College & Career Fair
College & Career Night
Offered in partnership with the Western Association of College Admissions Counselors (WCAC) and San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD), CUSD's annual College & Career Night offers students and parents direct access to representatives from over 200 programs, including 2- and 4-year colleges, internationl universities, financial aid, military branches, and career programs. While this free event is tailored for 11th-grade students, all CUSD high school families are welcome to attend.
Mark Your Calendar!
CUSD College & Career Night will return Spring 2027
Stay tuned for more details about next year's event!
College & Career Night 2026
Held at MiraCosta College's San Elijo Campus, College & Career Night 2026 connected students with representatives from over 200 colleges, career programs, and post-secondary transition opportunities, as well as 15 focused info sessions covering college applications, scholarships, planning for life after high school, and more.
Additional information about last year's event is available in the event's digital program:
College & Career Night 2026 Info Sessions
* Marked sessions are designed for families and students in a specialized education program.
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Exploring Specialized Programs for Students with Disabilities
This session is specifically designed for families supporting students currently utilizing IEP and 504 plans. We will discuss how to translate these K-12 supports into the college environment, where the legal landscape shifts from IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
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UC/CSU Admissions
This session clarifies the distinct application pathways for California's public university systems, highlighting the holistic "Comprehensive Review" used by the University of California and the new 2026 Direct Admission opportunities for California State University campuses. Students and parents will walk away with a clear understanding of A-G requirements, GPA thresholds, and strategies for selecting the best-fit system for their academic and career goals.
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Early College Credit Opportunities
This session explores how students can earn transferable college credits while still in high school through dual enrollment and credit by exam. Learn how these opportunities can shorten time to degree completion and reduce the overall cost of higher education.
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Career Pathway Opportunities
This session explores how Career Technical Education (CTE) sequences provide students with hands-on experience and industry-recognized certifications. Presenters will highlight high-growth career sectors and local professional programs that lead to high-demand careers.
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Inclusive Post Secondary Education: A Comprehensive Model for Higher Education Inclusion and Independent Living*
This session introduces the IPSE model, which is designed to open university and college doors to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn about inclusive programs like TAFT TIL and UCLA Pathway that provide life-skills and academic opportunities on a college campus.
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Maximizing Transfer Opportunities Through MiraCosta College
This session introduces the various pathways to a guaranteed admission at California's public universities. Discover the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG), and the NEW CSU Transfer Success Pathway and UC Dual Admission guaranteed programs.
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SDUHSD/CUSD Senior Panel
Gain firsthand insights from a panel of current seniors who have successfully navigated the college application journey. These students will share their personal experiences on managing deadlines, writing essays, and finding their best-fit schools.
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The Evolving Role of Standardized Testing in Admissions
Clarifying the role of the SAT and ACT in the current college admission landscape. Presenters will discuss the differences between test-optional, test-blind, and test-required policies and how to decide if testing should be a part of your student's application strategy.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships
This session covers the essential steps for completing the 2026-27 FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application. Families will learn how to identify merit-based aid, secure grants, and navigate the scholarship application process to make college more affordable.
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From Selection to Admission: Finding Quality Undergraduate Business Programs and Building a Competitive Application
A deep dive into the diverse world of undergraduate business education. Presenters will discuss different degree types, concentrations, and the importance of AACSB accreditation when selecting the best-fit program for your career goals.
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Charting the Course: A Unified Guide to Self-Determination, Career Readiness, and Support for Inclusive Higher Education*
Bridging the gap between academic inclusion for students with disabilities and long-term economic independence. This session focuses on career readiness, self-determination, and independent living skills for students navigating inclusive education pathways.
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Summer of Success
This session provides a roadmap for using the summer months to jumpstart the college application process. Families will learn how to finalize college lists, brainstorm impactful application essays, and organize timelines to reduce stress during the senior year.
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Academic and Career Pathways at MiraCosta College
This session introduces MiraCosta's Academic and Career Pathways (ACPs), which group related majors to provide students with a clear roadmap for degrees, certificates, and transfer. Families will also learn how Student Accessibility Services (SAS) ensures equitable access through personalized academic accommodations, counseling, and specialized support designed for students with diverse learning needs.
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Military Options After High School: Finding the Path that Fits You
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse entry points into military service, comparing the direct enlistment path with leadership-focused opportunities like ROTC scholarships and the highly selective Federal Service Academies. Students and parents will learn about the unique benefits of each branch—including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force—and how these pathways can fund a college education while launching a high-impact career.
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Special Needs Planning 101: Everything You Need to Know*
The Beginners Guide to Special Needs Planning. A comprehensive beginner's guide to everything you need to know about special needs planning.

