Students learn about higher education and financial aid opportunities during College Night

GOLETA, Calif.-For the first time since the pandemic, Santa Barbara Unified School District hosted an in-person College Night.

The event took place at Dos Pueblos High in Goleta on Wedneday evening.

More than 525 students from the area turned out.

In the gym students had a chance to meet representative from 80 colleges and universities including those along the Central Coast and many from out of state.

Marysville University of St. Louis representative Dennis Jones offered his number one tip.

"Be yourself in the application process, you know, if there is an interview or essay required, talk about yourself and maybe why you see yourself as a fit at a particular university," said Jones.

Both of Jones' daughters go to Marysville, and while they are away at school, he works at dozens of College Fair throughout the Fall. He said one of them was just held in Hawaii.

Students including Dos Pueblos High School senior Conor Dolan did their best to make a good impression.

'I came to talk to the counselors i really want to put my name out there make sure they know i am interested of course i want to hear about all the schools, " said Dolan.

Dolan said he already knows he wants to study journalism.

He is part of the Dos Pueblos News team.

Some of the academics wore their school colors. 

Dos Pueblos Principal William Woodard attended the University of California, Los Angeles, and wore his alma mater's shirt to school.

"Every Wednesday we wear college gear, and kind of pump it up and today is the perfect day to do it because we had this big fair going on."

In a much quieter auditorium students learned about the application process that includes the Common App. (www.commonapp.org)

A Financial Aid Workshop took place in the library where families had a chance to begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid known as FAFSA. (http://fafsa.ed.gov)

Many of the college and university representatives said they will be heading to Ventura on Thursday for another College Night like this one.