College fairs -- where admissions counselors from a number of different colleges come to your high school or local arena or convention center -- are a great chance to learn about colleges.

While at the fair you can gather college literature, ask questions of the college reps, and attend informational sessions (often on topics like the ones covered by this tutorial).

Talk to your guidance counselor about any college fairs and visits your high school will be hosting. For information on one of the regional college fairs, go to the organizer's site: National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Before heading to the fair, remember to grab some copies of your college choice worksheet, a pen, and a pad of paper. You might want to bring your back pack to carry all the materials you're going to collect, but most fairs will have at least one organization with free bags.

Once at the fair, decide whether you are going to walk the entire fair or use a guide to track the colleges that you know already appeal to you based on some of your preliminary research.

Remember to check times for any of the informational sessions you might want to attend.

Then dive in and hit the college booths you want to visit.

Have fun -- but be prepared to be both mentally and physically exhausted by the time you're done meeting with all the colleges.

Need help with any of the terms described on this page? If so, find the answers in our High School College-Bound and College Planning Glossary.