Welcome to Prep for College II Night! This is Part II of our Junior presentations - Part I is available on our website. Presenters: Kim Halket Caroline Rubio Eric Calloway
College Considerations: Can we afford it? Am I ready to leave? How far away from home? Do they have what I d like to do for fun? If I change my major, do they have other things to study that interest me? What is the housing situation? Now and later What kind of environment do I want to be in? Am I applying just for the name/reputation? Can I realistically get into this school?
How many colleges should I apply to? It s a good idea to apply to at least 8-12. There are absolutely no guarantees. Do your research! Shoot for your dream school, but have a list of safe schools that you feel reasonably sure that you can get into- Mix of all systems Make sure you have a backup plan Don t apply to a school you have no intention of attending or just to say you did it
5 Biggest Mistakes 1- Not knowing yourself 2- Not doing the research 3- Afraid of taking a risk 4- Being unrealistic, naive, or arrogant 5- Not putting in the time and effort needed to do your best on testing, essays, and applications
Early Decision & Early Action -Must do extensive research first and make sure it is your first choice/good match/have an academic record that matches profile -ED is binding- apply to only one in Nov. -EA is non-binding- can apply to several -Restrictive EA- non-binding, but cannot apply to other EA/ED until decision made -Stats vary for each school whether there is an advantage, usually more competitive pool of apps.
California Colleges Stats UC System- GPA range 3.56-4.31 -test range ACT 26-34/SAT 1370-1560 CSU System- GPA range 3.13-4.04 -test range ACT 18-30/SAT 760-1100 Community College- open enrollment Private colleges vary- see freshman profile on college admissions page: UOP- avg 3.52 gpa SMC- avg 3.61 gpa SCU- 3.55-3.88 gpa range
UC Best Bets Do the best you can in a-g courses, 10-11 gpa Take advantage of other academic/summer/ leadership/unique opportunities to stand out Continue to retest to get best scores and complete testing in Nov/Dec of senior year Remember SAT Subject Tests no longer required, suggested for Engineering,Biology, Chemistry, Nursing majors- Math II & Science Apply to numerous UC campuses-system very impacted and unpredictable-varies each year
CSU Impacted Campuses (18) Pomona San Diego Fullerton Chico San Francisco Channel Islands Los Angeles Sacramento Monterey Bay -Underlined schools impacted in all programs Campus impacted for both freshmen and transfers San Luis Obispo Long Beach Sonoma Fresno San Marcos Northridge San Jose Humboldt San Bernardino -Nursing, Architecture and Occupational Therapy impacted on all CSU campuses
CSU Best Bets Apply to local CSU East Bay and San Francisco State - Alameda County residents given priority to both as of Fall 2017. Look at CSU eligibility-only campuses such as Stanislaus, Bakersfield, Dominguez Hills, Maritime Academy, Channel Islands for a safety school
Community College LPC has TAGs with 9 CSU Colleges, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside, UC Merced, Saint Mary s College and University of the Pacific, ASU, Univ of AZ, Univ. of HI, and 21 HBCUs LPC has Concurrent Enrollment Programs with CSUEB and UC Berkeley- can take classes there as a freshman Students graduate from four-year California colleges at the same rate if they are transfer students as those who start at a four-year college directly after high school graduation. They have priority registration for junior year classes.
Independent/Private Colleges 75 Independents in California alone 9 out of 10 receive financial assistance Most schools guarantee 4-year graduation Every admission file is personally reviewed Classes are smaller with actual professors Personal attention to succeed in college/career Specialty schools such as FIDM, CIA, etc. Can show demonstrated interest - get to know regional admissions counselor-follow up email
Western Undergrad Exchange Students who are residents of WICHE states may enroll at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state at a reduced tuition rate. WICHE states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. Website: Wiche.edu/wue Some GPA, major, tests score requirements
Out of State Colleges/Universities Can be affordable, especially if you have strong GPA and SAT/ACT scores Check on Freshman Profile page and also on Financial Aid page to see out of state scholarships Scholarships are renewable for 4 years if student meets eligibility reqs. University of Oregon: Stamps Scholarship (3.85/4.0 GPA, 1300 SAT or 28 ACT, academics and extracurricular = $12K/yr. X 4 years) - competitive scholarship with separate application University of Oregon: Summit Scholarship (3.8/4.0 GPA, 1260 SAT or 26 ACT = $6K/yr. X 4 years) - no separate application University of Oregon Cost of Attendance (tuition and fees, room and board, books = $50,442.00 Oklahoma State University Cost of Attendance (tuition and fees, room and board, books) = $35,730 30+ ACT or 1390 SAT + 3.0 U/W GPA = $12,500K/yr. X 4 years = $50K 27-29 ACT or 1280-1380 SAT + 3.0 U/W GPA = $11K/yr x 4 years = $44K 25-26 ACT or 1200-1270 SAT + 3.0 U/W GPA = $9,750/yr x 4 years = $39K 24 ACT or 1160-1190 SAT + 3.0 U/W GPA = $8K x 4 years = $32K No separate application for these scholarships - embedded in application
Personal Statement/Essay Process Not needed for CSU, but should write one for scholarship applications UC/ Common App. questions are standard Only chance to personalize application Begin drafts this summer Will work on essay in English next year Essay Prompts are on the DHS Counseling website on the Junior Page
Letters of Recommendation Need to identify teachers who would give you a strong and honest letter. Traditionally 2-3 letters are needed. Complete Brag Sheet or resume for teachers and counselor. Set up appt. to review materials with them and give at least a three week notice. Save a copy for scholarship applications.
How to Pay for College Financial Aid and Scholarships may be based on financial need, merit (GPA), or other special considerations Use college s online Net Price Calculator for best estimate of total cost Attend Financial Aid Night - Fall 2018 File FAFSA 10/1-6/1- triggers Cal Grant Search for scholarships through colleges, online, and DHS Career Center now
Junior Spring/Summer Musts Select a rigorous senior class schedule-math! Take a test prep class if needed Take the SAT and/or ACT in May and June Secure volunteer,summer job, classes Visit college fairs/colleges - WACAC May 4-5 (may follow up with emails to show DI after visit) Begin list of college matches Begin first draft of essays Assemble recommendation packet/brag sheet Set up online application accounts
Senior Fall Musts Review college plan and research schools Retake SAT and ACT as needed by December Get 2-3 letters of recommendation for private schools and for scholarships Attend Fall Open House Events/College Fairs- Tri-Valley College Fair in October Attend college reps presentations and College Application Workshops held Sept.-Nov. Begin scholarship search - see DHS Career Center website
Work with your counselor to Help with college lists/matches Review applications and essays College Application Workshops in Sept/October and during Gael and lunch Common Application School Reports Write letters of recommendation Help review financial aid offers Help with the stress!
Thank you for coming Best way to ask quick questions is through counselor email Parents may make an appointment for a parent/student meeting with your student s counselor for specific detailed questions- call our secretary at ext. 7050. Students may sign up to see their counselor in the Counseling Office anytime Remember, you are not in this alone - ASK FOR HELP EARLY AND OFTEN!