Questions to Ask at an Education Fair

Find the right school and program for you by getting the info you need to make smart decisions.

So, you're thinking about the next steps in your education: what school to attend, what to study, and what your dream job might be. You've got some big decisions to make!

Education fairs and open houses connect you face-to-face, in-person or online, with experts who can answer your questions and provide information relevant to your interests.

Approaching school admins and program coordinators can be daunting when you're still unsure what you're looking for. To help, here's a list of questions to guide your thinking and start conversations with college and university reps.

General advice

Don't worry about asking every question on this list! Note the ones that seem most relevant or spark your curiosity, and think about possible follow-up questions as you prepare.

Question styles

Whenever possible, ask "open" rather than "closed" questions. Open questions require explanation and often begin with "how," "why," "when," "where," "who," or "what." Closed questions usually have a simple "yes" or "no" answer.

For example:

Open: "How much financial aid do you offer incoming students?"

Closed: "Do you offer financial aid to incoming students?"

The best follow-ups are also open questions that explore specific details. Connect questions to your grades, background, education goals, or career ambitions. You can also ask, "Where can I read or learn more about this?" It's always helpful to have information in writing.

School info and student life

Questions about the school, campus, student life, and more.

Unique selling points

Ask what makes the school unique and which three parts of its culture everyone should know. This gives the rep a chance to explain how the school sees and promotes itself.

Has the school received national or international recognition, such as awards for teaching quality or other professional achievements? Schools often promote these accomplishments, but it never hurts to ask.

Unique opportunities

Ask about study abroad and exchange opportunities, even if you're not sure you'll participate. Their answer can tell you about the school's relationships around the world.

You can also ask about transfer agreements that make it easier to move between institutions and transfer your credits.

Be sure to ask about internships and co-ops. Opportunities vary by program, but some schools work with companies and organizations to help students gain valuable experience. How many placements are available each year, and which employers work with the school?

Student life and vibe

The feel of a campus or student body matters. A school might be known as a party school, a serious academic environment, or something in between. Try to learn what the atmosphere is really like.

Ask how many students study on campus, live in residence or off campus, and study primarily online. This can help you understand how lively the campus is and what kind of community you might find.

You can also ask how students spend their free time. Do they join clubs, participate in extracurriculars, socialize, or spend most of their time studying? This can help you decide whether the school's lifestyle suits you.

City, town, or village life

Whether the school is in a major city or a small rural community, learn about the area's culture, amenities, and entertainment options.

The cost of living can vary widely, so ask what you can expect to pay for rent, transportation, entertainment, and other expenses.

Even if you plan to study online, it may be worth learning about the area in case your plans change.

Housing options

If you plan to study in person, ask about residence. How many beds are available? Are rooms reserved for incoming students? What does residence cost? Remember to include possible meal plan and parking expenses in your budget.

You should also ask about off-campus housing. Schools and student unions may work with housing providers or direct students to reliable listings. Find out where students usually live, how far housing is from campus, and what rent typically costs.

Student supports and services

Student services can include academic support, writing centres, health and wellness programs, libraries, labs, athletic facilities, and career services. Ask about anything you might use during your studies.

Who should you contact when you need help? What support is available if you fall behind, feel overwhelmed, or need mental health care? How does the school help students build a community, including those studying online?

Online students may still have access to academic, career, and library services. You may even be able to borrow ebooks and save money on textbooks.

Ask about the alumni community, too. Does the school offer graduates networking events, career development, or other ongoing support?

The application process

Ask about the application process and, if you're comfortable, share details about your academic history. Find out how students typically move from application to admission, how long decisions take, and when you can expect to hear back.

Ask what admissions staff look for and how you can strengthen your application. You can also ask about seats for equity-seeking groups, including Indigenous students, and how the school's wait list works.

Faculty

Questions about instructors, professors, teaching assistants, and other teaching staff.

Contact hours

Find out how much time you'll spend with instructors in lectures, labs, practical settings, and office hours. Are they available to answer questions, respond to email, or meet by appointment?

You may also want to ask how much teaching is done by professors and how much by teaching assistants. This is especially common in lower-year university courses. Ask about the teaching assistants' qualifications and how they are selected.

Big names in teaching

Are there well-known instructors doing important work in your field? Learning about your future teachers' backgrounds can help you decide whether the school is right for you.

Ask about recent publications and research, especially in fast-moving fields such as science and technology. For college or trades programs, find out whether instructors still work in the field and what projects they're involved in.

Finances and financial aid

Money matters!

Tuition and fees

Ask about tuition for different credentials and study loads. Bachelor's degrees and diplomas may have different costs, while full-time and part-time students may pay different amounts.

Find out about additional fees and which ones are optional, including student union, health insurance, and athletic facility fees.

Don't forget textbooks. Will you need new books each semester? Can you borrow them from a school or public library? Does the school offer ebooks that could help you save money?

Depending on your program, you may also need supplies such as art materials, tools, or kitchen equipment. Ask how much these are likely to cost.

Financial aid

Ask what financial aid is available to students like you. Are entrance awards offered for grades or community service? Are they automatic, or do you need to apply? When are applications due?

Find out how many students receive entrance awards, the average amount offered, and whether awards are renewable in later years.

Remember that a "bursary" is generally based on financial need, while a "scholarship" is usually based on academic or other achievements.

You can also ask what incentives the school offers students considering several institutions. Don't be afraid to find out what the school can offer you!

Working while you study

The school may offer work-study programs, research positions, or other employment opportunities on or off campus. Ask about jobs in places such as the library, tutoring centre, or academic departments. In later years, you may even be able to work as a teaching assistant.

Programs

Questions about how programs and courses are structured.

Admission requirements

Learn what you need for admission to your preferred programs. Are your current grades and high school courses enough? Is there any flexibility in the course requirements? What can you do to improve your chances of admission?

Coursework structure

Ask how much of the program is online or hands-on. What are the average class sizes and student-to-instructor ratio? Will you need to complete a thesis, or will most of your grade come from coursework and assignments?

Organizational affiliations

If your goal requires a professional designation, ask whether the program is accredited by or affiliated with the relevant professional organization. Will the program help you qualify for future credentials, or will you need more training before you can practise professionally?

Graduate employment

Ask about employment outcomes. What percentage of graduates find work in their field within a year? What kinds of positions have graduates secured? What does the usual path from graduation to employment look like for your program?

Best of luck finding the information you need from school reps at education fairs and open houses! With these questions ready, you'll be better prepared to explore your options and find the right fit.

Ready to test your skills? Join us at a SchoolFinder Fair near you this fall! We're touring Calgary, Vancouver, Montréal, and Toronto! Come with questions, leave with a plan. See you at a fair soon!