Janaia Secrest might have worn a purple jacket to the college South Sound College Fair on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean she is on a predestined path to Montlake.

“I actually want to go to Washington State,” said the senior at Foss High School, showing off a house key emblazoned with the Cougars logo. “But I looked around at a few different places today.”

She wants to study philosophy or political science and is also applying to the University of Washington and Saint Martin’s University in Lacey. She stopped by Saturday’s event to find out more about 25 Western Washington colleges and universities that set up booths in the UW Tacoma’s main academic building.

“There’s a ton of information in there,” she said. “It was definitely worth the time.”

Organizers of the college fair expected 300 to 400 students to attend. Most visitors were high school students and their parents, but community college students and people interested in graduate work also talked to recruiters.

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Workshops supplied application tips to attendees with interests in business and social-welfare degrees. There were also resource rooms offering information on financial aid and help with essay writing.

It all made for a crowded atmosphere Saturday morning. Lines a dozen people long formed at some tables. College recruiters handed out brochures, applications, booklets and free goodies like pens and magnets.

“We’ve had some really good feedback so far from students,” said Fiona Johnson, the director of recruitment for UWT. “A lot of people seem to find it really helpful.”

Kaelyn Cochrane said she’s “starting to get really interested in college” but hasn’t decided where she wants to go, so she attended the fair to stock up on information.

Many of the Stadium High School junior’s family members attended Seattle Pacific University, and she also stopped by the UW and WSU booths.

Her friend, Nissa McCormack, also made the rounds at the tables and was interested with the University of Puget Sound.

“I’m just seeing what (the college selection process) is like,” Cochrane said. “The people working the tables all really nice.” Some students were there to make contacts. Stadium student Katy Ferguson visited several tables to get information about playing collegiate volleyball. She took information from six universities around the state.

“I want to get in contact with several athletic directors and market her,” said Katy’s mother, Michelle Ferguson.

And some recruiters found the fair to be equally valuable. The “UWT Alley” boasted numerous tables advertising different departments and services available. And representatives from other colleges – like Highline Community College in Des Moines – judged the fair a success.

“A growing number of people are discovering Highline,” said Rashad Norris, the school’s director of outreach services. “But still, not everyone knows about it. When they talk to me, most of the kids have three questions: Where are you located? What programs do you offer? And how much does your school cost?

“This helps us get the word out.”