6 Things You Should Do During High School Visits And College Fairs
Last Tuesday I shared a big mistake to avoid when it comes to starting conversations with prospective students during fall travel season.
Today I’ve got six things that will help make your high school visits and college fairs more successful.
Say the words “I appreciate you” to high school counselors and college advisors either ahead of, or during your visit. As simple as this is, we don’t do it nearly enough as we should. If you’re able to spend a few minutes with that person, ask for the most common questions they’ve been getting from seniors as well as their parents/guardians. Furthermore, use that opportunity to ask if there are certain topics they would like for you to cover in your visits next time. Show you want to be the best partner and resource to the counselor or advisor and their students, and not simply push your institution onto their students.
Prior to visiting a high school, go into your CRM and send a short personalized email or text to senior inquiries, applicants, and admits asking if they think they’ll be able to come down when you visit. For students who won’t be able to make it, ask one direct question in your follow-up message based on the student’s stage and what you already know or don’t know about them as a way to provide support and better understand their mindset or feelings.
Prepare a list of questions ahead of time that will help you get conversations started (both 1-on-1 and with a group), so that you can learn more about a student’s wants, needs, interest fears, and concerns. Do not try to come up with your questions on the fly.
Gather a few stories from current first-year students at your college or university that are relatable and relevant for prospective students. That might include students at your school who came from the high school you’re visiting or another one in that area. I also encourage you to accumulate stories from first-year students around how they developed their college list, why they decided to apply to your school, and/or why the campus visit helped with decision-making. The current student point of view is the most important point of view for most prospective students.
Focus on your pace when you speak. Slow down, pronounce things clearly, and take pauses between thoughts or before you answer a question. It doesn’t have to sound perfect. It just needs to be authentic and helpful.
During or after your conversation with a student, especially when they seem excited about your school and/or really engaged, write down a couple of things you learned about them either in a notebook, on the inquiry card, or even in a notes app on your phone. That information will help you personalize your follow-up message, and it prevents your brain from confusing details with other discussions.
One more bonus piece of advice that will help you navigate fall travel and perform at your best…
Take care of your body. Sleep, hydration (water), and nutrition will affect your performance (positively or negatively). Pro tip: Avoid coffee if you’re going to be doing a lot of speaking because it can dehydrate you.
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