Where to learn about Big Ten schools

The Big Ten is the college conference of choice for many students in Naperville Unit District 203.

So many, in fact, that Naperville North High School is gathering representatives from all 14 Big Ten universities to present during one information fair.

The first Big Ten University Night is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the field house at Naperville North, 899 Mill St.

"This is the first time we've had 14, and the first time we've had the Big Ten all in one place," said Carol Krashen, college and career coordinator at Naperville North. "We're excited to have all 14 be represented at the program."

University representatives first will give an overview of their school to all students and parents gathered for the event. Then they'll take questions before heading to individual booths to speak one-on-one in a college fair format, Krashen said.

In its first year, Big Ten University Night is open only to students at Naperville North and Naperville Central high schools.

Between 15 percent and 20 percent of students who graduate from the two schools each year head to universities in the Big Ten, said Jeffery Farson, director of student services at Naperville North.

This year, 590 former Naperville North students are enrolled at one of the 14 schools in the Big Ten, which now includes the University of Illinois, Indiana University, University of Iowa, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University and University of Wisconsin.

Midwesterners might know Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and others as staples of the Big Ten Conference, but the event will give equal credence to newcomers such as Rutgers University and University of Nebraska.

One Naperville North student who graduated in the spring, for example, chose to attend another school relatively new to the Big Ten, the University of Maryland.

"Where there's one, there might be two," Krashen said.

Before breaking into a college fair, the overview presentation to all students and parents will include information about the college application process and scholarships.

Individual majors at each university might not be covered during the overviews, but Krashen said students will have plenty of time to explore different options and ask specific questions.

"They'll definitely have the opportunity to meet with all the admissions counselors," she said.