What should you ask? Here are some quick DOs and DON’Ts:

Don’t ask anything you can easily Google:

“Is it cold there?”

“Do you have Biology?”

Don’t ask general questions:

“What’s your school like?”

“Is your [fill in the blank] program good?” (They’ll all say it’s great.)

Do ask specific questions that invite a personal response.

“What are the three coolest things about your school?”

"Where do you like to eat on campus?"

Do ask specific questions relevant to your major:

“Do students have access to film equipment during their freshman year?”

“How easy is it to take classes in the School of Journalism if I major in Physics?”

Stressed about the questions? Not sure what to ask?

Then do this: Go up to the rep, smile, and introduce yourself. Then ask that exhausted rep how they’re doing. (Really? Yeah.) Just connect on a human level. Be present, then just see where the conversation takes you. Treat these interactions like a mini interview, saying “more than anything, it’s about your Presence.” So stay curious, and ask some questions. 

How? Use this resource Building a College List

The College Essay Guy says, "Why pick 3-5 school representatives to meet with? Because depth is better than breadth. I’d say it’s better to have 10-minute conversations with 3-5 reps than 1-2 minute conversations with 25 reps. 

Also: you’re more likely to hit the 3-5 goal. Once you do, if you feel like it, talk to a few more—BY THAT POINT YOU’RE IN BONUS TERRITORY."

Prioritize schools you may not have an opportunity to visit or that track demonstrated interest.

Demonstrated interest is a system some colleges use to track which students are REALLY interested in their school. Think of it as "scoring points" with a college. Some ways you can demonstrate interest are requesting information from the college, attending a virtual information session and/or interviewing with an admissions representative or alumnus. 

What is a favorite activity or tradition on campus? What do students do on the weekends for fun?

What percentage of freshman return for their sophomore year?

What academic resources are available to help with challenging courses?

How big are classes? Are they taught by professors? Or will I have a teaching assistant or graduate student?

Do classes fill up quickly and will I have a difficult time getting into the course I need? 

How accessible are the professors and advisors? If I email them, how quickly do they respond? 

What kinds of internship opportunities do you have? Are there a lot of jobs on campus to earn money?

Do you like the food on campus? Where are the best places to go eat off campus?

Will I need a car to get around or are things within walking distance? 

Why do you like [fill in the blank school]? What advice would you give me for my first year? 

Ask yourself which colleges stood out and why.

Organize the college material you collected and review it that week while it’s fresh in your mind.

Go over any notes you took during the fair.

Throw out the pamphlets of colleges you’ve ruled out so you can focus on the colleges you’re interested in.

Do more research on the colleges you’re thinking about. Explore websites, contact the admission office or plan a campus visit. If you liked what you saw at the fair, it may be time to see the college in person!