Tips for attending a transfer college fair at CLC?

I'm thinking about transferring from College of Lake County (CLC) and saw there's a transfer college fair coming up. What should I prepare before attending, and any tips to make the most of it?

Before attending the transfer college fair, make sure you've done preliminary research on the colleges or programs you’re interested in. Know your GPA, major of interest, and any questions you have about the programs. Make a list of institutions that you’re looking into, so that you can directly approach their representatives.

While attending, there are a few tips that might help you make the most of it. Dress in a neat and presentable way, just like you would for an interview. Arrive early to avoid rush and to have ample time to interact with the representatives.

Use the fair as an opportunity to not only gather information but also to make a good first impression. Practice your elevator pitch—a brief introduction about who you are, your academic background, and why you're interested in the particular school or program. This can help generate a constructive and informative conversation.

Ask thoughtful questions that aren't easily answered on the college's website. These can revolve around specialized programs related to your major, experiential learning opportunities, student support system, or anything that you're curious about. Remember, colleges are trying to attract you too, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Collect business cards or contact information of representatives that you speak with. This allows you to reach out to them later for further discussions or queries.

Take notes of key information or follow up points during your interaction. After the fair, send a thank you note to the representatives you interacted with, recapping any distinctive part of your discussion and expressing your continued interest.

Remember, the objective of attending such a fair is not only to collect brochures or handouts, but also to build relationships and gain in-depth information about your potential futures at different colleges. Make the most of this opportunity. Best of luck!