College Boot Camp Class of 2014

1. College Boot CampClass of 2014 “Basic Training” for Surviving the College Application Process

2. Deciding WHERE to Apply • University of California (UC) • California State University (CSU) • California Community College (CCC) • Private Schools • Out of State Schools • Vocational Schools

3. UC System • 9 Campuses • Focus on research & pre-professional programs • Selective admissions, top 9% of CA seniors • GPA in A-G courses, SAT/ACT and Personal Statement (SAT Subject tests suggested for some majors) • Apply November 1 - 30

4. Cal State System • 23 Campuses • Known for hands-on training, skills application • GPA in A-G courses, SAT/ACT without writing • Apply October 1 – November 30 • Eligibility index • (A-G GPA ) x 800 + Your SAT (Reading and Math) Total • (A-G GPA) x 200 + ACT Composite x 10

5. California Community Colleges • General Education Requirement • Private Institutions may vary • IGETC (Inter-segmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) • CSU and UC transfer pattern • TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) • Most UC’s, check with transfer office • Associates (2 year) Degree • Vocational Certificates • SAT/ACT not required

6. Private Schools • Big variety in size and competitiveness • May be faith based • Both in and out of state options • Funded by tuition, may actually offer more aid • Admission (usually) A-G GPA, SAT/ACT, Subject Tests, Personal Statement, Letters of Recommendation • Common Application ( commonapp.org ) • Application Times Vary • Early Decision or Early Action • Binding • Non-Binding

7. Out of State Colleges and Universities • Similar to private schools, check the websites for application windows and entrance requirements • Generally, A-G pattern of course work is safe • WUE – Western Undergraduate Exchange, some schools will allow you to attend for in-state tuition

8. Vocational Programs • Career Training • Technical Skills Cautions: • Check Accreditation • Check Financial Aid Compliance • Contract is Binding • Transferability

9. Testing Deadlines are SERIOUS! • Last date to take/improve scores on SAT or ACT will generally be December 2013 • Official scores must be sent from the testing agency • Most schools will use the best score • For UCs send scores to one that you will apply to • For CSUs send scores to CSU Mentor, SAT use code 3594

10. Remember the Timelines • Don’t wait! • Rushing will not produce a quality personal statement or allow for good letters of recommendation • Goal: • Finish CSU applications by Halloween • Finish UC applications before Thanksgiving

11. Paying for CollegeScholarships-Grants-Loans • Apply to dream schools! Once you get in, you can consider the actual cost of attendance. You may be surprised! • Scholarships are out there, you have to look. • Merit Based • Need Based

12. Scholarships • Schools with “Need Blind” Admissions • Don’t pay for scholarship advice • Save your college admission essays, you may be able to utilize them for scholarships • Teacher/Counselor Recommendations: • Allow time for a quality letter! • Fill out the senior profile thoroughly!

13. Sign up for updated scholarship

14. Athletic Scholarships • Register with the NCAA or NAIA • APPLY to the school! • Make sure you are meeting the academic guidelines/admissions standards of the school • Send official test scores: • NCAA – 9999 • NAIA - 9876

15. Financial Aid • Federal – Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA.ed.gov) • State • Cal Grants • GPA Verification Release Form MUST Be Turned In ASAP! • Dream Act • Site Based • Some are part of application • Honors programs

16. Chino Hills Huskies Top 10 Tips for College Admission Success

17. Number 1: Check your transcripts! Any Ds or Fs in required classes must be made up! Is the information accurate? Name? Summer school?

18. Number 2: Keep academic rigor! If getting “out” at noon is your goal, you won’t likely get “in”! Stay in math, language, science and keep your grades high.

19. Number 3: Watch for deadlines! Thousands are competing for that seat or that scholarship. If you don’t meet the deadlines, you take yourself out of the running. Period.

20. Number 4: Take the time to organize your information! Keep a folder with all your college stuff, print it out / back it up in case of computer disasters. Don’t delete emails, archive them!

21. Number 5: Ask questions! No one expects you to have all the answers!

22. Number 6: Ask the RIGHT people! Go to the source! The college, the scholarship foundation, etc. Talk to your counselor, we are here to help!

23. Number 7: Do YOUR research! Visit colleges, see if overnight experiences are available, consider climate, travel costs, location. Find out about majors. Does the college admit by major or to the college first?

24. Number 8: Utilize Technology! Maintain web accessand check email often! Colleges will email requests and expect you to fulfill them in timely manner! Have a designated email account, consider the impression it gives of you. Keep usernames and passwords organized and safe!

25. Number 9: Finish strong! Once accepted, don’t let down your guard! Second semester grades count! Don’t procrastinate, you’ve made it so far!

26. Number 10: Involve your parents! Keep them in the loop! They know you best and have your best interest in mind. Include them in the process!

27. If you can dream it, you can achieve it! You only get your senior year of high school once. Enjoy the process, stop to appreciate how far you have come, the opportunities that await. Count your blessings, gratitude elevates attitude!