College Fair
Day 1 in the Computer Lab
This is your time to get introductory information regarding your college. Use your time and your group mates wisely. Don't just let one person do all of the searching while everyone else just sits and stares. Make sure all of your information is coming from one of three websites: the school website or collegeboard.org. Here are some items that you should be finding today:
Remember, the more information you find, the better your presentation will be. Be sure to keep your College Fair instruction handout available because it will tell you everything you need to know. SAVE ALL OF YOUR WORK!
- You need to give me a final copy of your college fair letter. Please be sure to sign your essay in pen. If you had to make major changes from your rough draft, then please have me check it before you print it out. Email a copy of the letter to the person and cc it to me . My email address is on you sample letter.
- You need to address you envelope. Your address goes in the top left hand corner of the envelope. The college address goes in the middle. Please be sure to write the correct name of the college. For example, it is California State University, San Bernardino, not University of San Bernardino. Example here
- Introductory information like location, mascot, school colors, number of students, athletics division, SAT/ACT and GPA info. Start researching cost, financial aid, bragging points, and alumni information. A really good place to check to see how alumni do when they graduate is on the alumni website. There is usually a link to their alumni magazine.
- On the Sophomore Blog, please list everything you have accomplished for the day. This will be how I assign your points for each day. Please list the group member who accomplished each task.
Remember, the more information you find, the better your presentation will be. Be sure to keep your College Fair instruction handout available because it will tell you everything you need to know. SAVE ALL OF YOUR WORK!
Day 2 in the Library
Below is a list of questions that you should be able to answer during the college fair. Read through your school's website to find answers to these questions. Remember that your task is not to simply hunt for information. You need to immerse yourself in the school as much as possible to become a real expert. Thoroughly read the website and take Cornell Notes when you find information that can help you answer questions. I would advise that each group member take charge of a chuck of questions to research, but remember that you will all need to know the information. Be prepared to teach your group members what you learned when we meet next.
College Fair Questions (from mycollegecalendar.org)
- Suggested questions to ask college representatives -
GENERAL
What kinds of students is your college looking for?
What is your college known for?
What are the main things students at your college really like about your school?
What is the area surrounding the campus like?
ADMISSIONS
What qualities should high school students have to get accepted to your college?
Does your college consider student qualifications beyond grades and SAT scores?
Do you offer Early Decision or Early Action applications?
ACADEMIC
What are the most popular majors?
What support is provided to students to help them decide on a major?
In the classroom, are students helpful to one another or are they harshly competitive?
Are there opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research?
FINANCIAL AID
What is the cost of attendance?
What percentage of students receive financial aid?
What percentage of financial aid is composed of scholarships and grants?
Does your college offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships?
HOUSING
Is housing guaranteed for students all 4 years?
What type of housing is available?
CAMPUS/SOCIAL
What organizations and activities are available for students?
What support programs are available to students?
Are the sports facilities modern and available for all students to use?
What kind of intramural and club sports are available?
What do students do off campus? What do students do on weekends?
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION
How accessible and helpful are professors outside the classroom?
Do professors or graduate teaching assistants teach the freshman level courses?
INTERNSHIPS/JOBS
What career services are offered by your college?
Does the college help students find internships and jobs?
SPECIAL INTEREST
Other questions specific to your interests
College Fair Questions (from mycollegecalendar.org)
- Suggested questions to ask college representatives -
GENERAL
What kinds of students is your college looking for?
What is your college known for?
What are the main things students at your college really like about your school?
What is the area surrounding the campus like?
ADMISSIONS
What qualities should high school students have to get accepted to your college?
Does your college consider student qualifications beyond grades and SAT scores?
Do you offer Early Decision or Early Action applications?
ACADEMIC
What are the most popular majors?
What support is provided to students to help them decide on a major?
In the classroom, are students helpful to one another or are they harshly competitive?
Are there opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research?
FINANCIAL AID
What is the cost of attendance?
What percentage of students receive financial aid?
What percentage of financial aid is composed of scholarships and grants?
Does your college offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships?
HOUSING
Is housing guaranteed for students all 4 years?
What type of housing is available?
CAMPUS/SOCIAL
What organizations and activities are available for students?
What support programs are available to students?
Are the sports facilities modern and available for all students to use?
What kind of intramural and club sports are available?
What do students do off campus? What do students do on weekends?
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION
How accessible and helpful are professors outside the classroom?
Do professors or graduate teaching assistants teach the freshman level courses?
INTERNSHIPS/JOBS
What career services are offered by your college?
Does the college help students find internships and jobs?
SPECIAL INTEREST
Other questions specific to your interests