As fall rolls around, so do college fairs—a prime opportunity for high school juniors to connect with colleges and start shaping their future. These events bring representatives from a wide range of schools together in one place, making it easier than ever to compare options, ask questions, and discover institutions you might not have considered before.
Whether you’re attending in person or logging into a virtual fair, preparation is key to making the experience worthwhile. With so many schools and conversations packed into a few hours, a thoughtful strategy can help you walk away with meaningful insights—and maybe even a few new favorites for your college list.
Let’s walk through how to prepare, engage, and follow up to make the most of your next college fair.
Before the College Fair
Meet with Your Counselor First
Start by talking to your school’s college counselor. They can help you narrow down your interests, suggest colleges that match your goals, and help you build a realistic college list. Having this discussion in advance will help you show up at the fair with a clear sense of purpose.
Create a Game Plan
Once you’ve got a list of colleges in mind, check the fair’s lineup and make a plan for which booths to visit. Rank your top-choice schools so you can prioritize them first. It’s easy to get caught up in a good conversation and lose track of time, so consider limiting yourself to 5–7 minutes per table.
Bring a list of questions you genuinely care about. Here are a few helpful ones to consider:
What kind of students thrive at your school?
What’s campus life like—urban, suburban, rural?
What’s the average class size and student-to-faculty ratio?
How diverse is your student body?
What are your most popular majors or programs?
Are there study abroad or research opportunities?
Do you meet 100% of demonstrated financial need?
Jot these down and tailor them based on what matters most to you.
During the Fair
Take Notes as You Go
You’re going to hear a lot of information in a short amount of time. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down key points, including any standout facts or personal impressions. These notes will be useful later when comparing schools or drafting essays.
Make It Personal
Introduce yourself confidently. Shake hands, make eye contact, and mention your high school name. This small moment helps make a strong first impression and shows you’re taking the process seriously.
Bring pre-printed labels with your name, email, high school, and graduation year to quickly sign up for mailing lists. This saves time and avoids errors from rushed handwriting.
Explore Outside Your List
Once you’ve talked to your top schools, leave time to wander. You may discover a college you’ve never heard of that ends up being a perfect fit. Be open—you’re here to learn.
Go Solo When Possible
If your friends are visiting the same colleges, don’t be afraid to split up. You’ll get more personalized attention from reps and have the chance to focus on your own interests and questions.
After the College Fair
Sort and Reflect
Take time to review everything you picked up—pamphlets, notes, business cards. Sort the colleges into categories: must-know-more, maybe, and not a match. Then dig deeper into the ones that stood out. Visit their websites, look into majors and campus culture, and consider attending virtual info sessions.
Follow Up
Send a thank-you email to any reps you spoke with, especially if the conversation was helpful. Ask any lingering questions and let them know you’re interested in learning more. This simple step shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
College fairs aren’t just about collecting brochures—they’re about discovering your potential future. With the right preparation and mindset, they can be a major turning point in your college search journey.
Also See: How to Write a Winning College Essay (with Examples)