Does Attending College Fairs Make a Difference?

I get this question all the time- and the basic common sense answer is "Yes!" And all the while I am thinking- how could you NOT be dying to go?!!? You have no clue where to go to school, you think all of Canada has snow year round, and the Ivy Leagues are the only schools that exist in the States among a select few other names. Time to re-boot that attitude!

But I get it- you really want to know why you need to go. Honestly,there is no better way to debunk misconceptions, gain perspective and confidence, and learn about yourself than to go to a college fair and interact. But if you don't believe me- believe the professionals.

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) says:
Every year, more than 400,000 students attend National College Fairs seeking information about colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions.

Free and open to the public, National College Fairs and Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of postsecondary institutions to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, college life in general, and other information pertinent to the college selection process.

College Admissions Representatives Say:

Response #1

Hi Emily!

My answer (and you’re more than welcome to make it not anonymous) is that part of the college search and research process is going to the fairs and actually SPEAKING TO A REAL HUMAN! I actually think the best reason in favor of going to these fairs is specifically because you don’t know if you want to go to a school or not. By speaking to an admissions rep or alumni who is at the fair, you’ll get a much more accurate picture of what each specific school has to offer, and what their “fit” might be with you. Then, should you decide that you want to move forward and research that institution more deeply, and perhaps even apply, you’ll have a person who will be a resource for you – admissions officers value face to face interaction as much as students and counselors do – we *love* to meet students! You don’t have to talk to every school at a fair, but targeting several is a great idea. It’s as important to rule schools out as it to rule them in.

Happy to talk more about this should you want!

Ainsley

Ainsley Parker, C'03, GSE'09
Regional Director of Admissions
The University of Pennsylvania

Response #2

4-Year Private US University

Attending college fairs, as long as it’s not too much a burden in terms of time and efforts, is a good idea. Of course, you shouldn’t just attend all of them, but only those with schools that you’ve interest for. The representatives at these fairs can give you invaluable information about the school and their programs, even if you don’t know what you’d like to major in or if you’re going to attend that school. At this point of your college search, the key is gather information, not eliminating schools based lack of interest. I say, if you have interest in a school (for whatever reason), find out about them through all means possible (including attending college fairs). One useful tip is to find out who the representatives may be at these college fairs. Are they admission staff? Are they alumni? Are they current students? If they are admission staff, then you’re in luck, because these are the experts that you need to talk to (and leave a good impression with). If they are alumni and/or current students, then they can give you information about what it is like being a student at the school, though they may not be able to answer specific admission questions.


So- get out there and make yourself more than a Common Application or an email case number. Show them the 3-D you!