Get Going Workshops

by Joanne Levy-Prewitt

Online College Fair Eases Application Process For Students

College fairs are a great way for high school sophomores and juniors to learn about a variety of schools. In one convenient location, students can meet and speak with college representatives from all over the country. However, a college fair is not the best forum for every student. The hubbub of an acoustically challenged auditorium or gym can make simple conversations awkward, and sensory overload can afflict even typically mellow students and parents. College fairs can also conflict with busy family calendars.

Fortunately, there is a solution. CollegeWeekLive (http://www.collegeweeklive.com/) is a free, virtual college fair that will connect hundreds of colleges with college-bound high school students in a live, interactive setting. It takes place March 25 and 26 from noon until 11 p.m. EST.

This is an idea whose time has come. High school students are tech-savvy. Given a choice, I imagine most high school students would rather communicate electronically or online instead of in person, especially when it comes to meeting adults who might be evaluating them. A virtual college fair will eliminate all that awkwardness and allow students to ask questions and get information without fear of embarrassment or judgment. A virtual college fair has obvious benefits for students who live in remote locations or abroad, too.

CollegeWeekLive will feature more than 200 colleges and universities, and there will be live video presentations from college experts and admissions officers. Video topics will include: "Getting the Most Out of College Visits," "What Juniors Need to Do to Get Ahead of College Admissions," "Summer Activities That Will Get You Into College," "The State of College Admissions in 2008," "Finding the Best College Fit for You" and "Everything You Need to Know About Federal Student Aid." (Students, parents or counselors who wish to attend CollegeWeekLive should pre-register at the Web site.)

There will also be speakers discussing institutional financial aid and preparing for the SAT. Prospective college students can also chat online with current students from some of the colleges represented, as well as other high school students.

At a traditional college fair, students get the opportunity to discover colleges they might never have heard of or considered. Students can pick up brochures or colorful view books, and in the best of circumstances, they can meet and chat with college representatives. The same can be said about CollegeWeekLive.

However, I've had students tell me that at these college fairs, some tables or booths were so popular that they had to wait in line to ask questions or see representatives. That environment can be overwhelming for any high school student, and especially daunting to those who are shy or introverted. Many students just wander aimlessly, collecting brochures that are often never read, without making contact with any representatives.

At CollegeWeekLive, that won't be a problem because students will be able to have real-time instant messaging with admissions counselors, get video brochures from colleges, as well as hear and watch Webinars and podcasts from admissions personnel. One of the best features of CollegeWeekLive is that it will be archived online and available after the event, too.

Students who are searching for scholarships will be interested to know that CollegeWeekLive is also offering a $2,500 prize for the best creative video about the college search process. The students' submitted videos will be posted to YouTube.

It's a good idea to do some homework before attending any college fair, real or virtual, and students should ask themselves questions about the size, location and type of college they are seeking. Students should also consider majors, programs and extracurricular activities they might participate in.

A college fair is one part of the college search process, and with CollegeWeekLive, students and families can stay at home while learning about and connecting with colleges from all over the country.

COPYRIGHT 2008 JOANNE LEVY-PREWITT