Mastering the High School College Fair: A Guide for Mississippi Educators
A well-planned college fair can open doors for students, providing them with invaluable resources and connections for their future. By following these best practices, you can create a successful and memorable event for everyone involved.
Planning a high school college fair is an exciting opportunity to connect students with potential colleges and universities, giving them a firsthand look at their future options. However, organizing a successful fair takes strategy, coordination, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re a seasoned counselor or hosting your first event, these best practices—adapted from the Mississippi Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO) recommendations—will ensure your event is informative, engaging, and beneficial for students and college representatives.
- Plan Ahead for Maximum Impact
A well-executed college fair starts with early planning. Work with other schools in your area to set a date at least six months in advance, ensuring it doesn’t conflict with significant testing dates, holidays, or local events, and you can maximize the college reps’ time in the area. Once the date is locked in, contact colleges and universities, invite them to participate, and share with your MACRAO rep. Provide precise details about the event’s location, set-up, and schedule so they can prepare accordingly.
- Choose an Accessible and Functional Venue
The proper venue makes all the difference. Your space should allow easy movement between tables, good lighting, and clear signage. If your school gym or cafeteria is used, ensure it is spacious and easy to navigate. Think about parking and accessibility for students, families, and college reps. If co-hosting with other high schools in your area, consider a centralized location such as a college campus, convention, or community center that is as central as possible for all participants.
- Promote, Promote, Promote!
The success of your college fair depends on student participation. Spread the word early and often through school announcements, flyers, emails, and social media. Encourage teachers to incorporate the fair into their curriculum, for example, by having students research participating colleges in advance. Involve parents by inviting them to attend or volunteer. If you want to include family members at the fair, consider the time of day and ask for the college reps’ commitment. Typically, college fairs should not last more than three hours.
- Prepare Students for Meaningful Conversations
Equip students with the skills to make the most of their time at the fair. Provide a list of attending colleges ahead of time and encourage students to prepare thoughtful questions. Before the event, a “College Fair Prep” session can help students practice introductions, learn what to ask, and understand how to collect helpful, unique, and relevant information. Consider utilizing pages 15-17 in the College & Career Readiness workbook to help students have fruitful conversations with college reps.
- Keep It Organized for College Reps
Colleges appreciate a well-structured event. Assign each institution a designated table space, provide name tags, and ensure they have easy access to setup instructions. Communicate the location and start time well in advance and avoid changing these things if possible. Many college reps must get their travel calendar approved in advance, and changes could limit their attendance. Have volunteers available to assist with directions and logistics throughout the event, such as restrooms, a hospitality room with water and snacks, and the location of other sessions (if applicable).
- Engage with Interactive Elements
Make the fair more than just a room full of tables. Consider hosting breakout sessions on financial aid, scholarships, and college applications. Set up a “Next Steps” station where students can get guidance on applications, essays, and deadlines. Consider including a computer station for seniors to complete college applications on-site during the event, making it a combined Application Day + college fair.
- Follow Up for Lasting Impact
The fair shouldn’t be a one-time interaction. Encourage students to follow up with representatives, visit college websites, and schedule campus visits. As an organizer, send thank-you notes to participating colleges and gather feedback to improve future events.
A well-planned college fair can open doors for students, providing them with invaluable resources and connections for their future. By following these best practices, you can create a successful and memorable event for everyone involved.
Let’s work together to make Mississippi’s college fairs the best!
View the Topic Tuesday Webinar: MACRAO College & Career Fair Planning