The National College Fair: Coming soon to a city near you
The National College Fair will be making stops in several California locations in April. The fairs, generally held in the spring and fall, are free and a great opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors and their parents to get an early look at college choices.
In addition to exhibits featuring many, many colleges, there will also be workshops on finding the right college, financial aid and college admission tests.
I’m including links for more information on the fairs planned in California. I’m also including a link to find dates and locations of other fairs around the country. You can find general information, answers to frequently asked questions and a newsletter with a list of schools attending the fair.
Be sure to find out if your child’s high school is organizing a field trip to the fair. At the end of this post, I’m including tips from the college fair site to help make the most out of your visit.
Here are the dates in California:
San Francisco - April 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Concourse Exhibition Center.
San Diego - April 14 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center.
Inland Empire - April 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ontario Convention Center.
Orange County - April 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Greater Los Angeles - April 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and April 21 from
9:00 a.m. to noon at the Pasadena Conference Center.
Ventura/Tri-County - April 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Seaside Park.
For information on other fairs around the country, go to nacacnet.org.
TIPS FOR ATTENDING A NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR Before the Fair Answer the following questions to help you determine what kind of school would best suit you:• Do you want to attend a two- or four-year institution? Co-ed or single sex?
• What size school do you want to attend?
• What programs of study are you considering?
• How far from home do you want to go?
• Do you wish to participate in any specific extra-curricular activities or athletics?
• Do you want to attend a school in an urban, suburban or rural environment?
• Do you require any special services (i.e. tutoring, note takers, readers, TDD or interpreters)?
1. Discuss your college plans with your guidance counselor, family, teachers and friends.
2. Research your colleges of interest on the Internet and in your guidance office/library.
3. Check dates and registration deadlines for college entrance examinations. At the Fair 1. Pick up a bag and a fair directory.
2. Visit with colleges and universities which you feel meet your criteria.
3. Talk with a college counselor at the Counseling Center if you have any questions or need help with your college search.
4. Attend an information session.
