College Fairs Basics:Representing AU

Enthusiastically and Effectively

alumniassociation.american.edu/admissionsvols

Then, click on Resources to access PPT

What are College Fairs?

Opportunities for students to:– Gather

information/brochures– Ask general questions – Complete a card to be added

to mailing lists– Learn about a variety of

universities– Meet admissions staff and/or

volunteer representatives

Fair Characteristics• Held in the fall and spring• They may include 20 to 200 universities• Brief questions should be expected• Most are held in high school gyms or convention

centers• They are informal, and students and their families

move from table to table to get information • You can refer students to the appropriate campus

office and/or their website if you are unsure of an answer

Advise students to use www.american.edu as a resource

NACAC Fairs vs. Local FairsNACAC

• They are typically held in convention centers

• They are sponsored by the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC)

• There will be an AU admissions rep in attendance at these fairs

• AU admissions provides brochures, etc.

Local• They are typically held in

high school gymnasiums or cafeterias

• Many are sponsored by High Schools, Parent Teacher Associations, or area colleges

• You will serve as the AU representative and set-up table

• AU brochures, etc. are mailed to you by Pat Rabb

How are College Fairs Organized?

• Most fairs are set up browsing style

• They last about 2 to 3 hours

Preparing for a College Fair

• Before going, review the recruitment materials that were sent to you

• You may also wish to look at online resources for Alumni Admission Volunteers

• Confirm the date and time• Print directions or take GPS• If, for any reason, you are

not on the list, show organizers the material you have and ask if they can accommodate you

Class of 2017 profile• Approximately 1,630 students• Average GPA - 3.74 • Average SAT score of 1256

(on a 1600 scale). • From 46 states (including

D.C.) and from 54 different countries.

• Include 50 U.S. Global Nomad freshmen (U.S. citizens living abroad) who represent 40 countries of residence.

Class of 2017 profile• Almost 30% are from

the South and West• More than 10% are first

generation students• Almost 30% self-

identify as a minority – 8% African American– 9% Asian– 11% Hispanic

FAQs

• What is the middle 50% range for GPA and SAT/ACT?

• Do I apply directly to a particular school at AU?

• Do you have a required curriculum?

• How do students apply for University Honors program?

FAQs

• What is the average financial aid

package?

• Is housing guaranteed for freshmen?

• What is the Early Decision plan?

• What is the Test Optional program?

What if you don’t know the answer?

Prep for Local Fairs

• Review recruitment materials and information about the event

• Attend this training class or complete self-paced via YouTube

• If the materials have not been received at least three days prior to the event, contact Pat Rabb at 202-885-3413 or rabb@american.edu

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you may set up the display table or meet the AU staff member

Prep for NACAC Fairs

• Review recruitment materials and information about the event

• Attend this training class or complete self-paced via YouTube

• For NACAC fairs, the recruitment materials will be provided by Admissions

• Arrive about15 minutes early to meet the AU staff member and assist as needed

Web Resources • Link to Alumni Admissions Volunteers online

resources: alumniassociation.american.edu/admissionsvols• Virtual Tour: www.american.edu/discoverau/• Copy of this PPT and the YouTube recording

under Resources at: alumniassociation.american.edu/admissionsvols

Event Guidelines• Attire and conversation for

these events is professional • Please silence your cell

phone during the event• Wait for students and

parents to approach your table

• Do not imply a guarantee of admission to any student regardless of his/her credentials

• Do not compare AU with other higher education institutions

• Do not distribute anything other than the information provided

• Should you run out of inquiry cards, record the student’s name, address, phone number, HS, and year of graduation on a sheet of paper and return it with the other inquiry cards

• Leave a packet of materials on your table at the end of the event

College Fair Follow upLOCAL:• Email rabb@american.edu with the

estimated number of students you engaged.• Scan and email completed inquiry cards as

soon as possible to rabb@american.edu • Return AU cloth banner and extra materials as

soon as possible to rabb@american.edu

NACAC:• Email rabb@american.edu with the

estimated number of students you engaged.

 

You’re helping to attract top students to AU!