Finding Out Information About Your Community College: Visiting Campus and College Fairs

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Go to the College Fair

Community colleges send their recruiters to college fairs, so be sure to look for their booths. A college fair brings together representatives of many colleges so that you can meet them and gather information about several colleges in one convenient place. They're usually held in the fall and spring.

Your high school might host a college fair with other high schools; a local business, civic association, or a college in the area might also host a fair. Students of all ages are welcome to attend, so adults thinking about going back to school should also take advantage of fairs.

You might be tempted to pass by your local community college's booth, thinking that you can always get information about the local school. Instead, plan to make a stop and allow yourself some time to hear what their representatives have to say.

You'll find out more in person than you expected, plus you'll have a contact if you have questions, decide to follow-up with an application, or once you get on campus. Don't underestimate the power of personal contact. In addition, you may be able to speak with a student from the school who is on site to help with recruitment.

Have a few prepared questions, especially if you have a choice of several community colleges in your area:

• What makes this community college special and why should I consider enrolling?
• Are there any special programs or services that I should know about that will make my transition to college easier?
• Are there special programs, such as honors classes, cooperative education experiences, internships, or study-abroad opportunities, that might make this experience more rewarding than I anticipate?
• What percentages of students are enrolled in transfer programs versus vocational/technical programs?
• How would you describe the campus environment?
• Tell me about the types of students who go to college here.
• How much will it cost to attend? What will my savings be over an in- or out-of-state four-year institution?

Can't make the fair? Recruiters also make presentations at high schools, local organizations, churches, and other community locations, so just because you missed the fall or spring college fair doesn't mean you've missed the opportunity to hear about the college.

See the College Campus With Your Own Eyes

Seeing and hearing about a community college in person is the best way to decide whether or not it's right for you.

Try to visit the campus during the time you think you'll be attending classes. If you'll be a day student, visit during the week while classes are in session. If you'll be an evening student, make a visit at night to see if you feel safe and comfortable getting to the campus and on campus, especially if you are a woman. Get a feel for the degree of on-campus activity, and see what offices and services will still be open and available for evening students.