If you read my last post you know how to attend a college fair.

But what do you say when you talk to a rep? Do you need to make a good impression? (Yes.)  How do you get your questions answered? (Read on.)

Here are 8 Tips for Talking to a Rep at a College Fair:

1. Introduce yourself.

• Smile, hold out your hand, and say, “Hi, I’m _______. It’s nice to meet you.” 

2. Use this as an opportunity to develop a relationship. Colleges often give preference to students who have shown an interest in attending. The college lingo for this is “demonstrated interest.” Students can demonstrate interest in many ways, such as when they visit, take a tour, talk to a professor, attend a college fair, or get to know their college rep.

• If you’re interested in the school, get the rep’s contact information. You can contact him or her later in the process if you have questions. It’s also possible that you’ll meet the rep at another college fair or when you visit the college, in which case you want to make sure to say hi. Developing a relationship can give you an edge when you apply, because the school will know you’re really interested.

3. Have questions ready.

• Jot down a few questions before you go to the fair.
• Create your questions from these categories: academics, admissions, financial aid, and housing.
• Ask your most important questions first. If there’s a line behind you, you may not be able to ask all the questions on your list. (You can always get in touch after the fair, or come back to the table when the crowds thin out.)

4. Use these questions to jump-start your list:

• What are your admissions requirements?
• Do you offer early decision?
• Do you accept advanced placement courses?
• What is the average high school GPA of the entering class?
• What are some of your strongest academic programs?
• Do you offer the major(s) I’m interested in?
• What are the most popular majors?
• Is there an honors program? What are the requirements?
• How many undergraduates attend  your school?
• What is the student to faculty ratio?
• Do professors teach undergraduates or will I have mostly teaching assistants?
• Are faculty members easy to reach outside of class?
• What is the total cost of attending your school for a year?
• What kinds of scholarships are available?
• What kind of financial aid is available?
• What is the average financial loan package?
• How many students receive financial aid?
• What sports or other events are popular on campus?
• Are there fraternities and sororities? How strong are they?
• Is housing guaranteed? For how long?
• What do students do in their free time?
• What percentage of your students graduate in four years?
• How are roommates selected?
• What kind of support do you offer for students with special needs?

5. Don’t wait on long lines. Skip the most crowded tables. Make a note on your map to come back later, when the lines are shorter.

6. Don’t hog the rep. This tip comes from Matthew Dempsey, who is a college admissions officer at Fairfield University. Matthew says he loves answering questions, but he has a limited time to meet and talk to people at college fairs. So if you (or your family) have a lot of questions and there’s a line behind you, say hello but come back later in the fair when the rep isn’t as busy and will have more time for you.

7. Let your parents listen. Parents will often have follow-up questions for the rep, especially about financial aid.

8. Say thank you. Make a point to end the way you began: smile, shake hands, and say thank you. You’ll make a great – and memorable – impression.

Read my related post:
How to Visit a College Fair

Print out an excellent one-page list of questions:
Questions to Ask a Representative (From Montana State University)