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.