College Fairs Attract Eager High School Students
Juniors & Seniors Collect Information, Start Completing Applications
Sep 15, 2009
As secondary schools all across the U.S. begin another year, juniors and seniors will get a chance to set their sights on the future. College fairs will be setting up all over the country, targeting students slated to graduate in the next year or two. Suddenly, becoming an adult is closer than ever and thoughts of what kind of career to pursue are on every student's mind. All students are invited to attend, including those students who figure they don't have the grades or the financial means to pursue a degree. College experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer suggestions.
College fairs are set up to allow students to gather information and ask questions about every aspect of college life. There may be several booths set up in a high school gym, or the event may feature dozens of colleges, universities, and technical schools represented from local areas and neighboring states. It's a good idea to have a plan before attending a college fair so one can gather as much information and ask as many questions as possible.
How to Get the Most From a College Fair
Thousands of students from towns and cities all across the U.S. attend college fairs each year. Many of the events take on the noisy bustling atmosphere of a real fair – but without the rides and food vendors. Some school districts set time frames for different high schools to attend so that the number of participants is spread out for convenience. For a larger fair, allow at least a few hours to gather all the information desired. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and have fun! Other points to make the visit a success:
- Write down any questions before leaving home so nothing will be forgotten.
- Arrive as early as possible so there will be plenty of time to visit the booths.
- If floor maps are provided, find the schools desired first, second, and so forth, and visit those booths before any others. At larger events, the booths are usually numbered and maps are available so students can go directly to the schools they're most interested in first.
- Have a small pad and pencil handy to take notes, but don't try to write down everything. Most questions students ask can be found in the printed literature each school provides.
- Gather information, including mailing cards to send off to the school to establish contact.
- Parents are urged to attend the college fair with the student so that they may also ask questions. This is also a good time for parents and students to gather information on financial aid and all the forms that are required.
- Check out some of the other college booths to see what the schools have to offer. There is still plenty of time to decide on a major and it's best to apply to more than one school.
- Make sure one knows the difference between a college and a university, and know what junior colleges have to offer, as well.
What Kind of Information Can One Gather at a College Fair?
Students will have the chance to talk to one or more representatives from each school. At the entrance doors each high school visitor is given a bag to collect all kinds of literature and information on the schools of interest. Students can collect as many brochures, booklets, and pamphlets as they wish. Some schools even give away free souvenirs such as key chains, water bottles, visors, pens, and so forth. Additionally, general information on grants, loans, and all kinds of student funding will be available. High school students interested in attending college will be offered information on:
- Scholarships
- Financial Assistance
- Registration
- Admissions
- Tuition and fees
- Resident Life and Housing
- Academic Programs
- Student Life
After the fair is over, go home and sort through all the materials collected. Visit each school's website to get a better feel for what the college or university has to offer. Toss any materials on schools that absolutely won't be considered. Fill out the mailing cards for as many schools as desired to get more information.
Discuss the possibilities of each school with parents; it's always good to get a variety of trusted opinions. Visit the high school guidance counselor and collect all available information on any local or private grants, scholarships, and financial assistance that might have been overlooked at the fair. The amount of paperwork is enormous for college applicants, and the financial process should get under way as soon as possible.
College fairs offer career information on how students may achieve their dreams. Representatives offer juniors and seniors in high school the chance to ask questions about financial help, student life, academic courses, and other aspects of post-secondary schools. Have a plan ready when attending a college fair to make the most of the event. Seek out the schools most desired first, but be sure to collect information from a variety of colleges and universities so as not to overlook the possibility of a better opportunity.
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