College Fairs

A college fair is a wonderful opportunity to learn about colleges that interest you and to ask questions of college representatives. Getting the most from a college fair takes some advanced planning, and these helpful hints will assist you in making the best use of your time.

Do Your Research & Map It Out

Go online to find out what colleges will be in attendance and plan which schools you would like to target. Most college fairs arrange the schools in alphabetical order, so you will know where to find Allegheny College vs. Wittenberg University. If it is crowded, you may want to approach the schools in reverse alphabetical order. Those schools at the end of the alphabet may not be as busy early in the fair. If it is a large fair, grab a fair map and bring a highlighter to chart a plan of which colleges you would like to visit to ensure you connect with your target schools.

Make Meaningful Contact with Admissions Representatives

If you are really interested in a specific college, the admissions counselor is your most valuable resource. Start the conversation with a handshake, an introduction, and a question relevant to your interests. Tip: Be intentional, asking insightful questions to glean information above and beyond what is available in the college literature. This will make you stand out from your peers. Many of the college representatives present at the fair will be responsible for reviewing your application. Ask them for a business card. For a top choice school, send them a note afterwards thanking them for their time or asking follow-up questions to help keep the dialogue open.

Be Open to Possibility

The college search is an exciting adventure. Once you have connected with your target colleges, branch out and visit some schools that you have never heard of or know little about. You may find yourself interested in a school you never considered that matches your academic pursuits.

Finding a good fit can be a lengthy process but well worth the effort. A college fair provides a snapshot of the realm of possibilities. After the fair, continue to research colleges that piqued your interest. Explore their websites, schedule a campus visit, meet with college representatives who visit your high school, and follow up with admission counselors at top choice schools. Investing in the search process will pay off tenfold when you find your fit.

BHS Virtual Visits with College Reps

In addition to College Fairs, BHS has a wonderful College Rep Visit Program. We have pivoted from our traditional in-person college visits, that took place during lunch, to virtual visits which take place Monday-Thursday at 3 and 7pm. You can view the calendar in your SCOIR account.