With October 1 marking the first day many universities open their transfer applications, College of the Desert kicked off the application season with its transfer fair on Oct. 4. The fair showcased several California universities in the Multi-Purpose Room in the Cravens Student Services Center.

There was lots of foot traffic, and students had to wait in the halls of the Student Center before they could get in. COD Transfer Counselor Scott Cooper noted that this year’s transfer fair was one of the biggest turnouts he had seen compared to previous years. Students Derick Matthew Talay and Patty Romo were at the entrance to greet and assist students. They both said that students were showing a lot of interest in exploring the resources and information offered to them at the fair. Romo also stated that she met with almost all the representatives present and felt great resources were available for those students.

Attendees had the opportunity to speak with Cooper and recruiters and representatives from the universities present about academic programs, applications, campus visits and more. Cooper emphasized the importance of good grades to strengthen an application. He says, “It is always better to get good grades than to just go through college quickly.” Cooper also explained how important it is for students to explore their options to choose a school they want to attend. Cooper encouraged students to focus on their study area if they had a chosen major. Many transfer applications have specific requirements for each major. Focusing on a dedicated field of study allows students to understand better what classes they need to take at COD to transfer to a university of their choice.

University representatives were present to encourage students to ensure that their transfer applications are as complete as possible, including personal achievements and experiences they may not always feel applicable. Associate Director of Transfer Outreach for UC Irvine, Bianca Leon, says, “We want to make the best use of a student’s application and use it as a resource to paint a more accurate picture of a student as a whole.” Leon explained that when students leave out information they deem unimportant, they could hurt their applications without realizing it. She and other recruiters seemed eager to meet with students, often greeting them with a smile and starting a conversation. Leon took pride in knowing she was assisting students with an educational opportunity that would improve their lives, in and out of the academic landscape. Admissions Counselor and recruiter for CSU San Bernardino, Jazmin Vera, said students should not be afraid to speak with her or recruiters, saying, “We’re here to help.”