The annual Capistrano College Fair was hosted by San Juan Hills High School on Sept. 23 for students to meet with over 120 college representatives. The event allowed hundreds of students to roam the college displays from all over the country. The fair also contained three breakout sessions allowing for in-depth lectures on community colleges, Western Exchange Universities and the Universities of California.
Each booth contained pamphlets and a representative that detailed important information about campus life. When speaking with individual representatives, they provide information about the location with an overview of important components necessary for admissions. Many tables contained information regarding majors, class sizes, clubs, student life and financial aid.
Students were given the opportunity to meet with any colleges that may interest them, which allowed them to learn new information and build a college list for applications. The event was open to all grades and varying ages of students participated from a wide range of schools.
For many, speaking with representatives can be important to seniors looking for specific information or unique details about colleges. Interacting with those that are informed about the college can help to give a new perspective or illuminate the campus life. Some schools may track interaction with representatives which can aid in the admissions process and increase chances in acceptance.
Dane Larson (12) comments, “If you are younger, this is a good way to find schools you might like.”
Some underclassmen who attended had the opportunity to build a college list and connect with others while also learning about different majors and courses the variety of schools offer. The fair was a great opportunity for highschoolers to learn about different majors and pathways that interest them. It also helps to build a great foundation for students to understand more specific topics such as financial aid and the costs associated with in-state and private universities, helping students start to narrow down their options and consider what type of school is the best fit for them.
For the hundreds that attended, they were able to watch breakout sessions that ranged from 30 minutes to an hour, which were hosted by a variety of representatives that gave presentations on topics regarding their institutions. These detailed sessions helped to give students a look at the financial aspects of differing colleges and the pathways that can be taken to achieve them. Most sessions were packed with over two hundred students and parents.
One breakout session was the Western Exchange Universities, which are a cohort of universities on the west coast that provide discounted tuition to students residing in the states. It opens opportunities for students to attend out of state schools without paying out of state prices with little aid. The presentation detailed the requirements and list of schools included.
Ryan Ramlawi (12) contributes, “The presentation for the Western Exchange Schools was helpful for learning about different state schools and their aid.”
Overall, the college fair was a success as it connected hundreds of students to college representatives.
