Navigating Higher Education: A Comprehensive Guide to WACAC College Fairs

Choosing the right college or university is a pivotal step in a student's academic journey. College fairs serve as invaluable resources, connecting prospective students with admissions representatives from various institutions. The Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) hosts numerous college fairs in California and Nevada, providing a platform for students, parents, and counselors to explore post-secondary opportunities. This article delves into the details of WACAC college fairs, outlining their significance, schedule, registration process, and guidelines for exhibitors.

The Importance of College Fairs

WACAC College Fairs offer a unique opportunity for students to interact directly with admission representatives from a wide range of non-profit and postsecondary institutions. These fairs, a free program for the public since 1972, allow students to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, college life, and other information pertinent to the college selection process. By attending these events, students can gather essential information, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their future education.

WACAC's Commitment

WACAC is committed to hosting college fairs in California and Nevada for high school students, their parents, and high school counselors. All of WACAC’s fairs are free to attend and include free parking. WACAC College Fair exhibitors play a major role in the success of each of our programs.

Scheduled WACAC College Fairs in 2024

WACAC has scheduled several college fairs across California in 2024. Each fair provides a platform for students to engage with college representatives and gather information about various institutions. Here's a detailed schedule:

• Inland Empire College Fair

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  • Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
  • Venue: UC Riverside
  • Address: 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521
  • Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • Max Capacity: 125 colleges

• San Diego College Fair

  • Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
  • Venue: Scripps Ranch High School
  • Address: 10410 Falcon Way, San Diego, CA 92131
  • Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Max Capacity: 160 colleges

• Los Angeles College Fair

  • Date: Saturday, April 6
  • Venue: Granada Hills Charter
  • Address: 10535 Zelzah Ave, Granada Hills, CA 91344
  • Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • Max Capacity: 200 colleges

• Central Coast College Fair

  • Date: Wednesday, April 10
  • Venue: Templeton High School
  • Address: 1200 S Main St, Templeton, CA 93465
  • Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Max Capacity: 125 colleges

• South Bay Area College Fair

  • Date: Thursday, May 2
  • Venue: West Valley College
  • Address: 14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
  • Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Max Capacity: 130 colleges

• East Bay Area College Fair

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  • Date: Saturday, May 4
  • Venue: Saint Mary's College of California, Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center
  • Address: 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga, CA 94575
  • Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Max Capacity: 175 colleges

• Sacramento College Fair

  Please note - this is only for the "Student" fair that is the day before the WACAC Conference. Registration for the "Counselor" fair will be part of the conference registration.

  • Date: Tuesday, May 28
  • Venue: SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
  • Address: 1401 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
  • Max Capacity: 120

Registration Information for Exhibitors

Institutions interested in participating as exhibitors at WACAC College Fairs must adhere to specific registration guidelines and fees. The registration fees vary depending on the timing of the registration and WACAC membership status.

Registration Fees (per fair date)

• Early (WACAC Members only): (12/15/23 to 1/31/24) - $350
• Regular: (2/1/24 to 2/29/24) - $450
• Late: (3/1/24 to 5/21/24 if space is available) - $550

Payments by check are only accepted during Early registration (12/15/23 - 1/31/24). Cancellations will only be allowed until 2/15/24. There will be a $50 cancellation fee. After this date, fees are non-refundable. Early registration is open to WACAC members only.

Guidelines for College Representatives

WACAC has specific guidelines for college representatives participating in the fairs to ensure a professional and informative environment.

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• Eligibility: Our college fairs are for two- and four-year colleges and universities that are regionally accredited. On a space-available basis, we may accommodate some non-profit organizational members who assist students with the transition from high school to college. WACAC reserves the right to refuse the registration of any institution or organization. Independent counselors and/or educational consultants are not eligible.
• Representation: Only full-time admissions officers, institutional representatives, delegated salaried school officials, or trained alumni shall represent schools or agencies during WACAC programs.
• Cancellation Policy: Representatives are expected to follow the cancellation policy. In the event of an emergency, the representative scheduled for the event has the responsibility of contacting the host coordinator as soon as the representative knows he or she will be unable to attend.
• Promotional Items: Promotional giveaways (including raffles and drawings) and gimmick items (including, but not limited to, shopping bags, t-shirts, buttons, key chains, stickers, posters, decals, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
• Visual Equipment: One piece of visual equipment will be permitted per table as long the power source is self-contained. WACAC and/or the host site will not provide electricity, batteries, extension cords, etc.
• Display Size: In order to minimize problems of congestion and blocked visibility, displays cannot exceed or obstruct the view of adjacent tables and should be no larger than 6ft high x 3ft wide.

Tips for Students Attending College Fairs

To make the most of WACAC College Fairs, students should come prepared with questions and a strategy for gathering information.

1. Registration: Step 1: Fill out the registration form.
2. Barcode: Step 2: At the fair, show your barcode to colleges. The next day, you’ll get a report with information about all of the colleges that scanned your barcode.
3. Research: Before attending, research the colleges and universities that will be present. Identify institutions of interest and prepare a list of questions to ask representatives.
4. Questions: Ask specific questions about academic programs, admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, campus life, and any other relevant topics.
5. Materials: Collect brochures, pamphlets, and other materials from each institution to review later.
6. Follow-up: After the fair, follow up with college representatives if you have additional questions or need more information.

Additional Opportunities with NACAC

A NACAC membership unlocks best in class opportunities and resources for community engagement and professional development. As the voice of the college admission counseling profession, NACAC advocates for the best interests of students and members. There are many ways for non-members to help NACAC. The Internal Revenue Service recognizes the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELING INC as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization and public charity.

Looking Ahead: WACAC College Fairs in Fall 2025

In Fall 2025, WACAC is welcoming representatives from more than 100 institutions at events in South Bay/LA (Sept. 7), Reno (Oct. 19) and Las Vegas (Oct.

tags: #wacac #college #fairs #information

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