Christian College Fairs for High School Students

For high school students or parents navigating the college search process, the thousands of options available may seem overwhelming at first. In reality, though, this is an exciting moment in life; it just takes time to find the ideal fit. This is where college fairs present an incredible opportunity. In this article, we’ll review what a college fair is, how to prepare for it, and how to find a college fair in your area.

What is a Christian College Fair?

These fairs are in-person or online expositions where college representatives from across the country come together to meet prospective students, answer questions, and provide information about their respective schools. 

More specifically, Christian College Fairs feature colleges and universities that intertwine faith in their academic programs, and they’re a great place to find a school that aligns with your values and goals. 

What Do You Do at a College Fair?

Depending on the college fair you attend, there are a few ways to learn about schools. Some fairs are small and focus on regional universities, while others feature national colleges from all over the United States and North America. In some cases, college reps host information sessions or presentations to larger groups of students and parents with information about admissions requirements, academic programs, activities, and more. 

At other fairs, you may be offered a more personalized opportunity to speak with reps at booths. These booths or tables are set up in areas like an auditorium or convention center, and students and parents can speak one-on-one to officers from many different schools. These types of fairs offer an excellent chance to ask questions about financial aid, job placements, and other things that make the school unique, like campus life. 

At Christian College Fairs, you can also ask about ways to engage your spiritual life, like whether mission trips, community outreach, or discipleship programs are available. 

How Do You Prepare for a College Fair?

There are a few things you can do as a parent or student to get the best out of your experience. As a parent, you can follow all of these recommendations, but the following list will be tailored for high school students who are planning to attend a college or university.

1. Find a College Fair Near You

First, you’ll want to do a search for college fairs in your area that feature colleges or universities you’d like to attend. Even if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for, try to find a fair that has many attending schools so you can get the most out of your visit. To search for Christian College Fairs in your area, this page is a great place to start.

2. Register for the College Fair

Next, you’ll want to be sure that you sign up for the fair to reserve your spot. At fairs with many universities, there may be a limited number of slots available, and you’ll want to be sure you’re there! Mark off your calendar, inform your parents or guardians, and make a plan to attend the fair on the day you’ve chosen. Registration is typically a simple process of submitting your name, email address, high school, and other information. Explore, find, and register for Christian College Fairs here; it’s free! 

3. Do Your Research & Prepare Questions

Before attending, you’ll want to explore the schools that will be present at the fair. Some fairs offer hundreds of schools, while others may only feature a handful, so you’ll want to make the most out of your time there. Check out the fair program and narrow down a list of schools you’d like to learn more about. You can sort schools by size, campus location, denomination/religious programs, majors, and more – start with each school’s website and go from there! 

After you have a list of schools you’d like to familiarize yourself with, write down some questions in a notebook. Because fairs are an awesome way to talk to representatives, you’ll want to come prepared, especially if there are details you’d like to learn more about. Avoid asking the representatives personal questions (like your chances of admission) and focus on the university’s characteristics that the officer can speak more about. If you need some inspiration, check out this list of college fair questions.

4. Dress to Impress

When it’s time to attend the fair, you’ll want to be sure that you look your best. You don’t need to overdress or wear anything fancy like a suit or tuxedo, but you should try to dress like you’re attending a job interview rather than going to visit some friends. Options for a college fair outfit include a button-up shirt or dress top, slacks, a dress, and comfy shoes–you’ll be standing a lot! Just make do with what you’ve got, and try to look your best. When you meet with admissions counselors, they’ll certainly take note of the effort you put into your presentation; bonus points for a smile and firm handshake.

5. Take Notes

Make sure to bring a notepad and pen with you to the fair. You won’t want to have your phone out to take notes as admissions officers are speaking with you, and you may not have time or space to use a computer or tablet. In information sessions and at booths, you’ll be able to jot down the responses to your questions. Also, try to get admissions officers’ business cards or educational pamphlets/brochures from schools that really interest you. Remember: there will be lots of information that you don’t want to forget, so it’s best to have it written down for reference later.

6. Follow Up 

After attending a college fair, this step can really help you stand out. While you may have spoken with many representatives, this is where your notes and business cards will come in handy. You don’t have to reach out to everyone, but try to pick your top three to five colleges and send the admissions officers a brief message. You can send a simple email to express your appreciation for meeting with them and the information they shared. You can also ask a follow-up question about something you heard or request a campus visit. Many schools even take note of student outreach and interest, which could help your chances of college admission!

Conclusion

Overall, for high school students planning to attend a college or university, college fairs are one of the most valuable resources available. More specifically, Christian College Fairs can provide a unique opportunity to learn more about interesting schools, ask questions, and familiarize yourself with admissions officers and their expectations. Remember – there are hundreds of schools with different programs and ways to engage your values! For additional resources, check out our list of useful college resources for high school students.