College Search: 6 Ways to Make the Most of College Fairs
Whether you’re a high school upperclassman, a community college student looking into transfer opportunities or a concerned parent with visions of money disappearing into the ether, the prospect of college can be frightening.
LCC is hosting College Night on October 19 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Gannon Building. This exciting and informative event will be attended by representatives from more than 45 colleges from four states.
There is a lot of information available at the event. So much so, in fact, that it might seem overwhelming. These 6 tips should help.
College is expensive. Including tuition, fees and room and board, tuition at a 4-year school can range anywhere between $20,000 and $45,000 per year. Ask school representatives about their average tuition costs. It might seem direct, but remember that your academic decision is also a financial decision.
2. Consider a 2-year school
While you’re thinking about costs, study the great opportunities afforded to students who start out at a two-year school. A number of community colleges will be in attendance at College Night, and you can ask reps about what programs their schools offer. LCC’s average in-district tuition cost is $3,545 per year (two semesters) for a full-time student, and most programs feature a transfer-focused track. LCC’s University Center hosts five top MI universities and offers 3+1 and 2+2 transfer programs.
School isn’t just about school, you know. One of the most important aspects of college is meeting people. The friends you make in college will be with you for the rest of your life, so ask about what’s going on at some of these schools. What kind of clubs and student organizations do they have? What’s the town like? You don’t want to go into college expecting a lot of stimulating off-campus options and wind up in a deserted dustbowl.
There are many scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities that you can tap into to finance school. MI Student Aid will have a booth at College Night, and you should also ask school reps about what their school can do to help you with costs. Do they offer FASFA workshops? What scholarships and grants do they offer? You can never be too informed, especially when money is on the table.
5. Make a good impression
Colleges are selective. At College Night, you’re likely meeting some of the people involved in the admissions process. Make a good impression! Introduce yourself to the school reps and tell about yourself. What are your goals? What are you interested in studying? An introduction, a smile and a firm handshake will add a face and a voice to your eventual application materials, helping you to stand out against the crowd.
After you’ve talked to the college representatives, take a few minutes and write them a follow-up note. You’ll have their contact information from recruitment materials. Tell them your name, thank them for the information about their institution and tell them you’re excited to apply. There’s no substitute for the personal touch.
