How to Make the Most of Attending an Online Fair

Many organizations, including colleges and summer and gap program providers, have leaned into virtual events to publicize their offerings

Whether you’re attending an online college fair, summer programs fair, or gap programs fair, these virtual events offer a convenient, flexible way to see what’s out there and explore your options. If you watch live, you often have an opportunity to ask questions and interact with different presenters. If you can’t make the live event, you can watch the recording later when you’ve got time.

While virtual fairs differ from traditional, in-person fairs, the goal remains the same: to connect you with colleges or organizations offering programs of interest. 

Understanding the virtual format

Traditional fairs often involve navigating crowded spaces, waiting in lines, and collecting physical materials. Online fairs, on the other hand, offer a more streamlined and efficient experience. You can often explore organizations’ profiles, attend live Q&A sessions, and even book one-on-one meetings with representatives. Here are some tips to help you maximize your online fair experience.

Prepping for attending a virtual fair

As you gear up to attend a fair, do the following:

• Set your personal goals. What do you want to learn? Are you interested in specific majors, campus life, or financial aid options? Curious about different travel abroad or volunteer opportunities? A clear focus will help you stay engaged during the session.
• Prep your questions. Think about what really matters to you. Is it academic rigor, social opportunities, a strong sense of community, new adventures, meeting people and networking, or something else? Jot down questions to ask in the Q&A session (if there is one) or share in the chat.
• Dress to impress. Even though you’re virtual, impressions still matter. Dress comfortably but professionally. Consider keeping your video on so presenters can better engage with you.
• Choose your spot carefully. Find a quiet, well-lit, distraction-free environment to attend the online fair, like your bedroom or a parent’s home office. 

Once the fair begins

• Be an active listener. Pay attention to questions other attendees ask. You might think of new questions you hadn’t considered. If a question piques your interest, don’t hesitate to speak up with one of your own!
• Attend multiple sessions. If you’re exploring different topics — learning about different colleges, gap year programs, or summer programs — attend all the virtual fairs. You never know what you’ll learn and what might really get you excited to know more.
• Consider taking notes. Bring a notebook (and pen) — or use a digital note-taking app — to jot down important information you don’t want to forget, like registration deadlines, contact information, and key takeaways from the presentations.
• Embrace the experience. Virtual fairs and open houses are great for exploring different programs. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with organizations or program representatives and other students. Enjoy the process and have fun as you prepare for your college, summer or gap year journey.

Online fairs and open houses offer a convenient, informative way to explore your options. By attending these virtual events, you can discover a diverse range of college and university, summer, and gap year programs. 

Often, you can interact directly with admissions officers, program directors, current participants, and other interested students to ask questions and learn about the programs, extracurriculars, and application process. You can also get information about financial aid opportunities and learn about career paths, study abroad programs, volunteer experiences, and so much more. 

While learning about programs in a virtual format isn't the same as attending an interest session in person, an online fair does offer more flexibility to learn about a gap, summer, or other program (or camp!) that you think might be fun to do.