Preparing for the Fair

  • Be sure to register for your individual barcode at

Most universities will, once again, be using scanner technology at the upcoming college fairs to quickly gather student’s information.

  • Bring a bag to collect your materials. You’ll be getting all sorts of materials from colleges, so it’ll be easier if you have something to put them in.
  • Look presentable. Avoid wearing a particular college shirt. You do not want to appear biased. Don’t wear a baseball cap, earbuds, or clothes that are too casual.

During the Fair

  • Treat all colleges with respect. Do not turn your nose up at a school if you haven’t heard of them. College reps notice how you treat other colleges!
  • Introduce yourself. Shake hands. Make eye contact. Feel free to ask for a business card if the college rep you have met is the rep for Houston or EHS.
  • Avoid rude or distracting habits. Period. Do NOT chew gum. Do NOT talk or text on your cell phone. If you need to do so, go out in the hallway.
  • Ask intelligent questions. Students should not ask questions such as “Is this a party school?” or “Is this a good school?” or “Do you have a good History department?” (Trust us, all colleges will say they have a good school or history department.) Avoid asking anything you can easily find on the website (admission requirements, deadlines…). See page 2 for intelligent questions.
  • Avoid loitering. It’s not social hour. You’ll be able to visit more schools and make better connections with college reps.
  • PARENTS: Avoid using “we” terms. “We’re looking at your school. We’re interested in your golf team. We want to major in business.” Colleges are not impressed by students who can’t speak for themselves. Encourage your student to initiate and participate in the conversation.

Beyond the Basics:

Intelligent Questions to ask College Representatives

Admission, Financial Aid, & Campus Visits

  1. What qualities are you looking for in an applicant?
  1. If you could give me one piece of advice about the application process, what it would be?
  1. What is your financial aid application process? Are there any merit scholarships I can apply for?
  1. What kind of campus visit opportunities do you have for prospective students?

Academics

  1. I don’t know what I want to major in. How much freedom will I have in my freshman and sophomore years to figure out what I want to study? What kind of advising is there to help me?
  1. What is the average class size? What is the largest class size?

Student Life

  1. What do students do on weekends? What is the main social scene? Do many students go off campus?
  1. How big are fraternities and sororities on campus? How would the choice to belong or not belong affect my social life?
  1. What are the big issues on campus that students are talking about these days?
  1. What kind of student would not be happy at your school?


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