High school students who are interested in attending college can get a head start during the second annual Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) College Fair.

A popular event last year among high school juniors and seniors, the MAAC College Fair will be held on Saturday, March 5 from noon-2 p.m. at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. The program is free and open to the public. Participating MAAC schools include: Fairfield, Canisius, Iona, Loyola, Manhattan, Marist, Niagara, Rider, Saint Peter's and Siena.

Campus recruiters from each school will be on hand to provide information about their academic programs, financial aid, the admissions process and possible scholarship opportunities. "The MAAC college fair offers our area students a great opportunity to learn about the schools of the MAAC which not only have great athletic traditions, but great academic ones as well," said Karen Pellegrino, Fairfield University's admissions director.

Event organizers say convenience is a big reason for the fair's good turnout because college-bound students and parents can visit the MAAC schools all in one place. "The intimate setting and convenience of being in the arena make it ideal for any high school student to explore 10 excellent institutions," said Ken Taylor, MAAC Associate Commissioner.

Admissions officers said the MAAC College Fair is also a good time for students to make a good first impression. They suggest that students should dress for the occasion, ask specific questions about the school, obtain an application, and arrange for a campus visit. High school juniors and seniors who attended last year's event said talking to representatives and learning more about the schools and their programs was a major help; especially when it came time to narrow down their list of potential colleges.

"High school students find the college fair to be an excellent resource in searching for the right college, and the fair provides prospective students a perfect opportunity to talk one-on-one to admissions representatives from all 10 schools in the league," said Taylor.

This year's college fair is just one of many activities and programs taking place during the 2011 Spark Energy Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships. High school students attending the fair will receive three free game tickets to the women's semifinals and a free ticket to one of the remaining games of MAAC tournament.

Taking place from March 3-7 the annual basketball tournament will feature 20 teams and 18 games, with the champions of the men and women's contests each receiving an automatic bid to play in the 2011 NCAA® March Madness®. Basketball fans can purchase additional seats and choose from a variety of ticket packages including a family four-pack with refreshments for only $65.

To purchase tickets for the 2011 MAAC tournament please visit Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Posted On: 03-02-2011 11:03 AM

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