Are College Fairs Worth It?
It's College Fair season, when reps from various colleges make the rounds around the country to promote their colleges and entice kids to apply to their respective colleges.
Are they worth attending?
This might sound crotchety, but my take is that you've seen one, you've seen them all.
They can be chaotic and overwhelming.
On the other hand, you can pick up some cool college merch. Who can't use another stress relieving squeezy thing?
I'm planning to attend next week's event sponsored by my group, the Nassau County Counselor's Association. If you attend, you might see me wondering around the exhibition, volunteering for some important task, once I get my assignment.
In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few tips on how to get the most out of any college fair, including but not limited to next week's.
- Not an Interview. When talking to a rep at their table, you are NOT conducting a college interview or applying. Ask questions, but you don't have to rattle off your stats and extracurriculars.
- Mom: Relax. This pains me to say but you know why I have to: Parents, do not dominate the conversation. Stay in the background. Don't prompt your kid to share "important" information about themselves that they omitted.
- Don’t Be a Zombie
If you shuffle table to table with dead eyes, you look like you already dropped out. Smile. Nod. Make eye contact instead of awkwardly staring at your phone. Look alive. Act like you actually want to be there (hah). - Bring a Bag, Not a U-Haul
Every booth will feature shiny brochures you’ll never read. Be discerning. Grab the useful stuff, not every sticker, button, or keychain like you're trick or treating. - Have a Script, But Don’t Sound Like a Robot
Prepare a couple questions about majors, study abroad or campus life. Ditch the “what’s your acceptance rate?” opener, because it will take four seconds to find that on their website. - Go Weird
Every rep gets the same five questions. Be the kid who asks, “Where’s the best late-night food on campus?”, “What’s the most underrated class?” or "What question do people never ask you, but should?" They’ll actually remember you. - Take Notes
When the rep says something interesting, jot it down somewhere (the brochure is fine).This info could be good raw material for a supplemental essay. Otherwise, every school melts together in your brain and you’ll have no clue which one had the waffle bar. - Stalk (Politely) Afterward
Nobody follows up, so this is an easy way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Thank the admissions officer for their time. Shoot the rep an email like, “Hey, I’m the kid who asked about campus squirrels.” Instant recognition. Better yet: a handwritten (gasp!) note. - Manage Your Parents
Yes, I told Mom to take a back seat in Tip #2, but we both know that's easier said and done. Your parents will want to ask about safety, food choices for the hyper-allergic/picky eater, debt, and career placement. Throw them a bone and permit them to do this for three minutes, max. But if they start negotiating scholarships like you're a car dealership, pretend you see something important across the room and casually wander off. - Don’t Dress Like You Just Crawled Out of Bed
You don’t need a suit, but maybe leave the “I paused my Xbox for this” hoodie at home. Reps are human beings. They judge. - Remember Who’s Selling Who
They’re not just evaluating you. You’re evaluating them. If their booth looks like a DMV waiting room, or THEY aren't exactly dressed for success, I'd say that’s a red flag.
I hope this helps.
Class of 2025 Families:
We're able to offer last-minute help with essay writing for a few more days or when we hit capacity, whichever is first.
Here's what you need to know about The College Essay Lab:
- Andy "Fair is Foul, Foul is Fair" Lockwood
P.S. Families with 9th, 10th or 11th graders, who want help positioning themselves to get into their "dream schools." this is the page to learn more about how we *might* be able to help.