Calling high school juniors and parents! Just like the cheerful daffodils popping up in early spring, college representatives are on their way to a college fair near you.
Think of this time as start to your college journey. In addition to the fun meet-and-greets, there is a lot more that students can do with the information gathered on fair day. Each of the following 10 tips describes an action step to help you make the most out of your early college exploration:
1. Hold onto the names of any college representatives you may have chatted with at the fair. Some might end up reading your application or interviewing you a few months later.
2. Organize college fact sheets, brochures, screen shots, etc. in a file box or digital file.
3. Begin to give more thought to the type of school or program that is the best fit for you. Do you want a solid foundation in the liberal arts or something more pre-professional such as business, engineering or education?
4. Start the college affordability conversation with a parent or trusted advisor. College is expensive, so understand what is financially within reach for you and your family.
5. After signing in at any of the college tables you visited, you will now be on the schools' mailing lists. Remember to stay in touch and
sign up for future webinars; student panels; admission events.
6. Think about geography.. Even if the very thought of flip-flops and blue skies makes your heart sing, consider what kind of distance and travel is truly realistic for you and your family when it comes to choosing colleges.
7. Check back with colleges to see when you might be able to plan for in-person tours.
8. Note the admission requirements and application timelines of schools on your radar.
9. For the latest campus updates, consider following colleges of interest through social media channels.
10. Sign into your SCOIR or Naviance account to learn even more about the schools that interest you!
😊 Enjoy your college search and consider the many good fit options out there!! 😊
Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized guidance to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and NACAC and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com
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