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College Fairs for Students and Parents

College Fairs

Maximize College Fairs and Make the Best Choice for Your Education

Choosing a college can be a challenging decision. Students need a school they can manage financially that provides them with the degree program they desire. The reputation of the school matters because employers will consider the degree value when they choose candidates for their organizations. Every student has a unique list of what the best school must have. Some want more scholarship opportunities, and others worry about campus safety or sports programs. College fairs allow students and parents to learn all these details about the universities that interest them.

College Fair

What is a College Fair?

Students attend fairs to meet representatives from a variety of colleges and universities. The representatives often include admissions officers and financial aid advisors. Recruiters from universities attend to learn more about the students they hope to have enrolled at their school. The fairs may happen at a high school, a local convention center, or other large gathering spots. Some fairs also occur as virtual events online.


The events allow students to learn more about schools that interest them and discover schools they had never considered. Fairs offer a lot of value for all students but are especially important for first-generation college students and their families. For many, this is the first opportunity to learn about college life and the admissions process.

What Types of Colleges Are at Fairs?

The range of universities at a fair can depend on the area and the event. Some fairs invite only local schools from the city or the state, and others include colleges and universities from across the country. A college fair may even include international schools and those that provide online schooling options. People can expect to see schools of all sizes, trade schools, and more if they attend multiple fairs throughout their student's final high school years.

What Differences are there Between In-person and Online Fairs?

The differences between virtual and in-person fairs are more about how people attend than any other aspect. Parents and students can still learn what they need to make an informed decision regardless of how they attend. Many students and parents will attend both versions while searching for the perfect school.


Virtual fairs became necessary during the pandemic, and their popularity continues today. Virtual events allow students to learn about schools that they may not have the opportunity to find at an in-person event. It is also helpful for those who hope to attend an international school but cannot afford the travel costs of visiting multiple places. Costs are a valid consideration for anyone preparing to undertake years of student loans. Online fairs also benefit anyone uncomfortable with large gatherings.

What Questions Should Attendees Ask College Recruiters?

Parents should ask about campus tour dates. Most parents feel more comfortable with children attending a school after seeing the campus firsthand. Also, ask about student support services available on campus and specific details like the current graduation rate.


Students should learn about job placement rates and the percentage of students who receive a job offer by the time they graduate or within a year after commencement. Learn about internship opportunities for the degree program desired.


Also, ask about events, activities, and clubs. Discuss the dorms and the amenities they offer. Get photos or dimensions of individual room sizes and the campus size. Learn about the average daily experience for students, the most popular courses and degree programs, and the average hours attending students spend in class each day. Also, ask about the town where the college sits to find out what it has to offer students.

What Else Can Attendees Gain from a College Fair?

Some fairs, online and in-person, include special sessions. These programs may be informational talks about scholarships and funding options or offer one-on-one meetings with school representatives and counselors to ask questions privately. Some fairs may include lectures on financial aid to help parents and students understand how loan programs work.

How to Manage a College Fair Experience

A fair can seem overwhelming with all the schools available and the crowds. Prepare by making notes of the most desirable schools and visit their tables first. Parents and students should also write down the questions they want to ask. Take notes when asking questions to make it easier to remember the details. Also note important dates like application deadlines, campus tour dates, and more.

Contact Us to Learn More About College Fair and Our Services

College fairs often become the first opportunity for direct contact between students and university representatives. Attending college fairs is vital for finding the right school and making the student familiar to recruiters. Even those who think they know where they want to go will benefit from the awareness of all the opportunities available. Every fair, virtual and in-person, can offer a tremendous return in value for the time investment spent on the visit.


Please contact us today!


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