Cerritos College held their University Mega Fair at Falcon Square Aug. 30 with over 60 college representatives. A variety of colleges attended to answer any question students had about transferring.
Representatives had multiple pamphlets answering questions like admission, financial aid, and majors.
Counselor and transfer center co-director, Brittany Lundeen, says the Mega Fair helps confused students find schools they didn’t know about.
Lundeen says talking one-on-one with college admission representatives helps students get the help without scheduling an appointment.
It’s more than just an information day, “Having the universities come and visit is great networking for the students, I think its one of the greatest events we have,” says Lundeen.
The transfer center wants every student to know they have a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing the right college.
Students stood in long lines to get the chance to talk to the top college representatives there. USC, being one top college, had a lot to share about their expectations for transfer students.
Brittney Baker-Brousseau, assistant director of admissions says USC expects their students to do well in all their classes, be very involved with programs and apply for internships.
Brousseau says, “USC is mainly known for our business program but we offer many classes for our fine arts major.”
Brousseau’s thoughts on the Mega Fair were positive, she says its the best way for students to ask questions and explore.
Another college present was CSULB, “We get a lot of applicants which means we’re very impacted,” says college advisor Gardenia Granadus. The college wants students to know they have a big and diverse campus that offers many majors.
Granadus was a Santa Monica College transfer and says Long Beach expects their transfer students to accomplish their goals and feel welcomed.
Student Karol Martinez, neurobiologist major: plans on attending UCSD and UCI after learning about their programs. Martinez went on to mention she was surprised to find out a lot of schools require different grade point averages for her major.
University of California Los Angeles was another top college that attracted the attention of many students. Assistant director, Jesse Arias lets all students know they need major preparation when applying to a UC.
“All students should at least apply and be more open. If they’re scared we provide help to students that are lost in the application process whether it’s from filling out papers or writing your personal statement,” says Arias.
Teresa Rosata, a media studies major: “I think the mega fair expanded my options about schools to think of, it’s like window shopping for your college education.”
Before attending Cerritos College, Rosata was studying at Humboldt University where she was confused academically. “I didn’t know what I was doing at Humboldt, there was no program to help me career-wise.
There was no such thing as a mega fair.” Rosata went on to say that she is now interested in attending USC and UCSD.
Ace Caguioa, outreach counselor at CSUF says their main goal is accessibility to all students. Caguioa wanted to let all transfers know they are the biggest and closest to Cerritos College.
One way the transfer center makes sure students are expanding their choices is, “Goalopoly,” an allusion to the board game, “Monopoly.”
When playing “Goalopoly,” students must attend a total of four workshops or events listed on the side of the board.
Once the board is filled students will be entered in a raffle taking place at the end of the semester.
Falcon square was filled with many students eager to learn information about their favorite colleges. The Associated Students of Cerritos College provided games, food, and accessibility.
