Why College Fairs (Still) Matter in 2026

“FOLLOW PAPER COLLEGE FAIR SIGNS TO GYM,” I read. Other than pamphlets and sign-up sheets, I had no idea what to expect when I got there. This was my very first college fair, and the anticipation of the growing crowd was palpable.

My high school English teacher recommended I check out this college admissions event to learn more about different college options, so here I was. Yet despite my initial starry-eyed enthusiasm, by the time I finally left that new gymnasium—arms full of branded plastic swag—I was exhausted. 

Worst of all, other than introducing myself to lots of different people and signing several different email sign-up sheets, I wasn’t sure what I had truly gained from the experience. 

Was there something I missed?

Though many things have changed since that fateful day, and much has changed for college applicants in the last few years, in-person college fairs are returning. Whether virtual or physical, college fairs still matter in the undergraduate application process. In fact, they matter more than ever. Here’s how the “people power” students gain from events affects college admissions.

Attending a college fair is a unique opportunity to talk with representatives from a variety of programs all in one place. On other days, the offices of these various colleges are geographically distant, which makes it difficult to visit and research them all. However, at a college fair, these organizations are all available at one time. As a busy high school student with an already taxed schedule, that provides a convenient solution.

What’s more, you have the chance to talk individually with admissions counselors and officers during the event. It’s a great way to check multiple questions off your college search list, particularly for questions that aren’t easily answerable online. 

But beyond these major benefits, why bother? We chatted with Empowerly expert Micki to get the scoop behind the scenes. Here are a few more reasons why these educational events are still worth your time, in 2024 and beyond.

Micki has an AB and an MA degree in English from Lafayette and Middlebury Colleges. She is also a member of IECA and NACAC, the gold-standard professional organizations for educational consultants and visits many college campuses a year in order to give the most specific and up-to-date guidance to her clients. As a mentor, Micki brings 20+ years of experience teaching English and theater in elite independent schools. 

Whether in-person or digital, it’s recommended to dress well and come prepared in order to put your best self forward in conversation. After all, admissions officers are real people, too! High school students can greatly benefit from the professional networking opportunity. Not only that, taking the time to connect in a personal and professional way helps make a great first impression. 

Not convinced? Micki explains directly why networking is so important in this process:

“While it might be hard to believe, when you take the time to talk to an admissions officer at a local college fair, you are forging a relationship. The person you are speaking with is likely the area rep[resentative] for that college… The more you can (reasonably) connect with your rep, the more likely they are to remember you.”

There’s no better time to begin building your professional network than now.

College fairs are typically intended for upperclassmen to attend—that is, juniors (11th grade) or seniors (12th grade). These older students are a prime audience for college admissions recruiters.

As a representative for organizations at different college fairs throughout her career, Micki adds:

“As you attend virtual and in-person events for colleges, eventually your name and face are going to become familiar… that goes a long way in demonstrating your interest in that college.”

If you have already begun your college search process—or have a few schools in particular that you are favoring—college fairs can be an opportunity to demonstrate that interest in an official capacity. 

In fact, many exclusive schools still weigh demonstrated interest as a factor in the admissions process, so it never hurts to use a local opportunity to get on the school’s radar. In an increasingly competitive landscape, every little boost helps.

On the other hand, if you have no idea whatsoever about what direction you’ll take after high school, that’s also okay! There are plenty of opportunities to explore what kind of programs might catch your interest. Not only can you visit many different schools at one fair, you don’t have anything to lose from talking to a few new people. 

As a regular attendee of these kind of events, Micki has personal experience in this department:

“While it’s true that relatively local colleges are the most likely to be at a regional college fair, you’d be surprised that it is just as likely you might find UCSB in Boston, as I just did this past week! Wandering around a college fair can expose you to colleges you didn’t even think about or know about.”

After all, there might be a great fit school in attendance, that you’ve never heard of! A college fair is the perfect place to step outside your comfort zone. Micki in particular enjoys this kind of adventure:

“When students stop by to visit me while I am at a fair, I am likely to recommend a few schools to them that might be good for their major of which they were unaware. Then, those students can walk right over to the booths of those colleges and talk to the reps.”

You never know what kind of amazing program might just surprise you.

If you are going to attend these events, you’ll want to make the most out of your effort, right? 

Don’t just sign your name on a clipboard and walk away. When you make those great connections, ask for the representative’s contact information as well! Then, after your chat, jot a few notes about your conversation and what you remember. 

In the days following, feel free to follow up if you have any questions after the event. For individuals you’d like to keep in contact with, consider sending a short, professional thank-you note after your first meeting. The detail and attention you show now will help you make a lasting positive impression.

Ready to take the next steps? 

If you’re a high school family or student curious about what you could gain from attending a college fair, it’s a great time to take the leap. Find out about which college fairs Empowerly will be attending this year, and come say hello! We’d love to hear from you and connect in-person to share the power of our community.