Actually Big Four have prioritized schools. If your school is in the list, the opportunity will be a lot. Because my school is in a small town, we can actually apply anywhere although chicago will be the focus. Lots of my friends end up in east and west coast too.
Just my advice about networking events.
1. Be prepared. Do your research before going there. Ask good questions. Relate your experience/thoughts to the position while talking.
2. Be yourself. Make it a conversation instead of a Q&A session. Show your personality.
3. Be hardworking. It's really exhausting when you have to attend some similar events every day while need to work/study at the same time. You can't avoid being in a crowd and waiting in line for hours, but carry on!
@twinklecingel总结的很好 我觉得最重要的是你要proactive 因为这种event很多时候是你要插进别人的对话 所以你要find a good topic to hold the conversation,还有就是去这种event前要准备,自己要practice,你想啊,这是你第一次和别人见面,如果说话坑坑巴巴的,谁愿意面试你呢。最好的就是你要对你想申请的职位有个清楚的了解,这样才会让别人觉得你不仅是prepare,而且是well prepare。还有就是you can't be quiet but at the same time, you can't be too talkative.