By Susan Alaimo
Where should students start the information gathering process in their search to find the perfect college? The answer may be very close to home., Hillsborough High School is hosting its 11th annual College Fair this Wednesday, March 22, starting at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from over 120 colleges, universities, technical schools and the military will be hosting tables filled with materials, and will be available to answer individual questions on any college-related topic. Next month, Mercer County Community College will hold a similar fair on Tuesday, April 25th starting at 6 p.m.., On a larger scale, the Meadowlands in Secaucus will host a National College Fair on Wednesday, April 26 (9 a.m. to noon and 5-8 p.m.) and on Thursday, April 27 (9 a.m. to noon). The grand scope of this event provides the opportunity for students to attend workshops on topics including: College Search Process, How to Write a Great College Essay, College Athletics, Performing Arts, Applying to Health Professions, Test Optional Admissions, and Financial Aid and Scholarships., The best news is that admission to all of these fairs is free, so students and parents have the perfect opportunity for “one stop shopping” to gather answers to all of their college-related questions., To make the most of this opportunity, students should do their homework in advance. They should make a list of the colleges in which they are specifically interested, and questions to which they are seeking answers. Then, while talking to each college representative, students should ask for a business card. Once home, students should email the reps of colleges in which they are particularly interested, thanking them for their time and information and expressing interest in their school. This is the basis of establishing a relationship with the college rep, who is often the same person who will be making the decisions as to who is accepted or rejected to the school., Attending a college fair is likewise the perfect opportunity for parents to get answers regarding their concerns – often related to financing a college education., There is nothing like touring the grounds of a college campus and experiencing, first hand, what the school has to offer. But with more than 3,500 colleges in the U.S., and more than 800 colleges within 300 miles of central New Jersey, students should narrow down their search to potential “good fit colleges” before embarking on their road trips. A local college fair can provide the much-needed information to start a productive college search., Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of SAT Smart in Hillsborough that has been offering PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation courses, as well as private tutoring by IVY-League educated instructors, for more than 20 years. Visit www.SATsmart.com.
