Preparing for The College Fair: Pro Tips for College Shoppers
- Bonnie Kleffman, M.Ed., GCDF
- Jun 16
- 5 min read
Have you ever felt overwhelmed when attempting to make a large purchase? Car dealers entice us with the shiniest new models, and realtors will tout the extra closet space and upgraded appliances in an expensive new home. When it is all said and done, buyers realize that their options are plenty, while sellers try to convince you that the market is in their favor. Believe it or not, a college education is on par with these large purchases. How can we even begin to shop?
Enter the college fair!
Preparing for your first college fair does not need to be as overwhelming as browsing a car lot! Believe it or not, at this stage of the college admissions game, it is a buyers market. At all college fairs, admissions representatives are in the business of gathering student information and enthusiastically generating interest about the schools they represent. In fact, the college rep you speak with at some college fairs is the individual who will read your application for admission!
How can students make the most of the college fair experience? Shopping for schools begins here - so it is important to prepare for the college fair beforehand so that you know which model is right for you. Read on for my best tips and tricks:
Do your homework: Take a look at which fairs will be in your region. For example, Central Texas students can check out TACRAO or TACAC college fairs and gather dates from a simple online search. Find out which schools will be at the fair you are attending, and make a list of booths to visit. Younger students should choose a few that they have heard of, and plan to check out a few that are unfamiliar. Gather materials from your local state flagships, some smaller in-state schools, and even a few that are further away. If you are new to the college search, this is an excellent survey course on different sizes, locations and academic climates of schools in your region. Next, look them up ahead of time and do your research. It is absolutely fine to carry notes with you to the event! Have a general idea of selectivity, majors offered, school size and location before you arrive. These things are often found on the first page or two of the website, so no need to waste time asking reps about them. If a map of the college fair is available in advance, plan your route but don’t be afraid to deviate. Be open to learning about a few schools you haven’t heard of. Pro tip: Bring a tote bag. There will be informational pamphlets and swag that you will want to take home with you!
Prepare to listen: Most reps attending these college fairs have an introductory speech about their school which includes basic information and a bit about their most popular majors. If you have an idea which major(s) you may be interested in, mention that early in the conversation. Reps are amazing at letting students know fun facts and outstanding/unusual features that set their school apart from others. Make notes, take business cards, and be open to what the school has to offer. You will have plenty of time to reflect on all you have learned later, but your job right now is to test drive each car on the lot so that you can make an informed choice later.
Prepare to ask: Don’t limit your questions to your intended field(s) of study! Although it can be intimidating, asking a few open-ended questions is one of the best ways to learn about the learning climate and culture of a university. Here are a few that are sure to get reps talking:
Describe what a successful student looks like at your school?
Tell me about the first-year student experience at X college?
What is a little known fact about your school that I cannot find on the website?
What do students at X college do for fun outside the classroom?
Do most students live on campus?
What is the prevalence of internships or work based learning experiences?
Are you an alumni, and if so, what was your favorite part of going to X college?
Make your mark: Believe it or not, having a conversation with a rep at a college fair does indeed count as demonstrated interest. This can give a micro-boost to your chances of admission, so be sure to fill out the information card so that they can follow up with more information. As well, if you had a particularly engaging conversation with a rep, send them an email or thank you card expressing your gratitude for their time. Don’t forget to polish yourself up and practice your good eye-contact and firm handshake. Dress for success in business casual attire if possible to let the reps know you are taking the event seriously. What reps want most is your sincere interest and curiosity, so if you have that, let it show!
Debrief: Once you leave the college fair, don’t forget to go through all of the literature you have collected, and make additional notes on your impressions of each school. If you encountered some that you did not anticipate, that’s excellent! College fairs are just one great way to do college research, so keep doing your homework so that you can narrow your list accordingly. Finally, discuss your experiences with a parent or trusted adult! Most likely, they have been exactly where you are and are eager to talk it out with you! Although your first ‘buying experience’ is never easy, when it comes to college, most folks only shop once. There isn’t just one way to do research, but college fairs are a wonderful way for students and families to be exposed to what each college has to offer without having to travel far and wide!
Don’t forget to polish yourself up and practice your good eye-contact and firm handshake. Dress for success in business casual attire if possible to let the reps know you are taking the event seriously.
Frequently asked questions:
Is attending a college fair considered demonstrated interest by colleges like Texas A&M? For some universities, yes. Always fill out the contact form at each booth to ensure you’re added to their prospective student list.
How can attending a college fair help build a balanced college list? College fairs allow families to gather information across a wide range of institutions—flagship public schools, private universities, and out-of-state options—all in one setting. By comparing factors like selectivity, campus culture, and academic offerings, students can better define reach, match, and likely schools aligned with their goals.
What should students do before attending a college fair?
Students should research which colleges will be present, identify a few priority schools to visit, and review basic facts such as size, location, and available majors. Preparing 3–5 thoughtful questions about their major of interest can lead to more meaningful conversations with admissions reps.
What are common mistakes students make at college fairs?
Asking overly general questions (e.g., “Do you have a biology major?”), dressing too casually, not taking notes, or skipping lesser-known schools can all limit the value of the experience. Being organized, open-minded, and respectful leaves a stronger impression.
What should students interested in competitive STEM programs ask at a college fair?
Students should ask about direct admission into majors like computer science or engineering, undergraduate research opportunities, internships, first-year support programs, and class size within their intended department. Questions about the structure of the curriculum and how early students can access major-specific courses are also valuable.
Need help building a balanced college list or prepping for your next Austin-area college fair?
Access College America specializes in helping STEM-focused students apply to top schools like UT Austin, Texas A&M, MIT, and Georgia Tech, as well as other selective universities.
Schedule your free Discovery Call today and get expert guidance today!
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