1. Junior College Prep
2/8/18

2. Resources for Finding Colleges

3. Academic Common Market
Link

4. Colleges with Automatic/ Guaranteed Admissions
Link

5. College Fairs

6. College Fairs Baltimore STEM College and Career Fair - March 22, 2018
Montgomery County National College Fair - April 10 to 11, 2018
Prince George's County National College Fair - April 13, 2018
Click the links above to see a list of participating schools, fair details, and to register (registration is free).
The Salisbury School College Fair will be on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 2:30- 3:30.

7. Before the College Fair
Research colleges that are attending the fair to determine if they meet your search criteria.
Make a list of colleges you want to talk to.
Make a list of questions to ask college representatives. Try to select questions that are insightful and aren’t easily answered by looking at the website.

8. At the College Fair
Pick up a list of colleges/map if available and a bag for the materials you collect.
Visit schools that fit or are the closest match to your search criteria.
Ask the same questions you have developed to each college representative you visit.
Make sure you fill out an inquiry card to let the college know you were in attendance. This will enable you to get on their mailing list. It will also put you in their system (demonstrated interest).
Make notes about information which you found most interesting/helpful and transfer to college planning spreadsheet.
Be adventurous. Don’t just talk to the “well known” schools.

9. After the College Fair
Review information (catalogs and view books) to gather more information and help narrow down your choices.
Send a thank you note/ to the college representative as a way to reinforce your interest in the school.

10. College Visits

11. Why Visit?
Visiting a campus is the best way to see if it is a good fit for you.
When you visit, you learn about what you like and what you don’t like and that will help you narrow down your options.
If possible, try to visit colleges before you apply.

12. Planning for the Visit
Look at the Admissions website to see what visit options are available (week day tours, open houses, overnight visits). Admissions offices are open all year, but visiting when classes are in session is best.
Register for a visit with an information session. Try to register at least a week before.
If there is anything specific you want to see, ask ahead of time (class, coach, professor).
Get directions to the admissions office.
Make a list of questions to ask college representatives. Try to select questions that are insightful and aren’t easily answered by looking at the website.
Buy a notebook to jot down notes in.
If you need to reschedule or cancel, call ASAP.

13. Questions to Ask Questions to Ask During a College Visit
College Information Sheet

14. During the Visit Introduce yourself to your admissions counselor.
Make good eye contact
Smile
Shake his/her hand
Clearly introduce yourself and tell him/her where you are from
Ask any questions you have
Thank him/her for their time

15. During the Visit
Take notes throughout the visit. Your notes will be a valuable reference tool when comparing colleges later.
Keep track of all names of people you talk with, especially in the admissions office.
Talk to as many people as you can: students, dining hall workers, tour guides, faculty, admissions representative
Look at the campus newspaper and check out campus bulletin boards.
Wander through common areas and observe how students interact with each other.

16. During the Visit
Visit the dining hall, fitness center, library, career center, bookstore and other campus facilities if they are not already included on the tour.
Try the food in the dining hall.
Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus.
Don’t jump to a conclusion about a school based solely on your experience with a tour guide, the weather, or other uncontrollable circumstances.

17. After the Visit
Write down your thoughts immediately after your visit is over.
Write thank you notes to people that spent time with you one-on-one (Admissions Representative, Coach, Professor, Student, etc.)

18. How to Dress A good rule of thumb is to follow the school dress code.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you will be walking a lot.
Check the weather and dress appropriately.
Pack lightly. You won’t want to carry around a ton of stuff on your tour.
Do not wear apparel from another school.

19. What Not To Do Don’t ask inappropriate questions.
Don’t get distracted by your phone or friends. Be in the moment.
Don’t let your parents do all the talking.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Don’t be negative.

20. Action Items Research visit options at schools that interest you
Talk to your parents about scheduling visits
Come up with your own list of questions