First Generation 4-year College Basics Workshop

1. First Generation4-year College BasicsWorkshop Mrs. Olszewski – Class of 2018 Counselor Mrs. Campo – Class of 2017 Counselor September 17, 2014

2. Significance of being 1G • You will be the first in your family to earn a 4-year college degree. • You will open the door for younger siblings, for your children and their children. • Completing college will make you a stronger and happier person. • You will have more opportunities in your lifetime if you go to college. • ImFirst.org

3. “a-g”: Minimum Courses for College Entry • “a” 2 years of History • “b” 4 years of English • “c” 3 years of Math (Including Alg1, Geometry, Alg2) • “d” 2 years of Lab Science • “e” 2 years of Foreign Language • “f” 1 year of Visual/Performing Arts • “g” 1 year of College Prep Elective

4. Testing Requirement • SAT Reasoning Test with Writing and/or • ACT with Writing • Sign up online • Fee Waivers available • Juniors: Take at least once in Spring of 11th • Seniors: December is deadline • 9th/10th: PSAT is a great practice test for SAT. Offered in October.

5. SAT or ACT The Short Answer… • Better at vocabulary and reading? The SAT may be the test for you. • Better at science and graphical thinking? The ACT may play to your strengths • SAT II tests are specialized, one-hour-long tests, each of which focus on a specific subject area – Chemistry, American History, etc. Free SAT Test Prep: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice Free ACT Test prep: http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/

6. Grade Point Average (GPA) – It Matters • California Public Universities will only use grades earned in College Preparatory classes for GPA calculation. • College applications are filed in Fall of 12th grade, this means colleges will make admission decisions based on grades earned in 9th-11th. • How to calculate GPA: Sample: • A grade = 4 points English A (4 points) • B grade = 3 points Geometry B (3 points) • C grade = 2 points AP World Hist* B (4 points) • F grade = 0 points Biology C (2 points) Spanish 1 B (3 points) • Add the number of points and divide by the number of classes. • 16 points divided by 5 classes = 3.2 GPA (Academic) *Advanced Placement (AP) classes get 1 extra point on GPA

7. Make Yourself College Material • “Package” yourself for admissions officers: • Take challenging classes • Practice taking the SAT (PSAT) • Compelling extra-curricular activities • Volunteer Work (start now!) • Excellent grades • Effective use of free time to advance future goals

8. Get The Support You Need • Counselors: Mrs. Olszewski (class of 2018)& Mrs. Campo (class of 2017). Take advantage of on-campus workshops. Students—visit us during our office hours. • Family:Talk frankly and often about your college plans. Come to agreement and make plans together. • School & Community: Use teachers, coaches,alumni and community members as resources for information, help and support.

9. Why Go to College? • More opportunities(jobs) will be available due to the knowledge, skills and experienceyou will gain in college. • College work will challenge and inspire you. • College helps students develop into mature, responsible, and independent adults. • Choosing your own classes gives you the opportunity to explore courses in many different subjects. • Explore outside the classroom through extracurricular activities and internships. • Invest in your future.

10. Types of Colleges:Factors to consider when making your college list • Public Institutions: Cal States & UCs • Our local Public Schools: Cal State San Marcos and UC Riverside • Private institutions • Local Colleges in Southern CA • Out-of-State Schools including WUE • Small Colleges • Large Colleges

11. Undergraduate Degrees • BS degree: Bachelors of Science • BA degree: Bachelors of Arts • With undergraduate degrees, students: • Complete general education requirements • Complete major specific requirements

12. Where will you be in 10 years?Will your college major be the determinate? • Naviancesurveys to help you decide: • Interest and Career Profiler • 9th grade – October 2014 • Career options based on your responses • Skills, tasks, salaries • ASVAB – Measures career interests & aptitude • 10th grade – September 18th

13. “In Demand” College Majors • Biomedical Engineering • Biometrics • Forensic Science • Computer Game Design • Business • Public Health • Robotics • PetroleumEngineering • Study dealing with law, medicine, technology, science

14. More Factors to Consider with your College List • Safe Schools • Likely Schools • Reach Schools • Determine your “fit” based on GPA and SAT/ACT test scores • Know the competitive factor with schools on your college list • Continue to revise

15. Cost of College • Types of Costs: Tuition & Fees, Housing & Food, Books & Supplies, Transportation & Other • Two types of Aid: • Merit Based Aid (GPA) • Need Based Aid (family income) • Many students will get aid from various sources (gift aid and/or loans) • These costs may seem overwhelming, but there are ways to keep expenses down.

16. Process for Financial Aid • Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://fafsa.ed.gov/ • CSS Profile: http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile • Private Scholarships such as Dollars for Scholars • Cal Grants A, B, C • California Dream Act • Every college will provide family with Financial Aid Package that will determine how funds will pay forcollege.

17. What to do Right Now • Do well in your current classes! • Read, read, read • Find a mentor • Make some like-minded friends • Join a club or a sport • Explore and identify career interests • Make a portfolio (Naviance resume) • Summer activities (volunteer, first job, visit college campuses, etc.)