THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SYSTEM

1. THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SYSTEM THE ADVENTURE BEGINS NOW !

2. PHIL0SOPHY & OVERVIEW OF THE UC SYSTEM • 10 GENERAL CAMPUSES • INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION • UC PROFESSORS ARE PIONEERS IN RESEARCH • ADMITS TOP 9% HS. GRADS

3. FINDING THE BEST FIT • DAVIS • IRVINE • UCLA • MERCED • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SANTA BARBARA • SANTA CRUZ • BERKELEY

4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS • COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF 15 COLLEGE-PREPARATORY COURSES (“a-g” courses), with at least 11 finished prior to senior year • EARN A GPA OF 3.0 OR BETTER for CA residents • TAKE THE ACT with writing or the SAT REASONING TEST BY DECEMBER OF SENIOR YEAR • SAT SUBJECT TESTS ARE NOT REQUIRED - However, we encourage you to submit scores if you want to: 1.demonstate mastery of a particular subject 2.apply for a competitive major at your preferred campus, such as engineering.

5. Continued: CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ARE GUARANTEED ADMISSION IF: • You rank in the top 9% of California High School Students – this will combine all 14 points of the comprehensive review which includes GPA and College Readiness Test Scores, (SAT/ACT with writing) as 2 of the 14 points. • You rank in the top 9% of your graduating class at Aragon. We refer to this as “Eligible in the Local Context” (ELC). The UC’s will identify the top 9% of students on the basis of GPA in UC-approved course work completed in the 10th and 11th grades.

7. UC EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS • SAT or ACT with writing required. Registration is online: Collegeboard.com or ACT.org • SAT Subject Tests will no longer be required for admission, although you may still submit these scores for consideration as part of your application, as with AP scores. • The Subject Tests may also be recommended for certain majors and at required at some UC campuses. • December senior year is the last time to retake(Oct. is recommended.) November of senior year is the last time to retake subject tests. • Best scores from same sitting. Do not do score choice.

8. COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW • More holistic process for admissions. UC’s look beyond required test scores and grades to evaluate applicants academic achievements in light of the opportunities available to them and the capacity each student demonstrates to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus.

9. Comp. Rev. con’t. (14 Point Criteria) • Academic grade point average in all completed a-g courses • SAT Reasoning/ACT with writing Scores • # and content of, and performance in completed academic subjects beyond the minimum specified • # of AP and University approved honors level courses • ELC – top 9% of their high school class

10. Comp. review conT. • Quality of senior year program • Quality of academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available at Aragon • Outstanding performance in one or more specific academic subject areas • Number of and performance in UC-approved honors and AP classes • Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study

11. COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW CONT. • Special talents, achievements, awards in a particular field • Completion of special projects that offer evidence of applicant’s special efforts • Academic accomplishments in light of the applicant’s life experiences & special circumstances • Location of the applicant's secondary school and residence

12. PERSONAL STATEMENT • #1:Describe the world you come from – example, your family, community or school – and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations. • #2: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

13. TIPS AND TECHNIQUES • Write essays this summer • It helps to develop a resume first. • Choose a topic for each essay-the essay tells the reader what they do not know about you from the application. • SO WHAT? • Compose in word processing format • Write in natural style • Edit, proofread, solicit feedback, edit, proofread, edit, solicit feedback • Copy and paste

14. FINANCING A UC EDUCATION • Costs for 2013/2014 = $ 31,948 - $36,956 • This included tuition, books, supplies, health insure, room and board, personal and transportation costs. • UC Students finance their cost of ed. via - Parents, Student, Grants, Scholarships, Loans, Work study • Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan • Middle Class College Scholarship • Cal Grant • FAFSA

15. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW? • Visit the UC Website • Do you qualify? Grades in a – g list classes? • Visit Campuses on line and in person • Talk to people who have or are attending UC’s currently • What makes me different? How do I show initiative, leadership and intellectual vitality? • Review extracurricular, community service, internships and leadership type activities

16. continued • Register for college examinations • Design Resume • Take a solid and rigorous program of classes senior year. Do not slack/NO D’s • Write your personal statements this summer • Imperative to Come to the UC Application Workshop and Essay Writing Workshop – Fall 2014

17. What is important in application process?“And Finally” • WWW.UNIVERSITYOFCALIFORNIA.EDU/STUDENTS • Application online August 1, 2014 • Pin number and password - keep in safe place, remember it! • SAT/ACT - Where and When to Send Scores? • Stay Organized • Have everything ready - transcript, test scores, volunteer records, resume, awards, special projects. • EDIT application, copy and save all materials • Personal Essay - See handouts • Once you apply - establish a professional email account and check regularly – twice weekly