Save the date! The National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) will host a free college fair this spring, and it’s right in our backyard at the Pasadena Convention Center on April 25th and 26th.
A few of my favorite colleges coming to the NACAC Pasadena fair are Catholic University, Texas A&M, Emerson College, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Penn State University, Clemson, Tulane, Gonzaga University, Indiana University, Texas Christian University, Syracuse University. Check out the link below for more!
Attending a college fair can expose your child to a myriad of college options, especially schools she may not have considered yet. With a few great questions and an open mind, your child might be surprised by how much she learns at a college fair.
I used to work college fairs as an admissions officer for Caltech, UCLA and Scripps College, and always appreciated when students kept a few things in mind when approaching my booth. Here are some tips based on my experience.
1. Keep an Open Mind
Approaching representatives at a college fair with an open mind, even at a school you are not sure about, can make all the difference. Picking up college materials and signing up for mailing lists will help you learn about interesting areas of study, unique organizations or programs, find out about scholarship opportunities, and so much more.
2. Ask Questions
How many undergraduates are there on campus? Is housing guaranteed for freshmen? What kind of student does well at your university? Use these starter questions to break the ice. Then, be sure to listen to answers and pick up business cards. Sometimes the admissions officers you meet will be the first person to read your application in the admissions process. For more questions like these to bring with you to college fairs, click here.
3. Demonstrate Your Interest – And Send a Thank You Card
Establishing a relationship with a college admissions officer at a college fair is what it’s all about. As you discuss your questions with admissions officers, listen to their answers, and jot down useful information. Take note of who you spoke to and what you talked about. Chances are you will need your initial thoughts later when schools want you to demonstrate interest in college interviews and essays reflecting on why you want to attend their college.
Sending a hand-written thank you card to those you met is not only courteous these days, it helps admissions officers remember who you are and where they met you.
For a valuable list of questions and to learn other ways to make the most of your time during college fairs, click HERE.
NACAC College Fair in Pasadena 2018
https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/national-college-fairs/los-angeles-college-fair/
