College Fairs:

1. Talk to the reps!
– Ask questions pertaining to your particular course load
– If you’re taking IB classes, is IB credit accepted?
– How is the IB diploma looked upon?
– Overall GPA of incoming freshmen
– Overall sat score
– Any college visits to AHS?
– Environment of the school
– Ask for contact info for reps/card
– How to obtain scholarships
– How do strong applicants look like?
– Are grades and sat looked at more as opposed to extracurricular?
– Acceptance rate for instate/out of state students?

2. Choose particular colleges/universities that you are most interested in, as opposed to “fun” choices
– If you are adamant in your decision to stay out of state, or rather in state, keep that in mind when selecting your colleges to check out
3. Make most of the time – don’t wander around (do), but don’t talk to friends or stop at a store to buy something along the way
4. Dress appropriately (casual but not in your pajamas.) Give a good first impression!
5. Chances are, you’ll have to stand in long lines where the fair takes place, or wait for five minutes on the outside of a booth crowded by 20 people, so keep time in mind, and prepare specific questions for specific colleges to save time!
6. Research beforehand, so don’t ask redundant questions that could be answered in their brochure
7. You’ll most likely come across many reps that are alumnus of your school of interest. Ask them about their experience in school, and any advice they may have for admissions
8. Register beforehand so as not to experience the dreaded time at a booth simply to write your information down on a mailing card for a school
9. Ask for any little-known secrets into the admission process of that particular school
10. Show interest!
– Maybe wear a “Georgetown” or “UVA” sweater on your visit
– Have enthusiasm when asking questions
– Give appropriate reaction to their replies
11. Take brochures
12. Take notes!!!! (Valuable information given that is not given in the brochures, and may help to make your admissions process much smoother)
13. Don’t mumble or think of questions and waste other’s time, if you’re in front of the reps and booth, when others are also trying to ask questions. If you can’t think of anything, go to a booth that you know you have questions for!

At the end of the day:

Review your notes, and get rid of all the school brochures that you picked up that don’t seem to fit your needs or interest as much as others. Mark your calendars for upcoming college visits to AHS, and make use of the information received during the fair to further your university research.