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    Use These 6 Tips to Make the Most of College Fairs

    Posted March 21, 2016, 1:00 pm by Suzanne Shaffer
    Use These 6 Tips to Make the Most of College Fairs

    Nothing says spring like those annual spring college fairs. If you have ever attended one or look forward to attending one this spring, you know they can be a bit overwhelming.

    Faced with the daunting task of connecting with admissions representatives from numerous colleges, parents and students need a plan. Approaching a college fair without a plan will leave you frustrated and disappointed at the end of the event.

    When approached properly, college fairs can help you in the beginning stages of the college search process. More importantly, however, they facilitate those all-important connections with college admissions officers.

    Those connections can be used in the future when visiting campuses, connecting with the colleges via telephone or email, and even to cheerlead when you college application is submitted for consideration of admission.

    1. Prepare

    As with any college-related task, preparation is key; and the college fair is no exception. Here are just a few tips to consider as a part of your preparation:

    • Do some research about the colleges that will be there. Educate yourself regarding the basic information: campus size, majors offered, location, etc. This will help you make a good impression and appear knowledgeable when talking to the representatives. It will also help you when preparing a list of questions to ask.

    • Decide what you will wear. First impressions are important. Don’t show up in tattered jeans, a dirty T-shirt, and flip flops. Treat the connections you make with the college representatives as a preliminary interview.

    • Set up a college email account. Firstname_lastname@gmail.com. Use this email address for all your college-related connections. Doing this will convey a positive impression and help you keep your emails separate and organized.

    • Make self-stick labels or even spend a minimal amount on some business cards. They should contain your legal name, mailing address, email address, year of graduation, and intended area of study. This will help you leave your information with the colleges and also create the impression that you are prepared for the fair.

    2. Map out a strategy

    When you arrive at the fair, take a look at the physical map of the location and where each college is located. Take a few minutes to map out a strategy and decide which college representatives you want to chat with. One Florida admissions officer compared a spring college fair to a buffet: There will be more there than you can take in, but not everything is to your taste. As with a buffet, it is best to scope out your choices before you start adding to your plate or gathering your information. Don’t waste time with the colleges that don’t interest you. You’re on a mission. Stay focused!

    3. Take notes and gather business cards

    Bring a notebook to the fair and take some notes as you speak with the college representatives. After your conversations, ask for a business card and hand them yours if you have one. This will be your first contact with the college and an important one. Turn the card over or use some apps that allow you to snap a photo of the card and create a contact. Make some quick notes after you leave about the person you spoke with. This will serve as a reminder when you make a follow-up contact after the college fair.

    4. Ask questions

    This is your chance to ask some questions and conduct your own mini-interview of the colleges. Don’t waste your time asking questions that can be found on the college websites. College admissions representatives learn just as much about you from your questions as they do having a conversation. If you did your homework and are prepared, you should have some specific questions in mind. Use this time to gather information and learn things about the college you might not find on their website.

    5. Attend information sessions

    If the spring college fair is offering information sessions, make plans to attend some of them. Many fairs have sessions on the search process, applications, financial aid and other issues run by experts in the field. These sessions are a great place to ask general questions about the college admission process.

    6. Follow up

    After the fair, spend some time organizing your information and going over your notes. Grab those business cards you collected, along with the notes you made, and send an email to the college representative letting them know how much you enjoyed speaking with them. This will serve to cement your meeting in their mind and provide an opportunity for further connections.

    [Looking for more info from the TeenLife Experts? Here's how to show colleges that you are interested!]

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    Suzanne Shaffer

    Suzanne Shaffer

    Suzanne Shaffer counsels parents and students in the college admissions process and the importance of early college preparation. Her Parenting for College blog offers timely college tips for parents and students, as well as providing parents with the resources necessary to help their college-bound teens navigate the college maze.

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