Do you have questions about college? Not sure what schools are the best fit for you? Maybe you have an interest in multiple schools and want to learn more about each one? 

Here's your chance.

On Wednesday, September 20th (6-8pm) Parkland College will host the annual Illinois Regional College Fair in the Dodds Athletic Center (formerly Parkland Gymnasium). This event features representatives from dozens of in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities -- all eager to meet you and answer your questions.

So that's great, you say. But you've never been to a college fair before and you aren't sure what to expect. Here are ten suggestions as you head to this year's fair.

1. Plan Ahead
A list of colleges and universities that will be represented at the fair is published prior to the event. Take some time to scan the list and note the schools that you want to make a point to see. 

Prepare questions for the schools you are interested in. The job of these representatives is to answer your questions about any aspect of their schools -- housing, campus life, cost, majors, etc. Take advantage of these experts in the field and ask them about things that are important to you. Schools that do not offer your major or do not have the campus life you are anticipating are quick ones to eliminate from your list of possibilities.

2. Pre-Print Address Labels
One common suggestion for college fairs is to pre-print address labels showing your name and contact information. Honestly, this isn't a bad idea. When you visit the tables for the schools you are interested in, most likely they will ask you to fill out an interest card so they can send you more information and follow up with you at a later time. Rather than spend time filling out multiple interest cards, you can save yourself some valuable time by having pre-printed address labels on hand. Just slap a sticker on the interest card and you can be on your way.

3. Bring a Bag
Not one of those giant suitcases on wheels -- it'll be too crowded for that -- but you'll want something to carry your things. You will be picking up a pretty good amount of materials from the various representatives you visit -- view books, pamphlets, pencils, pens, posters, stickers, etc. Think trick-or-treating. You wouldn't set out on Halloween without something to collect candy. In the same way, don't set out for the college fair without something to collect materials.

4. Bring a Parent
I realize that you're smarter than your parents. Everybody knows that teenagers know far more than all parents combined. [Sarcasm fully intended] Still, it's not a bad idea to have an extra set of ears on hand as you'll be hit with so much information that it may be difficult to keep it all straight. Bring your parents along especially if they're covering some of your college expenses.

5. Take Notes
If you can't bring a parent, or even if you can, bring a notebook and something to write with. You'll want to keep everything as organized as possible so that you'll be able to properly compare and contrast the schools you look into.

6. Arrive Early? Arrive Late?
Some people say that it's best to arrive a little bit late as the larger crowds tend to be present at the beginning of the event. Other people suggest arriving early so you have as much time as possible to visit with representatives from the various schools. Having attended this college fair in the past, I can tell you that it's crowded for the duration of the event. With a steady flow of people for the full two hours, avoiding the crowd might be difficult. To take full advantage of this opportunity, I would recommend arriving as close to 6:00 as you can. This way, you've got the full two hours if you need it.

7. Don't Visit Every School
Be realistic here. There's nothing wrong with having lofty goals, but if there is a school that you are not qualified for or a school that you have no interest in, don't spend your time at those tables. You'll be wasting your time and the time of the representatives in attendance. Just because a school is offering something free to those who stop at their table doesn't mean you have to stop. Really. Your time is worth more than a free pencil.

8. Don't Pick Up Everything
If a school has ten different pieces of literature available, you don't necessarily have to pick up all ten. Just take what is relevant to you and your college planning. If it's not something you'll look at again, leave it. The less you pick up, the less you'll have to sort through later.

9. Get Business Cards
The representatives on hand at this event are the experts in their field. If you have questions, they're the ones to ask. But to think that you won't have questions after 8pm on September 21st is foolish. Be sure to get a business card from the representatives of the schools you are serious about. As questions come up later, a quick email or phone call can provide you with an answer straight from the source.

10. Follow Up With Counselors
Keep your counselors in the loop. College representatives can provide you with details about their schools but your counselors can help you narrow down your choices.

So, put it on your calendars now -- the Illinois Regional College Exposition -- September 20th!