WHITTIER, CA – More than 2,000 students and their parents attended the Whittier Union High School District’s College Fair at La Serna High School, where they took advantage of the opportunity to meet with dozens of college representatives and get first-hand information about the college application process.

The event, held on Sept. 25, featured workshops and the chance to speak with representatives from more than 60 colleges and universities from throughout the nation, including schools from within the California State and University of California systems, private colleges, community colleges and technical schools.

“I really gained confidence in myself to apply to college and know that I can believe in myself and my abilities,” said Samantha Soto, a senior at La Serna High School who attended the fair to get information on her future major, electrical engineering. “I know that the hard work I am putting in school now will pay off when I am in college, and going to the college fair takes me one step further.”

Colleges and universities present at the fair included Whittier College, UC Berkeley, Cal State Fullerton, Azusa Pacific University, USC and Arizona State University. Breakout sessions included topics on the UC and CSU admission process, advantages of a community college, college recruiting and financial aid.

“It was insightful to just chat with the representatives and pick their brain on various majors,” said Chris Cho, a senior who wants to pursue a career in science.

La Serna student Madeleine Ponton said she was excited to collect information on the colleges she wanted to attend and what scholarship and internship opportunities each school had for low-income students.

“This is a one-stop shop for students and their families to find out about the application and financial aid process and know what opportunities are out there for them, so it’s great to see that our students are planning ahead, setting goals and exploring their options,” said La Serna High Principal Ann Fitzgerald.