Taking the Right Classes:
As simple as A-G
Reality Check
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
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.
Visual & Performing Art
1 Year Required
• Needs to be the same subject
for the entire year
• Examples: Dance,
Photography, Orchestra,
Drama, Ceramics, Painting, Art
History
College Prep Elective
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
Sample Schedule
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
English
English
English
English
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Math Analysis
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
AP Bio
Foreign
Language
Foreign
Language
Foreign
Language
Visual and
Performing
Arts
AVID
AVID
AVID
AVID
P.E.
World History
U.S. History
Government/
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 2.0-3.2 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?
Minimally Eligible Applicant
Competitively Eligible Applicant
2 years of History / Social Science
3 years of History / Social Science
4 years of English
4 years of English (AP / Honors)
3 years Math (starting with Algebra)
4 years Math (starting with Algebra)
2 years of Laboratory Science
3 years of Laboratory Science
2 years of a Foreign Language
3-4 years of a Foreign Language
1 year of Visual / Performing Arts
1 year of Visual / Performing Arts
1 year of College Prep Elective
1 year of College Prep Elective
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
• https://doorways.ucop.edu/list/
• 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.