How to prepare for the college fair

Choosing which colleges to apply to is one of the most stressful parts of the application process for many high school students. It can be overwhelming to figure out what you want to do with your life, and where you want to start doing it. But don't worry: there are many ways to start narrowing down your list.

One such opportunity is the Montgomery County NACAC National College fair on April 18 and April 19. The fair is open to all interested students from Montgomery County high schools and will occur at the Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse in Boyds, MD.

Before going to the college fair, consider taking these steps to prepare: 

Do your research 

Although there will be plenty of information available at the college fair, it’s easy to get a headstart online. Before you start searching for colleges, however, think about what your ideal school would be like. Keep in mind things such as location, cost, size and programs when doing your research, and learn more about colleges that fit your preferences. Make a list of these colleges, and see which ones are going to the college fair. 

Ask questions

The internet will answer most of your questions, but sometimes it’s better to talk to a real person. At every stand, there will be a representative (usually an admissions officer) from the college. Ask this person any questions you have about the school that you haven’t already answered through web surfing. 

Talk with your counselor

School counselors can offer valuable and personalized advice to you about the process of applying to college. They can help you choose classes to better appeal to colleges, inform you of scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and answer any of your questions. In addition to your counselor,the college and career counselor, Ms. Delos Reyes, is also a great resource. 

What to bring

Two of the most important things you can bring to the college fair are a bag and a water bottle. The bag will hold any flyers, graphics or other items college representatives are handing out. The water bottle is to stay hydrated since the fairgrounds may be crowded and hot, and you will likely be talking with college representatives for much of the time.

To learn more about the NACAC Montgomery County College Fair, visit their website here.