While you can find almost all the information you need about a college right online these days, college fairs still have benefits to offer future students. In this guide, we’ll review exactly what college fairs are, where you can find them, the benefits of attending college fairs, and tips before you decide to attend one!
What are College Fairs?
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College fairs are for high school students, adult students, and their families. They’re a chance to learn more about attending colleges, universities, and other institutions. Local schools will often participate in college fairs, but they’ll also have representatives from institutions from across the United States. There could even be schools from other countries in attendance. Each college or school will have a representative or two there to help answer students’ questions.
College fairs generally have representatives from community colleges, 4-year colleges, trade schools, military branches, and other institutions and agencies, so they can be a great way to learn about your options after you graduate high school.
Where Can You Find College Fairs?
College fairs are often hosted by colleges and high schools, but they can also be hosted by individual groups and organizations at convention centers. For example, the Jacksonville National College Fair is sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
You can find out about college fairs in your area by talking to your guidance counselor, but you can also use online resources, such as the College Fair Guide. They have a solid list of upcoming events around the country. You should also do a Google search for college fairs in your area to discover some smaller events.
Some college fairs are also available completely online! Keep in mind that some in-person fairs and most virtual fairs will require you to register. However, many in-person college fairs allow you to simply show up!
Benefits of Attending College Fairs
So what do college fairs offer that you can’t get online? Well there are actually a number of benefits including:
They Offer Unique Opportunities for Research and Networking
Every participating college, institution, or other organization will have a booth at the college fair. Their booths will contain brochures, informational sheets, business cards, and more that students can take. Some will even have swag! But they’re a great way to get an introduction to a college, whether it was already on your radar or not.
However, you’re not just at a college fair to collect paper (and free swag)! Representatives will be available at each booth to answer questions or give you information about the school or institution. It presents a unique opportunity to get your most pressing questions answered by someone at the college. If they can’t answer the question you have, they can point you in the right direction or connect you with someone who can help.
Representatives and their brochures can provide information on applications, acceptance rates, campus events and clubs, majors, study abroad programs, and more.
There Will Be Colleges There You Never Heard Of
Big and small colleges attend college fairs. Local, national, and international institutions attend college fairs. There will be a school (or several) there that you’ve never heard of. You could very well find your dream school at one of these events – even if you never saw the name before.
Some College Fairs Offer Workshops and Presentations
Many college fairs also have informational sessions, such as workshops or presentations, that cover must-know information on submitting well-rounded applications, writing effective college essays, and understanding financial aid. Attending college can be complicated, but these programs can give you (and your parents) a much needed edge.
They Can Save You Time
Researching colleges online takes time. You can only tackle one at a time, and research into each one can take hours. College fairs allow you to explore dozens of schools that catch your eye in a fraction of a time.
6. Tips for Attending College Fairs
Of course, it’s not enough to simply show up at a college fair, collect some brochures, and leave. While you can technically do that, you’re wasting the opportunity they present. Instead, follow these tips:
1. Go With an Open Mind
It can be easy to simply go to the schools’ booths that are already on your radar and you’re interested in. However, college fairs present the unique opportunity to acquaint you with schools you never even considered or heard of. Having an open mind about these institutions can broaden your horizons. Even if you just ask a single question or take a brochure, more information is a good thing.
2. Research Schools Ahead of Time
If possible, try to find out which schools will be attending the college fair and which ones in particular interest you. While you shouldn’t stick solely to these booths, they do give you a solid foundation to work from. You can plan ahead and make sure that you talk to representatives from each of those colleges as you simply won’t have time to talk to every representative from every college.
You should also formulate some questions you want to ask ahead of time. Consider what’s important to you in a college and what can’t be easily found online.
3. Dress Appropriately
You don’t have to dress up in a suit and tie or a fancy dress to attend a college fair, but you should dress appropriately. This means staying away from sweat pants and pajamas. It gives a good impression to the representatives.
4. Bring a Tote Bag
You’ll be collecting quite a few brochures and information packets from the participating institutions! Bring a tote bag to carry them all. But don’t worry if you forgot yours – many college fairs have them available for students. Some colleges even offer them as swag.
5. Talk to Representatives
As stated previously, it’s not enough to simply grab brochures to a few colleges and leave the event. You should take the time to talk to the various representatives from the colleges and organizations in attendance. Representatives may be employees of the college, but they could also be alumni or current students. They’ll give you information about the school that might not be easy to find online and can answer many of your questions.
6. Collect Contact Information
If possible, collect the contact information from the representatives. They’ll often have business cards. This allows you to follow up with them about questions you thought about later or to thank them for your time. This follow up gives a great impression and could end up impacting your acceptance chances if they put in a good word for you!
Even in the midst of busy junior and senior years, college fairs should still be on your radar. While you can find a lot of information about colleges online these days, college fairs present unique opportunities to connect with representatives of a school and learn about institutions you never considered.
Before you attend a college fair, you should know a bit about the schools you plan to talk to. This will help you develop a solid list of questions to ask the representative. College Raptor’s College Match can help you identify schools that fit your wants, needs, budget, and goals. Get started here for free today.
