I’ll never forget my nephew’s reaction to attending his first college fair at Navy Pier in Chicago in his junior year. He visited colleges during his freshman year, but this was his first time attending such a mega event. There were so many people in attendance, so many colleges represented, it was quite overwhelming. He had certain schools in mind, so he made his way through the meandering crowd and approached those first. After it was all over, we realized that we needed to have a strategy to get the most out of an event like that. How can you make the most of your college fair attendance? The following tips can help you navigate the process.
- Create a dedicated email address strictly for college communications.
- Check your high school or college fair website in advance for the listing of colleges in attendance and make a list of your priority schools.
- Take a family member with you and arrive early.
- If you have the opportunity to pre-register, do so. Use these pre-printed labels or QR codes to avoid spending time handwriting contact information. This will also allow you to have a pre-printed bar code to use if you want more info sent to you.
- Research colleges that interest you ahead of time. Write down pertinent questions. Try not to ask questions that can be found on their website.
- If you are looking for merit-based scholarships, check the scholarship pages of the colleges to see if you fit their criteria for receiving their scholarship. I feel strongly that you should only apply to colleges that you know will award you scholarships. If you do your homework, you can know this info in advance. Share your test scores and GPA for merit-based scholarships and ask about other institutional scholarships.
- Upon entering, get a map and plan your strategy as to how you will maneuver your way to your schools of interest. Once you have completed this task, feel free to check out other colleges or take in an information session on financial aid or scholarships they may have.
- Dress appropriately, use proper language and ask questions about things that are important to you.
- After the fair send a brief, polite email to reps from your top choice schools. This can help establish demonstrated interest.
- Remember, you need to employ the same shopping skills to college selection as you would when shopping for anything else that is important to you. You are looking for the best academic, financial and social fit. Do not wait until the last minute. Good luck.