Preparing for the College Admissions Process
October 3, 2014
Ms. Tucker
Mr. Jacks
OVERVIEW
• Student Responsibilities/Preparation/Timeline• UC Admissions– Personal Statement
• CSU Admissions• Private Colleges/Universities (Letters of Recommendation
only)
– The Common Application– Essay
• Community College Programs• Financial Aid
Student Preparation• Prepare early. Get organized!• Research campuses and majors offered
– www.mymajors.com– www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions– www.csumentor.edu
• Gather information in your research– Career Center at WHS– College/university tours
• Finish SAT/ACT testing (December deadline)• Apply broadly but selectively• Get reviews of your personal statement/essay and
revise, revise, revise
Student Preparation cont’d • Observe and meet all deadlines• Follow all instructions as per the applications
directions (private institutions)• E-mail communication is important!– Create a professional e-mail address– Check it often!!!
• Respond immediately to requests for further information
• Before submitting over the internet, make a copy for your records
Application Timeline
Date/Deadline Task
October 1-31 UC/CSU Application OpensNovember 1-30 Submit UC/CSU Application Late January Update December Test ResultsMarch 2 Deadline for FAFSAMarch/April Notification of Admission May 1 SIR (Statement of Intent to Register)
Deadline – Freshman
UC Application Process
• Minimum entrance requirements to the UC system – 3.0 GPA plus an appropriate Eligibility Index (determined by SAT I/ACT scores) and 15 courses in the A - G requirements
• SAT I or ACT; SAT II Subject Tests recommended for certain majors
• Use a Comprehensive Review Process…
Application Factors
• Comprehensive review factors, such as:– High School GPA in UC-required courses– SAT I or ACT (w/writing)– Academic courses completed beyond the minimum– Quality of senior year program– Special talents, achievements, and awards– Outstanding academic performance in a subject– Personal Statement– Community service
The Personal Statement
• 2 Prompts; students must address both• 1,000 words total or less• View as personal interview on paper
For more information and helpful tips visit:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/personal-statement/index.html
Final Thoughts on Personal Statement
• Start early, get feedback, and REVISE!• Define your motivation/momentum in topics
you are passionate about• Decisions are never made on the personal
statement alone• Avoid common mistakes (manufactured
hardships, vague examples, etc.)
California State UniversityApplication Process
• Minimum entrance requirements – 2.0 GPA – 15 units in college prep classes (A – G) – Eligibility Index determined by (calculated by using
students’ SAT I or ACT score and GPA)– For further information regarding the Eligibility
Index refer to www.csumentor.edu
California State UniversityApplication Process
• Impacted campuses and impacted majors implement a selection process.
• Some campuses have “Priority Admission Days” -- “Early Admission Days”-- “On Site Admission Days” -- contact the campus you are interested in for details
• Check to see your EAP conditional status– EAP testing from junior year– “C” or better in English 4 AP or IB– “C” or better in Math Analysis, Math Analysis Honors,
Calculus, or any AP or IB math course taken in your senior year
Private College/University Admission Process
• Letter of Recommendation needed• If a student meets UC requirements he/she has
probably met most private institution’s requirements• Contact the school you are interested in and get their
specific admission requirements
The Common Application
• www.commonapp.org• Used by over 400 universities.• Allows students to complete one general
application instead of filling out multiple ones.• Helps remind applicants about deadlines.• Allows up to 20 applications
Early Decision
• Generally binding. Students agree to go there if accepted. – Can opt out if students can prove financial
hardship.– Schools honor ED binding decisions. If you opt out,
other schools are unlikely to accept you.– Leaves less leverage to negotiate financial aid
packages.
Early Action
• Alternative to Early Decision– Not binding – students can attend other
universities.• SCEA – Single Choice EA allow only one EA
application at a time.– Allows students to compare financial aid packages.
Letters of Recommendation
• Require 1 from GLC and 2 from teachers• Senior Profile should be completed (located on
GLC page of WHS website under “senior recommend”) along with a cover sheet and all essays.
• Requires 2-3 weeks notice (holidays not included)
• Confidential – do not ask for a copy• Teachers should be given similar considerations
Example of Cover Sheet(Example Only)
– School Common App. Deadline• 1. La Verne 1. yes 1. Dec. 1• 2. Pt. Loma 2. yes 2. Nov. 30• 3. Cal Poly 3. no 3. Nov. 30
California Community Colleges
• Information and application to any CA college:
• www.cccco.edu• Over 100 community college to choose from• Students can apply to many schools from one
site• Mt. SAC will be on campus next semester to
assist in applications and placement exams
Mt. Sac
Mt. SAC Special Programs
• Connect 4– Participating students register early for fall classes.– Students complete orientation & receive support with registration.– Students increase likelihood of getting fall semester classes.– Invited students will have:
1) Application on file- Students must submit application for Summer 2014 or Fall 2014 and obtain confirmation number (assistance available)
2) Take placement tests- Students must have tested and have scores on their record (tests scheduled at the high school; advanced sign- ups required with application confirmation number)
Mt. SAC Special Programs
• Mt. SAC Honors Program• Requirements– Eligibility for English 1A– 3.5 GPA (weighted okay)– Letter of Recommendation (prefer English teacher)
• Benefits– Geographic convenience– Financial Affordability (tuition, room & board, etc.)– VERY HIGH TRANSFER RATES!!!!!!
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
• File a FAFSA – January 1 - March 2, 2015• Eligibility for many scholarships and
grants requires on-time FAFSA filing
New Contact Information
• Be sure to use the updated email addresses when filling out the Common Application
• Ms. Tucker: – [email protected]
• Mr. Jacks: – [email protected]
THANK YOU
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