College Bound

1. College Bound A 4-Year glance at what your student needs to complete in high school to be competitive for college

2. A-G Requirements • Your child must complete all required courses on the A-G Approved course list with a “C” grade or higher. • In order to be competitive, your child should take the recommended amount of courses. • The list of A-G required classes are posted in each classroom and are located in the parent handbook.

3. A-G Requirements • A: History – 2 years • B: English – 4 years • C: Mathematics – 3 years (4 recommended) • D: Lab Science – 2 years (3 recommended) • E: Foreign Lang – 2 years (3 recommended) • F: Visual & Performing Arts – 1 Year • G: Elective Courses – 1 Year

4. AP: Advanced Placement Courses • Starting Sophomore year, your student will have the opportunity to take AP courses. These courses are taught at a college level. • If your child passes the AP test in May, they may receive college credit to be transferred to a university. The AP tests cost up to $85 each. • It is a good idea for your student to take one or two AP courses in 11th and 12th grade, but only courses that are your child’s strength.

5. Example of College Bound Freshmen Year Classes It is a good idea to have your child sign-up for an A or Z block to start padding their academic resume (Contact guidance tech). • PE/Health/Elective Wheel • English • Math – Algebra or Geometry • Science – Earth Science or Biology • Foreign Language • Intro to Art, Drama, or Music History * If your child does not gain placement into English 1 or at least Algebra I, they will need to “double up” on courses to be A-G compliant

6. 4 Year Plan: Freshmen Year • At 8th grade registration night, inform the school that your student is to be on a 4-year college track. • Within the first week of school your child should visit the college and career center and meet Dona Hinchliff (PVHS) or Nadia Ventura (SMHS). • Check your student’s schedule and make any necessary changes within the first 7 school days. There are no schedule changes after school day 10. • Encourage your student to get the highest grades possible. Establish homework time, as well as study skills and time management skills. • Parents- look into the PIQE program

7. Example of College Bound Sophomore Year Classes • English 2 • Geometry or Algebra II • PE • Foreign Language or AP Spanish Language (speakers only) • World History or AP World History • Biology or Chemistry • Requirement F or G Elective/Performing Arts

8. 4 Year Plan: Sophomore Year • Sign-up for the PSAT in the College Center. The PSAT is always given the 3rd week in October and costs about $13. • Study for the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). The CAHSEE is taken by all 10th grade students in March. Students who do not pass will be placed in a remedial CAHSEE course.

9. Example of College Bound Junior Year Classes • English 3 or AP English 3 • Algebra II or Math Analysis • Foreign Language or AP Spanish Literature • US History or AP US History • Chemistry, Physics, Physiology & Anatomy, or AP Biology • Requirement F or G Elective/Performing Arts

10. 4 Year Plan: Junior Year • Attend the Parent College Night • Signup to take the PSAT in October • Signup to take either the SAT or the ACT in the spring • Take a transferable class at Hancock during the summer • Start visiting colleges your child is interested in attending

11. Example of College Bound Senior Year Classes • English, AP English 4, Film & Fiction, Expository Reading & Writing • Math Analysis, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics • Foreign Language, AP Spanish Literature, AP French • Government or AP Government (1 term) • Economics or AP Economics (1 term) • Requirement F or G Elective/Performing Arts • Physics, Physiology & Anatomy, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology • Block off – Transferable class at Hancock (optional)

12. 4 Year Plan: Senior Year • Signup to take the SAT Subject test (not required) in early fall – deadline is December • Pad academic resume for UC’s to be competitive • Take (or retake) the SAT or ACT – deadline is December • Attend the Parent College Night in the fall • Attend the Financial Aid Night in the fall • Attend the College Application Night in the fall • Fill out every possible scholarship (See scholarship staff person once a week, website)

13. 4 Year Plan: Senior Year (cont.) • Apply to CSU’s beginning October 1 (first come basis) - deadline November 30 at midnight • Apply to UC’s beginning November 1 – deadline November 30 at midnight • Don’t change spring classes if possible! • Begin talking to your senior about leaving – strategies, life skills, etc. • In January, complete Cal Grant for California State Financial Aid – deadline March 2

14. 4 Year Plan: Senior Year (cont.) • In January, complete the FASFA for Federal financial aid to the best of your ability (help windows). You need updated tax information (it’s best if taxes are completed during February) - deadline March 2 • Visit colleges that your child has been accepted to and make a decision (housing runs out quick!) • Inform all accepted colleges of intent to enroll by the end of April (May 1st is deadline) • Check student portal and accept financial aid, work study, and student loans • Don’t slack off of grades or change classes!!!

15. Senior Year Expenses • Homecoming Dance • Sadie Hawkins Dance • Winter Formal • Prom • Cap and Gown • Grad night • College applications • SAT/ACT/SAT Reasoning • Acceptance of a college deposit • Student housing deposit • First semester of college tuition and books

16. After Senior Year • Be supportive and let go! • Homesickness is normal – encourage one year • Attend college freshmen orientation • Encourage dorm living for year 1 • Update the FASFA yearly until college graduation – deadline March 2