PROBE - College Fair Tour

Explore the Possibilities

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

PROBE

COLLEGE FAIR TOUR brings Colleges to Georgia Students

T

his fall, dozens of free Probe college fairs will take place throughout Georgia including Gwinnett’s Infinite Energy Center on September 13th, and Brookwood High School in Snellville on November 2nd.

Events are strategically located across the state to reach the maximum number of students; offering short driving times

for attendees. This allows them easy interaction with representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities.

“We make a concerted effort to make our Probe College Fairs accessible to high school students around the state,” says Bill Smith Probe Executive Director. “That is why we schedule over 60 programs each year.”

Probe is considered one of the best avenues of information for High School Seniors and Juniors and their families, but the events are not limited to them. Sophomores, and even Freshmen, also report benefitting from the tour.

For all participants, Probe may serve as a great introduction to lesser known colleges—which could provide the perfect

atmosphere for a student’s individual needs.

“The purpose of Probe is to help connect Georgia high school students with colleges and universities across the state and country,” says Smith. “Our goal is to provide students access to as many colleges and universities as we can for each community in Georgia.”

How to Get the Most out of a Probe College Fair Event

Though helpful, Probe fairs can be overwhelming for the unprepared.

College fairs are like job fairs, with each event boosting a unique list of universities and colleges represented.

A list of schools can be found on the Probe website, www.gaprobe.org, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/georgiaprobe.

So what’s the best way to navigate your local fair? Make a three-step plan! Here’s how:

STEP 1

STEP 2

Before the Fair:

During the Fair:

• Students should learn which colleges are attending the event, research each college of interest and assemble a detailed list of questions. Discover what sets each college apart from the others and how they fulfill specific academic interests and needs.

• For students looking to get the feel of a certain school, remember to ask specific questions i.e. “What is the student culture like on your campus?” or “What sets you apart from other similar sized schools?”, instead of easy to research facts you can easily find online.

• Select comfortable attire to wear, gather a list of questions, supplemental documentation (e.g. test scores, transcripts, activities resume, etc.), a notepad, and something practical to carry all of their resources and brochures.

• Probe allows attendees to register a bar code that can be scanned by colleges representatives they meet at the fair. This allows an easy exchange of data between students and prospective schools. Take a few moments to sign up at http://www.gaprobe. org/#students

• Take lots of notes, exchange contact information, and attempt to make a lasting impression with each representative.

• Remember to be friendly, attentive, and positive.

• If time permits, remember to also check out other colleges that may not have been on your list. Don’t forget, time is of the essence. Efficiency is key!

See MOST, Page 18A

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Student Success:

Controlling the Testing Stress

MOST Continued from Page 15A

STEP 3 After the Fair: • Organize all notes taken and any materials received.

That way, you can review the information and establish which colleges stood out and why.

• Consider sending thank you notes to the college representatives you met. This will help to create a lasting impression and provide the opportunities for follow-up questions.

• After ranking their top colleges, you should consider scheduling campus visits. Remember, the goal is to solidify top choices.

Clarity is essential!

FOLLOW THE PROBE FALL TOUR Students and parents have several options for learning more about the entire Probe tour this fall: • Website: www.gaprobe.org georgiaProbe Probe_fair • Mobile text updates and reminders: Text “Probe Info” to 33233

As competition for college placement increases, so does the competitiveness of students. The question lingers—how do we best measure their preparedness?

There is often criticism about the amount of exams facing students at all levels of education. Are we just teaching to the tests? Is the path of common core the superior way to ensure success in secondary education?

College and university admission recruiters face that pressure, too.

Most rely on standardized tests to identity and categorize potential students efficiently. For students, like Ansley Carr of The Walker School, that typically equates to multiple attempts at the ACTs and/ or SAT’s.

“I took both the SAT and ACT once without much preparation to get a starting score to see where I stood,” says Carr. “Now, I have taken each test two more times in order to improve my score.”

Like many who attend Probe College Fairs, Carr is still considering where she’ll attend school next Fall to major in Business and Dance. She knows a strong resume will help. Her school counseling office, lead by Neil Clark, has been part of her quest for success.

“We recommend students try their best to relax and remember they are more than just a number,” says Clark, Dean of College Counseling and Guidance at The Walker School. “We get caught up on test scores, but a student’s grades and the rigor of their school is much more important.”

But for students like Carr, the

quest to compete is hard to ignore.

“There is some pressure to get certain scores in order to be eligible to receive merit scholarships from some schools,” says Carr. “With my friends, there is definitely a hidden competition when we talk about scores, and it can be stressful.”

Clark fields many questions from students about attaining high test scores. He offers advice which includes test preparation programs. He cautions it may not produce dramatic results, and may even be a waste of time and money.

“There are lots of inexpensive or even free options online that can help,” says Clark. “I’d advise High Schoolers to start early, Juniors should take a free online practice test for the both the ACT and SAT. This will allow them to more familiar with the tests and help them to determine which suits their learning style best.”

Before moving to an extra prep course, Clark says students should contact their instructors and see if they offer any advice for improving academic weaknesses. Additionally, he encourages students to investigate colleges that offer test optional admissions and to take advantage of programs, like the Probe College Fair.

“There is nothing like learning about a college and easing your admissions stress by meeting someone in person,” says Clark.

“Probe is the best way to get your questions asked and learn which schools will work best for you.”

Academics Only Part of College, Greek Life May be the Perfect Fit JOIN US AT

Gwinnett North & South Probe College Fairs Gwinnett North Fair

Wednesday, September 13th InfinityEnergy Center 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Gwinnett South Fair Thursday, November 2nd Brookwood High School 6:00 - 8:30 PM

For more information and a complete schedule of Georgia Probe College Fairs:

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visit: www.gaprobe.org or text “ProbeInfo” to 33233

Academics are top priority of any successful college program, but many students realize a full campus experience includes learning outside the classroom.

Some students find that opportunity in a club or through sports. There are also organizations tied to majors of study to help those wanting to network for their post-college career. For Danielle Pattee, a Sophomore at the University of Georgia, she accomplishes both in the Greek life system. She is a Delta Zeta member.

“If you’re looking to get involved and make a solid network of awesome friends, definitely look into Greek life!” says Pattee.

“Being in a sorority has helped me find friends that are just like me, but has also allowed me to meet girls that are extremely different from me.”

She moved into her sorority house at UGA this August, and says she loves living with 65 other girls this semester. But, admits she wasn’t sure this would be her path until her senior year of high school. She heard about the Greek system through friends and then started the process of finding a sorority to fit her personality.

The outgoing Pattee quickly learned being a member in DZ’s Zeta Pi Chapter, was more than just participating in social activities. She and her sorority sisters host numerous fundraisers to help people who are hearing and speech impaired and also volunteer at an elementary school. Being active in high

school has made the transition easier to a busy college life easier for her.

“Sororities want girls who are likely to be very involved, so involvement in clubs such as student council helps. Also high test scores and GPA definitely make you stand out as well!” says Pattee.

For anyone considering Greek life at college, potential members should also be ready to submit letters of recommendation and plan to be involved in a rigorous recruitment process.

Upon graduation, Pattee hopes to have a career in Mechanical Engineering. She expects being involved in college life outside of just of her studies will be an asset in her future. But she has already benefitted in the present.

“It’s helping me with my time management, teamwork, leadership and organization skills,” says Pattee. “I always try to tell people to at least try out recruitment because if it ends up not being for them they don’t have to commit.”