If you’re reading this, chances are you’re on the hunt for the perfect college. While traditional college fairs meant walking through rows of booths, chatting with reps, and picking up flyers, the landscape has shifted. With virtual college fairs becoming the norm, it's time to adapt and make the most of this new format. Whether you’re a pro at online events or new to the concept, here's your go-to guide for navigating a virtual college fair like a boss.
Why Virtual College Fairs Are Worth Your Time
Virtual college fairs might look a little different—no need to deal with crowded gyms—but they come with their own set of perks. You can explore multiple colleges without leaving your room, save time and travel costs, and even chat directly with college reps. So, how can you make the most of this opportunity? Read on!
And speaking of opportunities, our upcoming virtual college fair has a ton to offer:
Connect with over 50 colleges and universities from across the country at their virtual booths.
Attend live presentations from top schools and ask your burning questions directly to admissions reps.
Download digital materials like brochures, videos, and campus tours to review at your own pace.
Join a panel discussion focused on application tips, financial aid, scholarships, and more!
Access content for 90 days after the event, giving you time to revisit booths and catch up on any presentations you missed.
Win scholarships! We're giving away over $10,000 in scholarships to attendees, so this is a can’t-miss opportunity for those looking to fund their college education!
What to Expect at a Virtual College Fair
Picture this: you log into a virtual fair, and you’re ready to start exploring. Here are three scenarios you might encounter when visiting a college’s virtual "booth":
One-on-One Time: It’s just you and a college admissions rep. This can feel a bit awkward, but don’t panic! Reps are there to help, not intimidate. Have an intro ready, and make sure you’ve got a few questions to break the ice (more on this below). Take advantage of this focused time to really dig into what makes the school special.
Group Sessions: You join a room with other students, listening to a presentation or a group Q&A. This is your chance to listen in on what others are asking. It’s a great way to learn more, even if you don’t have a ton of questions yourself. Just be sure to introduce yourself if the opportunity arises.
Waiting for the Rep: Sometimes, you might find yourself waiting alone in a room. Don’t leave immediately! Technical issues happen, and reps might just need a moment to join. Wait a few minutes—if no one arrives, you can leave, but you might still receive a follow-up email.
How to Prepare for a Virtual College Fair
Just like in-person fairs, you’ll want to prep before logging on. Here’s how to get ready:
Know What You Want: Start by identifying what you’re looking for in a college. Do you want a big school or a small one? Do you see yourself thriving in the buzz of a city campus, or are you more into the relaxed, quieter feel of a rural setting? Knowing what you’re looking for will help you narrow down which schools to focus on during the fair.
Do Your Homework: Check out the list of participating colleges ahead of time and plan which virtual booths to visit. Make a list of schools you’re interested in, but keep an open mind—you might discover a new favorite you hadn’t considered before.
Prepare Your Introduction: Practice a quick intro that you can use when you join a session: “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a senior at [Your School]. I’m interested in studying [major or subject], and I’d love to learn more about [specific aspect of the school].” This will help break the ice and show you’re prepared.
Asking the Right Questions: Make It Count
Virtual college fairs are your chance to get answers straight from the source—so make your questions count! Instead of asking about details you can easily find online, dig deeper with open-ended questions that give you a real sense of the school. Here are some examples:
“What programs are the most popular? What is unique about them?”
“What opportunities for research do students have in [your major]? How early can I get involved?”
“Are there any program-specific financial aid or scholarship programs I should know about?”
“What kind of restaurants and activities are near campus? What do students do for fun?”
“What are the most popular student organizations, and how easy is it to join?”
“What opportunities are available for first-gen or underrepresented students?”
“What percentage of students live on campus? Are in a fraternity/sorority?”
“Are there any students I can talk to about their experience?”
Engaging with thoughtful questions shows the reps that you’re serious about their school, and it can help you stand out when they review applications later.
Tech Tips: Set Yourself Up for Success
Technical issues can be super annoying, so make sure you’ve got everything in working order before the fair:
Check Your Gear: Make sure your computer, camera, and microphone are working properly.
Stay Charged: Keep your device plugged in or fully charged so you don’t get kicked out of a session unexpectedly.
Update Your Display Name: Make sure your display name is your full name. It looks more professional and makes it easier for reps to find you later.
Follow Up Like a Pro
Once the fair is over, your work isn’t quite done! Following up with the college reps you spoke with can leave a lasting impression. Send a quick thank-you email to the reps, mentioning something specific you discussed to jog their memory. This is also a great time to ask any lingering questions and show that you’re serious about their school.
Here’s a quick template to get you started: “Hi [Rep’s Name], Thank you for taking the time to chat with me during the virtual college fair. I really enjoyed learning more about [specific aspect of the school]. I’m particularly excited about [something you discussed]. Please let me know if there are any other resources I should check out. Looking forward to staying in touch!”
Extra Tips: Stand Out in a Crowd
Dress to Impress: While you might be at home, dressing professionally (at least from the waist up!) can help you feel more confident and make a positive impression.
Engage in the Chat: Even if you’re a little shy, try to ask at least one question in each session. Being active in the chat can help you stand out.
Take Notes: Keep a digital notepad open or use a notebook to jot down important points from each college session. This will help you remember what you learned and can be useful when you’re making your final college decision.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Register Now!
Our virtual college fair is just three days away—on Saturday, October 19—and we’ve got an incredible lineup of colleges ready to meet you! Here’s what you can look forward to:
Connect with over 50 colleges from across the country at their virtual booths.
Attend live university presentations to hear directly from your top schools.
Download digital materials like brochures, videos, and campus tours that you can keep for later.
Participate in a panel discussion covering topics like application tips, financial aid, and scholarships.
Win scholarships! We are giving away over $10,000 in scholarships to attendees.
Access the content for 90 days after the event, so you can revisit booths and catch up on any presentations you missed.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get all your college questions answered, discover new schools, and make connections that could shape your future. Register today and get one step closer to finding your dream college!
Final Thoughts
Navigating a virtual college fair might feel different, but with a little preparation, you can turn it into a valuable and even fun experience. Remember to be yourself, stay curious, and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with admissions reps who want to help you succeed. See you at the fair—let’s make those college dreams a reality!
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