Tips for Attending a College Fair/College Night

A very valuable service provided by volunteers is assisting the Office of Admissions at college fairs or representing New Mexico Military Institute at college fairs where an Admission representative cannot attend. Volunteers must be open, honest and generous in addition to having a positive perception of your school and its programs. Volunteer representatives must also enjoy spending time with young people and find it easy to communicate with them.

Preparing for a College Fair: Review information provided in this guide including official school publications. Be very familiar with the answers to the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs)

section. Dress professionally but remember to wear comfortable shoes as you will be

spend most of your time standing. Be friendly, straightforward, and helpful. Alumni can be identified as such on their name badge.

Arrival and Set-Up: Plan to arrive 20 minutes before the program starts. Read travel directions (if

provided) carefully. Remember that parking can be challenging at times. Check in when you arrive and locate the assigned school table.

Most college fairs are set up in a “browse” format. Table are set up in a large area and students and parents move from table to table to obtain brochures and ask questions. NMMI does ask interested students to fill out contact sheets and return them to the school representative at the table. When setting up materials, be sure to leave space form students to complete these contact information sheets.

Representatives are expected to remain at the program until the time expires or the host indicates the program is over.

During a College Fair: Offer to answer questions. Remember that many students are just beginning to

search and will have a few questions at this point. Remain behind the table. The best impressions is made if you stand when talking

to students and family. Information request cards/sheets (contact and application information) can be

found at www.nmmi.edu Remind students that catalogs and more school information are available online

and are currently available for distribution. Encourage students to call the Office of Admissions at (800) 421-5376 if there are

specific questions you cannot answer. Conversations are usually short and concern very basic information. Don’t “steal” students from other table. The interested ones will come on their

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Encourage students to apply online and to visit the Office of Admissions web page at the website for deadlines and new, more extensive information.

Interaction: (Dos and Don’ts)Do:

Be friendly, attentive and smile. The best thing you can do is convey your enthusiasm for NMMI to those who talk with you.

If you are an alumnus, enjoy the fact that you are sharing your alma mater with prospective students and their families. Emphasize your feelings about NMMI and the preparation it provided for you in your career.

Realize that NMMI is not for everyone. Know basic information on admissions, cost of attending, and the history and

traditions of NMMI. Arrive early so that you can visit with the school representative or other

volunteers and receive additional instructions and plans for the event. Refer specific questions (admissions, cadet life, financial aid, etc.) to the

Admissions rep. Utilize the contact referral sheet to transmit specific student interests or needs.

Dress professionally. Business casual is usually appropriate.

Don’t: Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know the answer to a question. Have the student

contact the Office of Admissions or relay the question or concern to the office yourself.

Don’t say negative things about other institutions. Discuss NMMI’s programs and strengths.

Don’t guarantee admission or even speak to specific possibilities.

Interacting with Prospective Cadets and their Families: Be approachable. A smile and a handshake may make them feel more

comfortable. Establish eye contact. Make students and their family members feel like you are

talking to them personally, not a large group. Answer their questions. Stay focused on THEIR interests. Be honest. Do not tell a student or parent what you think they want to hear.

Accuracy is a must. It is important to remember that the impression a student or family gets when

speaking with you is often their first impression of NMMI. It is our goal to provide the most accurate information possible so that the students and their families will be able to make an informed decision about which college or university to attend.

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NMMI has a number of opportunities and advantages to offer students, but NMMI may not be right for everyone. For this reason, it is best not to solicit interest in NMMI, but rather answer questions to those who are already interested. Keep in mind that we are looking for students with proper preparation to succeed at NMMI.

Visiting the campus (“Post”) should be strongly encouraged. Have fun!

Questions you can ask prospective students:Occasionally students are hesitant in asking questions. Ask the following questions to help initiate a dialogue.

What made you consider attending NMMI? What are you considering for your major? Have you ever visited the campus (“Post”)? Do you participate in any activities?

Departure: The Office of Admissions prefers that volunteers stay until the completions of the

program, even if other representatives around you leave before the designated time.

Leave the high school a copy of the catalogs or brochures that you bring.

After the College Fair: Immediately return the contact information forms, banner and unused materials to

the local area NMMI representative. It is important to redistribute these supplies so other volunteers will have sufficient materials for the next fair(s).

Thank you for your hard work, dedication and loyalty to NMMI.

If you have any questions regarding the college fair process, call the Office of Admissions at (800) 421- 5376 or contact the office by e-mail.

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