Transfer fair: your ticket out of Saddleback
Omid Yaz, 18, asks UCLA representative about psychology opportunities with his college. (Oliver Yu)
Saddleback College students attended the Wednesday evening Transfer Fair in the quad to meet with college representatives.
The Transfer Fair was an opportunity for Saddleback College students planning to apply this fall to four-year universities, to familiarize themselves with the general transferring process as well as those particular to individual schools.
Representatives from four-year colleges such as: UCLA, UCI, CSUF, ASU, and many more schools were present. Aside from the more well-known colleges, many private schools and non-traditional universities had tables at the fair as well.
“University of Phoenix is the perfect non-traditional college route for those individuals who want to maintain a full-time job, have a family and still gain an education,” said Michael Cummings, corporate education liaison.
Representatives from out-of-state colleges such as ASU were flooded with questions from interested students.
“Students are mostly worried about leaving the comfort of California and making the transition to a college far from home,” said Matt Engel, student recruitment coordinator for ASU.
Students asked many questions regarding each college. However, the most popular concern seemed to be about admissions.
“Transfer students always want to know how they can get into schools doing the absolute minimum amount of work,” said Adam Boothby, admissions counselor for UCI.
Along with information on the colleges, representatives also gave out free pens, key chains and brochures to attract students to their booth.
“The fair was useful and set me on track,” said Adrian Perez, 21, criminal justice. “Plus I got some cool pamphlets and a free pen.”
Representatives also met with parents who had concerns about the reduced acceptance rates of transfer students due to state budget cuts and the economy.
Mario Cordova, an admissions counselor from Cal Poly University Pomona reassured parents and students that admissions for transfer students are still very high.
“Our goal is to encourage and spread education, not [to] limit it,” Cordova said.
Students had mixed feelings on the outcome and variety of schools present at the fair.
“I’ve never even heard of some of these private schools that were here today,” said Lucy Martinez, 48, nursing. “I was hoping to see more of the cal states here.”
However, many students were able to walk away with a clear path (fix this it sounds weird-clear path) of how to go about the transfer process.
“The people at each booth were helpful by giving me a sense of comfort for the application process and explaining the easiest ways possible to get admitted to their schools,” said Nadia Afredi, 16, biology.
Tom Pelltier, 30, approaches the National University booth inquiring about their programs. (Oliver Yu)