There are two other independent types of colleges:

Transcription

1 An overview of California s independent colleges and universities Information gathered from: College: Making it Happen

2 There are three public systems: 1. The University of California (UC) 2. The California State University (CSU) 3. The California Community Colleges (CCC) There are two other independent types of colleges: 4. Private/independent colleges and universities 5 S i li d h l d ll ( k 5. Specialized schools and colleges (a.k.a vocational/trade schools )

3 California s nonprofit, independent colleges and universities are often referred to as private. Private universities are not state-supported unlike the UC and CSU systems. Greater student access to privately funded financial assistance. Every private university is unique, with yp y q, varied admission requirements and processes.

4 California is home to more than 75 independent colleges and universities. Nine out of ten students at private universities receive some form of financial i aid. Private universities are diverse-- forty percent of the student body are from minority backgrounds. Over 233,000 students attend California s private colleges and universities. Students can directly enter a private university after high school, or transfer from a community college after completing GE requirements.

5 Private universities i i are very diverse. Students can select the school and environment that best fits their individual needs. Some characteristics to consider: Campus size? Urban / Rural? Co-ed? Classroom sizes? Religious institution? On-campus housing? Are my majors offered?

6 Generally, admission requirements at private universities fall into four categories: 1. Schools with admission requirements similar to the UC system. 2. Schools with admission requirements similar to the CSU system. 3. Schools that accept only the top students in the world. 4. Schools with very specific requirements (in addition to well-rounded curriculum) related to their specialty-- for example, in the visual or performing arts.

7 Vary by institution, but generally resemble the California a-g pattern: a. History / Social Science 2 years required b. English 4 years required c. Mathematics 3 years required, 4 years recommended d. Laboratory Science 2 years required, 3 years recommended e. Language other than English 2 years required, 3 years recommended d f. Visual and Performing Arts 1 year required g. College Prep. Elective 1 year required

8 Vary by institution, but will be one or a combination of the following: SAT Reasoning Register online: ACT Register online: All sections must be taken. Check with institution of interest for sections scored. SAT Subject Register online: Check with institution of interest for number of subject exams required. Some universities or majors may prefer certain subjects. Ask high h school counselors for fee waivers!

9 Vary by institution, but most private institutions accept the Common Application. In addition to the Common Application, most private institutions will also require a supplemental application, which may include a statement of parent / student finances. Determines eligibility for particular programs g y p p g and/or financial aid specific to the university.

10 Other possible application supplements: Interview Sample work: i.e. writing sample or video sample of a particular talent (especially for performing arts institutions) Rolling Admission is practiced at most private institutions. Early Decision is available at most private institutions. Application deadlines vary by institution!!!

11 Personal Data Future Plans Information collected may not be required by all private institutions, but students should complete all sections. Information may be used to determine eligibility for private aid. Academics List classes taken at all high schools and, if applicable, community colleges of attendance. Standardized Tests List all test sessions and sections taken. For multiple sittings: some schools will accept the highest score; some will accept a median score. Include AP / IB test dates and scores for possible college credit.

12 Honors and academic distinctions Anything from National Merit to High School Honor Roll should be listed! Activities Include extracurricular, community, or volunteer activities. Even hobbies and family activities are acceptable. Work experience Writing 1. Short answer to assigned topic 2. One essay (250 word minimum) in response to a topic of your choice or one of five topics offered

13 Answer the question thoroughly! Fill in any holes in your application. Don t repeat what the application already reflects. ANALYZE: Do not focus only on the negatives or only on the positives. Describe how the particular topic (situation, event, class, club, or person) changed you. Always show GROWTH. Ask at least 3 people to edit your essay(s): 1. Someone who knows you 2. Someone who doesn t know you 3. An English teacher

14 Additional Information Use this section to note any special circumstances that are not reflected or may be confusing in your application. Payment Application fees (and fee waivers) vary by institution and are listed on the Common Application website. Teacher Evaluation Number required vary by institution. Secondary School Report Completed by high school counselor Includes student s current/planned class schedule, official i GPA, and class rank

15 Early Decision Agreement Required only for students applying via the binding early decision plan to their first-choice institution Application Submission Deadlines vary by institution Hard copy of Common Application available for download online ALWAYS try to apply online for easier and faster accessibility:

16 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Determines eligibility for federal and state aid Citizens or eligible non-citizens can apply Application opens in January of every year Application deadlines may vary by private institution (most accept March 2 deadline) Apply online: Get a PIN first for student and parent (acts as online signature): Check the Cal-SOAP website for Cash for College workshops in Jan. and Feb. for FAFSA assistance:

17 GPA Verification Form Reports student s official GPA to the state for eligibility for California based grants Must be completed by high school registrar or counselor Ask your high school about their GPA Verification process before March Deadline for competitive Cal-Grants: March 2

18 College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile Collects parent and student financial information to determine eligibility for private, campus- based funds CSS Profile is requested by most private institutions in addition to the FAFSA A fee is associated with the Profile and each institution to which it is sent Apply online: com

19 Scholarships Private funds distributed on a competitive basis by private organizations, institutions, and individuals Private colleges and universities generally have a large reserve of scholarships that are available only to their own student body Complete all supplemental financial aid forms your private institution may request Search for external scholarships: Ask high h school counselors Look for national scholarship books at public libraries Check out online scholarship search engines: hi

20 Maintain a competitive GPA. Take Honors, AP, IB, and other rigorous courses. Many private universities accept the top students in the nation. Avoid senioritis senioritis. All admissions are provisional! Application builders: Extracurricular activities Leadership roles Community service hours Research, research, research! Remember: Private institutions pick their own criteria i for admission. Research the campus and understand what they are looking for. Does the campus fit your needs? Do you fit their needs? IT IS YOUR JOB TO BE A COMPETITIVE APPLICANT.

21 Alliant International University Azusa Pacific University Biola University Chapman University Loyola Marymount University National University Occidental College Pepperdine University Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego Christian College San Francisco Conservatory of Music Scripps College Stanford University University i of La Verne University of Redlands University of San Diego University of Southern California For more examples of California s i private institutions, visit:

22 90% of students at private universities receive financial aid from that institution. -True Most private universities use completely different application forms. -False Private universities are small, tight-knit campuses. -False Private universities admissions requirements are very different from those of public universities. -False Private universities are always tougher to gain admission to than public universities. -False There is usually the same amount or more paperwork in applying to a private university than a public university. -True

23 Meet college representatives from all over the nation at Cal-SOAP s annual College / University Fair: Wednesday, October 28, :00pm 8:30pm Scottish Rite Center: 1895 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, California For more information and registration: For more information and registration: