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Making the Most of USA College Day
With over 100 exhibitors, College Day can be busy. Want to make the most of this unique opportunity? Read our staff’s top five tips as well as questions you may consider asking university exhibitors!
Due to Tube closures on the day, we also suggest you download our directions to College Day from within London and from area SAT testing sites.
Top Five Tips
1. Do your research
- Learn about strategies to choose a university that fits you best.
- Read the exhibitor profiles in the event programme online and visit their websites.
2. Keep an open mind as you choose university stands to visit
- Did you know the Ivy League is by definition a sports league in the Northeast? Do not get hung up on the brand name universities. With over 4,000 universities in the US, it is likely you will apply to at least one you and your parents have never heard of.
- Remember that some of the well-known universities are extremely selective, with only 10% acceptance rates. To avoid disappointment next spring, apply to a range of universities.
3. Plan your journey at the fair beforehand
- Print the event floor plan and circle the exhibitors you want to visit.
- Do not forget to visit the Fulbright advising stand (28) for answers to your questions on the application process and the US Embassy in London stand (30) for information about visas.
- Talk to our Event Partner: Richmond, the American University in London (118) and Sponsors: the Studyworks test prep (119), AJ Nemecek Educational Consultancy (120) and Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions (57, 77).
4. Be prepared to introduce (and promote!) yourself to university representatives
- Practice a three sentence introduction: your name, year you intend to enrol, your anticipated major and what you are looking for in a university.
- Make sure universities have your contact details by making your own business cards to leave at stands. Here is a template.
- Make a list of questions to ask, preferably beyond what you could read on the university website.
- Parents: We know it’s hard, but let your child do the talking! This is a unique time for students to speak directly with university staff or alumni who are likely to be involved in the selection process.
5. On the day
- Attend an information session for a brief overview of the application process and admissions exams.
- Be prepared to queue if necessary, but make use of your time by completing our survey on study abroad (you could win an iPad!). Also, talk to one of our student volunteers who have studied in the USA.
Questions to Consider Asking University Exhibitors
USA College Day is a unique opportunity for prospective students and parents to meet in-person with representatives from US universities and educational service providers. To help you make the most of College Day, the Advisory Service staff have compiled a list of questions you may wish to discuss with exhibitors.
Choosing a university
- Does your university offer academic majors and minors that fit my interests?
- What are the strengths/weaknesses of your university?
- How would you describe campus life at your university? What extracurricular activities, athletic teams, clubs and community organisations are on offer?
- What can you tell me about the student population (size, diversity, etc.)?
- What is the area surrounding campus like? What about access to public transport from campus and the local climate?
- What university facilities are available to students (such as on-campus housing, gym facilities, library, student centres, etc.)?
- What support services are available for international students on your campus?
Admissions process
- What are the requirements for admission?
- What is the average admission exam score and GPA for incoming freshmen?
- Could you give me an overview of the admissions process (the deadlines, required examinations, essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc.)?
Funding
- What is the estimated cost of attendance (including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, etc.)?
- Does your university offer financial aid for international students? If so, how do I apply for this funding?