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Inside a College Fair: What to Expect

College fairs are a great place to start your college search and to learn about all sorts of schools located all over the country. You and your parents can also learn about universities you might not have considered and ask admission representatives specific questions about the schools you plan to apply to.

Two students completing a form at a table inside a gymnasium

Students explore clubs and service organizations during the Involvement Fair on Sept. 9, 2023.

At a college fair, you’ll have somewhere between 90 minutes to two hours to check out the schools — and sometimes there are hundreds to choose from. Before the fair, try to find a list of the colleges that will be attending and put an asterisk by the ones that interest you.

College fairs are our way of bringing a small bit of the campus directly to you. Michelle Rogers, SLU admission counselor

You can find out about fairs near you through your high school, online or by checking with a university that interests you to see when an admission representative will be visiting in your region.

The College Search

While at a college fair, you’ll be able to explore which colleges match your personal interests and needs. Our counselors recommend using the "5 p’s" assessment strategy as a good place to start when comparing colleges:

  1. Place

    urban vs. rural setting, school size, campus environment, distance from home, housing options, climate, etc.

  2. People

    student body population, campus culture, student-to-faculty ratio, student support services, etc.

  3. Programs

    academic majors, general education/core curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, academic support services, career services, etc.

  4. Price

    affordability, scholarships and financial aid, alumni employment rate, etc.

  5. Personal Fit

    extracurriculars, values, wellness and happiness necessities, "gut feeling" when visiting campus, etc.

College Questions to Ask

To make the most of your time at a college fair, we recommend coming up with a few questions in advance about college, from admission requirements to what sort of assistance you'll have getting in. Here are a few more subjects to get you started:

Get More: Top 10 Tips from College Admission Counselors

Request More Information

The representatives colleges and universities send to college fairs are hoping to spark your interest and make a memorable impression. "College fairs are our way of bringing a small bit of the campus directly to you," said Saint Louis University admission counselor Michelle Rogers.

Of course, the very best way to make sure a school is the perfect fit for you is to visit the campus for yourself. If a school feels like a fit at the college fair, request more information about the school or schedule a campus visit.

The college search process is an exciting time and an opportunity to see where your future can take you. The goal is to find a place that will help you become who you’re supposed to be. At Saint Louis University, we help changemakers take their next steps towards making the world a better place. As a Jesuit institution, we’re committed to cura personalis — or care for the whole person — and maintaining a community where all members can continually grow and thrive. Visit campus or contact an admission counselor to learn more about how SLU could be your perfect fit.