College Fair

• Register to attend (Recommended) 

• RSVP for Transportation TBA – by 9/15

• Transportation Permission Slip – by 9/15

PREPARING FOR THE COLLEGE FAIR

By attending the RISD College Fair you have the opportunity to meet approximately 100 representatives from around the country and the world. You can sign up to receive more information from the schools that interest you most. 

HOW TO PREPARE

• Find out which colleges will be at the fair and write down the names of the ones you want to learn about.  

• Make a list of any questions you have.  

• Bring your list, a pen, paper and a bag to hold college brochures.  

• Make sure the email address that you give out won’t embarrass you — remember, college admission officers will see it. 

QUESTIONS TO ASK

• What programs is your college noted for? 

• Does your college offer special programs like independent study or study abroad? 

• What is the surrounding area like? 

• Does your university have [name of club/organization/activity]? 

• What is on-campus housing like? Do many students live off campus? 

• What is there to do during free time on and around the campus? 

• What is the average financial aid package that is offered to students? 

WHILE YOU ARE THERE

•  Get a map of the fair and plan a route that will take you to the booths of all the colleges on your list. 

• If there is no map available, do a quick survey of the room to locate your colleges.  

• Visit booths and ask college representatives questions. For example, you can ask, “What kind of student are you looking for?” or “What makes your campus special?”  

• Take a minute to jot down any information you think is important before moving on to the next booth.  

• Check out some of the other booths when you’re done with the colleges on your list. You may stumble onto a great college you hadn't considered.  

• Attend an information session, if any are offered. Typical topics include applications and financial aid. These sessions are good opportunities to get expert advice. 

WHEN YOU GET HOME 

• Ask yourself which colleges stood out and why.  

• Organize the college material and information you collected and review it that week while it’s fresh in your mind.  

• Go over any notes you took during the fair.  

• Throw out the pamphlets from colleges you’ve ruled out so you can focus on the colleges you’re interested in.  

• Do more research on the colleges you’re thinking about attending. Explore websites, contact the admission office or plan a campus visit. If you liked what you saw at the fair, it may be time to see the college in person.