Visit College Fairs

It can be nerving-wracking approaching your dream school (or any prospective school for that matter!) But with these tips, you can build the confidence to be a stand out at your next college fair. 

When your high school offers you the chance to attend a college fair, don’t pass it up! The room of tables, banners and college representatives can be overwhelming, so it’s helpful to prepare yourself beforehand. These questions can help you form an idea of what you’re looking for, which can relieve some pressure and help narrow your search. 

When it comes to approaching the schools you’re interested in, don’t feel anxious about impressing them. Just be yourself and come prepared. Remember, this is also your turn to interview the school to see if they’re a fit for you. 

Want to stand out? While speaking with a school, throw in some well thought out questions, says Megan Sarkis, admissions advisor at The College at Brockport, SUNY (www.brockport.edu). 

“I would say the most commonly asked questions by students at college fairs include: ‘What do I need on my SATs/high school average to be accepted at your school? Do you offer a major in ______?, Can freshmen have cars? What are you known for?’ ” Sarkis says. “People are just scratching the surface with those questions and not really learning about what makes our school unique and trying to find out if it’s a good fit for them.”

While you shouldn’t avoid asking a school some fundamental questions you’re wondering, try digging deeper. “A student can stand out at a college fair by asking more specific questions e.g.: ‘What is there to do outside of the classroom?’ ‘What safety measures are put in place?’ … ‘What is a typical campus visit like?’ ” says Sarkis. 

“We always love when a student shows demonstrated interest in our school; if they mention something they have learned that is specific to (the university), they most certainly will stand out.” 

Also, asking the admissions counselor how you can make your college essay distinct is a great way to gain reliable advice for when you’re writing your paper.If you have established your dream school, there are some extra tips to consider. 

“If it’s your dream school, make sure the school knows it,” Sarkis explains. “Nothing makes us college reps happier at a college fair than when a student approaches us and says ‘Brockport is my No. 1 choice!’ Sometimes, they’re even sporting a Brockport shirt and we love it.”

So, come prepared to the college fair with what it is you’re looking for, or don’t be afraid to ask the questions, which will help you figure it out. Bring a note pad and pen for jotting down notes on the schools you get acquainted with; most of all, try not to let any pressures overshadow the feeling of excitement while exploring your future. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• What schools do I want to know more about?

• What interests do I want my school to accommodate?

• What are my main goals at college? 

• Where am I interested in living?

Marissa MacKenzie Longstreet is a freelance writer based out of Rochester, N.Y.

The college fair visits circuit is rigorous, time consuming and expensive. That makes it extremely important that high school students get the most out of them. Here’s what you can do to help students prepare.

Inform students of the fair process

The number-one question most college recruiters hear from students is, “What is this about?” The second most common question is, “What programs do you have?” This tells me that a lot of students go to fairs unprepared for college visits. Students need to know what they are attending and why they are attending it. Let them know what colleges to expect during the fair so they can find the school that is going to be the best fit for them. Explain the difference between two-year, four-year and proprietary colleges. Let them know that every college will have contact cards to fill out. Tell students what they are used for, and stress the importance of filling them out completely and legibly. Most importantly, explain that the college fair process is all about finding the perfect fit for the students in relation to programs, size, cost, activities, location, housing, etc.

Help them establish goals

For students to get the most out of college fairs, they need to be informed of what to expect and a reason to be there for preparing college visits. Many high schools use assignment sheets to encourage fair participation. Though that shows a good intention, they are not very productive. The majority of students fill out these assignment sheets in large groups, with one person asking the questions and the rest of the group frantically writing down the answers. If you are going to use assignment sheets, I suggest having them complete the assignment sheets before the college fair by researching colleges online. This will help them come to the fair prepared and ready to visit colleges that are relevant to their area of interest. An alternative to the assignment sheets is giving students a “priority list,” which can help them find the perfect fit based on their priorities: programs, size, cost, activities, location, housing, etc. Once students have priorities, they have a reason to participate during the fair and tend to ask better, more targeted questions. 

Set up the tables effectively

Make sure there are plenty of tables available for the college reps.The layout of the tables is also important for traffic flow. The best layout is a C-shape or square design, with the middle tables being placed back to back, which allows for a steady flow of traffic without students walking behind the admissions representatives. Place the larger universities in a location where a long line of students won’t cut off traffic to other colleges.

Teach fair etiquette

We understand that there are some students who will be pen and material scavengers. But please encourage your students to get information for success, and then take a pen after they have received that information. Too many students are in a competition to gather the most pens, and too many students are incorrectly filling out contact cards just to get pens. And at the end of many fairs, there are too many materials left on the gym floor.

Encourage follow up

Admissions representatives hope that fairs help students become more informed about what our colleges have to offer. We also hope that students are able to narrow their selections to the schools that will best suit their academic goals. Encourage your students to take a campus tour after they have identified potential colleges at the fair. 

Also suggest they take full advantage of college visit days and open houses. Encourage students to carefully read over materials on the college tables instead of just grabbing one of everything available.

Derek Mogensen is a full-time admissions counselor and has been with Colorado Northwestern Community College for nine years. Contact him through www.derekmogensenphotography.com. Emily D. Quinlan is an academic advisor SUNY Cortland. Previously, she was an admissions specialist at Arapahoe Community College.

You won't find a ride or yummy treats at these fairs, but college fairs can help you through the maze of college, university, technical and liberal-arts schools from which you'll have to choose.

College fairs are one of the best sources of information if you're looking to continue your education beyond high school. There you'll find the information that, if used properly, can help you make the all-important decision of where to go to college.

But when there are other resources, such as the Internet and tons of viewbooks sent in the mail, why should you attend a college fair? Answer: While text-based resources are valuable, they lack the one-to-one contact with school representatives that fairs provide. College representatives can give you specific information about their college's programs and campus that you might not find in a brochure.

College education fairs offer the opportunity to get your questions answered, narrow your choices and make a difficult decision a little easier. Before you go, read this.

Finding a fair
There are numerous education fairs offered in the spring and fall. “In the spring of their junior year of high school, students start to take part in local and regional fairs,” says Tom Fletcher, a university admissions officer. “Between your junior and senior years, you can visit those colleges. Then in the fall, seniors can touch base with those schools again.”

Check with your high school to find a fair near you, or look at the Web sites of colleges that interest you for their fair dates and locations.

Go prepared
Your research should begin before the fair. If you don't do your homework, you'll find yourself meandering from booth to booth picking up too many pamphlets to ever read. Fletcher recommends that you make a list of schools about which you'd like to learn more. Think about the size, location, cost and housing opportunities you expect in a school. This list will give your search direction, allowing you to make the most of your time at the fair.

Once you have a general idea of the booths you want to visit, write down questions for the school representatives concerning admission requirements, costs, offered programs and help for those with undecided majors. Fletcher suggests also asking about the school's campus, on-campus job opportunities, extracurricular activities and career-counseling services.

College fair representatives are there to help you and answer your questions. “Representatives, depending on the size of the fair, are able to give a significant amount of time to people who have specific questions,” Fletcher says. Fletcher also says it's important for you to keep a personal profile of your class rank, grade point average, SAT scores and special talents on hand to give representatives an idea of your educational background.

Once you have your list of schools, questions and personal information, you're ready to hit the fairgrounds.

At the fair
All those booths filled with material can be overwhelming. It can be confusing to visit booth after booth and remember who said what. Feel free to take notes.

Representatives are willing to invest more time in someone who appears to be taking the fair seriously. Also, ask representatives for their business cards and phone numbers. This will give you a contact at the school, should you have further questions if you apply.

Visit the booths of the schools on your list first, but don't feel you must stick strictly to the colleges you chose beforehand. If you have time, peruse your other options. There might be a school you overlooked that fills your requirements.

Along with your bag of pamphlets and catalogues, you should leave the fair with answers to your pre-determined questions. Leave the fair confident that you have done something positive to help your college decision. But your work is not done yet.

Compare the information to find the school that best meets your needs. Write what you liked or disliked about each school to help you sort through the large amounts of material you've received.

Use every opportunity you have to visit a fair, and get exposure to as many different colleges and universities as you can. Taking advantage of college fairs now will help calm the circus of choices in your future.

You’re ready to embark on this journey called the college search, right? Looking for college tours? You probably have lots and lots of questions.

Here’s a little secret about college admission counselors: We love questions. We love to talk about the college search process and the institutions we represent. And we especially love when students ask us questions beyond the basic three: location, size and available majors.

Chances are, the first place you’ll meet an admission counselor is at a college fair. College fairs are the buffet dinners of the college search process: You can taste many different options, but you can only digest a limited amount of information. So what information should you seek? And how?
 
Take advantage of admission counselors’ gift for gab! Scott Ozaroski, associate director of admissions at Hawai’i Pacific University in Honolulu, notes, “A brochure may list the majors offered at a school, but taking the time to talk to an admissions counselor can give you so much more insight. We can tell you what kinds of classes are included in the major, what internships might be available, who some of the interesting professors are, and what types of careers that major might lead to.”

So don’t just swing by the table of Interesting University to pick up a brochure, read about college tour dates and smile meekly at the counselor before shuffling away. Instead, walk up to the table and introduce yourself. If you don’t know where the school is located or what type of institution it is—public or private, large or small—ask.

If you know what types of academic programs interest you, ask if the school offers them. Then, if the school sounds like a viable possibility, ask the questions I call the “Fabulous Five.”

I wish I could say that I invented the Fabulous Five, but they were actually born of conversations I had with savvy students who knew how to mine the riches of a college fair.

Fabulous question 1: How would you describe the student body’s personality?
Each college campus has a personality, revealed through its student body. Of course, not everyone on campus has exactly the same personality, but a student body tends to value certain qualities.

For example, some campuses are politically liberal; some are conservative. A student body might especially value the arts, or athletics or community service. This question helps you determine if you might fit in well among your potential classmates.

Fabulous question 2: How is this school distinctive?    
Each school has a unique story. In fact, most schools have
many unique stories. Maybe you’ll learn about a newly developed
internship program; maybe you’ll hear about an unusual curriculum or a special program for freshmen.

Because college administrators can’t include every extraordinary opportunity in publications or on Web sites, this question is one of the best ways to learn about them.

(Hint: If the counselor mentions a program or opportunity that interests you, make a note to follow up with an e-mail or a phone call to get more information.)

Fabulous question 3: How many students transfer to another school during or after their first year?
This question offers a glimpse of how satisfied current students are. You obviously want to attend a school where your peers are generally happy.
    
Sometimes a high transfer rate indicates that students aren’t finding what they thought they’d find at the school; sometimes a high transfer rate is related to a change in curriculum or financial aid. If the transfer rate is high, ask why and listen carefully to the response.

Fabulous question 4: How would you describe students’ relationships with professors?
I like this question better than “Who teaches undergrads.” Chances are, the admission counselor will answer this question by first telling you who teaches undergraduate courses—professors or graduate assistants.
 
The counselor might also tell you about opportunities for students to collaborate with professors on research. Or maybe she’ll mention that professors give out their home phone numbers so students can reach them outside of class and office hours. You’ll have a general idea about how accessible the professors are—an important part of your college experience.

Fabulous question 5: How do you award scholarships and financial aid?
Ah, the money question. Colleges and universities have widely different policies about scholarships. Some schools require separate applications for scholarships; some simply award scholarships based on information in a student’s application. A university might offer scholarships for specific academic programs or for artistic or athletic talent. You need to know not only how to apply for these awards, but also which qualities the scholarship committees weigh most heavily.

You also need to know how a college awards financial aid, which is based on your family’s need. Often, colleges and universities require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). But a college might have an institutional form you must complete as well.

Beyond the Fabulous Five
The Fabulous Five will help you determine if you should spend time learning more about a college. As you continue your college search, you’ll develop questions that reflect your interests and values.

One more piece of advice: Keep in touch with the admission counselors who represent schools that interest you, especially when you are ready to go on college tours.

Maureen Barney, assistant director of admission at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., mentions a benefit these ongoing conversations offer students: Admission counselors can put you in touch with alumni or current students who will give you information you could never find in guidebooks or on Web sites.

Ozaroski and Barney agree that an admission counselor’s first job is to help you find the right “fit”—the school that will best serve your interests and develop your talents.

So stop by a few tables at the college fair and whip out the Fabulous Five. You’ll surprise and delight a few admission counselors, but more importantly, you’ll gather valuable information for a successful college search. Happy asking!

Hilary Masell Oswald is the assistant director of admission at Cornell College.

At long last, you will be a senior in high school. The top of the social ladder! Senior year is a busy time—and that’s all the more reason that this summer is not too early to activate your college plans. There are various places to start: the computer, your school counselor’s office or books on the topic.

Ann Landis, director of guidance for public schools in Columbia, Mo., notes that counselors there visit each junior class in January with a list of items to help them start their college balls rolling. Here’s how to get your own search started now (and prepare for campus tours!).

Match your courses to careers
It’s good to be in tune with what interests you and to take courses that will develop your interests into skills. If those courses include math and science, your high school level is already college-prep. If you tend to shy away from those kinds of courses, reconsider. They are often the foundations upon which you can build careers in a wide variety of fields. In researching what careers your interests and skills fit, consider how much the careers pay, how your salary will shape your lifestyle and what kinds of further skills or certifications you’ll need. Look for part-time jobs, internships or volunteering opportunities to try out various careers before graduating next spring.

Look for a college that fits
When you have an idea for a career direction, you can start exploring what colleges and universities offer the courses to support your goals.
To narrow your possibilities, consider these factors:
Do you want to go to a large school, or do you prefer to know most people on campus?
Do you want to stay close to home or go away to college?
Do you want to be exposed to a diversity of cultures, ethnicity and/or geographies?
What kind of reputation does the college or program have?
Your school will most likely host or at least advertise a college fair in the fall, during which admission representatives from a variety of colleges gather in one place. Plan to attend. But you don’t have to wait for a fair to get more information. You can visit any college any time through its Web site to chat live with college admission representatives, faculty and students. Or, you can schedule a campus tour.

Sign up for standardized tests
If you want to attend college or university, start thinking about your entrance exams if you haven’t already taken the ACT and/or SAT in the fall. If you’re not happy with how you score, that gives you time to take the exams again. Consider taking a preparation course this summer to help you boost your scores.

Visit college campuses
If any of the colleges you are contemplating are away from home, suggest that your family bases its summer vacations around campus visits. Call the campus to arrange a tour, ask to see a dorm room, eat in a cafeteria and visit the building that houses your intended major. There may be few students on campus during the summer, but you’ll be able to at least get a feel for what the college, campus and town can offer. Avoid procrastinating.

Here is a general look at what you should do now to help you plan for college:
Attend college fairs.
Get admission materials.
Take the SAT and/or the ACT. Take both if offered—you might do better on one than the other. Have test scores sent to the colleges to which you will apply.
Arrange for college interviews.
Be aware of scams. With all the filling out of forms and taking of tests in the college application process, somehow, somewhere, your name will get on some kind of a scholarship list. Landis reminds her students that: “It’s OK to be on a list, but be aware. Find out if it is for real or a moneymaking venture for a company. It’s not bad to get on the list. Just don’t get taken for a ride. If you question any scholarship offers, tell your counselors. They’ve probably heard it before.”
Let your counselor help. The good thing is that you don’t have to go through the college-search process alone. One of the roles of the counselor in your high school’s guidance office is to help you evaluate your choices and guide your college-search process and senior year.

Visiting colleges at a college fair!

Admissions representatives travel the world to meet students and parents at college fairs, evening receptions and high school visits. These are all great opportunities for you to get more information about the school and to make personal connections with the admissions officers who may evaluate your application.

My college admissions colleagues tell me that though they meet hundreds, if not thousands, of students on their travels, they do remember those students who are enthusiastic, sincere and knowledgeable about their college.

Here are my top five tips to impress a college admissions representative before you visit the college!

1. Arrive early
After you’ve decided which colleges you’d like to get to know better, go to their Web sites and see if any representatives will be in your neighborhood. Then make it a point to be one of the first to meet the officer at the event. If you get there before the crowds, you will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and spend one-on-one time. If it’s a presentation, get a good seat in the front two rows where you can make eye contact with the admissions officer. If it’s a college fair, try to be one of the first individuals to speak with the admissions officer.

2. Dress (and behave) to impress
A Brown University admissions officer recently shared a story with me about chatting with a soft-spoken man in a suit after doing an evening presentation to 150 students. My colleague thought he was a teacher, as most students dress casually. When the young man identified himself as a prospective applicant, my colleague wrote his name down and kept it on file. The applicant’s demeanor and dress made him
so memorable that the admissions officer was very excited to review his application a few weeks later. The lesson: Dress well and speak intelligently. You’ll not only impress the admissions officer, but your classmates and teachers as well.

3. Prepare at least two thoughtful questions
Asking basic questions about a campus does not make a positive first impression. Do your research ahead of time and be prepared to ask the admissions officer questions that go above and beyond statistics that you can find in a college guidebook or on a Web site. Also, be prepared to share something interesting about you. Rest assured that unless it is a formal interview, the admissions officer is not interviewing you on the spot. Your responses can leave a great impression and make you stand out from the crowd.

Here are a few questions that you should be ready to answer.
• What are your academic interests?

• Besides location, why are you interested in this college? (Hint: “A good education” is not an impressive answer. All colleges provide “a good education” if it is the right fit and you take advantage of the school’s opportunities.)

• What do you do for fun?

• What books have you read independently (outside of school)?

• How will you get involved with the campus community?

• Be as specific and honest as possible. You will get bonus points if you mention specific professors, courses, or programs offered only at that institution. The admissions officer is, after all, trying to get to know you as well.

For your part, ask the admissions officer a few qualitative, not quantitative, questions. A quantitative question might be about an institution’s average SAT score, an answer to which you could easily find on the school’s Web site or in any college guidebook. You should know the answers to these basic questions before meeting an admissions officer.

Some good qualitative questions might be:• What are the required tests and courses necessary for admission?

• What new or unique programs does the school offer?

• What are the school’s housing options?

• How are scholarships and financial aid awarded?

Asking a few questions that dig deeper into the academic and social experience of being a student at that specific school will not only make a lasting impression, but it also will help you decide if that college is the right fit.

4. End the conversation on a good note
Harassing the admissions officer by dominating the conversation or monopolizing his or her time will leave a bad impression. Instead, after asking your two thoughtful, qualitative questions, end the conversation by saying, “I do have more questions, but let me give you time to meet with other students. Can I have your business card so I can keep in touch?” Be sure to say thank you and goodbye with a firm handshake. This is a good tip to share with your parents, too!

5. Send an e-mail to the rep by the end of the day
When you get home, review your notes from the day. Write the admissions officer a short thank you e-mail, mentioning a few details from your conversation. Make sure you include your first and last names, high school and the date of your conversation. This will help your admissions officer remember you.

Also use this e-mail to ask another follow-up question and make sure you convey how genuinely enthusiastic you are about the possibility of applying to their school. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a response immediately.

Remember, demonstrating sincere interest leaves a lasting impression, which may be the difference between getting in or not.

Armed with these tips, you’ll feel confident about meeting admissions officers in the next few months. Work hard this semester and remember to have fun finding the right college for you.

Kat Cohen, Ph.D., is author of The Truth About Getting In and founder of ApplyWise.com.

High School to College - Scholarships for High School Juniors

Transitioning from high school to college is exciting and challenging.  The time to get active in making the transition is in your junior year of high school.

JUNIOR YEAR

August
Begin the college review/selection process! Attend college fairs, financial aid seminars and information sessions to learn as much as you can about the college application process. Make sure you are meeting NCAA requirements if you want to play Division I or II sports in college.

September

Register for the October PSAT. Meet with your guidance counselor to review your courses for this year and plan your schedule for senior year.

Save samples of your best work for your academic portfolio all year.

Maintain your extracurricular record all year.

October
Junior-year PSAT scores may qualify a student for the National Merit Competition and the National Achievement and the National Hispanic Scholars programs. So even though these scores will not be used for college admission, it is still a good idea to take the PSAT. The more times you take standardized tests, the more familiar you will become with the format and the types of questions asked. If you wish to receive free information from colleges, indicate on the PSAT answer form that you want to participate in the Student Search.

November
Junior-year grades are extremely important in the college admission process because they are a measure of how well you do in advanced, upper-level courses. Grades also are used to determine scholarships for high school juniors and grants for which you may be eligible. So put in the extra effort and keep those grades up!

If you will require financial aid, start researching your options for grants, scholarships for  high school juniors and work-study programs. Make an appointment with your guidance counselor or start by visiting www.nacacnet.org and www.nextSTEPmag.com for financial aid information.

December
During December, you should receive the results of your PSAT. Read your score report and consult your school counselor to determine how you might improve on future standardized tests. The PSAT is excellent preparation for the SAT, which you will take in the spring.

If you plan to take the ACT, register now for the February exam. Many colleges accept both the ACT and the SAT. Some colleges require the ACT or both SAT and SAT II. When you begin to explore different colleges and universities, ask which standardized test they prefer to use.

January
Begin to make a preliminary list of colleges you would like to investigate further. Surf the Internet and use the college resources in the guidance office or library.

Learn your Social Security number, which is required on many college applications. If you were never issued a Social Security number, contact the closest Social Security office as soon as possible to obtain a number.

February
Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your preliminary list of colleges. Discuss whether your initial list of colleges meets your needs and interests (academic program, size, location, cost) and determine if you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted. You should be both optimistic and realistic when applying to colleges.

Register for the March SAT if you have completed the math courses covered on the SAT. If not, plan to take the SAT in May or June. Prepare for the SAT or ACT by signing up for a prep course, using computer software or doing the SAT/ACT practice tests available in the counseling office or at bookstores. But don’t spend so much time trying to improve your standardized test scores that your grades and extracurricular involvement suffer.

March
Write, telephone or use the Internet to request admission literature and financial aid information from the colleges on your list. There is no charge and no obligation to obtain general information about admission and financial aid.

April
When selecting your senior courses, be sure to continue to challenge yourself academically.

Register for the May/June SAT and/or the SAT II subject tests. Not all SAT II subject tests are given on every test date. Check the calendar carefully to determine when the subject tests you want are offered. Register for the June ACT if you want to take that test.

Continue to evaluate your list of colleges and universities. Eliminate colleges from your original list that no longer interest you. Add others as appropriate.

Look into summer jobs or apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs. Colleges love to see students using their knowledge and developing their skills and interests.

May
Attend a college fair to get more information about the schools on your list. Visit www.nacac.com for dates and locations of national and performing and visual arts college fairs. Visit www.nextSTEPmag.com for a list of recruiting events at individual colleges.

Get a jump start on summer activities. Consider enrolling in an academic course at a local college, pursuing a summer-school program, applying for an internship, working or volunteering. If you work, save part of your earnings for college.

Begin visiting colleges. Phone to set up appointments. Interviews are always a good idea. Many colleges will tell you they are optional, but an interview will show interest, enthusiasm and initiative on your part and provide an excellent opportunity to have your questions answered. Do a practice interview with your counselor, teacher, employer or a senior who has had college interviews. Set up interviews as early as possible—interview times become booked quickly!

Take the SAT or the SAT II.

June
After school ends, get on the road to visit colleges. Seeing the college firsthand, taking a tour and talking to students help you decide whether or not a school is right for you. Although it is ideal to visit colleges during the academic year, going in the summer will still be valuable. Admission offices employ their students to give tours and answer questions from prospective students and their parents.

Take the SAT, the SAT II and/or the ACT.

July
Visit colleges, take tours, have interviews and ask questions. Make college visiting a family event. Involve your parents in your application process. The opinions of those who know you well can provide helpful insight into the best college for you.

August
Continue to refine your list of potential colleges.

Begin preparing for the actual application process by drafting application essays; collecting writing samples; and assembling portfolios or audition tapes. If you are an athlete and plan on playing in college, contact the coaches at the schools to which you are applying and ask about intercollegiate and intramural sports programs and athletic scholarships.

Complete the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse form if you hope to play Division I or II sports. (This form cannot be mailed until you finish your sixth semester of high school.)

High School to College- SENIOR YEAR

September
Make sure you have all applications required for college admission and financial aid. Write, phone or use the Internet to request missing information.

Check on application and financial aid deadlines for the schools to which you plan to apply. They may vary, and it is essential to meet all deadlines!

Meet with your guidance counselor to be sure your list includes colleges appropriate to your academic and personal record. Review your transcript and extracurricular records with your school counselor to ensure their accuracy.

Register for the fall SAT, SAT II subject test and/or ACT.

If the colleges require recommendations, ask the appropriate people to write on your behalf. Provide recommendation forms, any special instructions and a stamped, addressed business envelope to the people writing your recommendations. Be thoughtful! Write thank-you notes to those who write recommendations, and keep them informed of your decisions.

Plan visits to colleges and set up interviews if you didn’t get to them during the summer or if you want to return to a campus for a second time. Read bulletin boards and the college newspaper. Talk with current students and professors.

October
Attend a regional college fair to investigate further those colleges to which you will probably apply.

Mail applications in time to reach the colleges by the deadlines. Check with your guidance counselor to make sure your transcript and test scores have been/will be sent to the colleges to which you are applying.

If applying for early decision or early action, send in your application now. Also prepare applications for your back-up schools. Remember, if you are accepted under the early decision option, you are expected to enroll at that college and to withdraw all other applications.

Register for the December/January SAT and/or SAT II or December ACT if you have not completed the required tests or if you are not happy with your previous test scores and think you can do better.

Have official test scores sent by the testing agency to colleges on your list.

November
Take the SAT or SAT II if appropriate. Don’t forget to have test scores sent to colleges on your list.

Be sure your first-quarter grades are good.

Continue completing applications to colleges. Make copies of all your applications before mailing them.

If you need financial aid, obtain a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) from your guidance office. Check to see if the colleges to which you are applying require any other financial aid form, such as the CSS Profile.

Keep all records, test score reports and copies of applications for admission and financial aid. Do not throw anything away until at least the end of your first year in college. Having detailed records will save you time and effort should anything be lost or should you decide to apply in the future to other colleges or scholarships for high school juniors programs.

December
Have official test scores sent to colleges on your list if you have not yet done so.
Consult your school counselor again to review your final list of colleges. Be sure you have all bases covered.

If you applied for early decision, you should have an answer by now. If you were accepted, follow the instructions for admitted students. If the decision is deferred until spring or you are denied, submit applications now to other colleges.

January
Keep working hard! Your grades continue to count through senior year and colleges review these grades!

Request that your counselor send the transcript of your first-semester grades to the colleges to which you applied.

Parents and students, complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. You will need those figures to fill out the FAFSA. Complete and return your FAFSA as quickly as possible after Jan. 1. Check to make sure your colleges or state do not require any other financial aid forms. If they do, consult your guidance counselor or contact the college’s financial aid office.

February

Remember to monitor your applications to be sure that all materials are sent and received on time and that they are complete. Stay on top of things and don’t procrastinate; you can ruin your chances for admission by missing a deadline.

You should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks after submitting the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully and check for any inaccuracies. If necessary, correct any items on the SAR and return it to the FAFSA processor (if a college transmitted your data directly, notify the college of any changes).

If more than four weeks have passed after sending in your FAFSA and you have not received an acknowledgment, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 4-FED-AID (433-3243). They will need your name, Social Security number, address and date of birth exactly as it was written on your FAFSA.

Complete scholarship applications. You may be eligible for more scholarships than you think, so apply for as many as you can.

Enjoy your final year in high school, but don’t catch senioritis!

March
Stay focused and keep studying—only a couple more months to go!

April
Some colleges do not have hard application deadlines; they admit students on a continuous basis. But do not take rolling admission for granted. These schools may reach their maximum class sizes quickly, so the earlier you apply, the more availability there may be.

Review your college acceptances and financial aid awards. Be sure to compare financial aid packages in your decision-making process. If you are positive you will not enroll at one or more of the colleges that accept you, please notify those colleges that you have selected another one. Keeping colleges abreast of your plans might enable those colleges to admit someone else. If you know which college you will attend, send in your tuition deposit and follow all other instructions for admitted students. You must decide which offer of admission to accept by May 1.

May
Decide on the one college that you will attend. By May 1, send in your tuition deposit to that college.

Be proud—you have completed a difficult task!

If your first-choice college places you on a waiting list, do not lose all hope. Talk with your counselor, and contact the college to let them know you are still very interested. Keep the college updated on your activities.

Take Advanced Placement examinations, if appropriate, and request that your AP scores be sent to the college you will attend.

June
Request that your counselors end your final transcript to the college you will attend. Notify the college of any private scholarships or grants you will be receiving.

Know when the payments for tuition, room, board and meal plans are due. If necessary, ask the financial aid office about a possible payment plan that will allow for you to pay in installments.

Congratulations! You’ve made it through high school! Enjoy your graduation and look forward to college.

July
Look for information in the mail from the college about housing, roommates, orientation and course selection. Respond promptly to all requests from the college.

August through September
Ease your transition into college. Accept the fact that you’ll be in charge of your academic and personal life. What you do, when you do it and how things get done will be up to you. You’ll have new responsibilities and challenges. Budget your time and establish priorities. Take charge of the changes that lie ahead and eliminate or minimize pressures. Go forth with confidence and enthusiasm, willingness to adapt and determination to succeed academically and personally.

Pack for college. Don’t forget to include things that remind you of friends and family. You’ve taken all the steps to move from high school to college- from applying for scholarships for high school juniors to packing for college.  Be prepared for the new opportunities and challenges. Have a great freshman year!

Reprinted with permission from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. NACAC sponsors 60 college fairs nationwide. For more information, visit www.nacacnet.org.

Organizing  and planning acollege fair is no small task, but the benefits make all the efforts worthwhile. Here are a few helpful hints to ease the process.

Planning a college fair

Start with a budget. Planning a college fair can get very expensive. Charge colleges a fee to attend. How much you charge will depend on factors such as location, date and the schools attending. How many colleges would you like to attend at your fair? Do you want to invite only local colleges or open it up to colleges out of state? Keep in mind that postage is very expensive, and everyone that you invite will not attend.

Now there’s the challenge of finding a place that can accommodate the number of colleges, students and parents who will attend. The key is to find a place large enough and that is centrally located. Do they have tables and chairs you can use, or will you rent them?

Most college fairs are either in the fall or early spring. This is the time when students are thinking about the college process. You may want to investigate other college fairs in the area before making your final decision. College reps love to be able to hit multiple fairs with a minimal amount of travel.

Once you have a date, have reserved a location and mailed the invitations, what’s next?

Finding help. Student volunteers are great resources. They can help during the planning stages as well as on the day of the fair. Contact local high schools with details. Make sure this is done in advance, so the date is reserved on school calendars.

Send out reminders as the fair gets closer. Advertise again and again, as the success of your college fair will depend on it. If students and parents don’t attend, college reps will not attend the following year.

Contact TV and radio stations, the media and local service organizations. Remember that publicity is an integral factor to the success of your college fair. Make it news, and sell it as a story.

On the day of the event, make sure you are organized. Make sure you have multiple lists of the attending colleges. You will always have a few colleges show up unannounced. Do you have a central information station set up where people can ask questions? Do you have enough volunteers to ensure the fair will run smoothly?

Be hospitable. Supply refreshments or a snack, keeping in mind that some college reps have traveled a long way. Finally, make yourself available the day of the fair. Walk around to see how things are going. Pass out a survey to ask college reps how you did. Most importantly, have fun!

Michael DiGennaro is a counselor at Canandaigua Academy in Canandaigua, N.Y.

Imagine your college-bound son or daughter winning a shopping spree to the local mall. They have exactly one and a half hours to peruse 100 stores and pick up as much merchandise as possible.

If they were smart, your offspring would develop a strategic plan to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The same kind of planning should be done for the annual admissions ritual known as the college fair. Not at any other time during your son or daughter’s college search will he or she have such easy access to a variety of higher education institutions. It’s important that you and your college-bound student take some time to prepare for this event before you decide on your campus tours!

BEFORE THE FAIR
Ask questions
Prior to the college fair, sit down with your student and discuss some factors or features they might be looking for in a college. A good question to get the conversation started is, “Why do you want to go to college in the first place?”

This sounds basic and silly, but you’ll be surprised how difficult this question might be for some teens to answer.

Shoot for the stars with this discussion, not allowing cost or location to limit any options. Chat with your teen about his or her skills and interests, and identify potential majors that fit their current personality and lifestyle.

For example, if your child has a spark for creativity, he may want to research schools with art, drama, music or writing programs.

The guidance office or career center at your teen’s high school should have several assessment instruments available to help your student match her values with possible majors and careers. There are also a number of Web sites (such as nextSTEPmag.com/Match) that allow students to type in the factors they are looking for in a college and generates a list of schools that match that criteria.

Get a guest list
Once you and your child have identified a list of 15 or so “very likely” and “maybe” schools, find out what colleges and universities will be represented at the fair. Your teen can get this information from his guidance counselor.

You can expect to see approximately 50 to 60 colleges represented at fairs hosted by individual high schools. Countywide fairs, sponsored by a consortium of high school guidance departments and often held at community colleges or malls, typically draw admission representatives from 100 or more schools.

The big daddy of all, the National College Fair, is sponsored by the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and attracts 500 colleges and universities from all over the country. Get information about college fairs at nextSTEPmag.com/Events and nacacnet.org.

Make some labels
To save time while you are at the fair, encourage your teen to prepare address labels to affix to colleges’ inquiry cards. Labels save writing time at the fair and ensure that college reps won’t have to decipher your teen’s chicken scratch. On the label, include the student’s name, address, phone number, high school name, graduation year and intended major or field of study.

DURING THE FAIR
Be prepared
Arrive at the location of the fair about 10 to 15 minutes before its scheduled start time. Be certain your student brings her college list, address labels and happy personality to the fair.

It’s also beneficial to have a list of questions to ask admission reps. Believe it or not, we like questions that really make us think. For example, you might want to inquire about learning support accommodations and services. Or maybe about the type of student that succeeds at that particular school.

Stay focused
Do not use the college fair as a time to socialize with neighbors and friends. Use your time wisely, because the college reps are just passing through.

Keep an open mind when moving from table to table. Chances are there will be at least a handful of colleges you’ve never heard of. Make it a priority to stop by the tables of two or three schools that are not household names. The reputation of a school or big-name university does not guarantee that it’s the proper fit for your son or daughter.

Pick up as much literature as possible from a variety of colleges. Ask for a viewbook, application, information on specific majors and a financial aid brochure. Ask about campus tour dates. These resources are must-haves for identifying and keeping track of admission, financial aid and housing deadlines.

Before leaving each table and moving on to the next, have your teen ask each admissions representative for a business card. This will provide both of you with a contact person in the admissions office, someone who might later be able to serve as an advocate for your student’s application and acceptance.

AFTER THE FAIR
Relax
After an hour and a half has passed, you may start to see some  sleep-deprived admissions reps snoozing at their tables. This is a clear indication that the fair is ending, and it’s time to hit the road for home. Your next step? Relax. Watch some reruns of “Happy Days” or read a magazine. Whatever the activity, make sure it has nothing to do with going to college.

Sort through the info
The next day, help your teen sort out the materials from the fair, and begin reviewing them. Make a list of criteria such as major, cost, size, location, extracurricular activities, support services and admission requirements, and put these on a computer spreadsheet for easy comparison.

For the colleges in which your teen is most interested, it might be beneficial to e-mail the admissions rep. Your student can reacquaint himself with the contact person from the college, and in writing express his interest in planning a campus tour to learn more.

Congratulations! You should now have the confidence and knowledge to become a smart college fair shopper. Check out the table displays, ask questions about the products, and search for bargains, but most importantly, make it fun!

Steve Young is assistant director of admissions at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. He specializes in college-bound humor and has authored a Web site, admissionsspoof.com.

Most college-bound high school students have at least one college fair in their futures. It’s a chance to talk to many different schools — often from a wide geographic area — in one location.

While the opportunity is great, you want to leave a college fair with more than a fistful of brochures and a headache. Knowing what to expect can help you use a college fair to your best advantage.

Julie - A mom’s point of view:

Have you ever attended a flea market? Usually there are different booths or tables set up, and each vendor offers its own particular type of wares.

A college fair is not unlike a flea market, only the vendors are selling something much different. Each one offers a different version of a college education and the college experience. And — just like at a noisy flea market — it’s easy to get overwhelmed at a college fair. Here are some tips to help you get the most value out of the experience.

Have a plan.
A successful shopping trip often starts with a list, and shopping for colleges is no exception. Start by researching which colleges will be represented. With your child, make a list of the schools that he or she wants to visit.

It’s also a good idea for both you and your child to have a list of questions to ask each school’s representatives. Your list will probably include things like costs, campus safety and career services. Your child may be more interested in majors, dorm accommodations and class size.

But don’t be afraid to deviate from it.
A smart shopper knows that when just the right item appears, it’s time to deviate from the shopping list. It’s the same with a college fair. Your child may stumble across a school that wasn’t on his or her radar and want to find out more. After all, you’re still in the comparison stage of your shopping trip.

Gently guide your child, but don’t lead the way.
Researching and choosing a college can be an exciting time, not just for the students, but for the parents. After all, you know all of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for your child, and you probably have some strong ideas about the kind of school that would be a great fit.

While your child will need you to be a partner and help guide them in this process, remember that it is your child’s journey and not your own.

Know what you’re looking for.
As my mom said, college fairs can be a lot like a noisy flea market, and with every flea market comes at least one very persuasive vendor trying to sell you something you don’t want or need.

The same can be true with college fairs. The key is to recognize one of your deal-breakers when speaking with a school’s representative and be able to walk away.

Everyone wants to be polite, but make sure to spend the majority of your time on schools that match your interests, not just humoring a friendly admissions rep.

Lindsey - A student’s point of view:

For me, college fairs were one of the most exciting parts of the college selection process. It is an opportunity for universities from all across the country to gather in one location near to your home, and every school wants one thing — you!

It’s an exciting event, but it’s also important to get the most out of your time at a college fair. There’s a lot to see, so here are my tips for how to leave the event with your focus still intact.

Be engaged and make contacts.
It’s tempting to casually wander through a college fair to see what is out there, but what many students don’t realize is that this can be a great opportunity for networking. Pay attention to who you’re talking to at each booth and ask for their contact information at the end of your conversation.

Chances are this person is the designated representative for your hometown, and can be a great resource for you if you have questions down the road. A friend of mine who became very close with her admissions representative even ended up with more scholarship money because her contact went to bat for her.

Decide on each school’s prospects sooner, rather than later.
During my junior and senior years of high school, even one college visit contained more information than I could process, so you can imagine how much information a college fair offers. Take the handouts and pamphlets of each school you talk to, but be sure to narrow down those options as soon as you get home.

Take diligent notes and try to come out of a college fair with two or three strong candidates on your radar. Each school offers its own enticing presentation, but really limit yourself to those that match your interests best.

The most important thing to remember about a college fait is to do your homework on each school that will be in attendance. Using that information and what you learn at the fair will assist you in making the big decisions afterward.

And finally, try to have fun! Expand your horizons beyond what you’ve found so far on college search engines and by word of mouth. Don’t be afraid to explore something new, but in the end make sure you’re able to separate the schools with good sales pitches from those that should be strong contenders.

Julie and Lindsey Mayfield are a mother/daughter writing team who blog regularly. Lindsey is a student at the University of Kansas (www.ku.edu) studying journalism and political science.