When it comes to attending a local college fair, is it a good idea or simply a big waste of time? Sometimes it’s difficult to determine. After all, it’s a night out, usually at a local high school gymnasium and filled with scores of people . . . some of which may even recognize you! Heaven forbid!
Regardless of whether you are a high school sophomore, junior or senior, attending a local college fair can actually be a waste of your time, but it can, and should be the best use of two hours as an investment towards your future. The key to which it becomes is found in how you manage the moment.
The evening only becomes a waste of your time if you show up, walk around, pick up brochures from this college or that college, grab a complimentary cookie and dart for the exit sign. The only thing of any value added to your college journey is nothing more than what you could have gained by spending an equal amount of time drifting through some college websites. Oh, but you did get a cookie!
Great value in the evening comes when you engage the college representatives and make a point to learn about the many possibilities and opportunities that simply wait for you around each corner. So truly, hitting your local college fair is never a true waste of time so long as you are walking away with information, conversations and insight — perhaps a personal connection even.
In fact, as you engage the college representatives, here are the top 5 things you should consider asking them:
Top 5 Things To Ask A College Representative At A College Fair
- What are your strongest majors and why?
- What do students typically do on the weekends?
- How much help is available from the professors outside the classroom?
- Why should I consider attending this college/university?
- How would you describe the student culture on campus?
By asking these top questions both you and the representative will have a great deal to talk about together! You’ll have a better understanding of the college and their answers will likely cause you to think of something else that piques your curiosity further!