Questions (AND OTHER Important THINGS) TO BRING to College Fairs

Alright. So your high school is hosting a College Fair? You're driving a few hours to see one? Here are some things you might find helpful:

• Search the list of colleges that will be there ahead of time. Search a few, get a good idea of which ones you really want to speak with. 
• If you are interested in a school that is going to be there, get an unofficial transcript from your counselor if you would like to see what you need to do to be accepted. This is specifically helpful for SAT/ACT scores and to see if you have taken the required classes.  
• Print 5-10 labels to stick on information cards. This should have your name, address, email, phone, high school, year of graduation, intended major(s), GPA, scores, and extracurricular activities. You dont need to sign up for all of the colleges you talk with so print as many as you think you will need.
• Register online ahead of time. If you register, they *may* create the above stickers for you. The one I attended did not. The website may also list time there will be a speaker on important topics including financial aid. Plan to be there for at least one. 
• Print your list of questions or write them down.
• Bring a small backpack to shove things in. Great idea, I promise. 
• Other items that might be helpful: Money for a snack or shirt, water, chap stick 

Good General Questions:

• What study abroad options do you have? What percentage of students participate?
• Do you offer 1-2 week residential summer camps? When are the deadlines?
• Is your school suburban or urban? What is the student: faculty ratio?

Good Serious Questions:

• Is it difficult to register for classes or enroll in the courses you need?
• How well are undergrads able to get to know their professors?

At the fair, there will be tons of kids and tons of colleges. You dont have time to ask unnecessary questions and neither do the college representatives. I would recommend not asking questions which are on their handouts or questions which will cause the rep to ramble forever and ever. 

Sample Questions NOT to ask: 

• What is the freshman retention rate?
• What scores do you require?
• What majors are there?
• What do you love most about this school?

These are good questions, but probably not ones you need to ask.