I remember when I was in elementary school and my parents and I would go on long visits across Chicago to look at high schools. I was so shocked to see just how many different high schools I could go to. We looked at everything, including  Chicago Public Schools  private high schools, even some fine arts high schools.

The bottom line: there were a lot of different options to choose from. In the end, I obviously choose Regina and the rest is history.

Most freshman, sophomores, and  maybe even a few  juniors  might not even be thinking about college right now.  Especially freshman because for you, you just came out of looking at tons of high schools and can’t even think about college. Yet, I can not stress enough, please START LOOKING NOW!

We are very lucky that Regina offers an annual College Fair. It is really hard to actually go to every possible college especially if they are out of state, and sometimes their websites don’t have the information you are looking for.

Regina Dominican, every year in March, offers a College Fair.  One day every year, over a 100 colleges come to Regina to showcase their college or university and answer any question. The fair allows students time to talk with each college and get information.

This is extremely helpful. Even if you already have an idea of where you might be going, it helps to still take a look around. There are nearly 3,000 colleges in the United States, so don’t limit yourself to looking.

With over 100 different universities and colleges from all over the country attending the college fair,  there is plenty to see and many representatives that you could talk to.

During my freshman and sophomore year, I really didn’t care too much about college fair. I saw this as time when classes were shortened and I could just walk around and hang with my friends.

I am now a junior and I ask you to please don’t do what I did. Every bit of information helps, especially if you are an indecisive person like me; then please start looking as soon as possible. Although  college fair has passed, attending future college fairs or even thinking about college still applies for the rest of high school and when visiting colleges in the future.

Talking to a representative of a college is very important. Not only are you getting information about the college, but you get to see what some of the personalities might be at that college. However, if you have a bad experience with a representative don’t let the deter you. On top of this, for juniors and even seniors, first impressions very important. Be interested, kind and courteous when talking with the representatives.  These are the same people who might just put in a good word for you – so, don’t be afraid to give them your name, especially if you are interested in their school.

On each of the tables, are pamphlets, fact sheets, and information about the school…take them. They are very important. I have the worst possible memory and I can ask representatives all of my questions, but I never remember their responses. Sometimes those pamphlets have the answers. Also it’s very courteous to take one; it shows your interest. Take notes. It’s not lame. Yet again, you will not remember everything the representative says to you…so write it down just in case.

Bring your parents as well. Sometimes you don’t know what questions you should be asking, and your parents have gone through this before. If your also nervous they can do most of the talking. It’s just good to have that kind of support sometimes.

If your parents can’t come though, there are three important questions you should ask. Probably the most important question is what are their financial aid plans, and tuition for out of state. These are important. Getting financial aid depends on the college, but most of the time every family can get a bit of financial aid, and scholarships as well, especially from smaller, private schools.

Out of state tuition can be very expensive, so don’t be afraid to ask if their school  can lower application fees or some tuition for you whether through scholarships or aid. Become the world’s best negotiator. College is expensive but they also need students.

Second question to ask is what is their average ACT score and whether they require the essay portion. For freshman that question isn’t as important, but for sophomores and juniors, this question is very, very important. That can really decide where you are going.

Third is any questions you have regarding your potential major. Ask what classes would be required; they might not know but that can help determine whether that even is a major they offer.

Looking at colleges can be scary. Trust me I’m living it now. But it can be fun, and, most importantly, you need to find the best place for you. Don’t let your parents decide for you. Make your own decision, because you’ll be doing just that in college.