Taking a tentative step in the college search

School representatives provide preliminary information to prospective students

 

Sophomore Julie Lajoie looks at a display from Newmann College, which was represented at a recent college fair. Students got a chance to find out about different colleges directly rather than looking online. PHOTO BY JACKIE BECHARA

 

By Jackie Bechara
April 25, 2008

 

The Northern Virginia College Fair took place from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 6 at the Dulles Expo Center and hosted admissions officers from a variety of schools across the country, both public and private. Students could learn more about topics such as admission requirements, financial aid, campus tour opportunities and athletics.

 

At the entrance to the fair, the Princeton Review hosted a booth where students could register for SAT prep classes. There was also a table where students could enter a raffle for a scholarship and a booth with information regarding financial aid and other information about paying for college.

 

With hundreds of potential colleges and universities across the country offering different features and campus opportunities, students can be overwhelmed by so many choices. College fairs allow students to learn more information about potential schools by interacting with admissions officers or parents of students at those colleges.

 

Career Center specialist Robertson recommends attending college fairs and similar-type events anyway because there is always an opportunity to gain more knowledge or insight.

 

 “A lot of people shy away from these things sometimes because they think they may not lead to anything or they may not matter,” Robertson said. “And they could. You know, worst case is you go to something and you didn’t necessarily learn anything different. But the best case is you do go and you do learn something different and chances are you do.”

 

General information

• Plan which colleges you want to talk to before attending the fair
• You can view a list of colleges that will be at the fair by checking the location’s website
• The most important objective is to establish contact with a school; that way, you can ask admissions officers about future questions you may have about the school or your application
• For smaller schools, a resumé may help an admissions officer
• For larger schools, avoid giving admissions officers a resumé because there is little they can do with that information

Ask admissions officers about:

• Admission requirements
• Contacts for academics departments you’re interested in
• Campus visit opportunities
• His or her contact information so that you can follow up with a thank-you note