1 Senior Year Class of 2008 You’re on the last stretch….. Be sure to have a strong finish!

2 Are you on track to graduate? You must earn a minimum of 220 credits.

3  You will soon be given a copy of your updated transcript.  Look at it carefully. Determine if you are on track to graduate or if corrections need to be made. Let’s review your transcript……

4 West High Counseling Students’ Guide to Graduation & College Admission Requirements Graduation from Merrill F. West High School Cal State University (CSU) University of California (UC) 4 years/40 credits English4 years English 3 years/30 credits History World History, US History, & Economics/Government 2 years History One year of US History or one semester of Us History and one semester of Government A second year of Social Science 2 years History One year of US History or one semester of Us History and one semester of Government A second year of World History 2 years/20 credits Math Must pass Algebra or Imp 1 3 years Math Must complete through Algebra 2 or Imp 3 * 4 years are recommended 3 years Math Must complete through Algebra 2 or Imp 3 * 4 years are recommended 3 years/30 credits Science Biology, a physical science, science 2 years Laboratory Science One year of life and one year of physical 2 years Laboratory Science Two years from the three core disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) * 3 years Recommended Modern Language OR 1 year/10 credits of a Fine Art 2 years Modern Language Must be same language And 1 year Fine Art 2 years Modern Language Must be same language * 3 years Recommended And 1 year Fine Art 2 years/20 creditsPE & 70 credits electives *Elective credits are anything above and beyond the requirement as well as elective courses. If you meet the above requirements and earn 220 credits, the elective credits will be taken care of automatically 1 year College Prep Elective (Any area of the A-G list, excluding those designated as non-electives) 1 year College Prep Elective (Any area of the A-G list, excluding those designated as non- electives) Must Pass the CAHSEE examinations in both Math & Language Must take the SAT 1 or ACT The SAT mandatory Writing portion is not used to determine admission By taking the ACT you may choose not to take the Writing portion Must take the SAT 1 or ACT with the Writing Test Must take the SAT 11 Test Choose two subject tests from different areas: (History, Math Level 2, Language other than English, Science, Literature)

5 In order to graduate on time, you should have at least 160 credits If you are short of credits……… - Talk to Your Counselor (if you have not already done so) -Attend Tracy Adult School -Take after school ILC course(s) -Take class(es) at Delta College -Transfer to Stein High School *If you are VERY short of credit, consider the GED program at Delta, or enroll full time in Adult School once you turn 18.

6 What is your career path? You should have some idea what you want to do…… You should have some idea what you want to do…… –Medical field? –Law? –Construction? –Banking/finance? –Computers? –Education? –Military? *Take the ASVAB How will you get there?????????????? Use to find the place for you!

7 Need help? Go to the Career Center Interest inventory Interest inventory Computer searches Computer searches College and career catalogs College and career catalogs Pick up forms Pick up forms Meet college representatives Meet college representatives Ask people about the jobs they have. Shadow someone?

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9 For students who want to attend a Junior College after graduation….. Continue to do well in high school so you can take college level classes. The more you accomplish in high school, the quicker you will finish your program. The more you accomplish in high school, the quicker you will finish your program. Decide on a certificate program, degree program, or transfer program.

10 Certificate and Transfer Programs

11 Planning to attend a university?  The university “a – g” requirements and the WHS a - g courses are in the Course Catalog/handout.  A - g courses must be completed with grades of C or better. It’s best to have a 3.0 GPA or above.  Must complete SAT Reasoning Test or ACT. For UC, must also complete two SAT Subject tests, in two different academic areas. Math must be Level 2. must be Level 2. Application period for California public universities begins in October of senior year and end Nov. 30thApplication period for California public universities begins in October of senior year and end Nov. 30th Application deadlines for out-of-state colleges and private colleges/universities vary. Go online and send for information.Application deadlines for out-of-state colleges and private colleges/universities vary. Go online and send for information. Refer Senior News RegularlyRefer Senior News Regularly Stay organized-use Senior Checklist, Academic Resume & Scholarship Tracking SheetStay organized-use Senior Checklist, Academic Resume & Scholarship Tracking Sheet

12 Visit university campuses and decide where you want to apply. UC Davis UC Irvine San Diego State Stanford CSU Sonoma

13 UC System

14 CSU System

15 Financial Aid Fill out and submit a FAFSA in January or February senior year. Fill out and submit a FAFSA in January or February senior year. Fill out and submit a Cal Grant Verification Form TODAY. Fill out and submit a Cal Grant Verification Form TODAY. Start looking for national scholarships (search online or go to the Career Center and read Senior News) Start looking for national scholarships (search online or go to the Career Center and read Senior News) Apply for local scholarships Apply for local scholarships Register on FREE scholarship databases Register on FREE scholarship databases income, high grades, community service, family and significant accomplishments all contribute to receiving aid – you won’t know what you qualify for until you apply!

16 You are the person who can make things happen. Finish strong! Go Class of 2008!