College Fair Brings Diverse Selection of Colleges to Des Moines
College Fair Brings Diverse Selection of Colleges to Des Moines
Golden Circle College Fair Is Traditionally Largest in State
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (Sept. 21, 2011) — The Golden Circle College Fair to be held
next weekend in Des Moines will showcase nearly 140 colleges, creating an opportunity for
those planning for college within the next couple of years to explore options. The fair is
12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Iowa Events Center in Hy-Vee Hall.
“We really encourage high school seniors and juniors, as well as others beginning the
college planning process, to visit college fairs,” said Steve Loven, event coordinator and a
site coordinator for the Iowa College Access Network®
(ICAN), which hosts the annual fair.
“The Golden Circle is a great fair to attend, simply because so many schools exhibit.
Students can talk one-on-one with representatives of schools from across the country in one
afternoon.”
A college fair is the ideal place to learn more about schools students might consider too far
away to visit, too expensive or exclusive, or otherwise unattainable, Loven said. “You really
don’t know what a school can do for you until you talk to them. The college might be able to
offer a great financial aid package or point out avenues for admission.”
More than 100 Iowa and Midwestern schools are joined by colleges from New York,
Colorado, Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia among others. To
see the complete list, visit www.ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle. Students can also find suggestions for preparing for college fairs, making the most of their
visits and what to do after a fair online. New to the fair this year, students can register online
for a personalized college fair barcode. “The new barcode system allows students to print
and bring a personalized barcode to the fair,” explains Loven. “Many colleges will be
equipped with a scanner. Instead of spending time filling out information cards, students can
scan their barcode at the college booths that interest them and spend more time asking
questions and getting to know the admission counselors.”
To receive a personalized barcode, students can register their contact information at
www.gotocollegefairs.org . “The barcode is a great addition to the college fair, but we also
recommend that students make a list of questions for schools,” said Loven. “A college fair is
the time to start narrowing down your choices and knowing which questions are most
important to you will help students, and their families, have a more meaningful experience.”
For more information about the Golden Circle College Fair, contact ICAN at
ICAN@ICANsucceed.org or (877) 272-4692.
