Before The Fair:

• Chat with your family about your skills and interests; Identify potential majors which match these areas.
• Touch base with your guidance counselor and find out what colleges will be represented at the fair. Countywide programs typically draw 100+ universities. National fairs usually attract more than 600.
• Prepare address labels you can affix to college inquiry cards to save time and keep your arm from getting tired.

During The College Fair:

• Arrive 15 minutes before the fair begins bringing along your address labels and list of potential colleges
• Be certain not to use the fair as an opportunity to socialize with friends. Remember, the admission representatives are only passing through.
• Keep an open mind as you move from table to table. Don't be too quick to discount a university because they don't offer a particular major or field of study.
• Stop by the tables of two or three colleges you've never heard of before. There are a number of well kept secrets and hidden treasures out there.
• Pick up as much literature as possible from a variety of different colleges. Obtain an application, view book, academic majors search piece, and most importantly a financial aid brochure.
• Ask the admission reps questions about their institution. Obtain their business card so you have a contact person in the admissions office who may later serve as an advocate for your application.

After The Fair:

• Go home and relax. Play Nintendo or watch MTV.
• The next morning, sort out the materials you picked up the night before.
• Organize  and  decipher information by developing a college search spreadsheet listing various criteria such as major, size, cost, location, extracurricular options, support services,  and  admission requirements.
• Communicate with admission reps from the top schools on your list via e-mail or phone to reintroduce  yourself and schedule campus visits.

Let the fun begin!