Top Reasons to Make a College Fair Work For You

I just sent out an email to the current 11th grade to emphasize a few of the benefits of attending college fairs. With our own fair coming up on Wednesday, I figured it is worth repeating these issues here on the blog.

1) If you feel overwhelmed with the idea of the college, a college fair is an excellent way to start the process and to learn about all of the options
2) If you are already well into the college process, making additional connections at fairs is an ideal way to show demonstrated interest. More and more colleges are tracking how many times a student connects with their office. Every card you fill out, question you ask, and conversation you have with an admissions staff member counts.
3) Attending fairs and giving your information to colleges that interest you are great ways to save money. Yes, money. Many colleges offer students on their mailing list a free application in the Fall. A little time at the fairs now can end up saving you lots of money from waived application fees in the future. Always fill out an inquiry card if you like the school and want to receive communication from them.
         **At the same time, only fill out a card if you truly are interested. Save yourself the aggravation of   having a mailbox full of unwanted college materials. Aside from the environmental impact of the wasted paper, it is not useful for yourself or the college to feign interest in a place you are sure is not right for you.
4) Everyone should be able to find at least one college that interests them at any given fair. Even if you don't, hearing about a school and not being excited about it is just as valuable as finding a perfect match.

College Fairs rate highly on the time spent vs. college goals accomplished scale. It is hard to beat 'visiting' dozens of schools and speaking to actual human beings that can actually share valuable information about the place in the span of an hour or two.

Challenge yourself to have meaningful interactions with at least three college representatives from schools you have never heard of. You never know, Kalamazoo might be just right for you!