Preparing for College: What you NEED To Know

1. Preparing for College:What you NEED To Know Overview of College Admissions and Financial Aid

2. Why Go to College? • Required: Most jobs require at least a Bachelors degree from a 4-year college/university • Earning Potential: College Graduates make about $1 million more in a lifetime compared to non college-going adults. • New opportunities: Meet new people and explore interests/opportunities that are available.

3. Choosing A College(Rank the most important characteristics)

4. Where should I apply??? Consider all your options: • Community College • California State Universities (CSU system) • University of California (UC system) • Private College • Out of State campuses What’s important to you?

5. COMMUNITY COLLEGE • Options: • Transfer Curriculum • AA/AS Degrees • Vocational Certificates/ Career & Job Prep • May be right for you if: • You want to explore different choices before settling on a path • You need to cut the cost of a four-year college degree • You want to sharpen your study skills before enrolling at a university • You want small classes & personal attention during your first college years • You want to remain living at home

6. California State University

7. CSU - Freshmen 2010

8. A.History/Social Sci. – 2 years B. English CP – 4 years C. Math – 3 years (Alg./Geom./Alg. 2) D. Lab Science – 2 years E. Foreign Language – 2 years F. Visual/Performing Art- 1 year G. CP Electives – 1 year MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS !!! C’s or BETTER UC & CSU “A-G” REQUIREMENTS

9. CSU Application Review • GPA of Academic courses following 9th grade • ACT Test • Does not require writing • Minimum score based on GPA and campus • SAT Reasoning • Will take highest score in each area from different sittings • Minimum score based on GPA and campus • No SAT Subject Tests required • Eligibility Index Table www.csumentor.edu/planning

10. The University of California

11. UC – Freshmen 2010

12. To determine eligibility: Use eligibility calculator www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions Test Scores will also be used to determine eligibility: SAT Reasoning Test (Best Sitting) OR ACT with Writing (Best Sitting) AND Two SAT Subject Tests in 2 different areas (note change re: Subject Tests) Not REQUIRED FALL 2011 application cycle UC Eligibility Index

13. Academic GPA in A-G courses from 10th and 11th grades Scores on the following: SAT Reasoning Test ACT Assessment with writing The number and content of, and performance in, courses completed in academic subjects beyond the minimum specified by the University’s eligibility requirements UC Comprehensive Review

14. Honors, AP, Community College courses The quality of the senior year program = number of academic classes Outstanding performance in 1 or more specific academic subjects Outstanding work in 1 or more special projects in an academic field Recent, marked improvement in academic performance Special talent or leadership Significant community service Academic accomplishments in light of the applicant’s life experiences No letters of recommendation for UC Student’s should show insight into these areas in the application essay Other Review Factors

15. Apply Broadly • When making your selections, keep in mind that some campuses and programs are highly competitive and can accept only a limited number of students each year • Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD/ Cal Poly SLO, SDSU • Encouraged to apply to additional campuses of interest. Will increase change of being admitted to one of your choices. • UCR, UCSC, UC Merced / CSUN, CSUCI

16. Private and Out of State Admissions • Private universities evaluate the same criteria as listed for the UC • Although the SAT Subject Tests are not required by all private colleges, other criteria considered • Students should check the private school’s application to determine any unique admissions requirements • Interview may be required • The college essay is an integral part of this review • Recommendations usually required • Teacher, Counselor

17. Similar to UC Comprehensive Review Personal Statement or College Essay Academic Record Grades Test scores Rigor of course selection Activities Depth of Involvement Leadership Service Special talents Summer programs, courses, internships CC course work can enhance an application Recommendations Teacher Counselor Factors Considered in Selections

18. Application Process • Community College • Graduate from High School or 18 Years Old • Check online for registration dates • California State Universities (CSU’s) • Meet specific University Admission Index • Applications: Oct.1 – Nov.30 • Apply Online: www.csumentor.edu • Has link to FAFSA

19. Application Process • University of California (UC’s) • Comprehensive Review (2-Part) • 1. Academic Review (Index) • 2. Comprehensive Review • Applications: Nov. 1 – Nov. 30 • Apply Online: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions • Private & Out of State • Check specific campus requirements

20. COST COMPARISON Living on campus CCC CSU UC Private Fees/Tuition $ 624 $ 5,600 $ 11,285 $ 25,918 Books/Supplies$ 1,620 $ 1,650 $ 1,523 $ 1,728 Room/Board $ 7,800 $ 11,000 $ 12,980 $ 9,640 Misc.$ 2,394$ 3,000$ 2,575$ 3,125 $ 12,438 $ 21,250 $ 25,353 $ 40,411 ** Cost would be less if commuting

21. Financial Aid • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA • Apply On-line: www.fafsa.ed.gov • Private Universities: Usually require CSS Profile • Financial aid consists of: grants, loans, scholarships, work-study • Research Scholarships • Check requirements and deadlines for private scholarships at each school when applying. • Apply for scholarships from various scholarship websites • Never pay to use a website!! (Those are SCAMS)

22. Important Websites: • www.universityofcalifornia.edu • www.csumentor.edu • www.collegeboard.com • www.californiacolleges.edu • www.act.org • www.fastweb.com • www.fafsa.ed.gov NOT www.fafsa.com • www.campustours.com • www.princetonreview.com • www.assist.org