Taking the Right Classes: As simple as A-G

If you are serious about your future and about going to college, you need to get serious about school! Know the requirements Take Honors and AP Classes Take required examinations Take a proactive approach in your education High School Graduation Requirements University Admissions Requirements Reality Check

History/Social Science 2 Years Required Includes: 1 year of U.S. History or 1/2 year of U.S. History and 1/2 year American Government 1 year of World History, Cultures, or Geography

English 4 Years Required Must be College Preparatory English Honors and Advanced Placement are recommended

Mathematics 3 Years Required 4 Years Recommended 3 years = Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II 4th year = Advanced courses (i.e. Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Calculus, and Statistics)

Laboratory Science 2 Years Required 3-4 Years Recommended Need to have one year of life science, such as Biology And one year of physical science, such as chemistry or physics **Earth Science does not count toward the A-G progression!

Language Other Than English 2 Years Required 3-4 Years Recommended Needs to be 2 years of the SAME language Examples: Spanish, French, Japanese, American Sign Language, etc.

1 Year Required Needs to be the same subject for the entire year Examples: Dance, Photography, Orchestra, Drama, Ceramics, Painting, Art History Visual & Performing Art

1 Year Required An extra year of one of the A-F requirements If you take the “recommended” number of courses from one or more of the A-F subjects, you will satisfy this category and help make yourself more competitive! Or you may take a course that is specifically listed in the G category Examples: Economics, Earth Science, Psychology College Prep Elective

Sample Schedule 9th Grade10th Grade11th Grade12th Grade English Algebra 1GeometryAlgebra 2Math Analysis BiologyChemistryPhysicsAP Bio Foreign Language Visual and Performing Arts AVID P.E.World HistoryU.S. HistoryGovernment/ Economics

Do Grades Matter? YES!! Colleges will not accept any grades lower than a “C” - 70% Failed classes must be retaken – Summer school, night courses, following year

AVID Student Profile Nationwide AVID GPA is between But, while in AVID grades go up significantly. At Mendez mostly 3’s and 4’s Basic and Proficient. First generation college bound High School AVID is VERY competitive to join, but students who come from Mendez AVID have an advantage to being accepted.

“But, I don’t want to go to ______” We have open enrollment in Santa Ana for 2 more weeks! Don’t want to attend Century? Want to go to Santa Ana HS instead? You can! You can choose which high school you want to go to! Talk to Ms Rios at nutrition or lunch this week or next week and pick up the enrollment paperwork.

What’s the difference between an Applicant and a Competitive Applicant? 2 years of History / Social Science 4 years of English 3 years Math ( starting with Algebra ) 2 years of Laboratory Science 2 years of a Foreign Language 1 year of Visual / Performing Arts 1 year of College Prep Elective Minimally Eligible Applicant 3 years of History / Social Science 4 years of English (AP / Honors) 4 years Math ( starting with Algebra ) 3 years of Laboratory Science 3-4 years of a Foreign Language 1 year of Visual / Performing Arts 1 year of College Prep Elective Competitively Eligible Applicant

Benefits of Honors and AP courses Why should you enroll? GPA booster Competitive applicant College preparation College credit Save you time and money How do you enroll? Alternatives Enroll in community college courses

UC Admissions Criteria Academic –A-G Requirements –3.0 GPA –SAT Reasoning Test or ACT plus Writing, and –2 SAT Subject Exams –(not required for class of 2012 and beyond) –AP & Honors Courses Supplemental –Personal Statement –Extracurricular Activities –Honors and Awards –Volunteer Service / Proof of Leadership

Take a Proactive Approach Finish off this academic year strong Meet with your counselor to plan your schedule for next year - and choose a challenging curriculum Make sure all of your high school courses are UC approved Take the PSAT Start reading up on SAT & ACT info Do volunteer work Join clubs and organizations Get involved! Join AVID

Adelante Program  Early college and career planning beginning in the 6th grade for both parents and students in the SAUSD.  All 6th grade students and parents will sign the “My College-Going Pledge”.  SAUSD seniors will receive priority registration to SAC the fall semester prior to graduating from high school.  The City of Santa Ana will continue to promote the Santa Ana Futures Scholarship as part of their annual employee payroll deduction program, providing continuing financial support.  All SAUSD students attending SAC will receive individual assistance to ensure they access all available financial aid while at SAC.

 CSUF/UCI will provide a letter of acceptance to each SAUSD senior enrolling at SAC with intent to transfer to CSUF/UCI and who meets CSUF/UCI admissions standards upon completion of required coursework.  SAUSD/SAC students will receive a CSUF/UCI library card and have access to all library services at CSUF/UCI.  CSUF/UCI will host an annual gathering for Santa Ana Pledge students enroute to CSUF/UCI.  CSUF/UCI staff will work with SAC faculty and Santa Ana Partnership colleagues to ensure students receive regular communications regarding opportunities and programs at CSUF/UCI.