What to ask at a college fair

Tomorrow night is the third in our series of GPS/McCallie college night programs or mini-fairs, if you will.  For seniors, this is perhaps the last opportunity to make a personal connection with the college representative, but for juniors - and this week, sophomores - it is a wonderful chance to discover some colleges they might not know anything about.

But how are you supposed to begin that conversation?  We have some tips for you, starting with don't worry if your questions seem unususal or off-beat; if it's important to you, then it's important to get the answers.  Besides, the reps will probably appreciate hearing something different!  Bottom line: you don't have to talk their ear off; just pick a few questions and jump in there.

• Start off with a firm handshake and say, "Hello, my name is Susan, and I'm a sophomore/junior at Girls Preparatory School."  It seems obvious, I know, but it's important and polite to introduce yourself first.  
• Try not to ask vague questions like "Tell me about your college." Instead, ask something specific like "I really love biology, so can you tell me about your science department?" or "Although I may not major in theater, what opportunities are there for me to get involved in the theater department?"  Another fun option might be "Can you give me some examples of campus traditions?"  Never miss an opportunity to tell them something about yourself.  They might be more likely to remember you if they can associate your name with a particular interest or talent.
• Ask about admission requirements, of course, but you may also want to ask whether decisions are based on numbers (GPA, test scores) or if they really consider activities, recommendations, essays.
• Since this might be your first time in a college fair setting, ask about the college's surrounding area.  If it's in a small town, what do students do on weekends? If it's in a large city, is there much campus spirit?
• Ask for a list of majors that you can take with you and look over later.
• What are classes like? Lecture style or seminar style?  As a freshman, will classes fit how you learn best?
• Go ahead and ask about Greek life, football, tutoring services, career counseling, religious organizations, club sports, whatever you are interested in doing.  Remember, you will have to live there for four years.
• Don't ask what the average class size is.  Instead ask "What is the largest class on campus?" (My guess is it will be something like biology or psychology.) You should also ask what the smallest class (probably in your junior or senior year).  
• Remember the off-beat questions I mentioned? If you want to know about ultimate frisbee or bringing your dog to campus, then ask.  One student I know wanted to make sure there were stacks of old leather bound books in the library, and one student wanted to know if all the buildings were made of the same materials. And in both cases, the answer was yes!

Last but not least, make sure you talk to at least three schools you are are completely unfamiliar with...this is how you often find that hidden gem that is exactly what you are looking for, and they just might need a girl from southeast Tennessee.

There are many more questions you can ask, but start with a few of these, and you might be surprised where the conversation takes you.  See you at 7pm at McCallie tomorrow night.