The Ontario University Fair will be held this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention. I highly recommend attending if you’re in Grade 11 or 12.
It’s a great opportunity to communicate with and get information from a number of universities in one location. This will also help you to narrow your choices. I caution you, however, don’t make decisions based on the personality (or lack thereof) of the representative you speak to.
Here’s how to get the best out of the fair:
1. Know which universities will participate
2. Do
your preliminary research of each university from their website
3. Make a list of each university and your questions that
weren’t answered on the website or you need further clarification. Yes, you
should bring a small note pad and pen with you.
4. Get a new email address that both student and parent
will have access to. This allows the parents and kids to receive and read
emails from the universities.
5. Dress
comfortably, you may be there longer than you anticipate
6. Metro Toronto Centre is quite large, once you enter
review the floor plan and start your trek around the room
7. If current students or alumni are available, do make
a point to ask about their experience. But the reality is – their experience
was positive that’s why they are there. So try to ask more specific questions,
for example, “what other universities they applied to and why they chose this
one?” or “if they could change one thing what would that be?” or “what’s their
personal highlight?” Also, ask the university representatives if there is
anyone there specifically from the program you wish to apply to.
8. Make
a note of the answers to your questions (you’ll forget or get confused later on
at home)9. Get the business card of any university representative you meet. Send them a quick note to thank them for their help a day or two later. This contact can be invaluable in the coming months.
10. Use your new email address to sign up to get further information from your short list of universities.
Good luck!
