Applying to college can be an overwhelming process. In addition to writing college essays and taking standardized tests, students must decide where to apply. With nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, coming up with a list of colleges is no easy task! Thankfully, there are lots of tools and resources available to high school students to help them navigate both the College Search Process and the College Application Process. These resources include college fairs and college open houses.
But what is a college fair, exactly? And how will attending college fairs help the average student? Like any part of the college application process, navigating college fairs and open houses takes a bit of research and preparation. This is why we’ve put together this handy college fair guide for your perusal.
What is a college fair?
College fairs may be general, with a wide range of colleges represented, or specialized, focusing on a specific type of school, such as schools with the best engineering programs, best music programs, etc. For many students, attending college fairs is a more personal way to research colleges. It also helps them widen their horizons by learning about opportunities that otherwise, they might not have known were available to them.
What is a college fair?
To start off, what is a college fair? A college fair is an event where students and their families are able to meet with a wide variety of college representatives so that they can learn more about prospective colleges. During college fairs, participating colleges set up booths where college representatives meet with students, share information about the school, and answer questions. In addition to giving out informational brochures and pamphlets, college fair representations may even give out college merch and application fee waivers!
College fairs may be general, with a wide range of colleges represented, or specialized, focusing on a specific type of school, such as schools with the best engineering programs, best music programs, etc. For many students, attending college fairs is a more personal way to research colleges. It also helps them widen their horizons by learning about opportunities that otherwise, they might not have known were available to them.
What is a virtual college fair?
So what is a virtual college fair? And how is it different from an in-person event? Virtual college fairs take place online, usually through a specific platform. Participating schools set up “virtual booths” where students can log in to ask the college representatives questions and learn more about prospective schools. Digital resources, such as brochures and applications, are also available to students.
Virtual college fairs may feel slightly less personal than in-person events, but they still provide students with the opportunity to ask college representatives specific questions and make a good impression. It’s also worth noting that for some students, virtual college fairs may be more convenient, especially if travel is involved.
Finding a college fair near you
So how do you find a college fair near you? Depending on where you live, there could be lots of college fairs that you could attend. To start, ask your high school guidance counselor. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for flyers around town. After all, college fairs are often hosted by local libraries and community centers, so there’s sure to be plenty of local advertising.
What to expect at a college fair
The key to getting the most out of a college fair is to be curious and to keep an open mind. Now is the time to widen your horizons by learning about new and exciting opportunities. For example, maybe you’ve always pictured yourself going to a 4-year college but found yourself drawn to one of the technical or community college booths. Maybe, after talking to the representative, you realize that attending community college and transferring to a 4-year college is actually a great opportunity. Or maybe you’re an aspiring doctor and didn’t know that there was such a thing as a BS/MD program. No matter what your situation may be, college fairs are a great place to learn about new opportunities!
In addition to visiting college booths, students will most likely be able to attend a variety of presentations as well. These presentations may cover topics such as financial aid, study abroad, and scholarship opportunities.
What to expect at a college fair
At this point, you may be wondering, what can I expect at a college fair? And should I go to a college fair? During a college fair, you can expect to learn more about schools you’re already interested in — as well as some that you’ve never even heard of! You’ll also receive college representatives’ contact information, so you’ll have a personalized way to reach out with more questions in the future. College fairs are a great networking opportunity, so do your best to make a good first impression!
The key to getting the most out of a college fair is to be curious and to keep an open mind. Now is the time to widen your horizons by learning about new and exciting opportunities. For example, maybe you’ve always pictured yourself going to a 4-year college but found yourself drawn to one of the technical or community college booths. Maybe, after talking to the representative, you realize that attending community college and transferring to a 4-year college is actually a great opportunity. Or maybe you’re an aspiring doctor and didn’t know that there was such a thing as a BS/MD program. No matter what your situation may be, college fairs are a great place to learn about new opportunities!
In addition to visiting college booths, students will most likely be able to attend a variety of presentations as well. These presentations may cover topics such as financial aid, study abroad, and scholarship opportunities.
What questions should you ask at a college fair?
So how do you prepare for a college fair? And what sorts of questions should you ask? First, find the list of colleges that will be attending the college fair. Highlight colleges you’re interested in and complete some preliminary research by visiting their website. Take detailed notes. Where is the school located? What is the average class size? What college majors are offered?
After you’ve researched a handful of colleges, come up with a list of thoughtful questions to ask the college fair representative — questions that can’t be answered on the school’s website. For instance, maybe you’re interested in asking:
5 Practical tips to keep in mind at college fairs
Dress neatly and professionally
Show your enthusiasm for the event by dressing well. While you certainly don’t need to wear a suit, avoid wearing ripped jeans, leggings, sweatpants, and t-shirts. Think blouses, button-downs, khakis, skirts, slacks, etc. If you’re attending a virtual college fair, it’s still important to dress well!
Take plenty of notes
Bring a notebook and take plenty of notes. After you visit each booth, take a moment to reflect on what you learned and what you’d like to remember. Avoid taking notes on your phone, especially while in the midst of conversation. You may be hard at work, but people may assume that you’re distracted.
Bring a bag and water bottle
Do your best to make a good impression. Dress well, be polite, and ask thoughtful questions. After all, the college fair representative may also work as an admissions officer!
Make a good impression
Bring a bag to carry around all of your brochures and pamphlets. You may even want to bring a couple of folders to help you stay more organized. Additionally, you’ll want to bring a water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout the event.
Follow up with a thank you email
Make sure you leave each booth with the college representative’s contact information. After the event, send a thank-you email. Include a couple of personal details about what you talked about so they remember who you are.
Key takeaways and moving forward
If you have more questions about college admissions, consider reaching out to one of our college counselors. Prepory has a panel of college admissions experts so that students like you can reach all of their college-related goals! In the meantime, check out some more of our blog posts, such as When Should High School Students Apply For Scholarships.
Key takeaways and moving forward
Attending college fairs is a great way to learn more about your options for the future. Be curious and keep an open mind. Visit booths from schools you’ve never heard of; you might be surprised by what they have to offer! And remember to do your research ahead of time, especially in regards to some of your top schools. After all, you’ll get much more out of the event if you’ve already put in some preliminary research. That way, you can ask more detailed and thoughtful questions.
If you have more questions about college admissions, consider reaching out to one of our college counselors. Prepory has a panel of college admissions experts so that students like you can reach all of their college-related goals! In the meantime, check out some more of our blog posts, such as When Should High School Students Apply For Scholarships.
Subscribe to our blog
Don’t miss out on the latest college admissions trends, updates, and tips!
