Each year, the Capistrano Unified School District hosts its annual College Fair, giving students across the district the chance to connect directly with college representatives and learn more about the next step in their academic journey. The event, held at Aliso Niguel High School on October 9, drew hundreds of students eager to explore their post-graduation options and discover new possibilities within and beyond California.
Organized by College and Career Counselor Ms. Nguyen in collaboration with the CUSD College and Career Advantage program, the fair featured dozens of colleges, universities and specialized programs ranging from local community colleges to out-of-state institutions. This year’s focus was on exposing students to schools outside of California, many of which participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, offering significant tuition discounts for in-state students who attend out-of-state universities.
Ms. Nguyen says, “The purpose of the Out-of-State College Fair was to expose students to colleges outside of the state of California, a lot of students don’t realize there are many out-of-state options that are affordable for them.”
She added that the event also served as a way to cap off the Challenge Accepted senior event, giving students an engaging and informative experience as they approach college application deadlines.
College fairs like this one serve as a bridge between students and higher education, allowing them to ask questions that go far beyond what they can find online. Representatives handed out brochures, answered questions about financial aid and application essays and provided personalized advice.
Ms. Nguyen says, “Some of these schools actually track demonstrated interest, when a student interacts with a college representative, that connection is recorded in their file, and it can help their application stand out.”
For many students, the event was an eye-opening experience. Juniors attended to get a head start on their college search, while seniors arrived prepared with questions about specific majors, scholarships, and campus culture.
Senior George Bourget (12) reflected, “It was great to see the colleges that I got into and meet with the representatives to learn more about their campus culture and the programs that they offered.”
Ms. Nguyen believes that these experiences help students make more thoughtful, personalized choices about their futures.
Ms. Nguyen says, “A lot of students apply to schools based on name recognition or family history, but when they meet representatives and really explore what makes each school unique, they make decisions that are better suited for them—and that leads to greater success after high school.”
In addition to four-year universities, the fair also highlighted the importance of community colleges and trade programs. These options, Ms. Nguyen noted, are becoming increasingly valuable for students looking for flexible, affordable pathways to successful careers.
The event also showcased how much effort the district invests in preparing students for life beyond high school. Counselors from across the district attended to offer guidance, while informational booths provided advice on application timelines, essay writing and financial aid.
Ms. Nguyen says, “Not all schools host on-campus college fairs, we make it as convenient as possible by bringing the event to campus and integrating it into the school day so that all students can take advantage of it.”
The fair received positive feedback from both college representatives and students alike.
Ms. Nguyen said, “The reps really enjoyed it, and when the reps are happy, that gives our school a good reputation. Students also told me how helpful it was to connect personally with colleges they were interested in.”
With college application season approaching, the CUSD College Fair continues to serve as a valuable tradition—one that helps students turn uncertainty into opportunity, and inspires them to take confident steps toward their future.
