College fairs and high school visits are valuable opportunities for students and families to make a positive impression on admissions representatives and gather insights on each school’s programs and application process. While these events can be exciting, understanding the unspoken etiquette is crucial for making the most of the experience.
From the perspective of an admissions representative, knowing how to engage respectfully and effectively can set you apart from other applicants. This guide will help you navigate these interactions with confidence and professionalism.
High School Visit Etiquette
Throughout the fall and spring, admissions representatives will travel to various high schools to meet with prospective students and provide more information about their schools. Start by doing some research! It’s OK not to know everything about the school because the admissions representative is there to share information with you. However, the admissions representative may ask you why you are interested in learning more about the school or what brought you to that specific visit. There are no wrong answers here, but giving a thoughtful answer will show your genuine interest and respect for the representative you’re speaking to.
When a college representative visits your school, the goal is for you to learn more about the college, and the counselor to learn more about you and your school.
The admissions office at the University of South Florida describes it perfectly: “The reps are selling students on a school and shopping for students who fit their colleges. The reps primarily will be sharing facts on the application process, tuition, fees, financial aid, academics, campus life, and services. And they’ll be taking questions.”
During the visit:
- Listen to the representative. Minimize disturbances. Put your cell phone away, and avoid any distractions or behaviors that might come across as inconsiderate.
- Stay present. High school visits can vary drastically in size. Some visits will be intimate with the admissions person and one to three students, while others may take up an entire auditorium. Regardless of the visit size, it’s imperative that you remain engaged during the entire visit.
- Take any materials, papers, or brochures you are offered, and consider taking notes. You can expect to receive a lot of valuable information and maybe even some insider tips directly from the school.
- Ask questions. Most representatives will leave enough time to answer questions at the end. This is a great time to introduce yourself and demonstrate interest. Asking questions helps you to determine whether that school has the specific major, clubs, and culture for your personal college fit.
If the representative did not already answer these questions during their presentation, consider asking them one to two of these:
- What can you tell me about [the specific major you’re interested in]?
- What do students do for fun at your school?
- What do you look for in an applicant?
- What is the typical student like at your school?
- Is there anything you can share about your admissions process that would help me better maximize my application?
Finally, it is good practice to reach out to the admissions representative after the visit. Follow up with a thank-you note to express your appreciation for their visit and to create another opportunity for the admissions representative to remember you.
Unfortunately, admissions representatives are unable to make it to every high school. Another way to meet and establish positive decorum with the college you are interested in is by attending a college fair.
College Fair Etiquette
These events bring together representatives from multiple colleges, allowing you to explore a variety of options all in one place. College fairs can be held at your school, a nearby school, or even at larger spaces like community venues or convention centers.
With so many college reps and students in attendance, it’s even more important to show good etiquette. Standing out positively will help you make a memorable impression and showcase yourself as a great candidate for the schools you’re interested in.
Prepare ahead of time! Find a list of the schools attending the fair and prioritize which ones you want to learn more about during your time there. The college fair will go by fast, and you may even have to wait in line before you can visit a table and speak to that school’s representative.
During the fair:
- Bring a notebook and bag. Use the notebook to jot down any important details or dates and the bag to store all the materials you collect.
- Dress appropriately. Think about how you want to present yourself, so no PJs, but also no need to dress as if you’re attending a wedding.
- Be yourself and be confident! Always introduce yourself, but do not feel required to shake the admissions representative’s hand. Fun fact: many admissions representatives will go for a fist bump as opposed to a formal handshake due to the large number of students, teachers, and families they are interacting with as they travel from school to school, sometimes from state to state.
- Ask Questions. As the University of California Davis Undergraduate Admissions Office recommends, during the fair, “Engage with representatives on specifics so that you gain a better idea of your potential experience at that institution. Remember, these conversations offer a chance to explore what each school provides for your future. Take the time to ask the right questions for you,” but be considerate of other students’ and families’ time as well. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered by reading the school handouts or visiting their website, and avoid lingering at one table for too long.
Some examples of questions to ask at a college fair include:
- Are there any fun or notable traditions that students partake in at your university?
- What criteria do you consider during the admissions review?
- Do you consider major selection when reviewing an application?
- Are there any unique application requirements or deadlines?
Write down the admissions representative’s name or grab a business card and follow up with them after the fair as well. Similar to the high school visit follow-up, reaching out to the representative post-fair exhibits your ongoing interest in the school and keeps you on their radar as a strong potential applicant.
The right mix of preparation, engagement, and genuine curiosity can help you stand out as an applicant after any high school visit or college fair.
If you’re ready to take your college search to the next level, you can trust our expert counselors to guide you through the process. From helping you prepare for a college fair and strategizing as you collaborate on building a college list, to submitting your final college application, Premium Prep offers superior college advising services. Click here to learn more about Premium Prep and schedule an introduction call with one of our amazing team members.