Press Releases

October 26, 2011

Joan Galvan, Public Information Officer
(805) 965-0581 ext. 2307
(805) 963-7222
jcgalvan@sbcc.edu

Santa Barbara College Fair Scheduled for November 2

Local students looking for the college or university that makes the most sense academically and financially need to go no further than the Earl Warren Showgrounds on November 2 to talk to representatives from more than 80 universities and career technical schools, including campuses of the University of California and California State University. The annual Santa Barbara College Fair will be held on Wednesday, November 2, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, Warren Hall, 3400 Calle Real, in Santa Barbara. The event is free and open to the community. Sponsors include Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), Westmont College, UCSB and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.

According to Michael Medel, SBCC Coordinator for Student Outreach and Orientation, the fair last year drew a record 1,400 participants. “Normally, we have about 1,000 people attending. I think the increased number reflects how serious the college selection process has become in light of tougher admission requirements, smaller freshmen classes and rising tuition fees,” he said. “This event offers in one setting more than 80 admission representatives who can discuss course offerings, admission requirements, college life, and other information pertinent to the college selection process with students and their parents.”

In addition, the fair will offer two workshops by local financial professionals that will cover strategies on securing scholarships, grants, loans, and federal and state aid for educational costs.

Local high school counselors are encouraged to send all interested students to the fair. "College fairs are a great way to get a snapshot of colleges and universities from all over the United States,” said Emily Ritchey, Santa Barbara High School counselor. “For students who aren't able to travel and visit individual schools, this event offers the opportunity to interact with admissions counselors and make contacts with schools of interest, as well as explore schools you never even knew existed.”

“An important step of the college process is for students to find good matches between their educational backgrounds and interests and what the colleges or universities have to offer,” said Dr. Jack Friedlander, SBCC acting superintendent/president. “For many, a community college such as SBCC will be the smart choice for affordability and small classes whether they plan to complete a two-year program and directly to enter the job market or plan to transfer to a four-year college of university. He added, “The College Fair is an excellent resource to help students and their parents get the critical information they need to make informed decisions.”

For more information and an up-to-date list of participating universities and career technical schools for the Santa Barbara College Fair, go to: www.sbcc.edu/collegefair

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