College Summit Peer Leader College Requirements Presentation Arleta High School College Summit Peer Leader College Requirements Presentation

Arleta High School Home of the Mustangs General Advice General Timelines What are the Colleges/ Universities looking for? Specific Admissions Information Questions or Comments

General Advice Define what you are looking for in a college or university: -location -major -size -population -activities -athletics -competitiveness -class size -special programs -other?

General Advice Make lists with 3 types of schools: A. Safe B. Match C. Dream Apply to at least 3 schools Have a “Plan B” in case of financial or admissions challenges Most Admissions Officers will spend between 20-30 minutes reviewing your application. This is why it is important to make sure your application is ACCURATE!

General Advice Make a timeline or calendar of due dates and application requirements Do NOT choose a college because of: -your boyfriend/girlfriend -friends -someone liked/didn’t like the school Look for a good “FIT” and ask yourself: Why is this a good school for me?

General Timelines October 1  November 30 -Cal State University Applications -University of California Applications October 1  February 15 -Private/Independent University Applications -Out of State University Applications October, November, December -Last 3 SAT/ACT exams for Seniors Before May 1 -Community College Applications January 1  March 2 -Financial Aid Applications (FAFSA) May 1 -Student Intent to Register (SIR) Deadline

What are colleges/ universities looking for? GPA/Grades and A-G Courses SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests Application Requirements: -Personal Statements -Letters of Recommendation -Extra Curricular Activities -Community Service

GPA and A-G Courses Most Colleges or Universities are interested in your GPA. They want to see good grades and NO Ds or Fails in academic courses You are also more competitive if you have taken a large amount of high-level courses (Honors, Advanced Placement,…)

SATs and ACTs Take the PSAT as a practice exam in 9th, 10th and 11th grade Begin to take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of your 11th grade Colleges will take either the SAT or ACT: Take both to get the highest score possible Fee Waivers are available from Ms. Winningham in the College Center

Personal Statements Universities may require 1-2 Personal Statements Personal Statements are essays that provide an opportunity for students to highlight how unique or special they are It is an excellent opportunity for students to: -highlight a special talent -explain a unique situation -provide details about a personal challenge Students should write multiple drafts and get a great deal of feedback before they attach them to their application

Letters of Recommendation Universities generally require 2 Letters of Recommendation: -counselor -academic teacher A third letter could include a coach, boss, religious leader,… Give the Individuals at least 3 weeks Provide them with a BRAG sheet The best teacher recommendations will come from the academic teacher who knows your potential and knows you best.

Extra Curricular Activities Athletics Music/Art/Drama Student Government Journalism Peer College Counseling Academic Decathlon Speech/Debate Work

Extra Curricular Activities Discover your passion Long term commitment is very important Leadership within activity Demonstrate initiative Take your passion and ‘give back to community’ Fewer, in-depth, rather than laundry list of activities is preferred

Community Service Connect with your passion Do more than the minimum Find something uncommon/unique Stick with it Become known by the people in charge

Summers are Important! Community service Summer school College programs Study abroad Internships Work No vegging out or collecting dust!

Specific Admissions Information Be sure to understand application requirements and deadlines: Community Colleges: -Apply before March 1st -Apply using a hard copy or online -No transcript or test scores needed -No essay or application fee

Specific Admissions Information 2. California State Universites: -Apply Oct. 1st –Nov. 30th -Apply on-line: www.csumentor.edu -Need transcript -SAT or ACT required -No application essay or additional info. needed -Application fee: $55 or fee waiver

Specific Admissions Information 3. University of California: -Apply October 1st-November 30th -Apply on-line: www.universityofcalifornia.edu -Transcript, personal statements, activities, awards, volunteer service, work experience -SAT/ ACT required (2 SAT Subject Tests recommended) -Application fee: $70 or fee waiver

Specific Admissions Information 4. Private/Independent or Out of State Universities -Deadlines vary (most due by mid-January) -Apply on-line: at school website or www.commonapp.org -Need transcripts, letters of rec., personal statements, activities, work experience, awards,… -Need a Secondary School Report from Counselor -Application Fee: Varies or fee waiver