As MBA programs start gearing up for the 2012-2013 recruiting cycle, MBA fairs are popping up across the globe. These days it seems like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and hosting an event, promising easy access to admissions teams and a better shot at gaining entrance to your dream school.

Regardless of which fair you attend, the strategy remains the same—to network with admissions professionals and alums at your top schools of interest and to compare programs. But to get all of this from two hours in a fair that can attract upwards of 300 people, how do you get remembered? Listed below are a few tips from the viewpoint of the admissions staff:

Target your search—but don’t forget the untapped potential

Whether it’s 8 schools or 68, only in the rarest cases will you speak with admissions staff from every program. Nearly all fairs publicize in advance the list of programs in attendance, so do a bit of research before going—of all the schools, what are your top 5 programs? Hit those tables first, armed and ready with your personal statement (more on that later.) With the time remaining, head to the 3-4 schools on your list that strike you as application potentials. Overlooking those smaller programs may cause you to miss out on your “best fit” school.

Know the school

With your target list in hand, you head to your first MBA table. Certainly you won’t know every detail about the program—if you did, that would defeat the purpose of the MBA fair. But it’s wise to invest some time beforehand to learn basic facts about your target schools. Visit each program’s website and pick  the most appealing factors for each school of interest–this will differ depending on what you want and need from an MBA. Share this information with the admissions representative; you would be surprised how often we meet people that don’t know anything about the program. That’s fine too, but I always remember the candidates who have done their research and just want to build on what they’re learned, especially if they claim that the Merage School is a top pick.

Let’s say you end up at the table of an unfamiliar school. What now? Quite simply, ask good questions. Things like “I’ve worked in supply chain for the past 2 years and really want to move into corporate finance–what curriculum do you offer that will help prepare me for a career transition?” is a good place to start. Remember that you are marketing yourself just as much as they are to you.

Know Thyself

Why do you want an MBA? If you don’t know the answer to this, don’t waste your money and/or time at a fair. We realize that not everyone is certain they want an MBA and fairs are a great way to solidify the decision. But you should have some general thoughts about why an MBA suits you even if those ideas are still in the “growth stage”. Have a few solid sentences that clearly explain the intersection between an MBA, your career, and your personal growth.

Tell me about yourself.

Ah, the personal statement. Best tips: Keep it to 30 seconds max. And PRACTICE. Your personal statement should flow out of your lips without even the slightest pause or “um.” And don’t start with “I graduated in 2006 with a degree in”—that’s enough to put anyone to sleep. You don’t have to be the most creative person, but express your story in a way that is memorable. People often don’t remember facts, but they will remember how you came across. I’m more likely to remember the confident person that runs a marketing department by day and competes in gymnastics on the weekends, than the person with a weak handshake who couldn’t quite look me in the eye. What was his name again?

Above all, remember to be yourself. One of my favorite memories is of meeting a prospective student (now a current student!) who was dressed professionally, was confident and well-spoken, and mentioned how he had taken off work to make the 3.5 hour drive to this particular MBA fair because of his interest in our school. His stats weren’t “perfect” but he was honest, familiar with our program, and had an engaging personal statement. Moral of the story: remain genuine, be prepared, and you’ll easily find your best fitting school.

What has worked for you? Share your best and worst experiences, tips and ideas for navigating the MBA fair.