Counseling Corner: Addison Trail Guidance Department to host 4th annual Evening College Fair

The 4th annual Addison Trail Evening College Fair is rapidly approaching.

The fair will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on April 16. More than 120 schools have signed up to be in attendance, and more are expected to join. The fair is open to all District 88 students, parents/guardians and staff, as well as students and parents/guardians from surrounding high schools. The evening will begin with a presentation called “How to Make College a Reality” at 6 p.m. in the Blazer room. Representatives from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will give that presentation.

Below are helpful pointers for students and parents/guardians while attending the fair.

At the fair:

  • When you approach a representative, introduce yourself.
  • Ask questions! (See below for a sample list of questions.)
  • Get the contact information of the representative if you are interested in attending the school. Follow up with him or her with an e-mail after the fair.
  • Speak up. College fairs can be loud, and you want the representative to be able to hear you.

After the fair:

  • Go through the materials you received from the schools and any notes you might have taken.
  • Research the colleges/universities that interest you to learn more!

Here are some general questions to ask the college/university representatives at the fair:

  1. What are your most popular programs/majors? Does your school offer __________________ (your desired major)?
  2. What’s special about the campus? What makes it different from other colleges/universities?
  3. Tell me about the town where the school is located. Where is the biggest city?
  4. What kind of financial aid do you offer, and what do I need to do to be considered?
  5. Do you offer merit scholarships? If so, what are the requirements and how can I be considered?
  6. Do you have an honors program? Can you tell me about it?
  7. What are your admission requirements? How important are SAT/ACT scores?
  8. When is the best time to visit the campus? How would I make arrangements?

If you have any questions regarding the College Fair, call the Addison Trail Guidance Department at 630-628-3318.