Questions to Ask at a College Fair
College fairs are a great way to learn about multiple colleges all in one place. They give you the chance to have short, meaningful conversations with admissions representatives and gather information to help you decide which schools may be a good fit. But with so many schools, it can be difficult to know what to ask.
The goal isn’t to impress admissions representatives—it’s to get information that helps you figure out which colleges might be a good fit for you.
General Questions to Start With
These questions help you get a sense of the college overall:
What makes your college unique?
What types of students tend to thrive here?
What support services or resources are available for students?
How would you describe the campus culture?
These are designed to give you a snapshot of what life is like on campus and whether it might align with your goals.
Academic Questions
If you’re focused on academics, don’t ask vague questions like, “How is your psychology program?” Instead, consider asking:
What majors or programs is the college known for?
Are there opportunities for research, internships, or hands-on learning?
How flexible is the curriculum for students who want to explore multiple interests?
What kind of advising or mentoring is available to students?
These questions will help you understand how the college supports your learning and personal growth, beyond what courses you might be taking.
Financial Questions
It’s important to gather information about affordability before you fall in love with a school. To help you do that, ask:
What types of financial aid are available?
Are there scholarships for students like me?
Does the college offer work-study or other campus job opportunities?
What is the process for applying for financial aid?
Asking these questions early can help you compare schools realistically.
Tips for Asking Good Questions at a College Fair
Do your research ahead of time. Knowing a little about a school can help you ask more focused questions and use your time at the table wisely.
Take notes after each conversation. Writing down key takeaways — such as what stood out to you or what you liked – can help you remember how schools differed later on.
Be yourself. Admissions representatives want to hear genuine curiosity, not “perfect” questions you’ve rehearsed.
College fairs are a fantastic opportunity to learn, explore, and narrow down your options. You’ll likely even think of more questions to ask as you hear different facts from each school.
For tips on preparing for a college fair, navigating the event, and following up afterward, read our article, Getting the Most from a College Fair.
Remember: The best questions are those that help you figure out where you’ll thrive academically, socially, and financially.
