How to Navigate the College Fair

College fairs are held at different points throughout the school year. Prospective students are given a chance to visit with admissions representatives from schools across their home state and from nearby states. A college fair may be limited to local colleges in a certain area, or may attract large, small, and medium sized schools from different geographic areas.

If you are planning to attend a college fair, or know someone that is, there is a lot of advice you can follow before, during, and after going to one.

Before the fair, try to find out how many schools are coming and which ones if possible. You can look on their website to learn some basic information, such as how many majors offered, total student population, location, and residence life. Use what you find out to figure out anything you want to ask admissions representatives.

You should also make sure you know what you are looking for. Is there already a specific school you are set on? Even if you don't have a top choice, you can make a general list of your geographic and college preferences to figure out which schools seem like the best fit for you.

Once you are there, get down to business. If you have a map of the booths, scope out the ones that most interest you and plan the most convenient route possible to get there. Be prepared to stand in long lines. While you are waiting, try to glance at the promotional materials already on the table, or start filling out information cards for the schools.

When you go to talk to the recruiter, start off with any questions you may have. This can be anything about the school you are curious about. Tell them about your desired career plans and they may be able to make suggestions for relevant majors. If you are undecided, find out what kinds of services they offer for students who don't immediately pick a major.

If there are information sessions scheduled on topics such as financial aid or admissions, try to attend as many as you can.

No matter who you meet, make sure to try to get a card with their contact information. This will help later if you think of any more questions or want to reiterate your interest in a college or a particular academic program.

After you come back from the fair, you will undoubtedly have a lot of colored brochures and information cards to fill out. Once you take a break for a day or two, begin sorting through the information you've gathered. Read every last word of any brochure, then make two piles: one for things you want to keep and another for what you want to toss. When you decide what to hold on to, get a folder or other container for it so you don't lose it easily.

Over the next few months, you can further your research colleges by contacting current students and faculty, visiting campus, and continuing to visit the school's website. You may even be able to attend another college fair and visit schools you missed the first time.

A college fair can be overwhelming, but it is also a good time to collect information about your life after high school. Not everything will be a good fit, but by attending, you know just how many good schools are out there and make students happy during their four or more years of school.