College Fairs and Visits Open Doors to Your Educational Opportunities

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS

Choosing a college or university to attend is one of the most difficult decisions students face. There are many considerations involved.

For example, your decision may be affected by the location and type of learning environment (traditional classroom or online) of the school. You should also consider available financial aid and the academic programs at the institution.

Choosing a school is a decision that shapes the rest of your life, so it’s important to do your research and make a thoughtful selection. Two of the best ways to get the information you want and get a good feel for the schools on your list are to attend college fairs and make campus visits.

College Fairs Provide Opportunities to Talk with School Representatives

College fairs are a great way to meet and talk with representatives from different institutions. While high schools usually host college fairs or a college day for juniors and seniors, other community organizations and youth groups hold them as well. Because it is never too late to start or return to college, university recruiters stage events for prospective students of all ages and backgrounds.

Also, college fairs provide basic-level knowledge and let you compare your educational options at various schools all in one place. College representatives can answer your questions about admission policies, financial aid offerings, campus organizations, typical class size and other pertinent queries you might have.

On-Site College Visits Solidify Which School Is Right for You

Visiting college campuses can really solidify whether or not a school is right for you. Most colleges provide guided tours led by students who will show you around and answer your questions.

A tour lets you check out campus buildings, dorms and other facilities. You can also observe students in class and form impressions about campus life.

Online Schools Provide Answers and Virtual Tours

If you are thinking about attending an online university, you can gain the same information virtually. Many online schools schedule open house events during which prospective students chat with university representatives and get school-specific questions answered.

We don’t buy houses or cars sight unseen. So it doesn’t make sense to enroll in a school without having some discussions with a representative or visiting the school in person or online.

Selecting a school should not be taken lightly if you want to have the best possible college experience. Ideally, the best approach is to gather as much information as possible before you make your final decision.