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2026 College & Career Fairs

PWCS college and career fairs provide students with direct access to colleges, employers, and resources that support informed academic and career planning.

2026 College & Career Fairs

PWCS college and career fairs provide students with direct access to colleges, employers, and resources that support informed academic and career planning.

Where College and Career Connections Begin

Explore Your Future at the PWCS College & Career Fairs

Meet representatives from colleges, universities, trade/technical schools, businesses, military recruiters, and more!

  • Gainesville High School

    13150 University Blvd.
    Gainesville, VA 20155

    October 8, 2026
    6-8 p.m.

  • Forest Park High School

    15721 Forest Park Dr.
    Woodbridge, VA 22193

    October 14, 2026
    6-8 p.m.

How Registration and Scanning Works

PWCS College Fairs are hosted by the Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and partner with StriveScan. Students are not required to register ahead of time, but may choose to register before or on the day of the event to easily share contact information with college representatives using a personalized QR code. There is no cost to register for the event. Students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to register.

  1. Students, parents, counselors, and professionals are encouraged to register using StriveScan.

  2. Complete the short registration form.

    High school students can optionally add their current GPA to their profile. You can view your unofficial transcript and GPA in StudentVUE.

  3. You will receive your barcode which allows you to easily and safely share contact information with colleges for free.

  4. Scan your barcode with colleges to receive more information.

    College representatives can instantly view the information that students add to their StriveScan profile.

  5. Overview of how registration and scanning works.

College & Career Fair 20-Minute Tiny Talks

  • Military College Pathways

    Highlights the military pathways while in college to include ROTC, service academies, military colleges, and Corps of Cadets.

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Overview of paying for college with a focus on financial aid and scholarship searching.

  • George Mason University Direct Admissions

    Learn how eligible seniors can pursue a college degree at Virginia’s largest public research university through a simplified application process.

  • PWCS Specialty Programs

    Discover exciting PWCS Specialty Programs and find the path that matches your passions, talents, and future goals.

Represent a college or business? Showcase opportunities and connect with students at our College & Career Fair.

College Representatives

All college representatives interested in attending a PWCS college fair must create a StriveScan account and pay the VACRAO Calendar Access fee. This provides access to the VACRAO calendar, where representatives can register for individual events as either VACRAO members or non-members.

  1. Register and create a StriveScan account
  2. Both VACRAO members and non-members must pay the VACRAO Calendar Access fee to access the VACRAO calendar and register for individual college fair events.
  3. For a reduced fee, view the VACRAO New Membership and Renewals page to become a member or renew your membership.

Business Partner Registrations

PWCS Business Partners are invited to register while space is available. Contact Dr. Sarah Martin, Director of Career and Technical Education, at [email protected].

Before You Arrive to the College & Career Fair

Request a Language Interpreter if Needed

If a student or parent needs a language interpreter, including American Sign Language, please complete your request by September 20, 2026.

Interpreter Request Form

Student Guide for Sharing Information with Representatives at College Fairs

How to Share Information Quickly with College Reps

Before the Fair

  • StriveScan Account: Have your StriveScan account ready. Reps will scan your QR code to gather your contact information.

  • Naviance: Check Naviance for your college visit schedule at your high school, and view high school admission data in scattergrams under the college search.

  • Plan Your Booth Visits
    • Review the list of colleges in advance.
    • Identify your top five colleges you want to speak with.
During the Fair
  • Lead the Conversation
    • Introduce yourself clearly: Name, Grade, High School, Career or intended major
    • Make a good first impression: Smile, shake hands
  • Share Your Information
    • Use your StriveScan card to scan and share your information with college representatives.
  • Ask Meaningful Questions
    • Prepare thoughtful questions ahead of time.
    • Avoid asking questions that can be answered online (such as GPA or basic admission requirements).
    • Use this time to ask questions that help you understand fit, programs, and opportunities.
    • Sample Questions
      • What is the process to be considered for scholarships at your school?
      • What are the benefits of the honors college and do I apply?
      • Are there any master’s degree accelerated programs that include a four-year degree?
      • What kind of career support is offered outside of the classroom? Are internships available?
      • What is the most popular student organization on campus? Do you have a ____ club?
      • I want to pursue a major in _________, can you tell me more about the program and how it’s different from other schools?
      • What question do you wish students would ask during a college fair?
When Lines are Long
  • Quick Questions: Be prepared to ask one or two quick questions.
  • Handouts: Grab a handout at the table instead of waiting in line.
After the Fair
  • Complete the PWCS Feedback Survey: Share your experience with us by completing the PWCS Feedback Survey.
  • Follow Up: Send a follow-up email to the representative and thank them for the conversation.
Potomac High School College Fair

Potomac High School College Fair Video - 2025