Preparing for College:
What you NEED To Know
Overview of College Admissions and
Financial Aid
Why Go to College?
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Required: Most jobs require at least a
Bachelors degree from a 4-year
college/university
Earning Potential: College Graduates make
about $1 million more in a lifetime compared
to non college-going adults.
New opportunities: Meet new people and
explore interests/opportunities that are
available.
Choosing A College
(Rank the most important characteristics)
Geographic Location
Religious Orientation
Size of College
Public/Private/Specialty
Cost
Social Atmosphere
Sports
Academic Atmosphere
Academic Programs
Student Body
Surrounding Community
Prestige
Where should I apply???
Consider all your options :
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Community College
California State Universities (CSU system)
University of California (UC system)
Private College
Out of State campuses
What’s important to you?
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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Options:
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Transfer Curriculum
AA/AS Degrees
Vocational Certificates/ Career & Job Prep
May be right for you if:
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You want to explore different choices before settling on a path
You need to cut the cost of a four-year college degree
You want to sharpen your study skills before enrolling at a
university
You want small classes & personal attention during your first
college years
You want to remain living at home
California State University
CSU - Freshmen 2010
Campus
Average
Weighted
GPA
Avg. SAT
R/M
Campus
Average
Weighted
GPA
Avg. SAT
R/M
Cal Maritime
3.10
525 / 555
CSU Monterey Bay
3.11
Not listed
Cal Poly Pomona
3.24
490 / 530
CSU Northridge
3.15
461 / 465
Cal Poly SLO
3.90
1292= Total
CSU Sacramento
3.20
985 = Total
CSU Bakersfield
3.00-Approx.
880 = Total
CSU San Bernardino
3.18
450 / 460
CSU Channel Isl.
3.24
1009=Total
CSU San Marcos
3.35
1011 = Total
CSU Dominguez Hills
3.23
890 = Total
CSU Stanislaus
3.20
469 / 480
CSU Chico
3.22
1034 = Total
Humboldt State
3.20
521 / 505
3.00- approx.
Not listed
San Diego State
3.81
513 / 536
CSU Fresno
3.30
459 / 474
San Francisco State
3.10
1165 = Total
CSU Fullerton
3.27
997 = Total
San Jose State
3.21
Not listed
CSU Long Beach
3.50
1050 = Total
Sonoma State
3.23
520 / 528
CSU Los Angeles
3.10
431 / 441
CSU East Bay
UC & CSU “A-G” REQUIREMENTS
A. History/Social Sci. – 2 years
B. English CP – 4 years
C. Math – 3 years (Alg./Geom./Alg. 2)
D. Lab Science – 2 years
E. Foreign Language – 2 years
F. Visual/Performing Art- 1 year
G. CP Electives – 1 year
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS !!!
C’s or BETTER
CSU Application Review
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GPA of Academic courses following 9th grade
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ACT Test
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Does not require writing
Minimum score based on GPA and campus
SAT Reasoning
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Will take highest score in each area from different sittings
Minimum score based on GPA and campus
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No SAT Subject Tests required
Eligibility Index Table
www.csumentor.edu/planning
The University of California
UC – Freshmen 2010
Campus
Rate of Admission Avg. Weighted Avg. SAT on
GPA
2400 scale
LA
22.8
4.14
2035
Berkeley
25.8
4.15
2060
San Diego
38.1
4.07
1980
Irvine
45.5
3.99
1877
Santa Barbara
45.5
3.98
1887
Davis
46.4
3.99
1908
Santa Cruz
64.4
3.76
1799
Riverside
78.2
3.62
1675
Merced
89.6
3.55
1653
UC Eligibility Index
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To determine eligibility:
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Test Scores will also be
used to determine eligibility:
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Use eligibility calculator
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions
SAT Reasoning Test
(Best Sitting)
OR
ACT with Writing
(Best Sitting)
AND
Two SAT Subject Tests in 2
different areas (note change re:
Subject Tests) Not REQUIRED
FALL 2011 application cycle
UC Comprehensive Review
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Academic GPA in A-G
courses from 10th and
11th grades
Scores on the following:
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SAT Reasoning Test
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ACT Assessment with
writing
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The number and
content of, and
performance in,
courses completed in
academic subjects
beyond the minimum
specified by the
University’s eligibility
requirements
Other Review Factors
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Honors, AP, Community
College courses
The quality of the senior year
program = number of academic
classes
Outstanding performance in 1
or more specific academic
subjects
Outstanding work in 1 or more
special projects in an academic
field
Recent, marked improvement in
academic performance
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Special talent or leadership
Significant community service
Academic accomplishments in
light of the applicant’s life
experiences
No letters of recommendation
for UC
Student’s should show insight
into these areas in the
application essay
Apply Broadly
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When making your selections, keep in mind that
some campuses and programs are highly
competitive and can accept only a limited
number of students each year
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Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD/ Cal Poly SLO, SDSU
Encouraged to apply to additional campuses of
interest. Will increase change of being admitted
to one of your choices.
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UCR, UCSC, UC Merced / CSUN, CSUCI
Private and Out of State Admissions
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Private universities evaluate the same criteria as listed
for the UC
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Although the SAT Subject Tests are not required by all private
colleges, other criteria considered
Students should check the private school’s application
to determine any unique admissions requirements
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Interview may be required
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The college essay is an integral part of this review
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Recommendations usually required
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Teacher, Counselor
Factors Considered in Selections
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Similar to UC
Comprehensive Review
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Depth of Involvement
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Personal Statement or
College Essay
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Academic Record
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Grades
Test scores
Rigor of course
selection
Activities
Leadership
Service
Special talents
Summer programs,
courses, internships
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CC course work can
enhance an application
Recommendations
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Teacher
Counselor
Application Process
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Community College
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Graduate from High School or 18 Years Old
Check online for registration dates
California State Universities (CSU’s)
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Meet specific University Admission Index
Applications: Oct.1 – Nov.30
Apply Online: www.csumentor.edu
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Has link to FAFSA
Application Process
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University of California (UC’s)
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Comprehensive Review (2-Part)
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1. Academic Review (Index)
2. Comprehensive Review
Applications: Nov. 1 – Nov. 30
Apply Online:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions
Private & Out of State
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Check specific campus requirements
COST COMPARISON
Living on campus
CCC
Fees/Tuition
$
CSU
UC
Private
624
$ 5,600
$ 11,285
$ 25,918
Books/Supplies $ 1,620
$ 1,650
$ 1,523
$ 1,728
Room/Board
$ 7,800
$ 11,000
$ 12,980
$ 9,640
Misc.
$ 2,394
$ 3,000
$ 2,575
$ 3,125
$ 12,438
$ 21,250
** Cost would be less if commuting
$ 25,353
$ 40,411
Financial Aid
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA
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Apply On-line: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Private Universities: Usually require CSS Profile
Financial aid consists of: grants, loans, scholarships, workstudy
Research Scholarships
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Check requirements and deadlines for private scholarships at
each school when applying.
Apply for scholarships from various scholarship websites
Never pay to use a website!! (Those are SCAMS)
Important Websites:
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www.universityofcalifornia.edu
www.csumentor.edu
www.collegeboard.com
www.californiacolleges.edu
www.act.org
www.fastweb.com
www.fafsa.ed.gov NOT www.fafsa.com
www.campustours.com
www.princetonreview.com
www.assist.org