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2 Moderated by: Andrew Sison Dean of Undergraduate Admission Lewis University (IL) National College Fair Committee, Chairperson Presenters: Harry Gong Director of Admissions Niagara University (NY) National College Fair Committee Member Kathi Lecertua Career Counselor Borah High School (ID) National College Fair Committee Member Mark Rasic Associate Director of Admissions University of Southern California (CA) National College Fair Committee Member Barbara Schultz Guidance Counselor Arnold O. Beckman High School (CA) National College Fair Committee Member Katie Voller-Berdan College Counselor Marshall School (MN) National College Fair Committee Member

3 Before the Fair Determine the type of school you are interested in attending: Two Year vs. Four Year Co-ed vs. Single Sex Large Campus vs. Small Campus Urban, Suburban or Rural Environment Establish a list of the areas of study you are interested in pursuing Discuss with parents, guidance counselors, teachers and friends

4 Before the Fair Visit to obtain a current list of schools participating in the fair. Bring a list of questions to ask college representatives If you have pre-registered remember to bring your Barcode- ID to the fair Print out mailing labels with your contact information and graduation year John F. Smith Class of 2010; Junior 124 South Maple Avenue Ontario, CA jsmith45@gmail.com Extra curricular activities: Football, Golf, Senior Class Vice President, Boy Scouts, Math Honor Society

5 Before the Fair What to ask your counselor: Where can I pick up a copy of the National College Fair Newsletter? Provides you general information before the event Lists colleges that have registered before the early-bird deadline Will our school be providing transportation? Can I pre-register to attend? What else can I do to prepare?

6 During the Fair When you arrive make sure to pick up: Bag To hold all of your materials you receive from the individual colleges The National College Fair Locator/Event Guide Includes floor plan and current list of schools Check the Information Desk for a list of on-site registrants or cancellations

7 During the Fair Where do I begin? Plan Out Your Day What's your time frame? Which workshops do you want to attend? What schools do you want to visit? Speaking with Colleges Do you know what schools you want to look at? Interested in a certain major? Speak with one of the counselors to help determine which schools fit your interests at the Counseling Center

8 During the Fair Where Do I Begin? Not a Lot of Time on Your Hands? Splitting up tasks helps to accomplish more Have a parent attend a workshop while the student speaks with colleges Not Enough Time to Attend Certain Workshops? Check to see if workshop information is available in the Resource and Counseling Centers Take home presentation handouts

9 During the Fair Do not overwhelm yourself by collecting too much information Questions? Visit the Counseling Center Want information on financial aid and testing? Check out participating sponsors in our Resource Center Attend one of the free workshops Take notes after speaking with each college

10 During the Fair Counseling Center Speak with local high school counselors about your college search Obtain one-on-one assistance based on your interests and needs Obtain local testing information: Date/locations Deadlines Requirements Find out about local scholarships and financial aid

11 During the Fair Resource Center Speak with financial aid representatives to obtain updated information Take home information on scholarships Speak with representatives from associations related to your major

12 During the Fair Workshops Check out times/days in the locator or at the information desk Workshops range from minutes in length Sample topics include: College Applications 101 College Essay Writing Financial Aid NCAA Eligibility SAT/ACT Testing

13 After the Fair Do additional research on the schools you spoke with at the fair Review your fair materials and notes within one week Schedule a meeting with your counselor to review your findings

14 Tips for Parents Learn About the Process Invest time in reading about today's college admission trends Make an appointment to speak with the high counselor to locate helpful resources Remind Students of Deadlines Use a calendar or planner to mark deadlines for academic, social, and college deadlines

15 Tips for Parents Discuss Restrictions Up Front Discuss geographical or financial restrictions at the beginning of your search Be A Cheerleader Students might feel Uncertain about the decisions Fearful of rejection Anxious about meeting deadlines Be mindful that the student may change his/her mind (more than once) Offer plenty of encouragement, a listening ear, and gentle guidance

16 Tips for Parents Learn About Financial Aid Options Encourage college-bound students to include several affordable colleges in their choices Financial aid often helps send students to even the most expensive colleges. Guidance counselor or colleges' financial aid offices can answer financial aid FAQs Visit to obtain additional financial aid information

17 Tips for Parents Allow the Students to Make Decisions Students should choose a college based on individual abilities, interests and personality Encourage students to apply to a wide range of schools Encourage students to make college decisions that are a good match for her/him Encourage students to ask questions of college representatives at the fair

18 College Search Websites NACAC-National College Fairs ACT College Board Colleges that Change Lives Common Application Fair Test International Universities NCAA Petersons College Guide Princeton Review Universal College Application U.S. Community Colleges Women s Colleges in the U.S

19 Financial Aid/Scholarship Websites A.C.T. Financial Aid Estimator AXA EdFund FastWeb Scholarship Financial Aid Information Scholarships for International Students Student Aid on the Web (Dept. of Ed) U.S. Department of Education