Preparing For College

Ms. ZavalaCollege and Career Counselor

Room 701

Topics That Will Be Discussed:

• A-G requirements

• The 4 College Options in California

• 10 Ways to Prepare For College

A-G Requirements

• These are courses in specific subjects that you are required to complete in order to attend a 4 year university.

• If you do not complete your A-G requirements, you will not be admitted to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC).

• Out of state colleges and private/independent colleges require some variation of the A-G requirements as well.

A-G Requirements

• Area A: Social Science• 2 years required• Ex. World History

and US History

• Area B: English• 4 years required• Ex. Language Arts

9 and AP English Language

• Area C: Mathematics• 3 years required• 4 years

recommended

• Area D: Laboratory Science• 2 years required• 3 or more years

recommended• Ex. Biology and

Chemistry

A-G Requirements

• Area E: Language other than English• 2 years of the

SAME language required

• 3 or more years recommended

• Ex. Spanish 1 and Spanish 2

• Area F: Visual and Performing Art• 1 year required• Ex. Art 1, Drama, etc.

• Area G: College Preparatory Elective• 1 year required• Example Psychology

1, Accounting 1

Remember…

• You must pass each A-G course with at least a C!

• If you earn a D or F in an A-G course, talk to your counselor to see when you can make up the course.

California Community College

• There are over 100 community colleges in California

• Local Community Colleges: Cerritos, Cypress, Fullerton

• Admission Requirements: Earn a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age.

California Community Colleges

• What can I do at a Community College?

• Option 1: take general education courses (ex. English, Math, Science) for about 2 years then transfer to a CSU, UC, Private College or Out of State college to complete your degree.

• Option 2: Take classes in a specific career field and earn a certificate. Ex. Cosmetology, Automotive, Dental Assistant, etc.

Private/Independent Colleges

• There are over 70 private/independent colleges in California

• Ex: University of Southern California, Chapman University, Biola University, Stanford

• General Admission Requirements• Complete your A-G course• Take your SAT or ACT • be involved in extracurricular activities, do

community service • The minimum g.p.a. and average test scores vary.• Check on the school’s website to see their exact

admission requirements!

California State University (CSU)

• There are 23 CSUs to choose from.

• Admission Requirements: Minimum 2.0 g.p.a, Take the SAT or ACT.

• Your g.p.a. is calculated from 10th+11th grade ONLY

• If you have lower than a 3.0, you have to get a certain SAT or ACT score in order to be eligible to apply.

University of California (UC)

• There are 9 UC options in California.

• Admission Requirements:• Minimum 3.0 g.p.a. from 10th+11th grade

ONLY• Take the SAT or ACT• Be involved in clubs, sports, community

service or other extracurricular activities.

• These universities are research institutions: you will be required to do research and your classes will have a research emphasis.

UC vs. CSU Freshmen Admission Profiles

How Are My Applications Evaluated?

University of California

• A-G courses

• Grades

• SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Test Scores

• Extracurricular Activities

• Leadership Roles

• Awards and Honors Received

• Part Time Job

• Community Service

• Personal Statement • 2 Personal Statements• Total of 1,000 words

California State University

• A-G courses

• Grades

• SAT or ACT test scores (whichever one is higher)

10 Ways to Prepare for College

#1 Take Challenging Courses!

#2 Earn the highest grades possible!

#3 Research your college options.

#4 Get involved at JGHS and in your community.

#5 Be a leader!

#6 Prepare for and take the SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests your 11th and 12th grade year.

#7 Talk to college graduates and current college students about their experiences.

#8 Visit College Campuses!

#9 Come to events hosted by the College and Career Center.

#10 Come see Ms. Zavala in room 701.

College Exploration Websites

• Californiacolleges.edu

• Bigfuture.collegeboard.org

• Csumentor.edu

• Aiccu.edu

• Universityofcalifornia.edu

Review

• Quick Review!

Activity

Go to californiacolleges.edu on your iPad to complete the group worksheet and practice your college research skills!