The cost of college and how to pay for it was the most-asked question yesterday during the annual Honolulu National College Fair.

“;A lot of the kids are making the decision not on the schools that they choose, but on the schools that give the best financial aid package,”; said Samantha Silva, a counselor at Kailua High School.

    Students Flock To College Fair

 

 

Hawaii teens are concerned with how they will pay for higher learning.

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About 4,000 students and parents were expected to attend this year's college fair, said Jean Fukuji, chairwoman of the event. Admissions counselors from schools as far away as New Zealand were on hand to answer questions at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

Leilehua High School junior Krystal Ann Cavo said her parents will support her if she decides to go to California to study fashion design.

But she is also looking at schools here.

“;I want my parents to pay less,”; Cavo said.

University of Hawaii community colleges and other campuses were getting a steady stream of students.

Brochures, especially on financial aid, were starting to run out, said community college counselor Leslie Opulauoho.

John Morton, UH vice president for community colleges, said the number of students is already at a record high, and registration is about 50 percent higher than at this time last year, with nearly 11,898 students registered, compared with 7,650 at this time last year.

Military recruiting booths were also getting a steady stream of students.

“;I'm surprised at how many people are coming up to us,”; said Sgt. 1st Class Ernesto Gonzalez. Students want to know about what the Army can do to pay for college or vocational training, he said.

“;We'll train you, and we'll pay you when we train you,”; Gonzalez said.

There were also more intermediate school students this year because of a program called Advancement via Individual Determination.

The program “;helps us prepare for college,”; said Stevenson Intermediate School eighth-grader Levi Key. “;It's a good start, so when we get older we know what to do.”;