What to Bring to a College Fair

Having the right materials on hand can make your experience smoother and more productive. Bringing essential supplies will help you stay organized and allow you to collect and process information efficiently. Here are some ideas:

• A notebook and pen for taking notes
• A folder to organize brochures and materials
• Pre-printed cards with your contact information (optional)
• A water bottle and light snack (fairs can be long!)
• A tote bag for carrying brochures and handouts

Questions to Ask Colleges During a College Fair

College fairs are a great opportunity to gather valuable information directly from admissions counselors. These representatives are there to answer your questions and help you determine whether their school is a good fit for you. Prepare your questions in advance, prioritize them based on your needs, and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions to gain deeper insights.

Below are some thoughtful questions to consider.

Campus Life and Student Experience:

• What do students like most about your school?
• What kinds of students tend to thrive at your school?
• How would you describe the campus culture and social atmosphere?
• What is the surrounding town/city like?
• Do most students live on campus, or is off-campus housing more common?
• What kinds of clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities are popular?
• Are there traditions or unique events on campus that students look forward to?
• How inclusive and diverse is the student body?
• Are there support services for first-generation students or those from underrepresented backgrounds?

Academics and Support:

• How many students are there in a typical class? Are there majors or classes that are competitive to get into?
• Are there unique academic opportunities, like study abroad or honors programs?
• How would you describe the academic workload? Is it difficult to balance academics and social life?
• Do professors hold office hours regularly, and how accessible are they outside of class?
• What resources are in place to help students who may be struggling academically?

Career Preparation and Outcomes:

• What kind of career support do you offer, both during school and after graduation? Is there job placement assistance for graduates?
• Are internships available specific to my major?
• Could you provide examples of successful alumni and the fields they work in?
• Do you have strong connections with companies or organizations that frequently hire graduates?

Student Perspective and Additional Resources:

• Can you connect me with current students or recent alumni to discuss their experiences?
• Are there online resources or virtual tours I can explore later?
• Can I arrange a visit to the campus, and are there guided tours available?

Follow Up and Take the Next Steps

Your college fair experience doesn't end when you walk out the door. The follow-up process is just as important as attending, helping you organize your thoughts and take action based on what you learned.

Here's what to do next:

• Review your notes and compare colleges based on academic programs, financial aid and campus life.
• Rank them based on your level of interest and fit.
• Identify which schools you want to research further or schedule visits for.
• Send thank-you emails to representatives you spoke with, mentioning something specific from your discussion.
• Follow colleges on social media and sign up for newsletters to stay updated.
• Reflect on your overall experience — what schools made the best impression and why?

For more details on crafting your college list, Bucknell's post on How Many Colleges Should I Apply To? provides insights into creating a well-balanced list of reach, target and safety schools.

Final Takeaway

Approaching a college fair with a clear plan will help you gather meaningful insights and make informed decisions about your future. By researching ahead, asking the right questions, and following up afterward, you'll transform what might seem like an overwhelming event into a valuable and strategic step in your college search process.

Make the most of the opportunity. It's your future, and you're in control.

Have questions about Bucknell? Connect with an admissions counselor today to learn more about your next steps.