How to make the most out of educational fairs

Educational fairs bring hundreds of universities and students together across the country. Many students think they are useless and don’t take advantage of the university fairs and open days their schools organize. It’s not because they don’t want to, but rather because they don’t know how to or its advantages.

Here are a few tips students should take into consideration to make the best out of educational fairs:

• Plan ahead

Look at your school calendar and mark the dates on which open days are being held (They are usually held at the end of school years) Plan your day from before and preregister for the events if needed. You can even go with your friends. Check out all the universities that are being represented and shortlist the ones you really want to go to. Prepare questions you want to ask them and research the universities that will be there. Researching and shortlisting universities will help save time and will let you decide which ones you are really interested in.

• A little small talk never hurt anybody

Always remember that these events are networking opportunities. Do the best you can to portray yourself as a potential candidate to university officials. Get to know them as much as possible to get on their good side. This will put you at an advantage from everyone else.

• Dress to impress

First impressions always have the strongest impact. While your normal clothes are fine, aim for a more ‘business casual’ look. This will portray you as a person who has put in some effort and is prepared for anything.

• Body language says it all

The way you shake your hand or the way you look down at the floor can tell people a lot about you. Their job is not just to judge you based on your grades or how many clubs you are a part of but also on your personality. Be enthusiastic and confident. Show that you belong in their school and will put in all the effort that is needed to get into the university.

• Take multiple copies of your resume

While we all appreciate a good personality, it’s almost impossible for university officials to remember each candidate they meet and their details. Therefore you should be carrying ample copies of your resume or portfolio so that you can give it out to them. This will show that you came prepared and they’ll have something to refer to when they go on to make a decision.

• Practice makes perfect

There are generic interview questions that any recruiter can ask you at the open day. ‘Describe yourself in 3 words’, ‘Why do you think you belong in this university/program’ or ‘Why should we choose you’ are a few questions you can prepare answers to beforehand. This way you can practice these answers and get opinions on them and make them as perfect as possible to shine at the open day.

• Stay in touch

Once you are done at the open day, make sure you get business cards or email IDs so you can reach out to them later on and follow up. This shows your eagerness and motivation to work/study there. What’s the point of all that hard work at the university fair, only to lose touch with them later on?

Educational fairs are one of the best ways for potential students and universities to meet and interact. Utilizing this opportunity correctly could ensure you that dream university you always wanted to get into. After all, your future depends on it.

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