Preparing for Graduate Schools Fair
Published on October 10, 2024
Attending a graduate schools fair can feel overwhelming — dozens of programs, admissions representatives, and conversations, all competing for your attention in just a few hours. If you’ve ever found yourself wandering from booth to booth, unsure of what to ask or how to make a strong impression, you’re not alone. The good news? With a little strategy and preparation, you can transform this experience into a valuable opportunity that sets you apart from the crowd. This article will equip you with insider tips to help you go beyond information gathering, build meaningful relationships with school representatives, and leave a lasting impression that strengthens your chances of success. Whether you’re just starting to explore graduate programs or narrowing down your top choices, this guide is here to help you make the most of the experience.
Tip 1: Define Your Goals Before Attending
First, think about your overall objectives.
Are you just starting to explore graduate programs, or are you narrowing down your top choices? If you’re in the early stages, your goal might be to gather general information about a range of schools and programs. On the other hand, if you’ve already identified a few target schools, you might focus on asking specific questions about admissions criteria, research opportunities, or funding options. Defining whether you’re there to explore or to gather detailed information will help guide your conversations and ensure you’re making the most of your time.
Next, consider what specific information you’re hoping to collect.
Do you want to learn more about the application process, or are you focused on finding programs with strong faculty in your area of interest? Are you concerned about financial aid options or support for international students? Identifying these priorities ahead of time will help you ask the right questions and avoid getting bogged down by information that doesn’t align with your needs.
Finally, set a goal for the number of schools or programs you’d like to focus on during the event.
Graduate fairs can be overwhelming, so having a manageable number of targets — say, three to five schools — can help you stay focused and productive. Review the list of participating schools, do some quick research, and make a shortlist of the programs that align with your academic and professional goals.
To find the list of participating schools, go to the USC Graduate Schools Fair event page on Handshake, and click on the tab “Employers.”.
Tip 2: Make a Strong First Impression
Your first impression at a graduate schools fair matters more than you might think. Admissions representatives meet countless students during these events, so standing out requires more than just showing up. How you present yourself — both in terms of appearance and confidence — can leave a lasting impact.
Elevator Pitch
Start by preparing a concise introduction or “elevator pitch” that highlightings who you are, your academic background, and what you’re hopeing to learn at the fair. Keep it relevant to the program you’re speaking with and practice it ahead of time. This will help you speak confidently and make a polished first impression. For example, instead of saying “I’m interested in your program,” you could say, “I’m studying psychology and am particularly drawn to your program’s focus on clinical research. I’d love to know more about the specific faculty projects in that area.”
Dress to Impress
Appearance matters too — dress professionally to show you’re serious about your future. While you don’t need to wear a full suit, aim for business casual attire that conveys confidence and respect for the opportunity. A good first impression isn’t just about your words, but also about how you present yourself overall.
Tip 3: Use the Fair to Build Relationships, Not Just Gather Information
It’s tempting to treat a graduate schools fair like a chance to collect as many brochures and details as possible. But to truly maximize the experience, shift your mindset from information gathering to relationship building. Admissions representatives aren’t just there to answer questions — they’re also evaluating potential applicants, and a strong connection could give you an advantage down the line.
Rather than asking generic questions, focus on engaging in meaningful conversations. Show genuine interest in the school or program, and mention specific aspects you’ve researched, such as unique courses or faculty expertise. This will signal that you’ve done your homework and are truly invested in what they offer.
Don’t forget to exchange contact information, either by offering a business card or connecting on LinkedIn. After the fair, follow up with a personalized thank-you email, reminding them of your conversation and reiterating your interest in the program. Building these relationships can not only make you memorable but also provide you with an inside perspective on the admissions process and school culture.
Tip 4: Stay Organized and Prioritize during the Fair
The day of the Graduate Schools Fair can be fast-paced and overwhelming, so having a clear plan can keep you focused and productive. Start by having the Handshake mobile app ready, reviewing the list of participating schools, and organizing them by priority. Focus on your top choices first, but be open to exploring other programs if time allows.
As you move from booth to booth, take notes on key information—program details, application deadlines, and unique aspects of each school. Keep these notes organized so you can easily refer back to them later. This will help you compare programs and make informed decisions once the fair is over. Make sure you check-in at each booth you visit by scanning the Handshake QR code on each school representative’s table.
Finally, stay mindful of your time. Spending too long at one booth might prevent you from visiting other important schools, so manage your conversations efficiently. Prioritizing and staying organized will ensure you cover all your bases without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Tip 5: Know Your Available Resources
The USC Career Center has a range of resources designed to set you up for success. From one-on-one advising appointments to workshops on networking, we’re here to help you feel confident and ready. Take advantage of these resources to ensure you’re fully prepared to connect with graduate programs.
1. Drop-in Advising
Quick 15-minute drop-in advising sessions are available Monday-Friday, 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at theUSC Career Center. Whether you want a review of your resume or need help with graduate school research, come to our drop-in hours so we can help you get started.
2. Career Advising Appointments
If you need time to discuss more in-depth about your post-graduate plans, you can always schedule a 30-minute career advising appointments with any of our experienced career advisors via Handshake.
3. TrojanNetwork
Looking for insider insights from USC alumni who are attending the graduate program you are interested in? TrojanNetwork is USC’s online professional networking and mentor platform where alumni share their career and industry-related experiences and information with current students and fellow alumni. You can gain valuable graduate school advice from alumni during brief chat sessions and informational interviews.
4. USC LinkedIn Network
You can use LinkedIn to connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your graduate school application process. We suggest viewing the alumni tab on the USC page to connect with 300k Trojans worldwide.
5. Career Center Events
Follow our upcoming events on the USC Career Center website or Handshake to stay informed about workshops, info sessions, and networking opportunities. These events are designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in your graduate school journey and beyond.
Attending a graduate school fair can be an invaluable opportunity, but only if you approach it with purpose and strategy. By defining your goals ahead of time, making a strong first impression, building relationships, and staying organized, you’ll not only gather the information you need but also leave a lasting impression on the schools you’re interested in.
Remember, the fair is more than just a chance to collect brochures — it’s a stepping stone toward making real connections that can support your future academic journey. After the event, follow up with the representatives you met, reflect on what you learned, and continue the momentum as you navigate the graduate school application process. With the right preparation and mindset, you can turn this experience into a powerful tool for your future success.