It's close to crunch time for many high school students.

Choosing a college can be an overwhelming task, with not only all the choices out there, but also figuring out how to pay for it.

That information was available at an event in downtown Rochester Wednesday. An estimated 6,000 students took part in the Spring Rochester National College Fair. The students represent more than 60 school districts in the area.

"Starting now is very important to me because I've heard the horror stories," said Kayley Brown. The Marcus Whitman High School junior is interested in nursing and is considering several local schools.

About 250 colleges and universities were represented at the fair, which was held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. They ask the expected questions about admissions requirements, campus life and the like.

Counselors said this year, financial aid is also a big topic.

"Kids know about the economic downturn," said John Serafine, director of counseling at Fairport High School. "Parents and kids are nervous. It's a big price tag."

Serafine said many students are also concerned about job prospects in their chosen field once they graduate.

The fair was sponsored by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.