The big one is coming to Cleveland! The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is hosting its HUGE college fair this weekend, February 22nd. Over 150 colleges and their representatives will be present to speak with you. Personally, I just go for all the cool swag they give away, but I'm not applying, YOU are, so GO! This college fair will only be in the Cleveland area once this year. Follow this link to register, and see the colleges in attendance. It's especially important to go if you plan to apply to a school that monitors Demonstrated Interest.
To get on the "list," you should register using the link, but you don't have to put in all your information if you aren't a junior in high school. For the younger crowd, this is just an opportunity to get your feet wet. You DO NOT HAVE TO share your QR code with any colleges. If you do, know you've just opened the door to a bombardment of emails! It's what you want when you're a junior, but not when you've got some years to go.
Some advice when strategizing your approach at a college fair:
If you are a FRESHMAN, go to get a feel for the environment. Visit a few schools where you think they'd be cool to investigate further. Pick up swag and a brochure. Take a deeper dive when you get home. Start to notice the differences between the colleges you've selected.
If you are a SOPHOMORE, go with the same intentions as a freshman, but be more focused on your information gathering. Do some homework ahead of time to strategize the schools in attendance and the ones you must get to. There's only so much time, there will be tons of people, so make your information gathering streamlined!
If you are a JUNIOR, this is a serious time for you! All of these colleges all under one roof is an opportunity of a lifetime! Strategize on who will be there and who is a MUST see. Introduce yourself to the college rep, have them scan your QR code, ask them questions. Tell them what you're interested in studying and what they have available. Ask them what sets their students apart from other colleges (how would they describe a successful student on their campus?). Make sure you grab their card - it'll come in handy once application season starts up. You can use that person as a resource as you work on your application. Be sure you make a good impression; smile, speak up, be clear, have confidence!
If you are a SENIOR, well, you are pretty much done with only one exception: Have you received a deferred decision from a college that happens to be in attendance this Saturday? If so (and if you are so bold), print that updated resume of yours on 32 lb. paper, head on over to that table, introduce yourself. Tell them you are a deferred applicant and wanted to meet the rep in person to reiterate your continued interest in the school, ask if there is anything else you should be doing to demonstrate that message, and leave them with your resume. Think of it as a mini-interview. It'll be short, minutes short. But it shows how much you want them!
Whoever you are and whatever you do, be sure you DON'T have your parent do all the talking. The college representatives are not just there to advertise their college, they are also looking for standouts in the area. Be the person they remember, not your parent!
Good luck and have fun!
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