Planning for College Success

What’s your plan after high school?

Did You Know?  In 2014, 99.6% of seniors graduated from THS.  98% reported they plan to go to college.  About 41% of last year's seniors went to a 4 year university and 51% went to a community college.

Important things to start thinking about. What do you want to be? What do you want to study/major in? What is your preferred lifestyle? How are you going to get there?

How will college pay off for me?

2 Year vs 4 Year Community College or 2 Year –Open to everyone. High school diploma or GED is usually required. Relatively inexpensive and offer flexible class schedules. Transfer opportunities to a four-year school to get a B.A. or B.S. after earning your Associate’s degree. 4 Year Universities –Must meet UC/CSU “A-G” College Entrance Requirements. Graduates from four-year colleges and universities are in greater demand by employers and generally earn more money than non- graduates. Tuition costs can be high, but financial aid is available for all students.

Your junior year is the last complete year used to calculate your GPA for college admissions. This is where most of your heavy lifting should occur.

To-Do List 1.Register to take the SAT/ACT in Spring 2.Meet with your counselor to select appropriate senior year classes. 3.Start researching college campuses

Choosing the Right College Admissions standards Majors offered and "concentrations" in the major Location Size of School Private vs Public Athletics Religious Affiliation Cost to Attend Extra-curricular Activities Graduation and Major Requirements

College Admissions Testing SAT May 2 Register by April 6 th June 6 Register by May 8 –Includes Writing needed by UC's –Wrong answers are penalized - 1/4 point –Critical Reading and Math –Scores ACT June 13, 2015Register by May 8 –Have to select Writing for UC's –Not penalized for wrong answers –Critical Reading, English Usage, Math, Science –Scores Scores must be sent directly from testing service. Get 4 for the price of admission. UC – Highest score in ONE sitting. Requires Writing portion. CSU – Takes highest score from MULTIPLE sittings. Do not require Writing. Fee Waivers available.

Fall of Senior Year Senior year grades still count. Continue involvement and leadership roles. Take a minimum of 4 academic class for UC eligibility Register to take the SAT/ACT again Ask teachers for letters of recommendations Ask counselor for fee waivers, if eligible APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!

Components of the College Application Application Transcript/Academic Record (GPA, Coursework, Improvement, Test Scores) Essay Letters of Recommendation Tests Extracurricular activities Interview

Winter of Senior Year Apply for the Local Scholarship Program and research other scholarship opportunities. Prepare to apply for financial aid. Focus on keeping your grades up.  Many colleges want Mid-Year reports for seniors that have applied!

How Can Counselors Help Counseling Appts & Drop-ins (during break/lunch) THS Counseling Website Facebook (Torrance High School Counselors) & Twitter Page Graduation Credit and College Eligibility Checks Secondary School Reports and Letters of Recommendation College/Career Center (A109) College Searches & Career/Personality Inventories on Naviance College Visits on Campus College Applications Workshops Financial Aid Night Local Scholarship Program El Camino Matriculation Provide personal, career, and academic counseling