Why Attend College Fairs

Like a job fair, a college fair is a collection of different colleges that have a table or booth and present information about their school. They are a great place to learn more about specific colleges you may be interested in. Typically, they will have hand-outs, presentations, and representatives that can answer any questions you have about that particular institute.
With a number of schools all located in one place, chock-full of helpful information, it seems like a no-brainer that high school students should attend—but many don’t.
Attending a college fair is an important step in the college search process for many reasons: making connections with college representatives, discovering a new institution and typically shorter travel than visiting most colleges. There are other, less obvious, benefits as well: college fairs provide a wonderful opportunity to seek advice about not only a particular institution, but also to learn about actions that can be taken now to better prepare for college.
Things To Know Before You Go
- Which colleges are attending? Create a list of colleges to visit in order of priority. Be sure to discuss your ideas with your parents and counselor.
- What will you ask? Prepare questions that can't be answered by doing your own research on the college website.
- Will badge scanners be used? If not, bring self-stick labels with your name, contact information, high school name, and major interest.
- What's your plan? Get a map of the fair layout. Plan to visit your top priority colleges first. If a parent is going with you, plan how you will coordinate your time.
- What will you bring? Bring a backpack or tote bag to hold any materials you plan to pick up, a small notebook containing your list of questions, and a pen to write down the answers or other notes.
Once You’re At The Fair
- Talk to the reps of high priority colleges and get the Rep’s business card
- Allow time for browsing colleges. You might be missing a gem.
- Attend an informational session if offered. Many fairs offer seminars on financial aid, athletic admissions, and SAT and ACT testing.
- Remember, there is no such thing as too much information.
After The Fair
Take time to process what you learned.
- Did some colleges strike you more favorably than others? Why?
- Did you uncover some new colleges to consider? Which ones?
All in all, college fairs can be a great way to solidify your choices or discover new ones. It never hurts to go and visit, even just to take a peek at what all is offered there.
You can find Morrison Tech at these college fairs.
September
24 Dowling Catholic; Des Moines, IA; 11:20 AM – 1:20 PM
24 Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg, IL: 6 PM – 7:30 PM
25 Marshalltown Community College; Marshalltown, IA: 9 AM – 11 AM
26 Hancock County, Hamilton, IL: 6 pm – 7:30 PM
27 Blackhawk Community College; Moline, IL; 5 PM – 6:30 PM
October
1 Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL: 6 PM – 8 PM
2 Chicago Vocational High School, Chicago, IL; 12PM – 1:30 PM
2 Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL: 6:30 PM – 8 PM
3 Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL: 6 PM – 8 PM
4 McHenry Community College, Crystal Lake, IL: 6:30 PM - 8 PM
8 St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
9 Decatur College and Career Fair, Decatur, IL; 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
9 Southeastern Community College, West Burlington, IA; 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
10 Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, IA: 1 PM -2:30 PM
10 District 211 – Palatine High School, Palatine, IL: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
17 Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL; 5:30 PM – 7 PM
17 Quincy Area, Quincy, IL; 6 PM – 7:30 PM
18 College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL: 6 PM – 8 PM
22 Homewood- Flossmoor High School, Homewood, IL; 6:30 PM – 8 PM
23 Southern Illinois – Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL; 6 PM – 7:30 PM
23 Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, IL; 6:30 PM – 8 PM
24 District 218, Oak Lawn, IL; 4 PM – 6 PM
24 Morton College, Cicero, IL; 6 PM – 8 PM