' options

This year's fair featured an expanded selection of international institutions, giving students more opportunities to consider studying outside the United States.

Junior Jose Rojas told CavsConnect that a conversation with a representative from a school in Spain changed his perspective on where he might attend college.

"I spent a good while talking to the representative about campus life there, and it reminded me that I don't have to stay in Florida or even the U.S.," Rojas said.

He said he had begun researching the school's admission requirements and planned to apply.

Junior Paola Diaz said the limited time available during each session encouraged her to focus on schools she was already considering before exploring unfamiliar programs.

She told CavsConnect that conversations with admissions representatives helped broaden her options and encouraged her to keep an open mind about where to apply.

Florida universities join national institutions

The fair included representatives from institutions such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to CavsConnect.

Students spoke with admissions representatives about academic majors, admission requirements, financial aid, athletic programs and campus life.

The event gave students at different stages of college planning an opportunity to compare institutions and learn about programs beyond those they had initially considered.

Parents and student clubs coordinate months of preparation

The school's Parent Teacher Student Association began preparing for the fair in early spring, recruiting admissions representatives, confirming attendance and organizing the gymnasium layout.

Members of the College Bound Cavs club helped assemble tables during their lunch period on Oct. 12, while the Garden Project created a floral archway to welcome attendees.

Organizers also coordinated parking, arranged lunches for visiting representatives and helped students prepare questions about college admissions.

The months of preparation gave students an opportunity to explore colleges they might not otherwise have considered, including institutions outside the United States. For students such as Rojas, who left the fair researching admission requirements for a school in Spain, the event opened the door to possibilities beyond their original college plans.