Ohio State students on the verge of graduation might be wondering what the future holds. Whether interested in pursuing a career or considering continuing education, the 2015 Graduate and Professional School Expo can help students make a decision.

On Oct. 21, OSU will host the event in the Ohio Union Grand Ballroom from noon to 4:30 p.m.

The expo will feature more than 100 graduate and professional programs from institutions across the U.S., including many of OSU’s own programs.

Jenni Nauman, a career counselor in the Office of Student Life Career Counseling and Support Services, said the expo is not only a good opportunity for students who are set on attending graduate school and wish to explore their options but is also a valuable opportunity for students to explore the idea of furthering their education in graduate school.

“The main goal for students is that we want them to know that this is a resource for them to learn about graduate options. We want them to know what all is out there,” she said.

Students who are unsure whether they would like to pursue higher education might want to use the opportunity to learn more about graduate schools by asking questions at the expo’s two panel discussions.

The panels will take place in the Great Hall Meeting Room at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The first will consist of graduate students taking questions and the second of faculty.

Students who are already considering graduate and professional schools might use the expo to explore their options and create connections with representatives from programs they find interesting.

With the expo, Career Counseling and Support Services also wants to help ensure students know how to successfully apply to graduate school as well as allow students an opportunity to learn what could be expected with the graduate experience.

Nauman said applying to a graduate school in the fall of one’s senior year is ideal, allowing a full year before one wishes to start attending school at the institution. But, she added, it is never too late or too early to start the process, and early inquiries can help students plan ahead academically to help their chances.

“The more informed they can be about the application process, the better off they’re going to be,” she said.

The expo serves as an opportunity for students in their second year who might consider submitting and application during the following year’s fall application cycle.

Nauman said students can come casually dressed in street clothes and don’t need to bring a resume. They should, however, come prepared with plenty of questions for admissions representatives.

For students who are more generally curious about graduate school possibilities, she suggested asking questions regarding the types of programs being offered at different institutions, the kind of educational background that is needed to preferred and the possible outcomes for students who have completed different programs.

“Nauman added that students who come to the expo are encouraged to speak with a representative in person, which offers a more individualized, tailored assistance with the application process than speaking with an institution’s advisor over the phone.

She said the expo is an open event with no registration required to attend, but OSU students who respond by registering on the Career Counseling and Support Services website before the day of the event will be registered in a drawing to win an Apple Watch.