UC and CSU

1. UC and CSU Requirements and application steps… By Vanessa Shuping

3. CSU/UC • UC • Research, theory, & studies • Self motivated style of learning • Students seeking postgraduate options • Assistants or grad students doing a % of instruction • CSU • Practical applications & non-research oriented careers • Focus on small, direct class sizes • Prepared for work force • Classes taught by professor Both the CSU & UC require: • 15 a-g requirements (at minimum) • SAT or ACT’s • Minimum 3.0 GPA (CSU honors sliding scale)

4. a - 2 years social science (World History and U.S. History and/or American Government) b - 4 years CP English c- 3 years CP math (4 years recommended for UC) d* - 2 years CP science (Biology and either Chemistry or Physics) (3 years recommended for UC) e - 2 years foreign language (3 years recommended for UC) f - 1 year visual/performing art g - At least one additional approved class *Earth Science might be accepted by some CSU’s, but is being phased out as a science requirement. Use Earth Science for the “G” requirement. The Lincoln High School UC/CSU approved courses can be downloaded atwww.ucop.edu/doorways. Subject Requirements 15 minimum courses – “a – g”For UC: 11 need to be completed by beginning of senior year

5. Examination Requirement • Both the UC and CSU systems require the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT (with composition for UC). • CSU does not use the student’s composition score for admission purposes. • Do not mix & match SAT/ACT scores. Use the best overall report. The UC system no longer requires the SAT Subject Tests! **Impacted majors such as engineering may suggest students take subject tests in Math Level 2 and Physics for example. • Student who are on Free/Reduced lunch may qualify for fee waivers for the SAT and ACT. Must see Mrs. Hernandez in EPC. • (Students who use SAT fee waivers will automatically have 4 UC application fees waived)

6. SAT Reasoning Test(www.collegeboard.com) 3hrs 45 minutes

7. The ACT(www.act.org) 3 hrs 25 minutes with Writing

8. Take advantage of the ACT and College Board Websites • Both have sample tests, test-taking tips, college search information, scholarship information, etc.

9. Calculating GPA • UC: A – g courses taken in sophomore and junior year. Students must earn a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. UC system considers the top 12.5% (more like 10%) of the high school seniors. • CSU: A – g courses taken sophomore, junior, and senior year. The CSU system generally considers the top 25% of the high school seniors. UC and CSU: Extra GPA points for up to 8 semesters of certified honors level courses (all AP classes, plus Spanish 3 H, Chem H, & Analysis H).

10. All grades must be C or above (including AP courses). D or F grades must be repeated or validated. Some courses may be “validated” by a C or better in second semester (algebra, geometry, foreign language), or by earning a C or better in a sequentially advanced course. GPA continued

11. Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) In order to see if your student is ELC, they will need to apply to UC. They will be notified immediately after their application is submitted whether or not they were designated as ELC. The UC looks at students who rank in the top 9%, (must have taken 11 “a-g” courses by end of 11th grade) Students who are designated ELC, are guaranteed admission to the UC system. If they do not get accepted to the campus of their choice, they will be offered admission to an alternate campus (UC Merced).

12. Application tips… CSU Apps won’t be processed until November elections List 7th/8th grade courses in 8th grade place Student taking AP foreign language as only language course need to see counselor Students list every course taken & grade earned, including repeated classes. UC 30 min. time limit for each page, click next or logout to SAVE Students list every course taken & grade. If class is repeated list highest grade earned.

13. Personal Statement tips.. Carefully read the guidelines and follow them. Essays are short, and concise and have a thesis or topic. Use a maximum of 1,000 words (the applicant chooses the length of each essay) Plan ahead and write essays that are free from grammatical and spelling errors! Always write essays in a word document first then cut and paste into application. Please have at least two people proof read. Do not whine or blame. Be positive. Reflect on the past but look to the future. Essay evaluators look for creativity, curiosity, motivation, leadership, persistence, potential, and unusual experiences. They look for qualities, not specific activities. Look at it like an interview.

14. Costs UC: $28,000-31,000, $70 app fee CSU: $22,000-26,000, $55 app fee Private Universities: $42,000+ ….fees will vary Does your student qualify for free/reduced lunch? Fee waivers are available for UC/CSU applications. CSU asks financial questions in the application and automatically grants waiver if eligible. Financial Aid Night November 7th @ 6:30 Room 1113

15. Your major influences acceptance CalPoly Impacted majors include: Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Graphic Design, Architecture, & most sciences. • Check college websites for 2012 Freshman Profile for more information. 48% 27% 39% 37% 29% 42%

16. CSU’s give preference to applicants from their “local Area” • Our local area campuses are: • CSU Sacramento • CSU Stanislaus • CSU Fresno

17. When do you apply? CSU – October 1 – November 30 www.csumentor.edu UC – November 1 – November 30 www.universityofcalifornia.edu *Use the same legal name and email address for all college applications. Frequently check email. *Fill out your application over time… Save and come back to it.

18. Educational Opportunity Program(EOP) EOP provides support services, tutoring, summer bridge programs, and grants. Students must be low-income. Other contributing factors: first in the family to attend a university, member of an “under-represented” group. Click the EOP box when filling out the admissions applications. Comment on your circumstances when writing the UC Personal Statement. Print forms to give to teachers/counselor.

19. We leave you with this… Take challenging courses beyond the minimum a - g requirements. Enroll in AP classes and take AP tests. Plan a strong senior year. Outstanding performance in one or more academic areas. During the summer, take community college courses or become involved in meaningful “enrichment” programs. Strong SAT/ACT scores, especially for impacted schools or majors. Special talents, achievements, or awards. Great “Personal Statement”. LHS Website: http://www.lincolnhigh.org click on Counseling under Staff Directory!