Choosing the right college is perhaps the most important choice for a high school senior. While many students have an idea of what they want to do for a career, still others are uncertain of this important life decision.

Finding the right college can be challenging, but take away some of the pressure and unknowns by attending college fairs. Your academic and personal interests determine collegiate success, and college fairs are excellent ways to discover a university that matches those appeals.

When researching a university, ask yourself if you want a two- or four-year program, or if you want to attend a public or private university. Consider the size of classes or the size of the campus; what extracurricular activities are available; what resources, such as libraries, are available on campus; what majors are offered; what life is like beyond the classroom; where certain professors you have prior knowledge of teach; the rates of graduation and retention; and the cost of financial aid. Take your list of questions to the college fair, so you are prepared to discuss your concerns and your options with admissions representatives, who, apart from students, really know the college best.

The Help Group and Summit View School are sponsoring a free event on Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summit View West, located at 12101 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90066.

Admissions representatives from many local universities and colleges will be present at the event to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, support services, college life, and other information regarding post-secondary school.

Colleges attending the fair include:

• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of California, Irvine
• University of Southern California
• University of Arizona
• Cal Poly, Pomona
• Cal State Channel Islands
• Cal State Dominguez Hills
• Cal State, Los Angeles
• Chapman University
• Cal State, Northridge
• Curry College
• El Camino College
• Glendale Community College
• Long Beach City College
• Loyola Marymount College
• Marymount College
• Mitchell College
• Occidental College
• Santa Monica College
• West LA College
• Whittier College
• LA Film School
• LA Recording School

Call (310) 751-1100 for more information and updated list of participating colleges, or e-mail collegefair@summitview.org.