Students Explore Education Beyond California at Out-of-State College Fair

Students Explore Education Beyond California at Out-of-State College Fair

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Acalanes Blueprint

By Cedric He, Print Copy Editor

// On Nov. 29, Acalanes High School hosted its second annual out-of-state college fair to connect upperclassmen in the Acalanes Union High School District with admissions officers and educate families on out-of-state schools and scholarship opportunities.

   The fair was held in the Acalanes library and featured 20 representatives from the Regional Admission Counselors of California (RACC), who work exclusively with students and counselors in California, representing out-of-state schools. Over two hundred attendees came from across the school district.

   “This event is generally targeted towards juniors. But I think there were some freshmen and sophomores as well [who are] starting to think about what’s out there and what opportunities exist outside of California for educational opportunities,” Acalanes College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy said.

   During the initial presentation, college representatives compared current in-state and out-of-state college opportunities, emphasizing the benefits of applying out-of-state, such as special scholarships for California-based applicants.   

   “Students [who apply out-of-state] are just looking for something different, want a new adventure, and [are] looking to see what kind of opportunities are out there,” Clarkson University Regional Admissions Counselor Susan Bynum said.

   However, certain drawbacks exist when applying to out-of-state schools.

   “You have to really know that you can live somewhere else for four years. [Because] homesickness is completely normal. You could also be really far away from home [and] you might have to take multiple flights, so it can be more expensive to travel,” Rutgers University Regional Admissions Counselor Sydney Schwartz said.

   Representatives recommended that prospective applicants immerse themselves in the schools they are interested in before applying. 

   “Find the universities that best fit your academic interests, your activity interests, things you like to do, and the size and environment that you’re looking for. Whether it’s an urban school, rural school, a big university, [or a] small university, and then give yourself the option to explore upstate and apply. So I suggest taking a chance. If there’s a school that you think fits your profile and it’s out-of-state, take a chance and see what kind of financial aid comes back and maybe it will be worth considering,” Bynum said.

   Many students express concern when applying to out-of-state colleges due to the costs of admission. However, the speakers at the fair provided numerous financial incentives often available to applicants. 

   “The biggest thing people assume about going out-of-state is that it’s more expensive. And that’s not necessarily true. Some universities do have things specifically for California students, some private universities can also offer a lot more money, and it can be more affordable than going to an in-state university. [Also], because we’re in California, [people] assume everywhere has impacted majors and that’s not true,” Schwartz said.

   Some institutions also accommodate the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), a regional interstate tuition discount program allowing out-of-state students to pay at most 150% of what they would pay in-state. 

   Following the presentation, students and parents had the opportunity to engage with the representatives at booths set up in different classrooms. Students were invited to ask questions to learn more about specific majors, campus culture, and other school offerings.

   Students who attended the fair found the event helped them determine whether or not to apply out-of-state.

   “I didn’t know about the WUE cutting out-of-state tuition in half, so I think that’s really good to know. [Today’s presentation] made me more confident that going out-of-state would be a good option for me,” Acalanes junior Nina von Vacano-Shafer said.

   Some students who intend to apply to out-of-state colleges also considered other benefits to moving and trying something new.

   “I think it’d be cool to be in another part of the country because I’ve always grown up in California, so I’d get to live in another part of the country and see new things,” Miramonte junior Evan Shultz said.

   Overall, community members enjoyed their experience at the fair this year.

   “I like the vibe of this college fair. It was fun and all the different people were really nice and had positive vibes,” junior Gianna Bordi said.