Leland Academic Counseling Team Presents:

1. Leland Academic Counseling Team Presents: PSAT/College Information Night Go, Chargers!

2. Leland Academic Counseling Team Deepa Mukherjee Assistant Principal (Guidance) Senior Class Adviser Brenda Stone Academic Counselor Joan Albers College &Career Center Technician

3. Agenda 6:30 – 7:00: PSAT Result Distribution 7:00 – 7:20: PSAT Result Analysis & Testing Timeline 7:25 – 7:40: General College Application Requirements 7:40 – 8:00: College Application Support & Career Center Resources 8:00 – 8:30: Q&A

9. My College QuickStart Resources • My Online Score Report - an enhanced score report that allows students to review each test question, their answers, and the correct answers with answer explanations • My SAT Study Plan - based on students’ PSAT results, with hundreds of practice questions to help students improve their skills • My Personality - a personality test that helps students learn about themselves and discover majors and careers that fit their strengths

10. My College QuickStart Resources • My Major and Career Matches - extensive information on careers, including insights about what to expect and what courses to take now • My College Matches - a starter list of colleges based on students’ home state and indicated choice of major • Accessible using the online access code on your PSAT score report • www.collegeboard.com/quickstart

11. Testing Information • Colleges will accept either the SAT Reasoning or the ACT • UC requires the ACT Optional Writing if you take the ACT • UC will no longer require Subject Tests effective Fall 2012 for freshman applicants. • However, some independents and some majors at UC may recommend or require SAT Subjects for applicants vying for admission into competitive majors to demonstrate subject proficiency. UC states that the Subject Test may help but won’t hurt the students. • We encourage students to take both SAT and ACT because the tests are different and the colleges will take the best score.

12. SAT-Aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities Three parts Math Critical Reading Writing 800 points possible each 1/4 point deducted for incorrect answers sat.collegeboard.org/register ACT- An achievement test measuring what a student has learned in school Multiple choice covers four skill areas English Math Reading Science 36 possible points each The writing test is required for UC application No point deduction for incorrect answers www.actstudent.org The Tests

13. Suggested Testing Timeline • Junior Year • March - SAT Reasoning • April - ACT • May - SAT Reasoning or SAT Subject Test • June - SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject or ACT • Senior Year • September - ACT • October - SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject or ACT

14. Testing Information It is the student’s responsibility to send their official test scores via the testing companies by the university deadlines. Application deadlines and testing deadlines are DIFFERENT. All deadlines are FIRM. BEWARE- CSUs have both October and November deadlines Students get four free reports for every test Send SAT scores to CSU using CSU mentor code 3594 and all CSUs will receive the scores. Send SAT scores to one UC and all UCs will receive the scores Send ACT scores to one UC and all UCs will receive the scores. Send ACT scores to one CSU and then use ACT manager to release to each CSU Campus. Do not hesitate to send all scores, as the colleges will use the best scores

15. A-G Eligibility The intent of the “a-g” subject requirements is to ensure that students can participate fully in the first-year program at the University in a wide variety of fields of study. UC faculty consider the Subject Requirement to be effective preparation, on many levels, for undergraduate work at the University. This pattern of study assures the faculty that the student has attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study. Fulfillment of the "a-g" pattern also demonstrates that the student has attained essential critical thinking and study skills How to Become 4-year College Eligible ?

16. History/Social Science - 2 years English - 4 years Mathematics - 3 years (required)/4 years (recommended) Lab Science - 2 years (required)/3 years (recommended) Language Other than English - 2 years of the same language/3 years (recommended) Visual Performing Arts - 1 year Electives - 1 year What are the A-G Requirements?

17. How do SJUSD graduation requirements compare to “A-G” requirements? “A-G” History/Social Science - 2 years English -4 years Mathematics - 3 years (required)/4 years (recommended) Lab Science - 2 years (required)/3 years (recommended) Language Other than English - 2 years of the same language/3 years (recommended) Visual Performing Arts - 1 year Electives - 1 year SJUSD Social Sciences - 3.5 years English -4 years Mathematics - 3 years Science -3 years Language other than English - 2 years Electives – 4.5 years Visual Performing Arts -2 years PE -2 years

18. Who Uses the A-G requirements? California State Universities (CSU) www.csumentor.edu University of California (UC) www.universityofcalifornia.edu (Only public, state schools use the “a-g” requirements. Private colleges and universities each have their own admission requirements.)

19. What if I have a “D” in an A-G course? For some courses in Mathematics (area C), all courses in Foreign Language (Area E), if you receive a grade of “D” in the first semester and a grade of “C” or higher in the second semester, you will receive two semesters of credit. Completion of an advanced course in the same subject (Math & Foreign Language) presupposes knowledge of the previous course(s). For example, satisfactory completion of a second year of foreign language will validate the first year. The second year of Algebra will validate the first-year algebra but will not validate Geometry. SAT tests can validate some subjects depending on scores Retake the course through community college, online course, or at a private summer school. ** *Check with Mrs. Stone or Mrs. Albers before making any plans.

20. General Application Requirements • California State University • Completion of the A-G requirements with a minimum 2.0 GPA • University of California • Completion of the A-G requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA • Private Colleges • Course and GPA requirements vary • Require essays and letters of recommendation from teachers/counselors • All university systems require SAT or ACT test

21. What Do Colleges/Universities Consider While Making Decisions? • Top three criteria at most schools: • Grades in academic classes • How challenging your courses are • SAT & ACT test scores

22. Some colleges MAY consider: Extracurricular activities Honors and awards Leadership Volunteer work/community service (commitment) Special talents Hardships Athletic Talent Clubs Creativity

23. Community College 1/3 of all UC and 2/3 of all CSU graduates started at a community college. California Community college transfer students get admission priority to UC and CSU campuses. Community college transfers are just as successful academically as first-time freshmen in terms of graduation versus drop-out rates.

24. Transfer & Certificates Articulation and Transfer Admission Agreements with many universities Transfer Centers facilitate student’s transfer to their targeted university. Vocational training, certificates and 2-year degrees.

25. Money Money: Fees average 1/3 the cost of public universities, and 1/10 the cost of private universities. Add to that the potential savings of living at home for two additional years.

26. Admission Requirements One of the following: A high school diploma A General Education Diploma A Proficiency Certificate At least 18 years old with evidence of being able to benefit from the instruction offered by the college.

27. Research and visit possible schools NOW. Consider all options. • Use online resources (Choices Planner, Get in 2 College, californiacolleges.edu, books, talk to people…….. • Talk to seniors this semester about the college application process • Ask academic teachers if they are willing to write your letter of rec. (Give careful thought about who to ask. Some teachers limit the number of students they will write letters.) College Application Timeline – What to do now

28. Senior Year Timeline • July/August - Research and visit colleges • August/September - Start working on your letter of recommendation packet. Ask teachers if they can write a recommendation letter for you • October - Start applying to universities • January - Apply for financial aid • Spring - Apply to Community Colleges • Spring - Begin to receive acceptance letters and financial aid packages • March-May - Take college placement test, fill out housing forms, attend orientation • May 1st - Notify college of your Intent to Register

29. College Application Timeline Senior Year • CSU/UC applications available online on10/1. Submit online to CSU 10/1 -11/30 and UC 11/1 - 11/30. • Independents • Early’s vary starting on 11/1 • Regulars 12/1 – rolling (most during the month of Dec.) • Public Out of State • Vary - most are similar to CSU and UC – some are later or rolling • Community College • Recommended to apply in the spring of senior year to take advantage of early enrollment programs for new students

30. Four pages of information plus Senior Questionnaire, Parent Assessment and unofficial transcript. Juniors are encouraged to work on this packet during the summer. Administrators write the Counselor or Secondary School Report. Completed packets are due to all recommenders for any EARLY APP (due before 12/1) by third week in September. All regulars (due 12/1 or after )second week in October. Mid-Year Reports in January Letter of Recommendation Process for Independents

31. Career Center Resources • College, Major, and Career Library • Bridges Choices Programs and Get In 2 College (internet) • College Rep Visits for all students • College Application Workshops for Seniors in the Fall • Scholarship Bulletin • Financial Aid Materials • SAT and ACT Testing Info (registration, free booklets, books…) • Testing and application fee waivers • Test Prep Info and Resources, Revolution Test Prep offers Mock ACT’s and SATs

32. Career Center Web Site Accessed from Leland High Web Site: http://www.sjusd.org/leland/career_center/index.html

33. College Rep Visits are for ALL Leland Students • Students obtain a pass and have teacher sign it in advance • Almost all visits are in the fall • Excellent opportunity College Rep Visits

34. CSU Presentation for all CSU’s given by SJSU • CSU, UC, Independents Application Workshop • UC Personal Statement & Letter of Recommendation Workshops • College Essays & College Application Workshops – Revolution Test Prep • Financial Aid Workshop for Seniors: January • Community College rep. visits College Application Workshops for Seniors

35. Junior Newsletter

36. Senior Calendar

37. Because the California Budget Crisis has affected admissions and academics we encourage you to consider all options: community colleges, CSU, UC, independent/private and public out of state. • Look at the total cost of the education and number of year to degree (if longer loss of income plus college expenses), retention rates, financial aid offered, and availability of classes and services. Consider All Options

38. College Event: Saturday, January ? Details? Upcoming College Information Event:

39. With Good Information, We Make Better Decisions!