One of the great myths about college admission is that the process is merely a matter of doing your best in high school, getting good scores on some tests, writing a decent essay, and then simply submitting your application to the admissions office. Then you just sit back and pray that a college admissions officer will let you in.

But that’s not really how it works.

If you want a college to love you, you have to love the college first. Show demonstrated interest.

First, let them know you’re interested

Sign up to receive their information. Go to the college website and leave a trace. Register for their web portals, and sign up for their email lists. An admissions officer will never know that you have your eye on their school…unless you give them a sign.

Second, fill out their dance cards.

Any time an admissions officer asks you to fill out a card, do it. Even if you have filled out the same card for the same person a hundred times. You get credit for every bit of contact you have with that admissions officer. In today’s high-tech world, admissions offices across the land keep careful track of your contacts with their admissions people. And every contact is a brownie point in the application process. And who doesn’t need more brownie points?

Third, accept their invitations.

If a college invites you to meet their representative someplace—at your school, at a Starbucks when they visit your town, at a college fair—put on your dancing shoes and show up. Even if you’re not the best dancer in the room, you get major points for just showing up. Especially if an admissions officer visits your school. You cannot afford to waste the opportunity to meet and take another turn around the dance floor—you need those brownie points.

Even if you have to miss your calculus class. Even if you have to skip volleyball practice. Even if your feet hurt. You’ve got to dance if you want that admissions officer to remember your name. To know how much you care, and to know how badly you want the keys to the gate.

Fourth, go visit.

Explore what your life might be like if you agree to keep dancing with this college for the next four years. Nothing—I repeat, nothing—will declare your enthusiasm as much as a personal visit, where you can dance for a few hours (or better, a day or two) to see whether this college really is everything that the admissions officer promised.

So when is the best time to visit? Anytime you can. It’s nice to go when school is in session because it gives you a better sense of what your life might be like if you decide to go exclusive with this dance partner. But you’ll make a suitable impression no matter when you go or how long you stay.

But, make you sure are ready to visit. Take time to develop the criteria you feel is important to you in where you go to college. Do research ahead of time. Otherwise a visit can be a wasted opportunity.

Fifth, meet the rest of the crew.

Talk to the rest of the admissions officer’s team: The faculty. The staff. The coaches. The gardener, even. If you were to accept your this college’s hand, you would suddenly find yourself in this new world, populated by lots of new folks. So when you do visit, don’t simply spend all your time in the visitors’ center! Even if you can’t connect with the family during your visit, use email, the phone, the web. You won’t know whether you really want to commit until you chat with the rest of the clan.

Sixth, spend the night.

Really. Many schools have current students who volunteer to host prospective students overnight in the dorms. You might see some of the institution’s dirty laundry (better to get over the shock before you commit), and some of the polish of the glossy brochures your admissions officer plied you with might lose its luster. But spending the night will give you the opportunity to experience, however briefly, what life at that college is really like.

Seventh, stay in touch.

Don’t forget to thank your admissions officer. Sprinkle the praise and your delight in the attention you have been receiving. Mention the specific characteristics of the college that thrill you the most. Tell how appreciative you are. Despite the lightness of the metaphor, the admissions dance is an extremely important aspect of the entire process.

Take the time to build a relationship with the admissions officers of the colleges that interest you. Admissions offices do keep careful track of your calls, emails, visits, interviews—every single point of contact between you and the admissions representative.

Eighth, don’t step on toes.

It is possible to overdo this. You don’t want to be annoying. Sometimes an admissions officer will not be as receptive. This is particularly the case at large state universities and also at the most selective schools, including Stanford and the Ivy League. These admissions officers just have too many inquiries to respond to everyone. Plus, since they are so highly sought-after, they can be very, very choosy with their applicants.

In these cases, just let them know you’re interested, fill out the (dance) cards, attend the college fairs, and pay a visit. But don’t take it personally if they don’t want to engage in a lengthy phone conversation with you. These admissions officers are simply in very high demand.

Think about it.

I the situation were reversed, who would you choose? Someone who simply sends you a typed application, listing all their credentials, their qualifications, and their hopes and dreams? Someone who sits back, passively waiting for you to choose them from among the thousands of others who have also submitted applications?

Or someone who not only completes the application but who goes the extra mile?

Colleges want to accept students who express their strong interest and enthusiasm for their institutions.

So get out your dancing shoes, and don’t be afraid to dance. It may lead to something extraordinary.

Need some dance lessons?

Maybe you are not sure about all this.  Maybe you’re not even sure with whom you want to dance, much less how to master all the steps.

The expert admissions counselors at Great College Advice can help you be light on your toes throughout the complicated college admissions process. We would enjoy the opportunity to chat with you, take you for a spin around the dance floor, and help you figure out how best to master the steps to get admitted to college.

Just reach out. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation.

This post originally was posted in 2023. It has been updated for content.

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Five tips to follow for the college fairs:

1. Research which schools will be attending college fairs

For most college fairs you can find a list of schools that will be attending. It is worth getting a copy of this list. Then going through it to see if there are any colleges that you are considering on the list. Go through and highlight them and consider going to their tables first. You might also find other schools that you weren’t aware of that you want to talk to. No matter what, it is nice to at least know who will be in attendance to make sure you don’t miss visiting any schools.

2. Register in advance for college fairs

Many colleges these days are using electronic scanners at the fairs. You can register in advance online. Put in all of your information (such as name, birthdate, address, email, etc), and print out a barcode that the colleges can scan during the fair. This will save you and the college time. You won’t have to fill out the little contact cards at each table. And the colleges won’t have to manually enter your information when they get back to campus.

3. Come up with questions to ask the colleges 

Most college reps standing behind the fair table dread the general “Tell me about your college”  question. Instead, come up with questions that are specific to you and your interests. This will help you gain a better understanding of how the school fits your goals.

4. Get the admissions rep’s business card

Often, the admissions representative standing behind the table will be the representative for your region. They might be the one interviewing you in the fall or reading your application. It will be good to have their contact information. If you need to get in touch with them at any point during the process.

5. Be patient 

College fairs can be very busy and very crowded. You might end up waiting in line to talk to a college of your choice. Be patient and know that you will have your turn. Showing your frustration, agitation or being rude to the other students and parents will not help your case in front of the admissions representative. If the wait looks long, go talk to another school and come back.

Take it from a former admissions counselor. There is nothing worse than standing at a college fair and answering the same question over and over again. Now don’t get me wrong, we understand that students and parents attend college fairs in order to learn more about the schools they are interested in. But you should also be attending fairs in search of schools that may offer things that you never thought of.

Those “hidden gem” schools just may have everything you are looking for. But you would never know it if you don’t ask the right questions. College fairs are also a great way to narrow down the list of schools you want to visit without ever having to leave your hometown. In a previous post, we talked about how to establish a relationship and “dance with an admissions officer”.

College fairs are a great place to start the college search process.

Here are a few more tips to get you off on the right foot at college fairs:

Tip #1: First impressions do matter.

Most colleges try and have the admissions counselor who is responsible for a particular territory, travel to the fairs in that area. So, having a conversation with the person standing behind the table of your favorite school is a great opportunity since ultimately that person may be reading and making the decision on your application. If the counselor at the fair is not responsible for your application, then ask for the card or email address of the counselor who is.

Tip #2: Practice the art of conversation

The first question most students ask at a fair is: “So, what majors do you have?” Is that really going to tell you what you want to know about the school? NO! Before you even visit a college fair, think about what is really important to you. Think of questions that you will not be able to find the answers to anywhere else. You can find a list of majors on the school’s website or in their literature, but can you really get a feel for what the campus is like?

Ask about campus traditions, favorite professors, and what concerns current students have. Find out how the administration listens to students’ concerns. What is the most popular event on campus? Ask the admissions counselor to tell you about a student who has made an impact on campus. What is that student involved in? If you need to, write down a list of creative questions- just in case you get nervous.

Tip #3: It pays to be in the know

If you are really interested in a school, make sure you do your research on that school before the fair. This will allow you to ask more detailed and specific questions. Again, think about what is important to you and ask questions about things that you could not find in the school’s literature or on the website. Ask the admissions counselor to elaborate on something that you found interesting.

For example, “I noticed that you have a program where students start their own business. Could you tell me some of the businesses students have started in the past?” This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the admission process. However, if you have a specific concern about your application and there are 20 other students standing around the table. It might be a better idea to ask if you can email or call the admissions counselor at another time.

Tip #4: Find the “hidden gems” at college fairs

Of course, you can’t research every school that will be at a fair and, like I mentioned before, college fairs are a great opportunity to learn about schools you may have never heard of. Don’t walk past a table just because you don’t recognize the name or location of the school. Stop and listen to the other questions students are asking and join the conversation. Again, go for the questions that you won’t be able to find later (see tip #2). You might be surprised by what you learn!

Tip #5: Don’t let your parents do all the talking

Admissions counselors are more than happy to answer your parents’ questions, but they want to hear from you too! Make sure you dominate the conversation. It might be a good idea to ask Mom or Dad to visit the tables of some schools you might not be able to get to. You will cover more ground this way and you may be more comfortable asking the questions you really want to know.

Tip #6: Show the love at college fairs

Admissions counselors are accountable for how many students they talk to at fairs. The way they prove that they did their job is by the number of inquiry cards they bring back to the office. If an admissions officer asks you to fill out a card, DO IT! They will really, really appreciate it. (Just don’t steal the pen!)

Some students bring a page of labels with their contact information already printed on them. This is fine, just make sure you fill out any parts of the inquiry card the label does not cover. Also, they will track how many times you have shown interest in the school, so even if you have filled the card out 20 times, you won’t regret it!

At most colleges, admissions representatives are assigned to a specific region of the country. Chances are that an admissions representative you meet at a college fair is the rep assigned to your region. He or she may be the first or only person to read your application, should you choose to apply.  Additionally, representatives meet countless students at college fairs. So doing what you can to stand out from the crowd and make a good impression is key.

Top Tips for College Fairs FAQs

What should I wear to a college fair? 

While you don’t need to show up in a three-piece suit, it’s also not a good idea to wear ripped jeans or an old, ratty T-shirt. Think about what you would wear to a job interview, and that’s probably a good outfit for a college fair. For the boys, I’d recommend khakis or dress pants and a polo-style or button-down shirt. Girls should wear khakis or dress pants or a skirt that reaches their knees, along with a nice shirt or blouse.  A dress is okay, too. And girls, make sure you don’t wear anything too revealing or low-cut.

When you approach an admissions representative at a fair, make sure to introduce yourself with your first and last name. You might also say where you live and what high school you attend.

Next, ask the representative questions. You should try to make your questions specific, rather than asking questions whose answers easily can be found on the college’s website or in the brochures that you get at the fair. It’s a good idea to write some questions down before the fair so that you can refer to them when talking to an admissions rep. 

What questions should I ask at college fairs?

• What makes your college different from other colleges?
• I’m interested in ____ major.  What are some unique opportunities or programs offered for students with that major?
• I’d like to get involved in ____ (activity) in college.  Can you tell me about opportunities for this activity on your campus?
• Are there a lot of students from my state/area?  What would attract someone from my state/area to your college?
• Can you tell me about special programs and opportunities for freshmen?
• Are you the admissions representative for this region?  (If not, ask who is and ask for that person’s business card or contact information. Then, send him or her an email and say you attended the fair and ask any additional questions you have.)

Doing some research before the fair can help you come up with additional questions. You usually can find out ahead of time what colleges will be at a fair by looking up the fair online. Then, you can identify colleges you’re interested in, check out their websites, and make a list of questions.

What should I do after the college fairs?

As you’re talking with admissions representatives or immediately afterward, make some notes so you’ll remember what they told you. When you finish speaking with them, thank them for their time. It also can’t hurt to send a follow-up email, especially if you have further questions.  This can help representatives remember you, which, if you’ve made a good impression, will work in your favor when they read your application.

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Next week is College Week here in Denver, CO. It is a great opportunity for students to connect with admissions officers, right in your hometown.  From the college fairs organized by, College Fairs of Greater Denver, Inc. to high schools visits, college receptions and interviews, there will be plenty of opportunities for students to learn more about the colleges they are interested in.

For freshmen and sophomores, College Week is a chance for you to “get your feet wet”.  Attend a college fair and get an idea of how many colleges are out there.  Look at the glossy brochures and eavesdrop on some of the conversations.  Learn about the admissions statistics. How competitive are some of the schools you are thinking about? 

What is it going to take for you to get there?

For juniors, this is a great chance for you to “preview” colleges you are considering visiting.  You can ask initial questions and find out what makes the colleges you are looking at different from one another.  You will not be able to visit every college you are interested in, so these initial interactions will help you narrow down your list and prioritize. These events may also provide opportunities for initial interactions with admissions representatives.  Make sure to take their cards and send them a follow up email. Especially if you plan on visiting the college in the future.

For seniors, College Week is an important opportunity for you to demonstrate interest in the colleges you have not been able to visit, but are still applying to.  You can also use the opportunities during College Week to reconnect with an admissions representative that you have previously met.  As one admissions counselor said to me recently, “It is a lot harder to say no to a student you know really well.”  To get the most out of these interactions, you need to learn how to make a lasting impression.  When you meet the representative, shake their hand and make eye contact. Give them your full name and some information about how you became interested in the college.  Let them know that if you visited the college.  

Also mention that you will be submitting your application in the near future.  If you have previously met the admissions representative, make sure you remind them when and where your initial interaction took place.  For some of the competitive colleges that do not offer admissions interviews, this may be your chance to connect with the admission representative who will be in charge of your application.

College Fairs will be one of the most popular events for all students during College Week.  Before attending a college fair, it is important that you do some research in order to stand out.  College fairs can be very crowded and overwhelming.  If you do not walk in with a list of schools that you would like to talk to, in addition to some prepared questions, you may feel lost and not get anything out of the fair.  You may also want to check out another post, “Making a Good Impression at a College Fair.” This advice will not only help you come up with questions to ask, but it also provides insights on following up with representatives after the event.

In addition to the college fairs, juniors and seniors my have the opportunity to meet with admission representatives at your high schools.  High school visits are often much more manageable. And it is easier to have a conversation with a representative since there may be only a handful of students at each visit.  This also means that it is even more important for you to prepare ahead of time.  If you are planning on attending some high school visits, be sure to look at the schedule and make sure the visit is during a class you can miss.  You should also have some questions prepared ahead of time.  Take it from a former admissions representative; there is nothing worse than presenting to a group of high school students and having them not ask any questions!  Asking questions shows that you have done some research ahead of time.  It shows that you are genuinely interested in the college.

Another opportunity to connect with admission representatives may be through college receptions.  These events are often held at local hotels or high schools.  The information covered at receptions can be similar to high school visits. You should use the tips above to prepare for a reception if you are planning on attending one.
Seniors my also have the opportunity to interview with admission representatives during College Week.  If you have not scheduled an admissions interview with a college who will be in the area, you should call the admissions office to see if there are interviews taking place and if the admission representative still has availability.  Educational Consultant, Cara Ray, offers some insights on how to schedule and interview in your hometown.  Once you have your interview scheduled, make sure you review our college interview tips so that you make the best impression possible.

Remember that Denver is not the only city that admissions representatives will be visiting this fall.  They will be meeting hundreds of students during their travels, but with a little preparation, you may be one of the few students who stands out to them.  This will help them put a face with the application that comes across their desk in the near future.

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According to the Colleges That Change Lives website, these are schools that have:

• Low student-to-faculty ratios
• Classes taught by professors
• Commitment to undergraduate education
• Undergraduate research opportunities
• A residential living and learning component
• Small student enrollments
• Out of classroom learning experiences
• Holistic admissions
• Strong alumni networks.

Go listen to representatives from these colleges as they share their learning components and the latest research on campus characteristics during a panel discussion.

After the panel presentation you can attend a college fair with these schools where you will be able to collect information from, and speak directly with, admission representatives. The CTCL events are free to the public, and pre-registration is not required.

To find the date and location of a CTCL program near you please visit https://www.ctcl.org/events/program

For more about CTCL and a list of the colleges that are included please visit https://www.ctcl.org/about/ctcl 

Mark Montgomery
Expert Educational Consultant

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• Low student-to-faculty ratios that foster collaboration, engaged learning, and personal attention. Classes are taught by professors, not TAs.

• A commitment to undergraduate education that focuses on the liberal arts and sciences. Opportunities for undergraduate research are prevalent.

• A living and learning environment that is primarily residential and emphasizes the benefits of community, personal growth, participation, and involvement.

• Smaller student enrollments that allow students to be known and recognized as individuals.

• Out-of-classroom learning opportunities that provide students with an added perspective about themselves, their interests, and the global community. Participation in internships, study abroad, service to others, and special interest activities is common and expected.

• Holistic admission policies including several with “test-optional” applications for admission. These schools take into consideration everything about an applicant—not just their numbers on an application.

• Alumni networks that help graduates with professional and career development opportunities as well as foster lifelong friendships based on an involved and engaged undergraduate student experience.

• For many talented and motivated students, CTCL colleges provide the ideal living and learning environment for students to meet and exceed their own expectations for personal intellectual growth—indeed, an experience that changes lives.

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