The college process can feel pretty overwhelming. Students and their families may know only a handful of colleges and universities, and be unaware of others worth their consideration. This realization sparked the George School Unbranded College Fair.

In 2022, the College Counseling team invited 52 schools from across the country and around the world to campus. During the first half of the fair, college representatives staffed numbered tables with no identifying props, materials or information — only a sheet displaying five distinguishing facts about their school. Students and their families were assigned a number and started their journey at that table, reading through the facts and talking with that representative. 

The Unbranded College Fair has since grown; this year, George School will host about 70 colleges and universities.

Students are challenged to ask intentional questions and be thoughtful about what they need to thrive in college without being dazzled by brands. Invariably, they are introduced to schools they may never have considered. For their part, colleges must go beyond the script to share what makes the student experience meaningful at their institutions.

“The goal is to begin conversations without preconceived ideas of the institution that the person represents,” said Associate Director of College Counseling Nick Dillman. “Then the second portion of the fair can be used to explore schools that are already on students’ radar, along with new schools that may not have been.”

Aliyah Fadiga ’24 hoped to become a physician assistant, and spoke to a school representative about its program. “I was immediately drawn in,” she said. “They had a really strong program.”

The “big reveal” happens midway through the fair, as the colleges roll out their banners and share their identities. Students then have the opportunity to meet with admission reps in a traditional college fair format. 

Aliyah found out that she had been talking with the representative from St. Joseph’s University, a school that she hadn’t thought of before the fair. “It was a fun way to learn about a school I didn’t know anything about,” she said. “Now it’s definitely on my list!”

Jerry Chen ’25 was also inspired by the unique approach. “I’ve been passive through the typical process, and haven’t focused on where I want to study next,” he said. “This event helped broaden my perspective on how the college search process works as a whole without focusing on a specific college.”

“Giving the students some direction by assigning them numbers at the start was great,” said Sarah Ireland, an admission representative from Skidmore College. “Each student who came to my table had about five to seven questions. Just before the reveal, there were students hovering around my table, waiting to find out what school I represented. Then once I put the banner out, there was a rush of students wanting to talk more.”

“One thing we know about George School students is that they are curious and ask great questions. We hear this time and time again from admission officers who come through our school each fall,” said Director of College Counseling Beth Ann Burkmar.

“I hope the students understand that in addition to the popular colleges, there are so many others with the same background that might be a great fit,” said College Counseling Office Manager and College Representative Visit Coordinator Terry Tuttle.

College Counseling is committed to guiding George School students to options that support their individual interests and personality. “This idea of finding the right fit is aligned with the College Counseling’s Office’s overall philosophy,” said Nick. “It’s about identifying schools that match a student’s personal values, enhance their education and provide the most ideal overall experience.”

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Can you guess the school from the facts below? 

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