Armed with pamphlets and fast facts, college representatives from various colleges around the state are visiting Fauquier High School (FHS) this fall, giving students the opportunity to learn more about college applications, scholarships and campus life.

“College representatives play a vital role in helping students navigate through one of the most important decisions in their academic journey,” said James Madison University (JMU) Admissions Counselor and representative, Amanda Dameron. College representatives, like Dameron, assist colleges and universities by promoting their institution to potential students and parents. Dameron does this by visiting high schools across Virginia to host presentations about JMU. These visits often last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, outlining college housing, academic programs, student life and what makes a strong college application.

According to Dameron, “college representatives also aid students in deciding whether a particular College is the right fit for their goals, interests and values.” For students weighing in where to spend their next four years of college, these visits can help guide students through increasingly competitive college searches. “It’s made me more confident, now that I’ve met with a representative. I get to know what they’re looking for, and I can adjust my application based on what she said,” stated senior and attendee Amanda Chow.

With many more visits in the coming months, students should take full advantage, as ultimately, the goal of representatives is to make the transition between high school and college seamless. “If you want to go to college, we can find a way to get you there,” stated Dameron, “There are many pathways… and counselors are here to support you every step of the way.”