One of the most important aspects of applying to a graduate or professional school is selecting the programs that are best suited to your interests and career goals. Graduate school fairs provide you with an opportunity to gain in-depth information from school representatives that will help you evaluate programs and find the best fit for you.
- Review the List of Attendees - Before the fair, view the list of schools who will be attending. Review graduate school websites and other sources to get a sense of the universities and their programs.
- Evaluate Schools - Take time to evaluate schools and programs ahead of time so you can visit the ones you are most interested in first when you arrive at the fair.
- Prepare a List of Questions to Ask - Having questions ready ahead of time will help you determine if there is a match between the graduate school program and your interests and goals. Questions may address costs, financial aid, program requirements, course offerings, facilities, location, student life, faculty, and program reputation.
- Be Prepared to Answer Questions - Admissions representatives may ask questions such as, "Why do you want to attend our graduate school?" and, "When are you considering attending?"
- Dress Professionally - Remember, first impressions matter.
- Know Where You are Going - Take a few minutes to review the layout and directory of the fair.
- Network & Follow-up - Ask the representative for his/her business card so you will have a direct contact if you want to ask follow-up questions later. Use this opportunity to not only network with the representatives, but also to collect materials for later review.
Questions? Contact the Career Development Office at 716-673-3327.