Navigating College Fairs: Reflections, Advice, and a Personal Welcome

College fairs can feel overwhelming—I remember mine like it was yesterday. I walked into a gymnasium filled with representatives from colleges and universities I’d only heard about in passing, and many I’d never heard of at all. I remember wondering if anyone could tell how out of place I felt. Years later, even after graduating, that feeling sticks with me. Looking back, however; I now realize I was overthinking it—and that there are a few things I wish I had done differently.

First: Keep an Open Mind

It’s easy to gravitate toward schools you’ve already heard of—those that are close to home or popular locally. Don’t limit your possibilities before you even start exploring. Just because a school is nearby doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. In my case, the school that ultimately felt like home was hours away. Keep yourself open to schools that might surprise you.

While an open mind is important, so is self-awareness. Ask yourself two big questions: Who am I as a person? And who am I as a student? No college or university—not even the most prestigious—can define or guarantee your destiny. Success depends on how well you understand yourself and how you use the resources around you. A college is just that: a place to learn, grow, and refine your skills.

Every institution has its own “DNA.” Some are large, others small. Some are STEM-heavy, others focused on the liberal arts. Some sit in the heart of cities, others in rural landscapes. None of these things make one school better than another—just different. The same goes for people. Some of us are social butterflies; others thrive independently. Some love to plan the party, others are the life of it. Each of us is unique, and that uniqueness deserves to be matched with an environment where it can thrive.

Knowing who you are as a student is just as essential as knowing who you are as a person. Think about your learning style—not just in the classroom, but everywhere. Was there a time you learned something at a family dinner or during a casual conversation that just stuck? Pay attention to the conditions that help you learn best. Evaluate your past learning experiences. Was a class great because of the material, or because of the teacher? Or both? The more insight you have into yourself as a learner, the more productive your college search will be.

When it comes to college fairs, this self-knowledge makes you a partner in the process, not just a spectator. You’ll come with questions rooted in expectation: Do you have this? How does your school support that? What kind of environment would I be stepping into? Those kinds of questions change the conversation—and deepen it.

Preparation is key 

Before the fair, try to review the list of attending schools. Take a few minutes to visit their websites. You don’t need to be an expert, but having some background helps you avoid surface-level questions (especially those easily found on the FAQ page). Representatives aren’t there to convince you—they’re there to inform you. When you’re prepared, you get more out of the conversation, whether in-person or virtual.

It’s also important to manage your expectations. A college fair isn’t the place for a full presentation or a formal interview—it’s an introduction. Think of it as an invitation to explore further. The excitement and motivation? That part is your responsibility. The more curious you are, the better the experience.

Don’t forget to follow up. Ask for contact information or find out how to stay connected after the fair. Follow up not because you think it will increase your chances of being admitted—but because you’re making an informed, thoughtful decision about a major chapter of your life.

Finally, keep it all in perspective: This is about you. Your path. Your future. These representatives are coming to connect with you. Your college journey doesn’t begin when you step on campus—it begins the moment you click on a website, say hello at a fair, or ask a question no one else thought to ask.

Congratulations on taking the first step. I look forward to meeting you at my table during the next fair.