By Victoria Tillson Evans, Ph.D.
As an ambivert, I feel pretty lucky to sit squarely in the middle of the personality scale. On some days, I want a packed room and new conversations with everyone I meet. On others, I want nothing more than a quiet corner and a novel. Living as both an introvert and an extrovert at different times has taught me how each side thinks, feels, and thrives. It has also given me perspective on the unique stressors of one component of the college admissions process: the college fair.
Over the years, I have attended my fair share (pun intended). Sometimes I glide among wide-eyed students hopping from one table to the next. Other times I am deep in conversation with colleagues and admissions officers. Depending on how I’m feeling, I’ve learned that college fairs can be either overwhelming or exhilarating.
Keeping this in mind, I’ve crafted some advice to help you prepare, no matter how you are wired.
Check Who Is Attending
Before you commit to driving across town (or to completely other state) and squeezing through rows of crowded tables, skim the list of colleges that will be there. Some fairs fill entire convention centers. Others host only a few dozen schools. As a rule of thumb, if at least three colleges you are genuinely interested in are attending, it is worth going. If there are only one or two, evaluate whether the potential payoff matches the energy you will spend.
Introverts tend to appreciate this early screening. Knowing that the event aligns with your priorities helps you conserve emotional fuel. Extroverts may be tempted to go no matter what, but it still helps to confirm that the schools you care about will actually be in the room.
Once you arrive, prioritize the colleges that are already on your list first. Lines are often long and it can take more time than you expect to reach every table. Only after you have spoken with the schools you came to see should you consider wandering.
Register Ahead of Time
Registering early gets you a personalized QR code. When you speak with a representative, they can scan it and instantly log your visit (think – points of demonstrated interest). This matters because it ensures you show up in their system.
Introverts sometimes feel relieved that scanning the code removes pressure to deliver a perfect pitch. Extroverts usually enjoy the interaction, but the QR code makes their enthusiasm count.
Develop Humble-Brag Questions
Most colleges at fairs distribute what seem like the same glossy brochures filled with smiling students and sunny campuses. You will honestly not learn much from the paper alone. What matters is the interaction with the person, i.e. the college representative, standing at the table.
Draft a few questions that both help you gather information and allow you to share something meaningful about yourself. These are what I call “humble-brag questions.” For example, you might say that you made the Youth National Team for rock climbing and ask whether the college has a climbing wall or an outing club that travels off campus. You are showing the rep something impressive about your life while exploring how your interests fit their school.
Introverts often prefer to write their questions down. That is not only allowed, it is wise. No one is going to judge you begatively for being thoughtful! Extroverts may never glance at a notebook, but even they benefit from having a few thoughtful prompts ready.
Bring a Notebook and Pen
Write down the name of each rep you meet and anything noteworthy they say. Months from now, when you are elbows-deep in supplemental essays asking “Why do you want to attend our school?”, your notes will carry far more authenticity when you refer to a person rather than a sentence copied from a website.
Introverts usually enjoy this cataloging step because it helps them process the experience. Extroverts may need to slow themselves down long enough to jot down key details.
Dress Comfortably and Show Engagement
You do not need a suit. These fairs are informal. Wear clean, comfortable, and nice clothing that helps you feel confident. Regardless of your personality, eye contact and a genuine smile communicate maturity, interest, and intention.
If you are introverted, brief eye contact and a respectful tone are more than enough. If you are extroverted, stay aware of how much airtime you take so the rep has space to speak too.
Fuel Yourself
Many fairs run between 6:00-8:00 PM, which is peak dinner time (definitely not good for hungry teenagers). Eat before you arrive or carry a light snack and water. A foggy brain and dry throat can cut short your ability to connect.
This helps introverts stay steady and present instead of depleted. Extroverts often power through excitement and forget basic needs, so build this into your plan.
Invite Parents to Hang Back
We know your parents are wonderfully supportive, and took time out of their day to get you to the fair. But this is your moment! Reps want to meet the student, not hear a parent speak on their behalf (trust me, that’s a bad look). To showcase your maturity, ask your parents to stay nearby, but let you drive the conversation.
Introverted students might feel nervous about this, but even short, thoughtful exchanges are valuable. Extroverted students, who often enjoy lively interactions, should be careful not to “create a party” by calling their parents into the circle. Showing independence by speaking for yourself makes a stronger impression and builds your confidence.
Collect Business Cards and Follow Up
Before you leave each table, ask for the rep’s business card. Then send a short thank-you email within one to two days. Mention something specific you discussed and attach your full name and high school. You are not only building a relationship, you are giving admissions offices one more data point that you are genuinely interested in their school.
Introverts often shine in follow-up, because writing allows their personality to come through clearly. Extroverts get to keep the buzz going and deepen connections they started in person.
Final Thought
College fairs are not one size fits all. Extroverts feed off the energy in the room. Introverts gather information quietly and efficiently. Both approaches are right. The goal is not to perform. It is to explore, connect, and discover colleges that are truly right for you.
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