Take advantage of local college fairs to learn more about schools
August 16, 2012
While there won't be a dunk tank, ferris wheel or fried dough stand, a college fair is still fun. A conglomeration of colleges and universities will send their representatives to try and convince you that you're the right fit for their school - it's all pretty flattering! But college fairs are also important opportunities. While designed to give you a cursory understanding of a variety of schools, your college fair can be the key to major decisions and life-altering choices.
Curious why your local college fair could be the most important step in your college applications? Consider these five reasons.
1. Face to face conversation. There is no way in which to undervalue this quality in college admissions. The moment you introduce yourself to the college representative, you become far more than just a voice on the phone or name on the page. Not to mention, you have the advantage of mentioning the name of an admissions counselor, aid or graduate who appeared at the college fair in your application. This draws attention to you as a dedicated and attentive applicant.
2. Reps are straightforward. While you can certainly trust your tour guide when you visit a campus, you may find that college fair reps answer your questions more frankly, making this a great opportunity to ask tough questions.
3. Brochures. People will be handing these out to you left and right. Hold on to all of them! There will be plenty of time to toss excess brochures, booklets and business cards in the recycling later. For now, consider that you might stumble across the school of your dreams somewhere in that pile.
4. Contrast. At no other time will you have the opportunity to directly compare and contrast the attitudes and styles of different schools in the same place. You're sure to head out on many tours and sit in on many classes, but this is a unique opportunity.
5. Scholarship opportunities. Take advantage of having college reps present and inquire about scholarship opportunities at their schools. Scholarships can make a huge difference in where you choose to go to school, especially when your deciding factor is a matter of tuition. Use this chance to get ahead!
