Eye on the Storm: The Official Undergraduate Admissions Blog of the National Leader in Experiential, Hands-on Learning

Hi Everyone,

Here at Keuka College, most of the admissions counselors spring travel revolves around college fairs. Some may be at high schools (often called college nights and takes place in the gym or cafeteria) and others may be a national college fair…the kind that may involve a school field trip to a local convention center. National college fairs, offered through NACAC, can be extremely overwhelming to those who are new to the college search process.  Here are some tips to make sure you have the best and most productive time at a college fair.

•       Before the fair, make note of schools you want to see.  Most times there will be a list of participating colleges available before the actual fair online or your guidance office may have a listing.
•      Research those particular schools before the fair, so you have specific questions for each school.
•     Once at the fair, start at the schools you want information from or have questions for. Many fairs are at least 2 hours giving you plenty of time to check out other schools and wander the aisles.
•      Figure out what questions are most important for you to ask. Examples could be a particular major, cost, application process, and housing options.
•  The front rows get especially busy in the beginning of the fair. Starting with the last rows and working your way to the front may mean you won’t stand in line waiting to speak to a counselor that is overcrowded with people when the fair first starts.
• Put your best face forward when speaking to an admissions counselor. Many of us are the ones who will be sending you information, reading your application and helping you while you conduct your college search. You’ll be surprised as to what (and whom!) we remember from college fairs.
•    Bring address labels to use instead of writing out inquiry cards for more information. Sometimes we can’t read your handwriting clearly which means we can’t send you info. Many students use their return address labels while others make labels that also list their intended major, graduation year, email and high school.

And finally have fun at a college fair. Admissions counselors attend college fairs to get your questions answered and to get you excited about attending college. Don’t be afraid to come back a second time if you thought of another question. That’s what we are there for!