Facts about the fair
When: Feb. 10, noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Building C
Admission: Free
Getting there: Take MARTA to the Five Points or Dome/GWCC/Philips/CNN stations. The GWCC operates six surface parking lots and two parking decks.
Information: www.nacacnet.org.
One of the most important, and admittedly stressful, decisions in a young student’s life is where to go college. The vast array of choices — and expenses they bring — can present a daunting challenge for anyone, much less families who are facing the choice for the first time.
The first step to finding the best college fit is to start early. That’s why even families of middle school students are encouraged to attend the Atlanta National College Fair, scheduled for the Georgia World Congress Center on Feb. 10. The free event is part of a nationwide college fair circuit that attracts representatives from more than 240 colleges and universities. With more than 7,000 prospective students and their families expected to attend, it’s the largest college fair in the state.
"This is a great opportunity — especially for freshmen, sophomores and even middle school students — to meet with colleges they may not meet with otherwise," said Chad Bryant associate director of recruitment and admissions at Georgia Perimeter College and chairperson of the fair committee. "Being there can put a student on the radar of these colleges very early, so they can start communicating with them. And you don't have to drive or fly to the institution to do that."
Along with making immediate connections with college reps, students and parents can sit down with a counselor and get answers to specific questions. Nancy Beane, a college counselor at The Westiminster Schools in Atlanta, is one of the local experts who have recruited about 50 colleagues to field queries.
“There are families who are very sophisticated about making sure their child has opportunities to learn about college, and some families don’t have a clue,” said Beane, who has been part of the fair for several years. “This event gives us a chance to answer questions kids have about colleges or majors. And it’s a totally nonthreatening thing; it’s not stressful like a college interview. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
The fair will include two dozen workshops on various topics. One of the most popular is about financial aid, but others address planning for college and writing application essays. The Georgia Student Finance Commission officials will be on hand, and representatives from the College Board will pass out SAT test preparation materials.
Between the workshops and getting information at all the college booths, Bryant warns that the four hours of the fair will fly by.
“They can save time by registering online, then the day of the fair, they can get a program that lists where the colleges are and make a list of where they are,” he said. “Four hours is not a lot of time, so it’s best to plan how you’re going to fit it all in .”
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