There are many ways to explore colleges, but one of the best ways is to attend a college fair. It’s a terrific opportunity to learn about the admissions process and meet representatives from colleges and universities across the country. You may even discover schools that weren’t on your radar.
The problem with having all the schools at your fingertips in one room? It can be overwhelming if you don’t do some preparation ahead of time. Here are tips on what to do before, during and after a college fair.
Download our tips for navigating a college fair!
Before you go.
- Find out which schools will be there
- Review the ones that might be best for you
- Research the fair website for additional information
- Create a list of schools you want to learn more about and compare it to the list at the fair
- Make a list of questions to ask college representatives
- Plan your route
- Create a map of where the booths are
- Create labels with your contact information that you can attach to a lead card instead of writing your information for each school
During the college fair.
- Visit your top choice schools first
- Set a time limit for each booth visit (but leave enough time to browse too)
- Refer to your list and ask questions
- Take notes that can be used for follow-up
- Get representatives contact information, especially if they are responsible for your high school
- Be sure to fill in the lead cards to get on the mailing list and show your interest
- Note whether information sessions are offered at the schools
After the college fair.
- Determine schools that stood out and cross others off the list
- Further research your favorites on their website to determine if you will move forward
- Follow-up by emailing college representatives to thank them and ask additional questions
