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College Fair


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Attending a College Fair

Attending a college fair is a great opportunity to explore schools and programs available to you after high school. Representatives attend and present information for students to review and learn which schools and programs satisfy their academic, financial, and social requirements. Participating schools may include four-year colleges and universities, two-year community colleges with transfer pathways, art/design/technical institutes, and military academies.

How to Prepare

Faring well at college fairs

Before the Fair

  • Find out which colleges will attend, and write down the ones you want to learn about.
  • Research colleges ahead of time, especially ones you haven't considered before (CCC, Naviance, Big Future, or the college's own website).
  • Create a short list of unique questions to ask reps at every table, so you can compare colleges.
  • Both students and parents are welcome, but let students do most of the talking (or walk around separately).
  • Bring your list of colleges & questions, a pen, a notebook, and a bag for brochures.
  • Consider pre-printed address labels with your info to stick on college cards instead of filling out the same form repeatedly. (Make sure your email won't embarrass you — admission officers will see it!)

At the Fair

  • Survey the room or check the map, and plan your route.
  • Visit admission reps and ask your questions.
  • Write down your impressions and answers before moving to the next table, while it's still fresh.
  • Leave time to browse — talk to reps from schools you don't already know. You might find one that's a perfect fit.

When You Get Home

  • Ask yourself which colleges stood out, and why.
  • Organize what you collected while it's fresh in your mind, and review your notes.
  • Recycle pamphlets from colleges you've ruled out.
  • Research the colleges you're still considering further — explore their website, contact admissions, or plan a visit.
  • Update your "Colleges I'm Thinking About" list on Naviance.
  • Still have questions? Meet with your College & Career Center Specialist to review your findings and build a College Application Plan.
Come Prepared

Questions to ask at a college fair

  • Do you offer my planned major?
  • What are the most popular majors?
  • How easy is it to change majors?
  • Do most freshmen live on campus?
  • What's your average class size? (How big are the largest classes?)
  • How easy is it for undergrads to do research?
  • Do graduate students teach classes?
  • How easy is it to get to campus from the Bay Area?
  • What scholarships do you offer for incoming freshmen?
  • Special out-of-state rates for California students? (WUE)
  • Do you help students find internships or jobs in their fields?
  • Do you offer academic counseling and support services?
Download this worksheet to take with you →

Helpful tips when asking questions

  • To learn the main interests of most students, ask "what are the most popular majors?" rather than "how many people are in the freshman class?"
  • If considering a particular major, ask how many students take it, what faculty research opportunities exist for undergrads, or what courses you'd take in your first year. Avoid "how good is major X?" — reps won't say a program is bad, since their goal is to promote all programs.
  • If you're undecided, ask what services and support are available to help you explore different majors.
  • Other good topics: extracurricular activities, what kind of students the college is looking for, and what percentage of students receive financial aid.
  • For more, see "25 Questions to Ask a College" (Source: San Jose State University Admissions).

Thank you to the CUHSD Ed Foundation for the information above. Page content is adapted from the original as written by Jennifer Gross, Copyright © 2003 National Association for College Admission Counseling, and the College Board.