Your Guide to Navigating College Fairs: How to Prepare, Engage and Follow Up

Stepping into a college fair can feel like entering a maze of possibilities — rows of tables, stacks of brochures and eager representatives all vying for your attention. How do you make the most of it? This guide will walk you through the essentials of navigating your college fair experience. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned visitor, these steps will help you gather the right information, ask meaningful questions and set yourself up for success.

Research and Set Your Goals

Before stepping into the fair, spend some time preparing so you can maximize your visit. Taking time to research and organize your priorities will help you navigate the event effectively and ensure that you gather the information you need. This section focuses on the foundational steps to prepare before you arrive, such as researching schools, understanding admissions requirements and setting goals for the event.

A Solid Plan

Getting ready for a college fair involves more than just showing up. A solid strategy ensures that you maximize your time, focus on the most relevant schools, and leave with valuable insights that support your college decision-making. Unlike the preparation phase, this section covers practical strategies for managing time efficiently, planning a route, and making real-time decisions during the fair itself.

• Look up the list of attending colleges and prioritize the ones that interest you.
• Visit their websites to understand basic admissions requirements, financial aid options, and campus culture.
• Prepare thoughtful questions. Focus on topics that matter most to you and that will help you make an informed decision. Refer to the section below for examples of what to ask.
• Check if any colleges require pre-registration for special sessions or one-on-one meetings with admissions officers.
• Plan a route for navigating the fair efficiently. Use the event's online map, if available, to locate high-priority schools first and visit other booths as time permits.
• Have a strategy for managing time, including breaks. Allocate more time to schools that are a high priority while leaving some flexibility for exploring unexpected options.

For a comprehensive timeline on college planning, refer to Bucknell's College Planning Timeline.

What to Bring to a College Fair

Having the right materials on hand can make your experience smoother and more productive. Bringing essential supplies will help you stay organized and allow you to collect and process information efficiently. Here are some ideas:

• A notebook and pen for taking notes
• A folder to organize brochures and materials
• Pre-printed cards with your contact information (optional)
• A water bottle and light snack (fairs can be long!)
• A tote bag for carrying brochures and handouts

Questions to Ask Colleges During a College Fair

College fairs are a great opportunity to gather valuable information directly from admissions counselors. These representatives are there to answer your questions and help you determine whether their school is a good fit for you. Prepare your questions in advance, prioritize them based on your needs, and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions to gain deeper insights.

Below are some thoughtful questions to consider.

Campus Life and Student Experience:

• What do students like most about your school?
• What kinds of students tend to thrive at your school?
• How would you describe the campus culture and social atmosphere?
• What is the surrounding town/city like?
• Do most students live on campus, or is off-campus housing more common?
• What kinds of clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities are popular?
• Are there traditions or unique events on campus that students look forward to?
• How inclusive and diverse is the student body?
• Are there support services for first-generation students or those from underrepresented backgrounds?

Academics and Support:

• How many students are there in a typical class? Are there majors or classes that are competitive to get into?
• Are there unique academic opportunities, like study abroad or honors programs?
• How would you describe the academic workload? Is it difficult to balance academics and social life?
• Do professors hold office hours regularly, and how accessible are they outside of class?
• What resources are in place to help students who may be struggling academically?

Career Preparation and Outcomes:

• What kind of career support do you offer, both during school and after graduation? Is there job placement assistance for graduates?
• Are internships available specific to my major?
• Could you provide examples of successful alumni and the fields they work in?
• Do you have strong connections with companies or organizations that frequently hire graduates?

Student Perspective and Additional Resources:

• Can you connect me with current students or recent alumni to discuss their experiences?
• Are there online resources or virtual tours I can explore later?
• Can I arrange a visit to the campus, and are there guided tours available?

Follow Up and Take the Next Steps

Your college fair experience doesn't end when you walk out the door. The follow-up process is just as important as attending, helping you organize your thoughts and take action based on what you learned.

Here's what to do next:

• Review your notes and compare colleges based on academic programs, financial aid and campus life.
• Rank them based on your level of interest and fit.
• Identify which schools you want to research further or schedule visits for.
• Send thank-you emails to representatives you spoke with, mentioning something specific from your discussion.
• Follow colleges on social media and sign up for newsletters to stay updated.
• Reflect on your overall experience — what schools made the best impression and why?

For more details on crafting your college list, Bucknell's post on How Many Colleges Should I Apply To? provides insights into creating a well-balanced list of reach, target and safety schools.

Final Takeaway

Approaching a college fair with a clear plan will help you gather meaningful insights and make informed decisions about your future. By researching ahead, asking the right questions, and following up afterward, you'll transform what might seem like an overwhelming event into a valuable and strategic step in your college search process.

Make the most of the opportunity. It's your future, and you're in control.

Have questions about Bucknell? Connect with an admissions counselor today to learn more about your next steps.