College Fairs: How to Ask Better Questions and Find Unexpected Gems
Based on an article by the Georgia Tech admission office, HERE
College fairs can be inspiring, eye-opening, and—when approached strategically—hugely valuable in the college search process. After nearly two decades of standing behind a table at these events (often by the door, sometimes even by the trash can!), I’ve had conversations with countless students. Some were thoughtful and engaging, while others missed an opportunity to truly connect.
Here’s how to make sure your experience falls into the first category.
Approach with Curiosity, Not Judgment
One of the most common—and unfortunate—moments at college fairs is when a student looks at a table and says, “I’ve never heard of your school.” A counselor once overheard this and responded perfectly: “What’s your name? Oh? I bet they’ve never heard of you either.”
The truth is, there are thousands of colleges out there, many with incredible programs, faculty, and opportunities. Just because a school isn’t on your radar now doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. Keep an open mind. A school you’ve never heard of might turn out to be a perfect fit.
Ask Questions That Matter
Yes, it’s okay to ask about admission requirements or average SAT scores—but try to go deeper. Representatives want to talk about what makes their school unique, and you’ll learn more if you focus on what really matters to you. Here are a few questions to consider:
What makes your students interesting to you?
How do students and faculty interact?
What’s the academic culture and workload like?
What is student life like in the area surrounding campus?
How can I learn more about my specific area of interest?
Questions like these will help you understand the feel of a college, not just the facts. And that’s what ultimately helps you decide if it’s a good match.
Be Prepared
Before you walk into a college fair, take a few minutes to look at the list of attending colleges. Mark a few you know you want to visit—but also make a point to talk to at least one school you’ve never heard of. You might be surprised by what you learn.
It also helps to have a few personal talking points ready. What are your academic interests? What kind of community are you looking for? What excites you about college? Sharing a little about yourself can lead to a more meaningful conversation.
Broaden Your Horizons
One exercise I love: ask 15–20 successful adults in your life where they went to college. You’ll likely see a mix of big-name universities, liberal arts colleges, public schools, and lesser-known institutions. Success isn’t defined by the brand name on a diploma—it’s about what you make of your experience.
So as you navigate the rows of college fair tables, keep your mind open and your questions intentional. Every college is worth getting to know—just like you.