College fairs offer variety of tips

National College Fair

What: College representatives stationed at booths hand out catalogs and field questions; various workshops offered.

When: Noon-4 p.m., Sunday (Sept. 28); 9 a.m.-noon, Monday (Sept. 29).

Where: Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

Schools: More than 370 represented, including 30 Washington colleges, and schools from Australia, Japan, England, Scotland, Switzerland and Canada. Workshops about athletics and the NCAA; financial aid; writing the college essay; what to do during campus visits; and strategies for gaining admission to selective schools.

More info: www.nacacnet.org/fairs or atanaka@holynames-sea.org or 206-720-7824.

The Performing and Visual Arts College Fair

What: A chance to compare schools' specialties, instructors' credentials and degree programs.

When: 7-9 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22.

Where: Fisher Pavilion, between Second Avenue North and Thomas Street, at Seattle Center.

Schools: At least 56 schools, including Cornish College of the Arts, the University of Washington School of Music and Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

More info: www.nacacnet.org or 206-726-5016.

Seattle Spring College Fair

What: A slightly smaller version of the fall event.

When: Noon-3 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2009.

Where: Seattle University, in Connolly Center at 550 14th Ave.

More info: www.pnacac.org or bishopm@seattleu.edu

Fair-going tips

Freshmen and sophomores may want to just wander among the booths to scope out ideas.

Juniors should do a little advance homework: Check out some colleges online to find which ones interest you — then make a beeline for those schools' exhibits.

Seniors, who are likely already writing their applications, may use this opportunity to get face-to-face responses for any last-minute questions — or to add another school to their preferred list.