+

THE ROAD TO COLLEGESTARTS HERE

A College: Making It Happen presentation for students and their parents, sponsored by Cal-SOAP.

+Subjects to be discussed The student role

The parent/guardian role

Support and resources

The five systems of higher education in California

Choosing a college that is right for you

SDUSD Message –New Graduation Requirements

Making middle school coursework count

The transition to high school

Financial aid resources

+THE ROAD TO COLLEGE…

Important Things You Need to Know

+1. Know why you go to college

Greater and more diverse career options

Personal and educational growth

It pays off…

+2. Know the student’s role

1. Crack the books Strong grades and a competitive GPA are habits that must

begin in middle school.

2. Set your goals Which colleges interest you? What majors will you consider? Do you have any career objectives in mind?

3. Make a plan How will you reach your goals?

What kind of GPA do you need? What classes will you take in high school? What kind of extracurricular activities will you pursue?

+The student’s role (con’t.)

4. Do your research Explore possible college and career choices:

Online research: www.collegeboard.com (to be discussed) Support at school: counselors, teachers, outreach organizations Advice at home: parents, siblings, extended family

5. Stay motivated It’s never too early to prepare for college. It will keep you

motivated! Choose friends that share the same goals.

6. Talk to your parents Discuss your goals and plans with your parents– they can help! Consider possible high school, college, and career choices

together.

+TIPS: The parent/guardian role

+3. Know the parent’s/guardian’s

role 1. Prioritize your child’s education Create a family calendar in order to schedule homework, study,

extracurricular, and recreational times. Be aware of school deadlines in order to keep your child on

track.

2. Celebrate achievements Regularly check report cards and discuss progress with your

child’s teachers so you can celebrate good grades and consistent effort.

Remember, your child’s motivation is the most important guide on the road to college.

3. Be involved Help choose and plan your child’s extracurricular activities. Be aware of your child’s circle of friends.

+The parent’s/guardian’s/ role (con’t.) 4. Encourage good habits

Calendars, planners, schedules A designated study time…everyday Extracurricular activities

5. Talk NOW is the time for the college talk.

Remember, colleges will consider your child’s work from day one of high school to graduation day.

Ask questions: What are your child’s career interests? Favorite subjects? Weakest

subjects?

Seek resources Look for school and community resources in order to build a support

network for your child’s success…

+5. Know the college talk

We will now take a 30 second break… PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Turn to your students and ask them

one or all of the following questions: 1) Where do you want to go to college (i.e. possible

campuses, cities, states)? 2) What careers are you interested in? 3) What are your strongest and weakest subjects in

school?

+6. Know how to build a support

network The College Team: Who’s in it?

The student, of course! Family matters: parents/guardians, siblings, extended

family Good friends– with shared goals School staff: teachers, counselors Local outreach organizations…like Cal-SOAP!

+7. Know how to seek resources

Encourage your child to join an after school program that supports a college-going culture. Finding a program:

School: talk to teachers, counselors, and principals Community organizations– i.e. libraries, recreational

centers, religious institutions Research programs and advice online with the After School

Alliance: www.afterschoolalliance.org (Click on “After School in My Community”)

Seek the services of educational outreach organizations that may be present in your middle schools or high schools. Cal-SOAP, TRIO, UPWARD BOUND, GEAR-UP, EAOP, etc.

+8. Know the college readiness lingo GPA- Grade Point Average

Colleges will ask for either the student’s weighted (extra points for honors/AP courses) or unweighted GPA

AP- Advanced Placement Optional courses in high school that offer college credit, if students pass a final

examination

“A-G” A curriculum of University of California (UC) approved general education courses,

listed A-G, that must be completed in high school for college entrance

Standardized Tests: SAT- Scholastic Aptitude Test (a.k.a. SAT Reasoning Exam) ACT- American College Test

Most universities require scores from either the SAT or ACT What’s the difference?

SAT Subject Subject-specific exams that some private universities may require or

recommend (i.e. Spanish, US History, Literature, etc.)

+DISCLAIMER: The times, they are a-changin’ The most important tip of all for students and parents:

Do your research and remain up-to-date with college requirements.

Recent changes have affected: The UC testing requirement The UC Eligibility in the Local Context GPA range The impaction of majors in select CSU campuses The Transfer Agreement Guarantee program Tuition fees at all California public campuses, including

community colleges

Disclaimer: All requirements discussed today, apply only today. It is your responsibility to remain aware.

Let’s learn about some colleges…

+THE 5 SYSTEMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIAAND THEIR REQUIREMENTS

+University of California

Stats: 10 campuses Research-based Approximately $31,100 per year for cost of attendance

Basic admission requirements: A-G coursework 3.0 GPA SAT or ACT

SAT Subject Update: The SAT Subject exams are no longer required for the UC

“Comprehensive/Holistic Review” Points assigned for extracurricular activities, leadership roles,

community service, etc. Transfer Agreement Guarantee for CA Community College

students

+California State University

Stats: 23 campuses Traditional university setting Approximately $24,000 per year for

total cost of attendance

Basic admission requirements: A-G coursework Meet minimum eligibility index (a

number derived from an equation that considers both GPA and SAT/ACT scores)

SAT or ACT Transfer Agreement Guarantee for CA

Community College students

+California Community College

Stats: 110 campuses Transfer, Associate’s Degree, vocational, and certificate

programs available Approximately $2,000 per year for total fees

Basic admission requirements: High school diploma or GED or 18 years old (Note: High school students can enroll in community college

classes with principal approval.)

+Private Colleges

Stats: Many, many campuses (i.e. University of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene

University, Stanford University, National University) Campus settings/focuses vary widely Costs vary widely

Basic admission requirements: Vary, but generally accept courses covered by the A-G curriculum GPA varies, but generally selective Testing requirements vary, but generally require SAT or ACT

(SAT Subject exams may be required or recommended, depending on campus and major)

Transfer requirements and programs vary Generally practice Holistic Review

Extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service considered

+Vocational/Technical Institutions

Stats: Many campuses, depending on field of study (i.e. Art

Institute of San Diego, FIDM, Paul Mitchell School, Universal Technical Institute, Concorde Career Institute)

Degrees and/or certificates available Costs vary widely

Basic admission requirements: Admission requirements vary widely. Research application

procedures at each program of interest. (Note: Many vocational programs are available at

community colleges for a much lesser cost.)

+CHOOSING A COLLEGE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU…COLLEGE EXPLORATION BEGINS TODAY

+Make-or-break criteria

A few, basic factors to consider when researching college campuses… Institution type (public, private, vocational) Majors/minors offered Campus/enrollment size (large vs. small classes) Campus reputation Geography (urban/rural; in-state/out-of-state) Distance from home Housing (available/guaranteed?) Campus resources (libraries, computers) Costs (tuition, books, room and board) Financial aid offered

+Make-or-break criteria

Some more factors to consider… Religious affiliation Gender-specific vs. co-ed Student body diversity Extracurricular activities offered Social life (sororities, fraternities, clubs)

Tips for successful research: Begin to visit campuses as early as possible. Don’t rely on name recognition/hype. Find your best fit! Don’t pick campuses just because your friends are applying.

Make your own decisions! Don’t rule out colleges because of cost. Financial aid is available.

Online research: College Board “Profiles” and “Matchmaker”: www.collegeboard.com

+MAKING MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNT:PREPARING EARLY FOR COLLEGE

+

A Message fromSan Diego Unified

School District (SDUSD)New Graduation

Requirements with class of 2016

+Did you know?

There are two courses that middle school students can take for A-G credit NOW: Algebra 1 Foreign Language

Spanish, French, Cantonese, etc.

…BUT, you must earn at least an ‘A’ or ‘B’ in order to prevent repeating the course in high school.

Grades count in all subjects as a sign of preparation

+Middle School Checklist

6th Grade: Take challenging classes to help prepare yourself for high school

Begin the college talk with your parents

Start a calendar of homework and activities

Teach yourself good study habits now!

Encourage your parents to start saving for your college education

7th Grade: Enroll in Algebra and a foreign language– they count for A-G credit!

Perform well on standardized tests– they’re good practice for the CAHSEE and SAT/ACT

If you need help, seek a counselor/teacher/tutor NOW– don’t wait!

8th Grade: Ask your parent/guardian to help you research colleges and careers: www.collegeboard.com

Research financial aid options with your parents: www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

Talk to your parents about choosing a high school

Become involved in school or community activities that will let you explore career interests

+THE WONDERFUL TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOLPLANNING YOUR NEXT FOUR YEARS

+The notorious “A-G”

In order to find a unique list of A-G courses approved for your high school, visit the UCOP Pathways website: https://doorways.ucop.edu/list/

2 years a) History and Social Science

4 years b) English

3 years(4 years rec.)

c) Mathematics (algebra, geometry, and algebra II)

2 years(3 years rec.)

d) Laboratory Science (1 year of biological science and 1 year of physical science)

2 years(3 years rec.)

e) Foreign language (both years must be in the same language)

1 year f) Visual and performing arts (art, dance, theatre/ drama, or music)

1 year g) Elective chosen from the subject areas listed above or other college preparatory course (2 semestersor 1 year-long course)

+Five tips for high school success

1. Make sure you take a healthy number of A-G courses every year– in addition to your high school requirements and electives.

2. Show progress and diversity in your coursework. If you excel in a subject, take its Honors/AP level.

3. Talk to your counselor every semester! The big question to ask: “Am I on track to apply for ____ college(s)?”

4. Work on your “application builders”: Extracurricular activities: clubs, sports, student government Leadership roles Community service

5. Balance your school work and social life with college preparation, i.e.: SAT/ACT preparation and examination College research Scholarship searches and applications

+

FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES(PARENTS: LISTEN CLOSELY!)

+Paying for Education

Student Federal

Aid

Student Grants

StudentScholarshi

ps

Loans

Savings or 529 Plans

+Money, money, money

Government grants/loans: Google FAFSA Forecaster for estimated college costs

Campus-based grants and scholarships: Apply with your admission application and/or once enrolled in

college

Scholarships: You should begin applying in middle school and not stop till you have a college degree! Online search engines: www.fastweb.com ; www.cashe.com ;

www.collegeboard.com ; www.scholarships.com ; www.maldef.org School/community resources: counselors, teachers, peers, career

centers, public libraries, community organizations, etc. Financial aid is available for everyone! Undocumented students,

foster youth, and veterans’ dependents should talk to a counselor or Cal-SOAP representative in high school.

+Money, money, money

Tips for scholarship success: Apply for as many scholarships as possible Don’t neglect smaller, local scholarships Bridge multiple applications Recycle, recycle, recycle Paint a strong self-portrait in scholarship essays Keep a written personal inventory Prioritize school work and class time Stick with it

+The road to college…starts here, today

When you need directions, contact Cal-SOAP: Online: www.sandiegocalsoap.com Phone: (858) 569-1866