Event Gets Bigger, Better

Atlanta national College Fair continues to grow, attracting more exhibitors and more students looking for information, according to organizers. This year, already about 225 colleges and universities from 34 states will be on hand to meet potential students as the Georgia potential students at the Georgia International Convention Center on February 11. Last year, 200 schools participated.

As many as 6,000 high school students and their parents are convenience of collecting information about so many institutions in one place. They get students from as far away as Valdosta Georgia, a three to four hour drive, and Albany that also drive up for the event. Sandra Patterson chairs the event, which is sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

The fair is like a giant trade show, but the exhibitors offering information on colleges and universities rather than new products. Students can meet admissions representatives face-t0-face and get the kind of details they might not find in a brochure or on the college's Web site. For example: What kinds of campus jobs are open to freshman? Can non-music majors join the jazz band? What's life like in a particular college town? Attendees can ask those sorts of questions --and more-- at the fair.

In addition, several 45 minute information sessions will focus on topics such as financing an education, choosing a major and preparing for college entrance exams. This year, the schedule includes a seminar on preparing for college for home-schooled students and a session on admissions and financial aid presented in Spanish. With so much information under a single roof, it's easy for visitors to get overwhelmed by the event. That's why Patterson suggests students do some prep work before they go.

At the very least, spend some time in discussing what kind of programs of study you're interested in. Before attending the fair, look at the list of attendees and do a little research so you'll have a list of several schools you're seriously interested in checking out. It helps to prepare a list of questions about each school. If you're not sure what to ask, download the College Fair Checklist from the NACAC Web site, www.nacacnet.org, and look at the suggested questions.

Parents who plan to attend the event with their teens should also have a plan. many families find the divide and conquer strategy works well. Parents can attend the information sessions while students meet with admissions reps. Or the student can concentrate on top-choice schools, while a parent picks up information you are seeking.

The free event will be from noon to 4 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center.