high school students reach that all important decision -- where to go next.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Education and co-ordinated by Island College Fairs, it was introduced in 1991 in response to a need identified by school counsellors; an opportunity for local students to meet with representatives from various colleges across North America and Europe.

"It was evident that students and their families who were faced with the very important and challenging decision of selecting a suitable post secondary institution would benefit from an opportunity to meet with college and university representatives to hear first hand what these institutions had to offer,'' explained Janette Musson, Ministry of Education officer, Life Skills & Career Education.

"For many Bermudian students the possibility of visiting campuses in North America, Canada and the United Kingdom is rather remote, so the College/University Fair provides a unique opportunity to speak with admissions personnel and college representatives about programmes and procedures without having to leave the Island. This way students can gather some much needed information to narrow their college search.'' Preceding the College/University Fair on December 5th and 6th are a number of "very important'' facilities held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, said Mrs. Musson.

"These activities include workshops for students on the College selection process -- the steps involved and the questions to ask, a parents' workshop to assist them in understanding their role in the college selection process, their options and the financing possibilities. This year we anticipate the attendance of representatives from 39 post-secondary institutions at the College/University Fair. This is the largest number to participate to date.'' Guidance counsellors in Bermuda's secondary schools, with the support of the Ministry of Education, co-ordinated the first College/University Fair in 1991.

Representatives from 23 colleges and universities participated and students in the upper grade levels attended the two-day programme.

The Fair did not take place in 1992, but in 1993, the number of participating colleges and universities from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom increased to 38. The programme also expanded to include transfer students from Bermuda College and an evening programme for parents, said Mrs.

Musson.

School counsellors realised that this undertaking -- although extremely necessary and worthwhile -- was one that required a great deal of time and planning, and as such Ancrum & Solomon Inc., which offers organisation, management and fund development consulting for non-profit organisations including educational and human services, took over the co-ordination side of the event in 1993.

Ron Ancrum, a principle of the Boston, Massachusetts consulting firm was invited to attend and provide workshops for interested parents and students in 1991. And with the Ministry of Education's support, the services of the consulting firm of Ancrum & Solomon Inc., were enlisted to carry the project forward and to co-ordinate the College/University Fair.

Mr. Ancrum, who has 16 years of professional experience in college admissions and financial aid, is a much sought after speaker and panelist on college admissions issues.

The purpose of the event, he said, is to provide students with the opportunity to talk with representatives from colleges and universities in order that they might gather information on furthering their education.

"Students can pick up different materials and talk to the various institutional representatives. The Fair can provide students with a lot of information. This is a very common event in the United States and it has become the only one of its kind in Bermuda,'' he said.

Bermuda has six Government secondary schools, all of which offer a basic five-year programme and follows a Bermuda Secondary School Certificate (BSSC) curriculum, preparing students for such external examinations at the GSCE.

There are also five private high schools, which prepare students for the GSCE, Achievement Tests and other exams for post-secondary studies. Many students from Bermuda further their education and training by attending a college or university abroad.

According to Mr. Ancrum, the College & University Fair provides academically capable international students with an opportunity to receive information for their educational planning and requirements for admission.

Janette Musson