How to Prepare for a College Fair
Fall is such a wonderful time of year. The leaves start changing, the weather is cooler, and most importantly…it’s college fair season. By now most of you have probably attended a college fair or two in your day. For those of you who have not or even for those of you who have, but just don’t know what to ask or how to prepare yourself, I think you will find this post particularly interesting.
Each fall season admissions counselors hit the road with their freshly creased tablecloths and the newest publications in pursuit of prospective students. In fact, for many of our counselors September, October, and even into November is spent on the road traveling to high schools and college fairs.
College fairs are meant to give high school students exposure to the educational opportunities that are available after high school graduation. It’s your chance to speak with a representative of a college or university face to face. Some students eagerly wait in line to speak with a representative and before you know it your mind goes blank and you can’t think of anything to ask. Not to worry. This happens a lot of student, so I am here to provide some tips on how you can make the most out of your college fair experience.
- Do some research ahead of time. Try to get a list of the schools that will be attending the fair and make a plan of attack. Don’t wander around aimlessly. You won’t make good use of your time that way.
- Take a brochure, but keep in mind that most of the information is available on a Web site so more exploring can take place once you get home.
- It’s good to ask if you have questions. Try to take a quick look at the materials before asking — chances are it’s in there somewhere.
- It’s okay to ask about typical admission standards, but do keep in mind that for many universities the review process is done holistically. This means the decision is based more than just on a test score or GPA.
- Ask about a mailing list you can join. Again, this usually can be done online, but each college or university has their own way of doing things.
- Take notes! Chances are you will talk to more than just one school that night. The information will start running together after a while. So bring a pad of paper and pen to jot down the important stuff.
- Don’t just assume Mom or Dad will ask all the questions. Your parents are there for support and to also learn about the place you may call “home” for the next four years. You should be the one asking the questions.
- Relax! The college search process can be intimidating, but only if you let it. There are so many options out there. You will find the one that’s the best fit for you.
Also, don’t forget to check for announcements about high school visits or college fairs in the career center or counseling office at your high school.
I hope this has been helpful. Happy college searching!
Kristin
Responses
Please note that responses close after 90 days.
11.07.08
10:03 am
Mike,
If there is a received by date next to the item “Fee” then that means the waiver has been received. The initials in the description are the initials of the person who processed the fee waiver. You do not have to fill out another fee waiver form.
Kristin
Mike
11.05.08
5:32 pm
I had a question about the application. I met priority filing time, but under the list of items received next to my app fee it says waiver. I sent in a fee waiver form. Next to this it says W jw. What does this mean? Secondly, I got another fee waiver form in the mail today. Do i have to fill this one out to?