The pandemic forced most college fairs to grow into online formats. Even as we return to in-person college fairs, online fairs continue to be offered and have some advantages in offering a variety or regions and colleges to choose from. Virtual and face to face college fairs offer the opportunity to make personal connections with admissions representatives.
For the virtual fairs, be sure to watch the time zones! Also, register in advance, and select colleges/ topics that interest you. If the fair is happening during school hours, ADVOCATE for an excused absence so that you may attend. To be eligible to attend fairs during school time, you have to obtain teacher clearance and approval from Ms. James/ the high school office.
Also, please reach out to colleges of interest to schedule virtual or in person visits!
NACAC College Fairs- Virtual and in Person
HACAC Information for Students and Families
https://hawaiiacac.org/college-fairs-information-for-students-and-families/
In person college fairs are crowded and can be overwhelming. A little bit of preparation can help you make the most of the experience.
If possible, register in advance! But, if you don’t register, go anyway and register when you get there. Registration is typiacally not required for entry, but is used to more readily share your information with colleges when you connect with their admissions representatives. Admission to college fairs is usually free, but parking may add cost. Carpool if possible. Concessions are usually not available at college fairs, so bring light snacks and water.
Freshman and Sophomores: Develop your Criteria!
Visit with college representatives to learn more about the communities of their schools, their programs, offerings and entrance requirements. Find out what types of courses you may need to take to prepare for various types of schools. Most importantly, ninth and tenth graders should start to learn what they like and dislike about various colleges. It is too early to finalize your college list, but you can start to determine what you are looking for and more about how colleges get to know you to determine fit.
Here is a short list of criteria to consider:
Types of degrees/ programs offered
Location, weather
Test score policies
Selectivity
Academic preparation/ specific requirements
Learning environment, class size
Learning supports/ disability supports if needed
Campus community
Surrounding community
Residential life options
Net price (consider that “sticker price’ is not the same)
Financial Aid & Scholarship Info
Food options on or near campus
Safety considerations
Juniors
Refine criteria and your college list, considering carefully what best fits you. Look for opportunities to learn more in depth about certain types of programs. Go in with a game plan by previewing the list of colleges, and pick at least four you want to learn more about. Add a couple more to your list when you are there by visiting with some that simply catch your eye! Consider the need to create a balanced list of colleges to apply to including public, private, near home, faraway, various types of programs that interest you, as well as considering selectivity.
Variety is your friend when it comes to making a college list. It is okay to have a "dream" school on there that you may or may not be admitted to, and it is equally important to have several that are more likely with regard to admission, learning fit, and financial fit. At least ONE should be your guarantee, one you know you can afford and you know you will be admitted to. Ideally, every student should include a community college and local college or university to ensure this range of financial and admission fit. WUE Schools (Western Undergraduate Exchange) are another category to make sure you add to your list because they can be more affordable even if out of state. Make sure every program on your list is one you would consider attending.
Seniors
Check in with colleges to which you intend to apply and consider revising your list one more time if your criteria have changed. Remember, you are making options at the beginning of senior year, and making decisions at the end of the year. Ideally, apply to at least 2 before the winter holiday. Make it a goal to apply to at least four colleges or options before February so that in April, you have more than one to choose from. Those with more selective colleges on their list should have longer lists. Remember that showing your interest with your favorite colleges may improve your chances of admission, so take some time to get to know your admissions representative. Also, this is when you can gather those important details like scholarship opportunities or other time sensitive issues.
At the end of senior year, you may make use of college fairs to aid you in deciding between the schools to which you were admitted. Your questions likely will be much more detailed at that time, and may also include financial aid clarification, information about housing, and student support information.