Oak Park offers jump start to college

Test preparation, financial aid, the admissions process, choosing a major and higher education for the learning disabled are just a few of the topics to be addressed during College Knowledge Night from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Wed., March 4 at Oak Park High School.Parents and students are invited to attend.

"This is a golden opportunity for parents and students to hear about all of these subjects from experts in one place and to ask the things they've wanted to know," said Deb Wohlwerth, Oak Park college and career counselor and organizer of the event.

Speakers include admissions directors from the University of California and California State University systems, the University of Southern California and Moorpark College. There will also be discussions on attending art colleges and out-of-state schools.

In addition, there will be NCAA athletics directors from University of California, Los Angeles, and Moorpark College; a financial aid counselor; and a UCLA summer programs representative.

ACT and SAT experts will be on hand, and several college counselors will address such topics as how to choose a college and major and how to write a college essay.

A panel on programs for the learning disabled, which Wohlwerth calls "enlightening," will feature speakers from UCLA, Moorpark College and California State University Channel Islands.

"Sometimes people are clueless about how complicated the college application process is," Wohlwerth said. "When armed with information, you feel more secure."

The event is open to students from Oak Park, Agoura and Calabasas high schools.

For more information, contact Wohlwerth at (818) 735-3315 or dwohlwerth@opusd.k12.ca.us.