College Fairs Basics:
Representing AU Enthusiastically
and Effectively
alumniassociation.american.edu/admissionsvols
Then, click on Resources to access PPT
What are College Fairs?
Opportunities for students to:
– Gather information/brochures
– Ask general questions
– Complete a card to be added to
mailing lists
– Learn about a variety of
universities
– Meet admissions staff and/or
volunteer representatives
Fair Characteristics
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Held in the fall and spring
They may include 20 to 200 universities
Brief questions should be expected
Most are held in high school gyms or convention centers
They are informal, and students and their families move
from table to table to get information
• You can refer students to the appropriate campus office
and/or their website if you are unsure of an answer
Advise students to use www.american.edu as a resource
NACAC Fairs vs. Local Fairs
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NACAC
They are typically held in
convention centers
They are sponsored by the
National Association of
College Admissions
Counseling (NACAC)
There will be an AU
admissions rep in attendance
at these fairs
AU admissions provides
brochures, etc.
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Local
They are typically held in
high school gymnasiums or
cafeterias
Many are sponsored by High
Schools, Parent Teacher
Associations, or area colleges
You will serve as the AU
representative and set-up
table
AU brochures, etc. are
mailed to you by Pat Rabb
How are College Fairs
Organized?
• Most fairs are set up
browsing style
• They last about 2 to 3 hours
Preparing for a College Fair
• Before going, review the
recruitment materials that were
sent to you
• You may also wish to look at
online resources for Alumni
Admission Volunteers
• Confirm the date and time
• Print directions or take GPS
• If, for any reason, you are not on
the list, show organizers the
material you have and ask if they
can accommodate you
Class of 2017 profile
• Approximately 1,630 students
• Average GPA - 3.74
• Average SAT score of 1256
(on a 1600 scale).
• From 46 states (including
D.C.) and from 54 different
countries.
• Include 50 U.S. Global Nomad
freshmen (U.S. citizens living
abroad) who represent 40
countries of residence.
Class of 2017 profile
• Almost 30% are from the
South and West
• More than 10% are first
generation students
• Almost 30% self-identify as
a minority
– 8% African American
– 9% Asian
– 11% Hispanic
FAQs
• What is the middle 50% range for GPA and SAT/ACT?
• Do I apply directly to a particular school at AU?
• Do you have a required curriculum?
• How do students apply for University Honors program?
FAQs
• What is the average financial aid package?
• Is housing guaranteed for freshmen?
• What is the Early Decision plan?
• What is the Test Optional program?
What if you don’t know the answer?
Prep for Local Fairs
• Review recruitment materials and
information about the event
• Attend this training class or
complete self-paced via YouTube
• If the materials have not been
received at least three days prior to
the event, contact Pat Rabb at
202-885-3413 or rabb@american.edu
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early so
you may set up the display table or
meet the AU staff member
Prep for NACAC Fairs
• Review recruitment materials and
information about the event
• Attend this training class or
complete self-paced via YouTube
• For NACAC fairs, the recruitment
materials will be provided by
Admissions
• Arrive about15 minutes early to meet
the AU staff member and assist as
needed
Web Resources
• Link to Alumni Admissions Volunteers online
resources:
alumniassociation.american.edu/admissionsvols
• Virtual Tour: www.american.edu/discoverau/
• Copy of this PPT and the YouTube recording
under Resources at:
alumniassociation.american.edu/admissionsvols
Event Guidelines
• Attire and conversation for
these events is professional
• Please silence your cell phone
during the event
• Wait for students and parents to
approach your table
• Do not imply a guarantee of
admission to any student
regardless of his/her credentials
• Do not compare AU with other
higher education institutions
• Do not distribute anything other
than the information provided
• Should you run out of inquiry
cards, record the student’s name,
address, phone number, HS, and
year of graduation on a sheet of
paper and return it with the
other inquiry cards
• Leave a packet of materials on
your table at the end of the
event
College Fair Follow up
LOCAL:
• Email rabb@american.edu with the
estimated number of students you engaged.
• Scan and email completed inquiry cards as
soon as possible to rabb@american.edu
• Return AU cloth banner and extra materials as
soon as possible to rabb@american.edu
NACAC:
• Email rabb@american.edu with the
estimated number of students you engaged.
You’re helping to attract top
students to AU!