College fairs are like a buffet of college information — you can learn about many schools in one place! A little preparation makes them much more valuable.
Before You Go
Review the list of attending colleges (usually posted ahead of time)
Identify 5-10 schools you want to prioritize
Prepare a "student profile" with your name, email, GPA, and interests
What to Bring
Pen and notebook
Bag for collecting materials
Your prepared questions
A positive attitude!
At the Fair
Start with your top-choice schools when lines are shorter
Ask questions you can't easily find online
Sign up for mailing lists at booths that interest you
Take quick notes after each conversation
After the Fair
Send follow-up emails to representatives you connected with
Add interesting schools to your research list
Sign up for virtual events from schools that caught your attention