+ THE ROAD TO COLLEGE STARTS HERE A College: Making It Happen presentation for students and their parents, sponsored by Cal-SOAP.
Dec 14, 2015
+
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
+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.
+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…
+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.)
+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
+
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 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
+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