How to Get the Most from a College Fair
Attending a college fair can be a great opportunity to get information from a variety of different institutions and learn what they have to offer. Here are some tips for how to make the most of a college fair:
Do Your Research: Before attending the college fair, be sure to look up what schools will be attending. Identify a mix of schools that you’re interested in, and maybe some that you want to learn more about. Just because you haven’t heard of a school before doesn’t mean you should avoid that table at the fair. This is the time to explore!
Prepare Questions: When you go to a table at a college fair, the admissions representatives will be ready to talk to you, so have some questions prepared for them. Avoid asking, “how’s your ＿ program?” Instead, ask specific questions about opportunities available, campus life, financial aid, and any other aspect of the college experience that you are looking for.
Bring Necessary Materials: At college fairs, you are going to be offered a lot of informational materials as well as some swag. Bring a bag or a folder to organize these materials so that you don’t lose them! If you’re a note taker, bring a pen and a notebook as well!
Arrive Early: Getting to the college fair on time will allow you to be the first at some of the more popular tables early, before the rush. It also allows you the maximum amount of time to explore after chatting with all of the representatives at the colleges on your list.
Be Open-Minded: While we recommended that you have a list of schools you want to visit, be open to learning about schools you don’t know much about. You may discover colleges or programs that you never considered before.
Engage with Admissions Representatives: Don’t be afraid to approach admissions representatives and initiate conversations. They want to hear from you! Introduce yourself, let them know what you’re looking for and ask questions. And don’t forget to fill out the inquiry cards or scan any QR codes at the table. This will allow you to get information from these colleges and universities as you continue your college search.
Take Notes: You may think you’ll remember all the information you learn at a college fair, but with the amount of information you’re taking in, it’s unlikely that you’ll remember all of the details. So take notes! You don’t need to write down everything the representatives say, but taking down some key statistics and other important information may be useful to you later on.
Attend Information Sessions: Most college fairs will offer information sessions on topics like financial aid, the college application process, or specific colleges and programs. Attend these sessions to gain insights about the college admissions process.
Follow up: After the college fair, follow up with any colleges you’re particularly interested in. You can send thank-you emails or clarify any questions that you had that you maybe forgot to ask.
By following these tips, you can make the most of the college fair experience and learn valuable information that will help you as you make informed decisions about your future education.
