Illinois Regional College Fair brings 200 schools to Naperville

After years of honing their homework skills, high school sophomores and juniors can focus their research on what counts the most: their futures.

More than 200 colleges and universities from throughout the country, as well as the armed forces, will offer information to students and their families at the Illinois Regional College Fair. The annual event, on Monday, March 23, at North Central College, attracts up to 2,400 people seeking to discover more about where to go and what to pursue after graduation.

Because the number of schools to explore can be daunting, Ashley Dudich, North Central's associate director of freshman admission, says it's important for teens to do some homework and soul searching in advance.

"It can seem overwhelming, but it's great that students can find so many types of colleges in one place that can offer them different experiences" Dudich said. "So to get a better idea of what each college offers, it's good to ask ground-level questions about qualities that may be important to you and that will help pave a path toward the right fit."

She suggests first exploring the list of all participating colleges and military branches on North Central College's website, northcentralcollege.edu/admission/illinois-regional-fair. Then, come prepared to target schools that interest you with questions on topics such as their enrollment, to get an idea of each school's size; their academic setting, to learn facts like whether they focus more on smaller class sizes or larger lecture halls; their sports programs, to learn if they have offerings like Division I athletics, if that's a priority for you.

This year's fair also offers a new feature that aims to let students use their social media skills for more than just socializing with friends: the hashtag #ncfair.

"It's not just for us to promote the fair, but it's a networking tool for students to connect with college and university representatives and interact with them," Dudich said.

But she adds one caveat - students should exercise good judgment in the comments and content that they share.

"A lot of networking happens on social media now, and you want to leave a good impression."

The fair also will feature representatives from North Central's office of financial aid, offering general information on the process for applying for aid, as well as guidance on grant and scholarship opportunities students can pursue.

Guidance counselors from area high schools also will have a booth where they can help students flesh out what majors might interest them, then suggest schools that might be the best fit.

If you go

What: Illinois Regional College Fair

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 23

Where: North Central College Residence Hall/Recreation Center, 440 S. Brainard St., Naperville

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 637-5800 or northcentralcollege.edu/admission/illinois-regional-fair