COVID-19 has changed things a lot, some for the better and some maybe less so. One of the things that has changed is how students are selecting a college. Way back in 2019, students would walk up and down rows of college booths inside large gymnasiums collecting brochures and having college reps scan their student barcodes. The 2020-2021 school year has taken that experience online, so you can visit with over 75 schools without leaving your house.
Here are the details regarding the upcoming Virtual College Fair:
Registration: https://gotocollegefairs.swoogo.com/educationquestvcfspring2021
March 2 from 9:00 a.m. CT to Noon CT
March 3 from 5:00 p.m CT to 8:00 p.m. CT
The experience for students will be different this year, but depending on how close you are to graduation, you should focus on some specific things at a college fair. To help you be successful I have outlined some things you should focus on.
SOPHOMORES
It’s important to use your sophomore year to build an idea of what you are looking for in a college. There are thousands of schools out there and you’ll need a way to compare and narrow down your list. But don’t get caught up in that this year. At the Virtual College Fair, you’ll find videos that the colleges have uploaded, watch those videos and take mental notes about what you like and dislike. You’ll also want to take a look at what majors are offered and start figuring out what career is the right fit for you. In this year you are on a mission for information, don’t stress or feel like you need to make a decision.
JUNIORS
The spring session of the Virtual College Fair is primed for you. This is your time to shine! At this point you should focus on one type of college, 2-year or 4-year and public or private. Use the filter option to see what schools match your desire so you don’t get distracted. From there you should start building a list of schools to apply to this fall. Many schools will have virtual meeting rooms you can join to get your questions answered. Any college booth you visit will get your contact information and will likely follow up with you later. This is the best time to get all your questions answered, don’t hesitate to chat, email or call a school.
SENIORS
Last chance, college starts in the fall. You should have applied already and completed your FAFSA. If you are attending the spring fair then you likely have a few loose ends to tie up. Focus on the schools you applied to and write out what questions need answers. The chat rooms for those schools will be the quickest way to find what you are looking for. If you are needing help that isn’t specific to a college, reach out to the EducationQuest office nearest you.
No matter what your goals are at the Virtual College Fair, you should be well equipped to achieve them. Make sure you get registered ahead of the event and be as complete as possible with your profile. There are a lot of people here to help you navigate your path to college, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help.
Check out the other blogs in this series: