STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

How to make the most of the college fair

THE Big Apple Fair is one of the city’s biggest, drawing students who are vying for the favorable attention of higher institution admissions gatekeepers. So how can you stand out in the college fair crowd? We’ve asked regional college admissions reps who and what piques their enrollment interest. Christopher D’Orso, assistant director of admissions for Stony Brook University, says it’s notable “when a student knows about us going into the conversation, such as the opening of a new recreation center or a new engineering program. Having an idea and inquiring about how to get involved shows you’ve done the legwork.”

Stony Brook denies admission to 60 percent of applicants each year, so use the college fair to highlight your accomplishments.

“A student who wasn’t overly strong academically told us that he was interested in going to our school to become a journalist. His guidance counselor later said he was the first 11th-grader to become editor of the high school newspaper. While he was on the borderline with his GPA numbers, I went to the dean of admissions and made my case as to the student’s readiness and why we wanted him here,” says D’Orso.

A positive attitude also goes a long way, says Deirdre Whitman, vice president of enrollment management at Mercy College.

“It’s very motivating when students smile and ask thoughtful questions,” she says.

Having three talking points is wise, she says. “I like that, especially if they are involved in a sport or community project.”

Your social media savvy can also help you score points. “When stu- dents take a picture of themselves on campus or with me and post it to social media, it feels like they’re excited about the college experience,” says Whitman.

Personal anecdotes are great to have on hand at the fair, says

Samantha R. Wright, director of admissions at the office of undergraduate admissions for St. John’s University.

“One student told us he was the ‘pie guy,’ having won the school competition each year. It was a good ice-breaker, as he meant mathematical pi. He’d memorized the most digits. It made our conversation unique,” says Wright.

Sunil Samuel, assistant vice president of enrollment at Hofstra University, says that “students who stand out are those who have good questions about the application process and the major they are interested in.”

Resumes are excellent tools, too, says Stephanie Espina, director of freshman admissions for Adelphi University. “Additional information that tells us who students are and what they’re interested in is helpful. If a student decides to apply, we can then put them on our map quickly.”

The Big Apple College Information Program is on Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Jacob Javits Center, 655 W. 34th Street, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.