7 Ways Attending a University Fair Will Help Your Application

In between discussions with university representatives, you’ll have the chance to attend talks and panel discussions on a range of topics. This could be useful in helping you decide which course to apply for or which country to study in, as well as giving you practical tips on how to put together a successful application. Admissions officers will share what they look for when assessing applications, what common mistakes to avoid, and how to go the extra mile to make yourself stand out. These sessions are likely to be particularly useful if you use the opportunity to ask any remaining questions you have, so don’t be shy!

While all universities list admission requirements on their websites, these often leave some space for confusion. Have you studied the required subjects to a high-enough level? Which standardized exams are preferred? What exactly is meant by ‘work experience’? And if you’re applying to study abroad, what additional requirements must you meet? The university fair is your opportunity to note down answers to all of these questions, ensuring that you fully understand the requirements for your chosen program and location.

While the admissions officers and experts may be the main attraction, don’t underestimate the value of sharing ideas and information with other prospective students attending the event. Talk to those around you, and listen to their advice, ideas and experiences. Perhaps they can recommend a university, a test prep resource, or put you in touch with a friend in the location you want to study in. This is also a great way to process the information you’ve gathered during the event, by talking it through. Who knows, you might even end up studying at the same university!

Although you might have a clear plan of which universities and programs interest you, university fairs are a fantastic way to discover options that you haven’t previously considered, but which perfectly fit your requirements and goals. Talk to as many university representatives as you can, and keep an open mind. Remember that many event attendees end up applying to an institution they met on the day, which hadn’t previously been on their shortlist.

Finally, attending a university event can help you find out about scholarships and other funding opportunities – including some which are exclusive to event attendees. Once you’ve established a personal connection with a school, you’ll be able to continue the conversation afterwards, and if you’ve really made a strong impression on an admissions officer, s/he may suggest various funding schemes you should apply for. All attendees of the QS World Grad School Tour are also eligible to apply to the QS Scholarships scheme, worth US$1.7 million per year. Get some inspiration from past scholarship winners here!

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