How to Plan a College Fair in High School
A college fair in a high school is an event where students get to learn about different colleges and universities all in one place. It usually takes place in the school gym or cafeteria, and representatives from many schools set up tables with brochures, flyers, and sometimes even free swag like pens or stickers.
Students can walk around, ask questions, and talk to the college reps about what it’s like to go to their school. Even if you’re not sure where you want to go yet, a college fair can help you start thinking about your future and what kind of school might be a good fit for you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Plan a College Fair
Step 1: Choose a Date and Time
Pick a date that works well for students, staff, and college reps. Many schools host fairs in the fall or spring. Consider hosting it during the school day or in the evening so parents can attend too.
Step 2: Reserve a Location
Book a space in the school that’s big enough for tables and lots of foot traffic—like the gym, cafeteria, or auditorium. Make sure there’s good lighting, access to restrooms, and space for signs or displays.
Step 3: Make a List of Colleges to Invite
Reach out to a mix of schools: big and small, in-state and out-of-state, public and private. Include community colleges, trade schools, and military recruiters too. Send invitations early so they can plan ahead. You will have the best chance with local universities, because it is easier for them to send a representative.
Step 4: Promote the Event
Tell all of your students about this event. Normally, a high school will invite juniors and seniors to attend the college fair. However, you could also invite younger students to get them start thinking about college.
- School announcements
- Posters in hallways
- Social media
- Emails and newsletters
- The school website
Step 5: Plan the Layout
Create a floor plan showing where each college table will go. BoothGrid makes it easy to create a floor plan and share with the colleges and students. Leave space for people to move around easily. Print a map or guide that lists each college and where to find them.
Step 6: Gather Supplies
- Tables and chairs
- Table signs for each college
- Name tags for reps
- Pens, tape, and extra paper
- Trash cans and recycling bins
- Snacks or water (optional, but nice!)
Step 7: Recruit Volunteers
Ask for help from staff, student leaders, or parent volunteers. They can greet guests, and help with setting up and tearing down after the event. Tell students that volunteering like this could get them more exposure to the college recruiters.
Step 8: Host the Fair
On the big day, arrive early to set up. Make sure each college has what they need. Keep things organized, and have someone available to troubleshoot if needed. After the event is done, make sure to email the recruiters and thank them for coming to your school. This process gets easier every year, as universities will already know to come back.