What should I expect at the College of DuPage Transfer Fair?

Has anyone attended the transfer fair at the College of DuPage? I'm considering going to get information on transferring to a four-year school. What kind of colleges usually show up, and how should I prepare?

Attendees at transfer fairs typically range from large public universities to smaller private colleges, both from in-state and out-of-state. There's likely to be a mix of schools, but it could be helpful to check the College of DuPage's website or reach out to their student services to see if they've posted a list of attending schools.

As to how you should prepare, here are some tips:

1. Determine Your Interests: Before attending the fair, think about what you want from your four-year institution and write down a list of criteria that are important to you. This could include things like location, major offerings, size of the school, campus life, financial aid opportunities, etc.

2. Make a List of Questions: Prepare specific questions based on these criteria. For instance, if you're interested in a particular major or program, ask about potential course loads, experiential learning opportunities, and faculty-to-student ratio in that department.

3. Research Institutions: If you are particularly interested in certain universities, do some preliminary research on them before you go. This will allow you to come equipped with specific questions about their programs, and demonstrate your interest.

4. Dress Appropriately: While there's no need for formal attire, it is a good idea to dress neatly to make a good impression.

5. Bring a Folder and Pen: There will be a lot of handouts and business cards exchanged. Having a folder would allow you to organize all the information you gather, and a pen would be useful for jotting down notes.

6. Arrive Early: The fair can get crowded. By arriving early, you will have more time to interact with university representatives before the fair becomes too busy.

7. Follow-Up: If you had a great conversation with a representative, make sure to ask for their contact details and send a polite thank-you email afterward. They can be useful contacts for any questions that come up later in your transfer process.

Remember, the objective of a transfer fair is to help you gather information and make connections, so go in with an open mind and take advantage of the resources available. Good luck!