Before you step into your very first college fair, there are a few things that you can do to prepare for a successful experience.  Here are a few questions to ask yourself before attending the fair:

• Do you want to attend a two- or four-year institution?
• What size school do you want to attend?
• What programs of study are you considering?
• How far from home do you want to go?
• Do you wish to participate in any specific extra-curricular activities or athletics?
• Do you want to attend a school in an urban, suburban or rural environment?
• Do you require any special services (i.e. tutoring, note takers, readers, TDD or interpreters)?

Ask for help and do your homework:

• Discuss your college plans with your guidance counselor, family, teachers and friends.
• Research your colleges of interest on the Internet and in your guidance office/library.
• Check dates and registration deadlines for college entrance examinations.
• See if pre-registration is available at the college fair near you. Register before heading to the fair!

After you have prepared and know what you are looking for in your college experience, it is time to go to the college fair.  While at the fair you should:

• Pick up a bag and a fair directory.
• Visit with colleges and universities which you feel meet your criteria.
• Talk with a college counselor at the Counseling Center if you have any questions or need help with your college search.
• If available, attend an information session.

Once you are home, go through all the materials that you have gathered from the institutions that you are interested in attending.  Review the admission requirements and meet with your high school counselor to help plan ways to achieve admittance into your top schools.

Oregon State University will be attending the following Regional College Fair in March:

Boise, ID PNACAC Fair

Check out where Oregon State University will be next.

Thanks for reading the blog!
-CYN