Top Mistakes to Avoid at College Fairs
Top Mistakes to Avoid at College Fairs
One of the best ways to learn a little about a lot of colleges and universities is by attending a college fair. Representatives from dozens, sometimes hundreds, of schools set up stations full of colorful material designed to drum up interest in their respective institutions.
As social distancing restrictions begin to ease it is likely that this valuable form of information gathering will return in some capacity. We will all have to keep a close eye on state-by-state developments; but being prepared in advance will serve you well, nonetheless.
For many students, especially those earlier in their high school career, the college fair can be a great introduction to learning how to advocate for yourself and make a strong impression on a decision maker. Follow our tips below and you’ll be sure to maximize your time and experience at the next college fair you attend.
1. Don’t Ask Questions You Can Answer with Google
Most of the information you seek is already in the palm of your hand. It’s easier than ever to ask Google (or Alexa or Siri, if you prefer) whether or not a particular university offers a journalism major, how large the average class is, or where the school is located.
Admissions officers and alumni representatives are friendly, gracious, and happy to answer your questions, but being asked about something that is easily found on their website is the pet peeve of many. Prospective students come off as aloof and underprepared.
Avoid asking questions you can look up on your own. It is a waste of the precious few moments you have one-on-one with that admissions officer. However, you can ask about the story behind those numbers.
- Instead of asking about the student-faculty ratio, ask for examples of how students and professors build meaningful relationships on campus.
- Rather than asking about where a school is located, ask about how the school community interacts with the city or town it resides in or what special opportunities might be available because of the campus’s location.
- Instead of asking the ranking of the school’s Biology department, ask about unique ways the college prepares and supports future doctors.
Moreover, try to tell something about yourself in your questions. It’ll help you to stand out from the crowd.
- I’m someone who loves collaboration and hope to join a community of students who do too! Can you tell me what the student culture on campus is like?
Asking about personal anecdotes are great, too, because it’ll give you an insider look into their experiences.
- What was the most memorable class you took?
- What do you miss most about being a student at this school?
All in all, they key to thoughtful questions is to do your preparation beforehand. As you read through the websites of colleges that catch your eye, you will naturally develop nuanced questions to ask.
2. Don’t Just Listen…and Then Forget
At a college fair where you may talk to a dozen representatives, it is easy to forget the details of what each one said. Or, you might confuse one for another since most schools have top professors, study abroad programs, and lively dorms.
Don’t rely on your memory alone and take detailed notes throughout the day. You could use a notepad or your phone to type up interesting things you learned, your impression of a school, and the names of people you spoke with.
These notes may serve as a rich source to draw on when you sit down to write your “why college” essays, where the more specific your references to particular, unique features of a school, the better.
That said, don’t overlook the key step of listening. Make sure you’re paying attention and engaging in active listening while talking with the admissions officer or alum. Don’t become so focused on trying to impress them with your questions or so distracted by the activity around you that you miss something that could help inform your decision. Make good eye contact and commit to paying close attention.
3. Don’t Walk Away Empty Handed
In addition to picking up colorful brochures from the booths, remember to ask for the contact information of representatives. It’s always good form to send a thank you email after a face-to-face encounter with individuals connected to your schools of interest.
You both show your gratitude for their time and leave open a door to ask more questions. If you spoke with an admissions officer, then this can be a wonderful window to building a relationship with the person who will read your application. Contact with alumni are also helpful for asking questions that may arise down the line.
Moreover, if offered the opportunity to sign up for their email list, take it! It will demonstrate interest and you can always unsubscribe if you decide a school is not for you. To avoid spam, you might create an email specifically for receiving information from colleges. Remember to choose an appropriate, professional email address.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Explore
It’s easy to only stick with schools familiar to you, but who knows? Maybe the perfect college for you is one which you have never heard about. Come with and open mind and challenge yourself to explore at your next fair. Even if it turns out that a college does not suit your needs, you will take one step closer to figuring out what factors draw you and which repel.
And the great thing about unfamiliar college is that they are likely unfamiliar to your peers too, meaning the pool of applicants from your high school is smaller. That college’s representative may take extra time to get to know and recruit you.
Speaking of peers, while it may be comforting to walk around the college fair with your friends, remember that your process is personal and will have different requirements than theirs. Don’t miss an opportunity to see a school that may fit you because you’re on your friend’s journey. Support your peers, but be sure to do your own due diligence in your process.
A Note About Virtual Fairs
An increasing number of schools and community organizations will be turning to digital engagement to reach the largest number of students possible. These events offer a great way to make initial contact with admissions officers and get your questions answered.
As with in person events, the key to making these worthwhile is being prepared. Know that you won’t have that much time to spend chatting with the college rep, so come ready with a list of your top (non-“Googleable”) questions as well as a plan for how you’ll follow up afterward.
When you interact with the admissions rep, make sure your background is clean and non-distracting, that you’re dressed in an appropriate way, and your technology is working as it should. Making a strong first impression matters in the real and the virtual world. If you remember these guidelines, you’ll have a successful college fair experience.
The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.
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