Nine Tips to Make The Most of College Fairs
How can I make the most out of college fairs without becoming so overwhelmed by all of the various colleges present?
This question is most likely present on the minds of many high school seniors. Below are some tips to help you make the most of these college fairs:
1. Gather a list of attending colleges and universities.
Once you have a list of the attending colleges and universities, determine which schools’ displays you want to visit.
2. Create a list of questions.
Visit the website of each school you are planning to visit and prepare a list of questions once you research the school. Some questions may be the same for all schools while others may be unique to a certain college.
3. Fill out student information cards.
Many colleges will have information cards for prospective students to complete. Bring a pen and be prepared to include your contact information, e-mail address, birthday, high school graduation date, GPA, and any areas of interest if asked. You may want to create labels with your pertinent information, which you can stick on these cards.
4. Dress for the occasion.
College admissions representatives do not expect to see prospective students in business suits; however, a neat, clean appearance is definitely the order of the day. Remember, first impressions can mean a lot, so old torn blue jeans or t-shirts are not appropriate.
5. Determine who you want to meet with first.
When you arrive at the fair, determine the location of the colleges that interest you most. This allows you to meet with the college admission representatives from your choice colleges first without spending time moving from one display to the next. After you have met with the admissions representatives from your choice schools, however, take some time and wander through the fair. Talk with other college representatives. See if you can find two or three additional schools that might meet your needs.
6. Take notes.
On the day of the fair, bring your list of questions for each school and a notebook or tablet. Do not be afraid to take notes in front of the representatives. They do not expect you to remember everything they say. In fact, taking notes shows them that you are truly interested in the school.
7. Collect business cards from the college representatives.
They have the information you need to contact the college representative again with any follow up questions.
8. Include time for information sessions.
College fairs often include information sessions on topics such as financial aid or college search and selection. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, be sure to plan it into your schedule for the day.
9. Follow up.
Once the fair is finished, review your notes and the materials you received from the different schools. Research the colleges high on your interest list and then schedule a campus visit. See if you can schedule an interview with an admissions officer or department head while you are visiting the campus.