Feb 15, 2017 07:25 AM EST By Chris Brandt, UniversityHerald Reporter

College Access Day has become a platform to encourage many high school students across the country to aim higher in life by pursuing higher education. It has also served as an eye-opener to a lot of graduating high school students as they get a peek of what college is all about.

During College Access Day, high school students get a taste of what college life is all about and they are also connected with a mentor to help them navigate different opportunities in and ask them questions about college.

John Pascarella, an associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of California Rossier and the one who started College Access Day at USC, said that one of the reasons he started this is to arm high school students with the knowledge how to apply to college.

Aside from getting a taste of what college life is all about, Pascarella added that financial literacy is also a big part of the College Access Day agenda. He said that he wants these kids to know that there are a number of scholarships and grants that are available for them when they decide to go to college.

Meanwhile, Norfolk High School has also been conducting their College Access Day with the same goal of helping high school students prepare for college. During this time, students undergo mock interviews and career interest inventory. They are also taught how to write an activities resume and take college entrance exams.

The event has indeed helped students think more seriously and positively about college. Staria Martin, a student from Norfolk High School, said that it has helped them figure out what life would be like after high school.

Ana Sotomayor, a junior at Belmont High School in California, shares the same thoughts saying that it has made them more confident about going to college because they have been given this kind of information.

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