NOTE: To change the image on this slide, select the picture and delete it. Then click the Pictures icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. COLLEGE SEMINARS FOR JUNIORS UC, CSU and Independent Universities

Agenda  Overview of California College/University Systems  Determining Your “College Fit”  Admission Requirements/Eligibility Index  “A-G” Requirements  College Admissions Testing  California State University  CSU Mentor  University of California  Independent and Out-of-State Colleges & Universities  The Common Application  Resources

COLLEGE OVERVIEW Various types, locations, degrees… What’s your best fit?

Classifying Four Year Colleges and Universities

Determining Your “College Fit”  ACADEMIC FIT  Does the college offer majors and courses of study that match your interests or career goals?  Do you meet the college’s admissions profile? (i.e. SAT scores & GPA)  SOCIAL FIT  Do you like the location, size, diversity of the student body, extracurricular options, athletics, and school spirit?  FINANCIAL FIT  Can you afford the total cost of earning your degree from the college? (Keep in mind that there are MANY forms of FINANCIAL AID)

California College Systems System Number of Campuses College Entrance TestDegrees Offered Community Colleges More than 120None Associate degrees and vocational certificates California State University (CSU) 23 SAT Reasoning Test and/or ACT Bachelors and Masters University of California (UC) 10 SAT Reasoning Test and/or ACT with Writing Bachelors, masters, Doctorates, and professional degrees Independent/Private Colleges and Universities More than 70 Varies: Check with college or university Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorates, and professional degrees

University of California (UC) & California State University (CSU) UC Campuses CSU Campuses

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS/ ELIGIBILITY INDEX What do I need to do to apply?

Admission Requirements The basic admissions requirements include: Specific high school courses (“a-g”) Completed with a grade of C or higher Graduation from High School Required High School Courses Tests SAT ACT Admissions Tests

Graduation Requirements vs. College Requirements Mission Hills Graduation Requirements UC/CSU Admission (“a-g”) Requirements English40 credits (4 years)4 years History/Social Science 40 credits (4 years)2 years Mathematics 20 credits (inc. Algebra 1 or higher) 3 years (must complete Algebra 2) Science 20 credits (a minimum of 10 in Life & 10 in Physical) 2 years of lab science (biology, chemistry, or physics) World Language/ Visual Performing Arts (VPA) 10 credits of world language OR 10 credits of VPA 2 years of the same world language AND 1 year-long VPA course Physical Education20 credits (2 years) Electives80 credits 1 year of college prep course in addition to those above

Eligibility Index California Resident Eligibility Index GPA ACT Composite Score SAT Total Score 3.0 No Minimum If you have below a 3.0 CSU/UC GPA you must meet the eligibility index (full index available at Once you have calculated your GPA compare it on the Eligibility Index. SAT is Reading Comprehension and Math test scores combined (no Writing). If a student has below a 3.0 GPA, they may still be eligible based on the Eligibility Index.

Calculating UC/CSU Grade Point Average First look only at 10 th & 11 th grade Palomar Courses: 5 units =2 weighted grades Put a line through all non-college prep classes (Team Sports, Fire Tech, PE, Tech Theater) Repeated courses must be exact same level and title

ADMISSIONS TESTING While some colleges may prefer either the SAT or the ACT for admission, most institutions will accept either score equally. Check with your target schools about their requirements.

ADMISSIONS TESTING It is recommended that students take the SAT and/or ACT during their junior year and then again first semester of their senior year if needed.

SAT Reasoning TestACT Length of Test Three hours, forty-five minutes3 hours, plus 30 minutes for the writing sections Content Covered Critical Reading/Verbal Math (up to Algebra 2) Writing English Math (up to Trigonometry) Reading Science Reasoning Writing (optional, but recommended) Scoring Scores based on the total number of correct answers minus a guessing penalty for incorrect answers. Evidence-Based Reading & Writing Test and Math Test: raw scores from and then added together. The highest score possible is The Essay will be scored separately and will NOT affect your scores in other areas. Scores based on the total number of correct answers. There is no guessing penalty. English, Math, Reading, and Science scores from and then averaged together. The highest core possible is 36. Guessing Better to skip than guess – you lose points for wrong answers. Guess away – you don’t lose points for wrong answers.

Admissions Testing (SAT & ACT) SAT Reasoning ACT *Fee waivers available in the College and Career Center for those who qualify Register at Fee: $54.50* (includes writing) Check website for testing dates and locations Send results to one CSU and then manage the results through CSU Mentor For UC’s, send to 1 campus = all campuses will have access to scores Register at Fee: $52.50* Check website for testing dates and locations One code for all CSU’s: 3594 For UC’s, send to 1 campus = all campuses will have access to scores MHHS School Code:

EAP Testing The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is an academic preparation program to help high school students meet college readiness standards in English-language arts and mathematics before admission to a CSU campus or a participating California Community College. Administered during the spring semester of the 11 th grade The EAP is embedded in the SBAC test you will be taking this semester.

EAP Testing How will you benefit from the EAP? Avoid spending time and money in college remediation courses that do not count towards a bachelor’s degree Skip the required CSU English and/or mathematics placement tests Allows for the opportunity to use your senior year to improve your English and math skills Earn and exemption from participating in the CSU Early Start Program Earn and exemption from the CBEST; an exam you are required to take if your goal is to become a teacher

PACE PROMISE

THE PACE PROMISE is a guaranteed admissions program and an education reform partnership between Cal State San Marcos and the San Marcos Unified School District.

PACE Promise High School Benchmarks Students must be continually enrolled in the San Marcos Unified School District beginning in the 9th grade and graduate from a San Marcos high school. Students must complete all A-G coursework required by CSU admissions policies and get a C or better in each class. Students must meet CSU eligibility index requirements. Students must participate in the Early Assessment Program (EAP) in their junior year (11th grade) in math and English. Students must successfully demonstrate readiness for college-level work. Students must take the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT exams. Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

California State University (CSU) Suggested GPA: 3.0 A-G Requirements SAT/ACT Score Tuition, Books, Transportation Room & Board: $26,000

University of California (UC’s) Suggested GPA: 3.0 A-G Requirements Essay SAT/ACT Scores Tuition, Books, Room & Board, etc.: $30,000 Activities

Independent/Private Universities GPA varies; 3.0 A-G Requirements Essa y Letters of Recommendation SAT/ACT Scores Average cost: $44,000 Activities Communit y Service Leadershi p

What you should do NOW: Sign up for the “real” SAT and/or ACT Try to have taken 1 exam by summer Testing Continue to work on getting good grades Grades Visit Colleges Explore : California Colleges.edu College Search

RESOURCES

Resources The PACE Promise: SAT Testing: ACT Testing: CSU GPA Calculator: California State University: CSU Mentor: University of California: The Common Application: EAP Resources EAP Math: EAP English: For more on EAP go to:

CONTACT INFORMATION Cherryl Baker (A-Ca) Angela Segal (Ce-Ga) Sara Montooth (Ge-La) Kathleen Goldstein (Le-Ok) Susan Martinez Alejandre (Ol-Sa) Adriana Rios (Sc-Z) Cheryl Parsons (College and Career Center) Carole O’Donnell (College and Career Center) Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: “MHHSCounseling”