Binghamton University hosted representatives from 158 graduate schools on Tuesday for students interested in advanced degrees to explore their options after graduation.
Holly Horn, assistant director of career development, has been involved in organizing the Graduate School Fair for the past seven years. Horn said this year’s Graduate School Fair was one of the most successful in BU’s history.
“In terms of schools, we initially had 160 and some had to cancel, but it’s still been the highest number it’s ever been,” Horn said.
Jessica Tabolt, the graduate admissions counselor at Manhattanville College, said many of the students who attended came well-informed.
“The students so far have been very outgoing and we look for preparedness,” Tabolt said. “[Binghamton students] seem to know what they want.”
Regina Reilly, graduate admissions counselor at Iona College, said the fair was well-organized.
“The thing I like about this fair is that it’s spread out over three hours and there’s no mad rush and people waiting on line,” Reilly said. “It’s a conducive atmosphere to speak to students.”
Reily said the BU Graduate School Fair consistently draws more students than fairs at many other universities.
“This is one of our favorite fairs, actually, because it’s well-attended,” she added.
Some graduate schools used what they knew about the BU student population to focus their approach.
“We’re in New York, so that’s our priority market,” Reilly said. “A lot of the undergrad population comes from either upstate New York or closer downstate, and generally, graduate students like to be closer to the city with its job opportunities.”
Jennifer Evangelista, a representative of Cornell University, said Cornell is an ideal place for BU students to attend graduate school because Ithaca is nearby.
“We came here because it’s in close proximity to Ithaca so students living in the Binghamton area wouldn’t have to travel very far,” she said.
Rebecca Sgroi, a sophomore majoring in music, wanted to see more schools that catered to her major.
“Yeah, I’m pleased about the outcome,” Sgroi said. “I just wish there was more for music.”
Davis Anugo, a senior majoring in biochemistry, said the fair helped in his hunt for a graduate school.
“I’m looking to pursue a joint degree in BPSD and an MBA, and I’ve gotten a couple of contacts,” Anugo said.
Shara Beitch, a junior majoring in English, took the opportunity to start preparing for graduate school early.
“This time next year, things are getting really serious,” Beitch said. “I like to know the next step. I like to have goals.”