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