Maximizing College Fairs
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we believe that preparation, strategy, and self-efficacy are the keys to success in the athletic recruitment and college admissions journey. Our student athletes are equipped with the tools to approach each opportunity with confidence. Whether it's sending an email to a coach, crafting a college list, or attending a large-scale event like a college fair, our student athletes and families navigate the process with a sense of direction. We help student athletes build clarity around their goals, understand how to effectively engage with both coaches and admissions teams, and navigate complex processes with purpose. That’s why attending a NACAC College Fair becomes more than just an informational experience—it becomes a strategic step in a larger, guided journey.
Attending a NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) College Fair offers students and families a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of colleges and universities in one convenient setting. These fairs bring together admissions representatives from hundreds of institutions, both domestic and international, who can provide valuable information about academic programs, campus life, scholarships, and application requirements. Students have the chance to ask questions, make personal connections, and discover schools they may not have previously considered. Many fairs also feature helpful workshops on topics such as financial aid, college essays, and the overall admissions process. Whether you're just starting your college search or narrowing down your choices, a NACAC College Fair is a valuable step toward making well-informed decisions about your future.
The Austin NACAC College Fair is Tuesday, April 8 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Palmer Events Center. With 200+ colleges and universities in attendance, it is a great opportunity for local students and families. Click here to discover participating colleges and universities.
Before the college fair:
Identify and research schools of interest in advance.
Dedicate a notebook for the event.
Create a short list of questions (that you can’t Google).
Wear comfortable shoes.
Arrive early if possible.
During the college fair:
Scan your badge upon visiting with every representative (this is referred to as demonstrating interest) and we will further discuss this.
Take notes.
Collect business cards, utilize this as an opportunity to further connect via follow-up.
Be open to the unknown – the universe works in mysterious ways, so you never know what might happen via a conversation with a representative from a school that you may have never heard of.
Collect brochures and store them in a backpack.
After the college fair:
Discard brochures from schools that you have no interest in, by narrowing your focus you can create more bandwidth to explore options that better fit your needs.
Review your notes, determine what other questions you might have.
Follow up with representatives that you met from schools that you’re interested in.
Research summer opportunities (athletic and academic camps) at schools of interest.
Demonstrate interest in regards to athletic programs by emailing coaches, completing recruiting questionnaires, and sharing academic and athletic information.
Note: coaches may not be able to reply, depending on NCAA Recruiting Rules but student athletes can provide this information as soon as they are interested in doing so. For most sports, NCAA coaches may begin communication with student athlete recruits on June 15 after sophomore year.
At POLARIS, we believe each touchpoint such as a college fair is a valuable opportunity to grow your network, clarify your goals, and build momentum. By following up with coaches and admissions representatives and approaching each interaction with intention, student athletes can package themselves as strong, multidimensional candidates. With our guidance and a structured game plan, student athletes don’t just attend events—they maximize them. This kind of preparation is what transforms potential into progress, and ultimately, into long-term success.