College Fairs Basics:

1. College Fairs Basics: Representing AU Enthusiastically and Effectively alumniassociation.american.edu/admissionsvols Then, click on Resources to access PPT

2. 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

3. 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

4. NACAC Fairs vs. Local Fairs NACAC 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 • 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.

5. How are College Fairs Organized? 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 • Most fairs are set up browsing style • They last about 2 to 3 hours

6. Class of 2018 profile • Average GPA - 3.78 • Average SAT score of 1270 (on a 1600 scale). • From 49 states (including D.C.) and from 40 different countries. • Include 46 U.S. Global Nomad freshmen (U.S. citizens living abroad) who represent 18 countries of residence.

7. Class of 2018 profile • Almost 28% are from the South and West • More than 11% are first generation students • Almost 31% self-identify as a minority • 7% African American • 10% Asian • 12% Hispanic

8. FAQs • Do I apply directly to a particular school at AU? • Do you have a required curriculum? • How do students apply for University Honors program?

9. 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?

10. What if you don’t know the answer?

11. Prep for Local Fairs • Review recruitment materials and information about the event • If the materials have not been received at least three days prior to the event, contact Sarah Martone at 202-885-6606 or smartone@american.edu • Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you may set up the display table or meet the AU staff member

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. College Fair Follow up LOCAL: • Email smartone@american.edu with the estimated number of students you engaged. • Scan and email completed inquiry cards as soon as possible to smartone@american.edu • Return AU cloth banner and extra materials as soon as possible to smartone@american.edu NACAC: • Email smartone@american.edu with the estimated number of students you engaged.

16. Questions?

17. You’re helping to attract top students to AU!