Fair has to offer those contemplating post-secondary education abroad.

According to co-ordinators Ancrum & Solomon Inc., both parents and students have vital roles in the college selection process; roles which are best played out when a number of pointers are kept in mind. "During this important process, remember to consult with your parents, school counsellor and teachers,'' advises Ron Ancrum, owner and manager of the Boston-based consulting firm. And in order that students get a better overall idea of the type of school which will best meet their needs, he suggests that they conduct a personal, structural, financial and preparation process review before meeting with the college representatives. Each area, he advises should be broken down and examined carefully to get the optimum result from the process.

As such, he suggests? that they be approached as listed below: 1. PERSONAL REVIEW: Who am I? What else do I need academically? What is my area of interest? What environment will make me feel most comfortable? 2. STRUCTURAL REVIEW: Is my area of interest offered? What size school will make me comfortable? Do I want a co-ed or single sex institution? Is on-campus housing available? And mandatory? Will I stay close to home or study abroad? What support services are important to me? What extra-curricular activities are offered? How diverse is the student body and the faculty? 3. FINANCIAL REVIEW: What can my family afford? What scholarships, grants or loans are available? What can I do to help with financing a college education? 4. PREPARATION PROCESS REVIEW: Do I know what dates to take the PSAT/SAT exams? Have I researched my options thoroughly and narrowed my choices? Have I taken the best academic courses to prepare? Do I understand the application process? Have I developed a checklist? All is not complete once these factors have been addressed, warns Mr. Ancrum.

There are a number of steps which, if followed, can make the application process work for the student. And although not possible for all, he recommends a visit to the actual site as first-hand knowledge is always provides the greatest benefit.

"Remember, visit colleges you plan to attend before making a decision,'' he suggests. "They may look and feel different to what you read or heard.'' The college application process is most successful if one adheres to the following tips: 1. COLLEGE APPLICATIONS: Limit the number of applications to no more than five DO NOT apply to a college you will not attend Request application forms early 2. APPLICATION FORM TIPS: Read the instructions first and very carefully Be aware of deadline dates Use a typewriter or black ink Keep the form neat, clean and easy to read Answer all of the questions on the form Be sure to send all required credentials and information 3. ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS: Work hard to earn the best grades possible Take the most challenging courses Go beyond the basic minimum requirements Do your best on standardised tests Explain any inconsistencies in your grades, if any 4. OTHER FACTORS: Try to arrange an interview with a college representative Seek recommendations from people who know you well Write about your personal achievements and activities Spend time writing a good essay When writing or calling, communicate with the same person Parents are invited to become a real part of the University/College Fair experience, said Mr. Ancrum, with workshops scheduled to help them understand the process. But outside of that, they should take an active role in helping their children decide where to spend the next academic years of their lives.

"Remember your goal is to advise, guide and support,'' he tells parents. "If you do a good job the college choice should be the right one -- your child's.'' He advises parents to get involved right from the beginning of the selection and admissions process.

Begin asking you child if they want to go and why Participate in the process of gathering information about colleges Talk with your child's counsellor to better understand their academic ability and achievements Always be supportive and encouraging Help to expose them to the various educational opportunities and choices they can make Talk with them about what they want and not what you want Teach them how to become self-reliant, responsible and socially aware Discuss where and how to get personal and emotional support FINANCING A COLLEGE EDUCATION: Be very involved with the search for scholarships and grants Openly discuss with your child the family's ability to met college costs Put together a college financing budget to include travel, personal and other expenses Finally he advises those parents planning to attend Bermuda's fifth annual College/University Fair between December 2nd and 6th, that preparation will help them gain the most from the experience: "Do a little research about the colleges and universities that are participating in the Fair,'' Mr. Ancrum recommends. "Read about them in a guide book. (Once there), talk to as many representatives as possible; get information and fill out an information request card.

"Also, let the representatives know who you are, your interests, and what kind of college or university you are looking for. And finally, come prepared to ask lots of questions and take notes.'' A good base, the consultant advised, can be covered with the following questions: What is the student enrolment? Where are you located? Is is a city, suburb or rural setting? What is the cost for one year tuition, fees, room and board? What are the most popular majors? What are your best academic programmes? What are the requirements for admission -- grade point average or rank in-class, SAT score, or secondary school courses? As an international student, what other requirements are there? What activities do you have? i.e. athletic, social clubs, arts and cultural? How difficult will it be for me to travel from your campus to Bermuda? Sandys Secondary students at last year's Fair BERMUDA COLLEGE EDC MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP