College Fair Introduces Students to Higher Ed

“Overwhelm” is an understatement of the goings-on Wednesday night at Earl Warren Showgrounds for the SBCC College Fair. The yearly event drew reps from more than 85 colleges to Santa Barbara, where they spent several hours campaigning to local high school students. Within the first hour of the night, 900 students had passed through the doors — nearly as much as last year’s grand total.

“I don’t know where I want to go to college. I don’t know what I want to do with my life. This gives me the chance to get more information on my future,” said Dos Pueblos senior Harrison Solomon. He said that being able to actually talk to reps from the different schools made him feel more comfortable.

“I think tonight will give me the chance to get more organized before college application time,” said Dos Pueblos sophomore Nick Demarest.

Michael Medel, Admissions Outreach Director at SBCC, organized the event. He saw the fair as a chance for students to see that college was a feasible option, even in tough times.

“I hope [students] can get the chance tonight to see a college they wouldn’t have otherwise known about,” he added.

Although the UCs and CSUs were well-represented, many of the other schools were in-state, smaller, and less well-known — a disadvantage to San Marcos sophomore Evyn Van Homer.

“Almost all of these schools are in-state, and I don’t recognize any of their names,” she said. She added that she would have liked to see more out-of-state options.

Nonetheless, the evening gave students a chance to at least think about what they planned to do with their futures. As for that? Most teens are undecided and overwhelmed. Most.

“I just want to go somewhere with a good photography program — I really just don’t care about the rest!” laughed sophomore Shiona Davene.