Leland College and Career Center Presents:

1. Leland College and Career Center Presents: College Seminar #1 May 8, 2012

2. A-G Eligibility The intent of the “a-g” subject requirements is to ensure that students can participate fully in the first-year program at the University in a wide variety of fields of study. UC faculty consider the Subject Requirement to be effective preparation, on many levels, for undergraduate work at the University. This pattern of study assures the faculty that the student has attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study. Fulfillment of the "a-g" pattern also demonstrates that the student has attained essential critical thinking and study skills How to Become 4-year College Eligible ?

3. Preparation • You can control where you apply so that you have options in the spring of your senior year • You can’t control the CA Budget Crisis and the competiveness of the colleges but you can control making yourself competitive for colleges and considering all options.

4. History/Social Science 2 years English 4 years Mathematics 3 years (required)/4 years (recommended) Lab Science 2 years (required)/3 years (recommended) need 1 yr of physical and 1 yr of biological science Language Other than English 2 years of the same language/3 years (recommended) ASL is ok Visual Performing Arts 1 year Electives 1 year What are the A-G Requirements?

5. How do SJUSD graduation requirements compare to “A-G” requirements? “A-G” History/Social Science - 2 years English -4 years Mathematics - 3 years (required)/4 years (recommended) Lab Science - 2 years (required)/3 years (recommended) 1 yr in physical and 1 yr in biological Language Other than English - 2 years of the same language/3 years (recommended) Visual Performing Arts - 1 year Electives - 1 year SJUSD Social Sciences - 3.5 years English -4 years Mathematics - 3 years Science -3 years Language other than English - 2 years Electives – 4.5 years Visual Performing Arts -2 years PE -2 years

6. Who Uses the A-G requirements? California State Universities (CSU) www.csumentor.edu University of California (UC) www.universityofcalifornia.edu (Private/independents schools each have their own admission requirements that are very similar to A-G Requirements.

7. General Application Requirements • 2.0 minimum GPA for California State University • 3.0 minimum GPA for University of California • C’s or better. See CSU/UC Requirements document on CC Web Site for exceptions. • SAT or ACT Test • Private/independent schools require letter of recommendation from teachers/counselors (Seminar 2)

8. What Do Colleges/Universities Consider While Making Decisions? Considered Top Three at most schools: Grades in academic classes How challenging your courses are Test Scores SAT & ACT

9. Some colleges MAY consider: • Extracurricular activities • Honors and awards • Leadership (both formally and informally) • Volunteer work/community service (commitment)

10. Some colleges MAY consider: Special talents Hardships/unusual circumstances Athletic Talent Clubs Creativity

11. Best Match/Fit Choose a college for the right reasons!! Big Decisions! Research! Visit! Revisit as an admitted student. Best Match for YOU! Ranking are subjective! Stats change Resist peer pressure

12. Choosing a College That is the Best Match for You Challenging Classes. Watch stress level. Take care of yourself. Consider all options: UC, CSU, independentsand public out of state colleges Consider total cost of education including the number of years to graduate (extra costs/loss of income) and financial aid Start early! Plan! Appeals-rarely work (new and compelling info)!

13. Choosing a College That is the Best Match for You Step One: Know your personal and academic profile: Personal: Career goals, hobbies, special interests, talents, personal attitudes, traits and needs. Academics: academic record, grades, GPA, test scores, activities related to academics, awards and recognition, academic learning/study skills, self motivation and discipline, communication skills…

14. Choosing a College That is the Best Match for You Step Two: What are you looking for in a college? Type: Liberal Arts, Business, Art, Engineering,… Curriculum: What is your tentative choice major? Special programs: Honors, research, internship, study abroad Where do I want the college to be? How far? How close to home?

15. Choosing a College That is the Best Match for You Size? 50-40,000 How much will it cost? How will these costs be met? Coeducational or single-sex institution Campus life/social life/extracurricular Special Services Available (tutoring…special assistance)? Selectivity: How difficult? Be realistic!

16. Reminders Remember your final college choices should include schools that are realistic (safe), reasonable (good fit) and some reaches (long shots). You should have 2-4 of each. Take into consideration that every year it may become more competitive for a spot (CA Budget Crisis). You need to be very realistic!!!!

17. Reminders • Colleges expect you to challenge yourself! Take as challenging of a course load that you can and receive good grades. • Take care of yourself. • Choose extracurricular activities that you are important to you • Take advantage of summer academic opportunities.

18. More Reminders • Any D in your senior year can make you ineligible even if it is for an AP class. • Avoid Senioritis!!! • Must have grades of C or higher to meet college requirements • READ & FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS! • Talk with your parents about college options and the cost of your education

19. Career Center Web Site Accessed from Leland Web Site • http://www.sjusd.org/leland/career_center/index.html • Check out Senior and Junior Section. Look at resources on right • Print the Junior/Senior Calendar • Look at other resources in junior section • Read College Application Tips in Senior Section

20. College Application Timeline Research and visit possible schools NOW. Consider all options. Use online resources (Choices Planner, Get in 2 College, californiacolleges.edu, books, talk to people…….. Talk to Leland Experts (seniors) about the college application process. Get peer advice. CSU applications submitted online between 10/1 – 11/30

21. College Application Timeline UC applications submitted 11/1 – 11/30 Independents: Early’s vary starting on 11/1: Regulars 12/1. Rolling. Most independents are due during the month of December. Public Out of State – vary: most similar to CSU and UC – some later or rolling Look at the Common Application at commonapplication.com (including essay)

23. Testing Information Colleges will accept either the SAT Reasoning or the ACT (UC requires the ACT Optional Writing if you take the ACT). UC will no longer require Subject Tests effective for Fall 2012 freshman applicants. However, some independents and some majors at UC may recommend or require SAT Subjects. UC states that the Subject Test won’t hurt you but may help you. We encourage you to take both SAT and ACT because colleges will take the best score and the tests are different. Test Prep: Free booklets in CC, web sites, books (check out from CC), classes, online classes……. Depends on type of learner and motivation of student.

24. Testing Information • All juniors should plan to take at least one ACT and/or SAT Reasoning Test by June. Refer to #1 if you need to take SAT Subject Tests. • Most schools will not consider test scores past December of your senior year. • Keep in mind that these deadlines may change. • Deadlines are firm • You must send official test score from testing company to each school. UC and CSU - update next fall about sending scores (SAT - CSU Universal Code and to one UC for all.)

25. Testing Information Some CSU’s have October and November deadlines. Refer to Testing Schedule (CC Web Site) for additional info. Students must send official test scores by the testing companies by testing deadlines. Application deadlines and testing deadlines are different. All deadlines are FIRM.

26. With Good Information, We Make Better Decisions!