1. THE ROAD TO COLLEGE STARTS HERE
SOAP
Student Opportunity and Access Program
Serving Students Since 1979
SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL COUNTIES
California
THE ROAD TO COLLEGE STARTS HERE
A College: Making It Happen presentation for students and their parents, sponsored by Cal-SOAP.

2. Subjects to be discussed
The student role
The parent/guardian role
Support and resources
The five systems of higher education in California
Choosing a college that is right for you
SDUSD Message –New Graduation Requirements
Making middle school coursework count
The transition to high school
Financial aid resources
SKIP slide for timing.

3. THE ROAD TO COLLEGE…
Important Things You Need to Know

4. 1. Know why you go to college
Greater and more diverse career options
Personal and educational growth
It pays off…

5. 2. Know the student’s role
1. Crack the books
Strong grades and a competitive GPA are habits that must begin in middle school.
2. Set your goals
Which colleges interest you?
What majors will you consider?
Do you have any career objectives in mind?
3. Make a plan
How will you reach your goals?
What kind of GPA do you need?
What classes will you take in high school?
What kind of extracurricular activities will you pursue?

6. The student’s role (con’t.)
4. Do your research
Explore possible college and career choices:
Online research: (to be discussed)
Support at school: counselors, teachers, outreach organizations
Advice at home: parents, siblings, extended family
5. Stay motivated
It’s never too early to prepare for college. It will keep you motivated!
Choose friends that share the same goals.
6. Talk to your parents
Discuss your goals and plans with your parents– they can help!
Consider possible high school, college, and career choices together.

7. TIPS: The parent/guardian role

8. 3. Know the parent’s/guardian’s role
1. Prioritize your child’s education
Create a family calendar in order to schedule homework, study, extracurricular, and recreational times.
Be aware of school deadlines in order to keep your child on track.
2. Celebrate achievements
Regularly check report cards and discuss progress with your child’s teachers so you can celebrate good grades and consistent effort.
Remember, your child’s motivation is the most important guide on the road to college.
3. Be involved
Help choose and plan your child’s extracurricular activities.
Be aware of your child’s circle of friends.

9. The parent’s/guardian’s/ role (con’t.)
4. Encourage good habits
Calendars, planners, schedules
A designated study time…everyday
Extracurricular activities
5. Talk
NOW is the time for the college talk.
Remember, colleges will consider your child’s work from day one of high school to graduation day.
Ask questions:
What are your child’s career interests? Favorite subjects? Weakest subjects?
Seek resources
Look for school and community resources in order to build a support network for your child’s success…

10. 5. Know the college talk We will now take a 30 second break…
PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Turn to your students and ask them one or all of the following questions:
1) Where do you want to go to college (i.e. possible campuses, cities, states)?
2) What careers are you interested in?
3) What are your strongest and weakest subjects in school?
IF necessary, skip slide for timing.

11. 6. Know how to build a support network
The College Team: Who’s in it?
The student, of course!
Family matters: parents/guardians, siblings, extended family
Good friends– with shared goals
School staff: teachers, counselors
Local outreach organizations…like Cal-SOAP!
EXPLAIN what an outreach organization is. Give examples: Cal-SOAP, GEAR-UP, TRIO, EAOP, UPWARD BOUND

12. 7. Know how to seek resources
Encourage your child to join an after school program that supports a college-going culture.
Finding a program:
School: talk to teachers, counselors, and principals
Community organizations– i.e. libraries, recreational centers, religious institutions
Research programs and advice online with the After School Alliance: (Click on “After School in My Community”)
Seek the services of educational outreach organizations that may be present in your middle schools or high schools.
Cal-SOAP, TRIO, UPWARD BOUND, GEAR-UP, EAOP, etc.

13. 8. Know the college readiness lingo
GPA- Grade Point Average
Colleges will ask for either the student’s weighted (extra points for honors/AP courses) or unweighted GPA
AP- Advanced Placement
Optional courses in high school that offer college credit, if students pass a final examination
“A-G”
A curriculum of University of California (UC) approved general education courses, listed A-G, that must be completed in high school for college entrance
Standardized Tests:
SAT- Scholastic Aptitude Test (a.k.a. SAT Reasoning Exam)
ACT- American College Test
Most universities require scores from either the SAT or ACT
What’s the difference?
SAT Subject
Subject-specific exams that some private universities may require or recommend (i.e. Spanish, US History, Literature, etc.)

14. DISCLAIMER: The times, they are a-changin’
The most important tip of all for students and parents:
Do your research and remain up-to-date with college requirements.
Recent changes have affected:
The UC testing requirement
The UC Eligibility in the Local Context GPA range
The impaction of majors in select CSU campuses
The Transfer Agreement Guarantee program
Tuition fees at all California public campuses, including community colleges
Disclaimer: All requirements discussed today, apply only today. It is your responsibility to remain aware.
Let’s learn about some colleges…
Briefly describe the 2009 changes to CA public schools. Emphasize that these changes only apply today. Families must remain actively aware.

15. THE 5 SYSTEMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA
AND THEIR REQUIREMENTS

16. University of California
Stats:
10 campuses
Research-based
Approximately $31,100 per year for cost of attendance
Basic admission requirements:
A-G coursework
3.0 GPA
SAT or ACT
SAT Subject Update: The SAT Subject exams are no longer required for the UC
“Comprehensive/Holistic Review”
Points assigned for extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, etc.
Transfer Agreement Guarantee for CA Community College students
Explain the following: What is a public campus? What are the SATs, ACTs, and SAT Subject Exams?

17. California State University
Stats:
23 campuses
Traditional university setting
Approximately $24,000 per year for total cost of attendance
Basic admission requirements:
A-G coursework
Meet minimum eligibility index (a number derived from an equation that considers both GPA and SAT/ACT scores)
SAT or ACT
Transfer Agreement Guarantee for CA Community College students
-Explain the difference between UCs and CSUs.
-In 2009: Minimum eligibility index for CSU bound California residents: 2900 using the SAT and 694 using the ACT

18. California Community College
Stats:
110 campuses
Transfer, Associate’s Degree, vocational, and certificate programs available
Approximately $2,000 per year for total fees
Basic admission requirements:
High school diploma or GED or
18 years old
(Note: High school students can enroll in community college classes with principal approval.)
Explain what each degree means.

19. Private Colleges Stats: Basic admission requirements:
Many, many campuses (i.e. University of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, Stanford University, National University)
Campus settings/focuses vary widely
Costs vary widely
Basic admission requirements:
Vary, but generally accept courses covered by the A-G curriculum
GPA varies, but generally selective
Testing requirements vary, but generally require SAT or ACT
(SAT Subject exams may be required or recommended, depending on campus and major)
Transfer requirements and programs vary
Generally practice Holistic Review
Extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service considered
Explain what a private institution is.

20. Vocational/Technical Institutions
Stats:
Many campuses, depending on field of study (i.e. Art Institute of San Diego, FIDM, Paul Mitchell School, Universal Technical Institute, Concorde Career Institute)
Degrees and/or certificates available
Costs vary widely
Basic admission requirements:
Admission requirements vary widely. Research application procedures at each program of interest.
(Note: Many vocational programs are available at community colleges for a much lesser cost.)

21. CHOOSING A COLLEGE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU…
IF necessary, skip this entire section for timing.
COLLEGE EXPLORATION BEGINS TODAY

22. Make-or-break criteria
A few, basic factors to consider when researching college campuses…
Institution type (public, private, vocational)
Majors/minors offered
Campus/enrollment size (large vs. small classes)
Campus reputation
Geography (urban/rural; in-state/out-of-state)
Distance from home
Housing (available/guaranteed?)
Campus resources (libraries, computers)
Costs (tuition, books, room and board)
Financial aid offered

23. Make-or-break criteria
Some more factors to consider…
Religious affiliation
Gender-specific vs. co-ed
Student body diversity
Extracurricular activities offered
Social life (sororities, fraternities, clubs)
Tips for successful research:
Begin to visit campuses as early as possible.
Don’t rely on name recognition/hype. Find your best fit!
Don’t pick campuses just because your friends are applying. Make your own decisions!
Don’t rule out colleges because of cost. Financial aid is available.
Online research: College Board “Profiles” and “Matchmaker”:

24. MAKING MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNT:
PREPARING EARLY FOR COLLEGE

25. A Message from San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) New Graduation Requirements with class of 2016

26. Did you know?
There are two courses that middle school students can take for A-G credit NOW:
Algebra 1
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, Cantonese, etc.
…BUT, you must earn at least an ‘A’ or ‘B’ in order to prevent repeating the course in high school.
Grades count in all subjects as a sign of preparation

27. Middle School Checklist
6th Grade:
Take challenging classes to help prepare yourself for high school
Begin the college talk with your parents
Start a calendar of homework and activities
Teach yourself good study habits now!
Encourage your parents to start saving for your college education
7th Grade:
Enroll in Algebra and a foreign language– they count for A-G credit!
Perform well on standardized tests– they’re good practice for the CAHSEE and SAT/ACT
If you need help, seek a counselor/teacher/tutor NOW– don’t wait!
8th Grade:
Ask your parent/guardian to help you research colleges and careers:
Research financial aid options with your parents:
Talk to your parents about choosing a high school
Become involved in school or community activities that will let you explore career interests

28. THE WONDERFUL TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL
PLANNING YOUR NEXT FOUR YEARS

29. The notorious “A-G”
2 years
a) History and Social Science
4 years
b) English
3 years
(4 years rec.)
c) Mathematics (algebra, geometry, and algebra II)
(3 years rec.)
d) Laboratory Science (1 year of biological science and 1 year of physical science)
e) Foreign language (both years must be in the same language)
1 year
f) Visual and performing arts (art, dance, theatre/
drama, or music)
g) Elective chosen from the subject areas listed above
or other college preparatory course (2 semesters
or 1 year-long course)
In order to find a unique list of A-G courses approved for your high school, visit the UCOP Pathways website:

30. Five tips for high school success
1. Make sure you take a healthy number of A-G courses every year– in addition to your high school requirements and electives.
2. Show progress and diversity in your coursework.
If you excel in a subject, take its Honors/AP level.
3. Talk to your counselor every semester!
The big question to ask: “Am I on track to apply for ____ college(s)?”
4. Work on your “application builders”:
Extracurricular activities: clubs, sports, student government
Leadership roles
Community service
5. Balance your school work and social life with college preparation, i.e.:
SAT/ACT preparation and examination
College research
Scholarship searches and applications

31. FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
(PARENTS: LISTEN CLOSELY!)

32. College Costs Books and supplies Room and board Fees/ Tuition
Transportation
Miscellaneous

33. Paying for Education Savings or 529 Plans Student Grants Loans Student
Scholarships
Explain each in your own words to the students
Student Federal Aid

34. Money, money, money Government grants/loans:
Google FAFSA Forecaster for estimated college costs
Campus-based grants and scholarships:
Apply with your admission application and/or once enrolled in college
Scholarships: You should begin applying in middle school and not stop till you have a college degree!
Online search engines: ; ; ; ;
School/community resources: counselors, teachers, peers, career centers, public libraries, community organizations, etc.
Financial aid is available for everyone! Undocumented students, foster youth, and veterans’ dependents should talk to a counselor or Cal-SOAP representative in high school.

35. Money, money, money Tips for scholarship success:
Apply for as many scholarships as possible
Don’t neglect smaller, local scholarships
Bridge multiple applications
Recycle, recycle, recycle
Paint a strong self-portrait in scholarship essays
Keep a written personal inventory
Prioritize school work and class time
Stick with it

36. The road to college… starts here, today
SOAP
Student Opportunity and Access Program
Serving Students Since 1979
SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL COUNTIES
California
The road to college… starts here, today
When you need directions, contact Cal-SOAP:
Online:
Phone: (858)