La Mirada High School

1. La Mirada High School The Road to College

2. Higher Education Options in California • California Community Colleges- 2-year college. Students can choose to work toward an associate (two-year) degree or a one or two year training/certificate program in a choice occupational fields, such as health professions. Students may also complete a coursework to enable them to transfer to a college or university to complete a 4 year degree. • California State University (CSU)- With 23 campuses, the California State University is the largest, most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country. The CSU system emphasizes undergraduate education, leading to a bachelor’s, master’s, and a limited number of doctor’s degrees.

3. Higher Education Options in California • University of California (UC)- The 10 general campuses of the University of California combines the education of undergraduates with a strong emphasis on graduate programs and world-class research in science & humanities. • California Independent Colleges- The 75 independent, nonprofit California colleges and universities offer diverse and unique educational opportunities such as faith affiliated, women’s colleges etc. These institutions also include 2-year, undergraduate and graduate programs.

4. The 4-Year College ApplicantTaking the Right Classes: A-G • History / Social Sciences - 2 Years Required • U.S. History - 1 Year • World History - 1 Year • Government/Economics A • English - 4 Years Required • College Preparatory English • Composition Literature B C • Mathematics - 3 Years Required / 4 Recommended • College Preparatory Math (beginning with Algebra I or equivalent)

5. The 4- Year College Applicant Taking the Right Classes: A-G • Laboratory Science - 2 Years Required / 3 Recommended • Biology • Chemistry • Physics D • Language Other Than English-2 Years Required / 3 Years Recommended • Must be 2 years of the same language E F • Visual and Performing Arts - 1 Year • Must be an ADVANCED visual or performing arts course. • College Preparatory Electives - 1 Year • Chosen from: A-F G

6. Minimally Eligible Applicant Competitively Eligible Applicant 2 years of History / Social Science 4 years of English 3 years Math (starting with Algebra) 2 years of Laboratory Science 2years of a Foreign Language 1 year of Visual / Performing Arts 1 year of College Prep Elective 3 years of History / Social Science 4 years of English (AP / Honors) 4 years Math (starting with Algebra) 3 years of Laboratory Science 3-4 years of a Foreign Language 1 year of Visual / Performing Arts 1 year of College Prep Elective The 4 Year College Applicant What’s the difference between an Applicant and a Competitive Applicant?

7. Taking the Right Classes: A-GYour School’s UC Approved Course list • www.ucop.edu/doorways • If the class isn’t on this list, then... DON’T TAKE IT!!

8. Important Tests • SAT Reasoning Test • Math, Critical Reading and Writing • ACT Plus Writing • Math, Science, Reading, English, and Writing • SAT Subject Tests • Subject tests are optional and no longer required by • the UCs. Some private schools may require the • subject test. Check with the individual schools.

9. ACT v.s. SAT ACT Plus WritingSAT Reasoning $47.00 Aptitude Critical Reading, Writing, & Math Reasoning SCORE ADJUSTED FOR GUESSING & PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS Test Fee: Test Purpose: Test Content: Method of Scoring: $49.50 Achievement Math, English, Writing, & Science Reasoning NUMBER OF RIGHT ANSWERS & NO PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS

10. Financing My Education 4 Types of $$$$ Free Money$$$ Scholarships Grants • Free Money$$$ • based on FINANCIAL NEED • Federal: Pell and Supplemental Grant • The college or university • Cal Grants - GPA verification needed Loans Borrowed money that you must pay back, often after you graduate Workstudy Wages from working on campus Deadlines March2 (FAFSA & GPA Verification Form)

11. Get Involved! Participating in Extracurricular Activities is NECESSARY in order to be a competitive UC Applicant • Examples: • Campus clubs and organizations • leadership positions • sports • Volunteering • church • hospital • YMCA • Government offices • Tutoring • Part-time job

12. Plan of Action Finish off this academic year strong. Meet with your counselor to plan your schedule for next year - be sure to choose a challenging curriculum. Make sure all the classes that you have taken and are taking right now are UC approved. Take the PSAT (Last chance: Fall of Junior year). Start reading up on SAT & ACT info. Start researching for scholarships. Start thinking about which schools you want to apply to and go visit those schools. Get involved!

13. Research! Research!Research!It’s NEVER too early to start • Research colleges and universities • Attend college fairs • Visit college campuses • The only way to know what is right for you is to gather as much information as possible

14. Where on the Web College Searches www.californiacolleges.edu www.cccoapply.org www.collegeboard.com/finding/ www.csumentor.com/Selectwww.cacareerzone.org www.universityofcalifornia.edu www.collegeweeklive.com www.commonapp.org SAT info. www.collegeboard.com ACT info. www.actstudent.org High School Course Lists www.ucop.edu/doorways www.finaid.org www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com www.hermana.org www.petersons.com/finaid www.brokescholar.com www.hsf.net www.chicanalatina.org www.wiredscholar.com www.srnexpress.com www.studentaidalliance.org www.yesican.gov Financial Aid / Scholarships