How do you make connections at a college fair with the admission directors?
I'm a rising senior and I'll be attending a college fair soon. I hope to attend Northeastern or Johns Hopkins and I want to leave a lasting impression on the admission officers that will be at the fair representing the schools. What types of questions should I ask and how do I follow up after the college fair? #college #pharmaceuticals
4 answers
Jayavignesh’s Answer
Ken Simmons' suggestion of talking with alumni, especially those that graduated with your intended major is a good way to do some research before talking to admissions people. You'll want to have at least 3 topics/questions of interest to discuss with the recruiters so you can have a decent length conversation that will be memorable. If you have a good conversation, the follow up "Thank You" card will be very helpful. Types of questions can include recent developments for the school as a whole, if the person specializes in recruiting for a particular type of degree (STEM, Humanities, Arts) you can ask about recent news from those sectors of the school that you've read about on the homepage and in general research.
Just remember, you have to sell yourself as someone that will fit in at the school and department, do well in your course of study, and enjoy your time at the University so that you will stay as long as possible to give them the most money and be a happy alumni that sends regular donations! But just as you must fit the school, the school must fit you!
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
Just be personable, friendly, and talk with them about your passions and interests!
Ken’s Answer
Hi Dilyara!
Here are some helpful comments:
http://www.nextstepu.com/5-ways-to-make-a-great-impression.art#.V4OMQPkrLtQ
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-hansen-shaevitz/hey-guys-lets-go-to-a-col_b_4752801.html
http://www.westerville.k12.oh.us/docs/MAKING%20THE%20MOST%20OF%20A%20COLLEGE%20FAIR-0.pdf
Also, another thing to do is to send a hand written thank note to the person(s) you spoke to at his/her college address, so that he/she is reminded of you and your thoughtfulness upon his/her return to school. You can use a simple fold over thank you card that you can buy at a drug store. Thank him/her for speaking with you and make a few comments about why you think that you would be a good match for your school. Not many people will send thank you notes - especially hand written ones - so you will definitely stand out and be remembered. Make sure that you have hie/her name and address spelled correctly.
Best of luck@ Please keep me informed. I would like to follow your progress.
Raven’s Answer
Hey Dilyara!
The best way to make connections is to first build a repoar with the admission directors, never be afaird to ask the questions that you really need/want answers too. A college fair is the time to really put yourself out there and make yourself know to the schools you are interested in and make them interested in you. The conversations don't just have to be based around college but you aspirations as well: Why this college? Your plans and dreams, what you want to do with your degree or major of choice. Find similarities between you guys. Remember although it can be nerve recking and intimidating trying to appeal to your dream school ALWAYS be YOURSELF and allow your personality to shine through. That's what makes memorable people. Always, always, always ask for contact information so that you can follow up with them and grow the connection also use that as a networking tool. Do your research on their background so you're not blind going into it. Breath, relax and kick butt!! I'll be following your journey so please keep me up to speed! You got this!!