Preparing for College

1
Preparing for College

• San Juan Unified School District
• Professional School Counselors

2
5 Steps towards Admission

• Taking the Right Classes
• Testing
• Finding the Right College for You
• Applying to College
• Paying for College

3
Taking the Right Classes

• UC/CSU Course Requirements
• A - 2 years of Social Science
• B - 4 years of English
• C - 3 years of High School Mathematics
• D - 2 years of Laboratory Science
• E - 2 years of a Language other than English
• F - 1 year of Visual or Performing Art
• G- 1 year of Academic Elective

4
Resources

• Your High Schools A-G Course List
• Student transcripts indicate A-G classes with a P
  or WP after the grade.
• Counseling webpage links to the current
  University of California A-G list.
• American River College courses are online at
  www.arc.losrios.edu.

5
Admissions Testing

• University of California
• SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with Writing.
• Two SAT Subject Matter Tests
• California State Universities
• SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT
• Independent Colleges
• SAT or ACT
• Additional requirements vary

6
SAT Reasoning Test
7
SAT Subject Matter Tests

• Literature
• U.S. History
• World History
• Math Levels 12
• Biology
• Chemistry

• Physics
• Languages Reading
• Languages Reading and Listening

8
ACT with Writing

• English
• Math
• Reading (includes Social Science and
  Arts/Literature)
• Science
• Writing

9
SAT vs. ACT

• Designed to measure aptitude
• Skill based
• Better for stronger test takers

• Designed to measure accomplishment
• Curriculum based
• Better for stronger classroom students
• Better for second language students

10
The SAT and ACT are equally respected.

• Take both tests.

11
Testing Resources

• www.collegeboard.com
• www.actstudent.org

12
Finding the Right College

• Figure out what you want.
• Research.
• Visit.

13
Choosing the Right College

• Location
• Size
• Environment
• Admission Requirements

• Academics
• Cost
• Financial Aid
• Housing
• Activities

14
Research

• www.californiacolleges.edu
• www.aiccumentor.com
• www.princetonreview.com
• Individual University websites
• College Boards College Handbook
• Former and current students

15
College Visits

• Contact the outreach office before you go.
• Go during the week while classes are in session.
• Go on the tour.
• Go to places not on the tour.

16
Applying to College

• 1 Reach School
• 2-3 Good Fit Schools
• 1-2 Backup Schools

17
Applying to College

• University of California
• Online Application
• Essays
• California State University
• Online Application

18
Applying to College

• Independent Colleges and Universities
• Online Application
• Essays
• Letters of Recommendation
• Community Colleges
• Online Application

19
Application Deadlines

• UC and CSU November 30th
• Independent Schools Vary
• Many have early admission or early decision
  deadlines
• Community Colleges April 1st

20
Applying to College - NCAA

• Graduate from High School
• Complete 16 Core Courses with a minimum GPA
• Take SAT or ACT with a minimum score
• Register with the Clearinghouse at the end of
  your junior year and send them your transcripts
• www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

21
Financial Aid

• FAFSA - Due March 1st of senior year
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
• Federal Grants
• Cal Grants
• Loans
• Scholarships Start spring of junior year

22
Preparing for College

• San Juan Unified School District
• Professional School Counselors