How to make the most of a College Fair?

Attending a college fair soon and I'm honestly a little overwhelmed. Any tips on how to approach college representatives and what questions I should ask to get the most useful information?

Firstly, it's totally normal to feel overwhelmed, and you're definitely not alone in feeling this way. College fairs can be busy and packed with information, but they're also fantastic opportunities to learn about multiple universities in one go!

Before the fair, you may want to research which colleges will be represented and create a list of the ones that pique your interest. Mirror these against your academic interests, potential majors, campus culture preferences, and other parameters that are important to you.

When speaking to college representatives, consider asking about factors beyond what's easily accessible on a college's website. You could ask questions around the students' culture, the resources available for specific majors, opportunities for work-study or internships, and information about the college's surrounding town or city.

Also ask about financial aid options. For example, it might be worth asking how many students receive financial aid, what the average package looks like, and if there are any merit-based scholarships on offer, especially if the school of interest is private and potentially more expensive than public universities.

When the fair ends, follow up with the representatives that made an impression on you via a thank-you note. This will help you stand out and could open the door for more personalized conversations. It also demonstrates your continued interest in the institution.

And finally, take some time to digest all the information you'll be gathering. Jot notes down and consider what resonated with you about a particular college. This should help you in refining your college search, and eventually, your college application list.

Good luck with your college fair! I hope you find the experience rewarding and informative!