Ultimate College Fair Checklist

College fairs allow students to meet with college representatives without the time and expense of a road trip or plane ride.  And now, there are even virtual college fairs that allow you to explore from the comfort of
your own home. Much like a campus visit in order to get the most from the college fair, it is wise to do a bit of planning.

BEFORE THE FAIR:

• Pre-Register:
  • If the fair offers it, pre-register for priority access and to make quick information requests from colleges.
• Print out your Student Admittance Pass: 
  • Bring it with you to the college fair along with a pen and notebook to take notes.
• Develop Your Target List:
  • Check out the list of colleges attending the college fair and build your target list.
  • Do a bit of research on college websites to familiarize yourself with their offerings.
• Create your Criteria List: Decide what is really important to you in college:
  • Do you want to attend a two or four-year school?
  • Public or private?
  • What size school do you think you would thrive in: small, medium, or large?
  • What programs of students are you considering or exploring
  • How far from home do you want to go?
  • Do you wish to participate in any specific extra-curricular activities or athletics?
  • Do you want to attend a school in an urban, suburban, or rural environment?
  • Do you require any special services?
• Create a list of questions to ask.

DURING THE FAIR:

• Bring your list of questions to ask.
• Be open-minded and visit a variety of schools.
• If the fair is crowded, be prepared to ask your most important questions of college representatives and allow others a chance to do the same.
• Keep your registration sheet on hand for representatives to scan if you'd like additional information.
• Collect college information, as well as business cards or contact information for schools that are interesting to you.
  
  

AFTER THE FAIR:

• Information overload:
  • By the time the fair is over, you should have a bag filled with information about colleges - and a possible case of information overload.
• Organized for success:
  • Find a place to organize your college data. Read through your notes, write down contacts, and scan the brochures and catalogs.
• Follow Up:
  • Consider calling or emailing schools you find interesting. For more information, schedule a campus visit, or do some additional online research.