Absolutely! Anyone interested in learning more about grad school or discovering whether a grad degree is right for their careers is encouraged to attend this free event.

Grad programs focused on social impact, nonprofit management, public policy, education, international affairs, social work, and related fields will be in attendance. Whether you’re a current undergraduate student, a working professional, or simply exploring your options, this fair is for you.

More than 170 grad school programs will be in attendance at the Idealist Grad School Fair, and most of them are not based in New York City. Discover programs at universities from around the United States and the world, including those that offer international opportunities such as study abroad or internships.

Attending the Idealist Grad School Fair may be one of the only opportunities you get to interact with admissions representatives in person. If there is a table that catches your eye, share your career goals and ask if any recent graduates are in the field you’re considering. You can also ask them to share relevant courses, internship options, and research positions to find out if the program is a good fit.

If you’re interested in working full time and studying full time, this is also a good opportunity to ask representatives about flexible course schedules, such as whether programs allow for online, hybrid, or evening classes for working professionals.

Admissions representatives can speak with you about their programs and share helpful insights into the application process. While they may not review your materials on the spot, many are happy to offer tips on how to make your application stand out, what they look for in candidates, and how to align your experience with their program's values.

Don’t hesitate to ask about things like application deadlines, personal statements, recommendation letters, and other key application components.

To maximize your experience, we suggest researching the schools and programs that will be present, preparing questions in advance, and networking with both representatives and fellow attendees.

Bring a notebook and pen for taking notes, copies of your resume, a small tote to carry any materials picked up at the fair, and questions you may have for grad school representatives.

Finally, there is no formal dress code, but we recommend business casual attire. For more advice on how to prepare for the fair, check out our blog post, How to Get the Most From an Idealist Grad School Fair.