How to Handle Your College Fair

College and university fairs can be a bit overwhelming, but they can also be incredibly informative. With a little advanced preparation, you can make excellent use of your college fair and really take the opportunity to narrow down your list of potential schools. A typical college fair, held at a local school or community center, will consist of tables or booths representing dozens or even hundreds of colleges and universities.

With so much information available, it can be confusing to know what to do. The best way to make use of the fair is to know in advance which colleges and universities you want to speak with. If you try to spend time at every booth, or wander aimlessly, you'll be overwhelmed and ultimately unproductive.

Prior to attending the fair, obtain a list of the colleges and universities that will be in attendance. If you've already begun your college search, consult your list of favorite schools and check to see if those colleges and universities will be represented at the fair. Use your time at the fair to help you zero in on your top choices.

You'll want to make sure that you find out everything you want to know about the colleges and universities that you're interested in. You can ask representatives any questions you may have about the school or admissions process, obtain an application, and arrange to visit campus. The representatives can also help you set up an interview.

If there are any schools that you are unsure about, you can pick up literature and admissions brochures and read over them when you get home. A college fair can also be a good time for you to make a good impression with admissions officers at your top choice schools. Just remember that some college and university booths are manned by local alumni and not by admissions staff. However, it's a good idea to introduce yourself anyway. It's always helpful to have contacts at the schools that you're interested in.

If you're just beginning your search, you can identify those schools that fall into the general categories that appeal to you, such as private schools, large public universities, urban campuses, and so on. You can use the college fair as a great, informal way to explore the wide array of college and university options available to you.