COLLEGE ADMISSIONS GUIDE 2014/2015 CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ACT/SAT HIGH SCHOOL CODE:

Transcription

1 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS GUIDE 2014/2015 CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ACT/SAT HIGH SCHOOL CODE:

2 CHAPTER 1 Selection of a College Picking a college may be one of the most important decisions you will make during high school. With more than 4,000 institutions of higher learning in the United States alone, it can seem overwhelming. But the good news is that by following a simple strategy and choosing wisely, you will end up at a college you will truly benefit from and enjoy. To get started, you will want to select an initial pool of colleges for consideration from which you will ultimately narrow down to six to eight that you will make application to in the fall of your senior year. A recommended guideline to follow is that you will want to end up with two to three reach schools that you have a 10-20% chance of acceptance; three to four target schools that you have a 70-80% chance of acceptance; and one to two safety schools that you have a 100% chance of acceptance. Thus, once you have selected a pool of colleges based on your preferences, you will then need to calculate your percentage chances of admission for each, so that you can determine whether you have chosen a sufficient number of reach, likely, and safety schools, making changes if you have a disproportionate number in any one area. If you have an appropriate number of schools in each of the three categories, you will eliminate much of the anxiety students can experience in the college application and admission process. To create your list of potential schools, you will need to decide what aspects of a college are important to you. Determining application to the right schools varies according to the individual; consequently, the more carefully you research your choices, the happier you are likely to be with your ultimate choice. 1

3 Some questions you should consider asking yourself are: What are my values, interests, and abilities? What size school would I like to be a part of? What would I like to major in and what schools are strong in my desired major? Would I prefer a private school or a public school? What geographical setting is preferable to me and what type of campus setting would I like? Would I like a school with a religious affiliation or a school that is nondenominational? Would I like a single-sex school or a co-ed school? Would I prefer a structured or a free environment? Am I looking for a school with sports, and if so, do I want Division I, II, or III? What financial assistance can I expect from my parents? If I need financial aid, what is available to me? Competition-wise, is the school suited to me? As mentioned before, there are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States, so it is not feasible to research each one. Rather, after asking the previously suggested questions and others, you can eliminate many schools and concentrate on learning more about certain ones. 2

4 SECTION 1 Naviance A great resource for exploring colleges is Naviance, an easy-to-use, online, personalized college and career planning and college application tool available to CCHS students. Not only are CCHS students able to do college and career searches on Naviance, but when students become seniors, they will be using Naviance to organize and carry out steps to complete their college applications. In the early spring of their junior year, students are given thorough instructions on using Naviance for intensive college planning and application processes, as well as reminders about signing up for college visits and searching for scholarships. Students are encouraged to visit Naviance often and take advantage of the resources it provides for each step of the college planning and application process. 3

5 SECTION 2 Other Research Options Students are also encouraged to consult reference books, such as Barron s Profiles of American Colleges, Fiske Guide to Colleges, and Peterson s Guide to Four-Year Colleges, which are all available in the CCHS Counseling Office. In addition, we suggest you use the Internet to research schools. A listing of helpful college websites is available both in the Counseling Office and in Naviance. Also, go directly to schools websites, as schools offer their catalogs and course offerings, as well as all sorts of additional information, online. Students are also encouraged to attend local college fairs, particularly the CCHS fair in the fall and the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) College Fair held yearly in April, and attend college visits held on our campus. Also, while doing your research, make sure to learn each school s retention rate, the percentage of students who live on campus, and extra-curricula available. Also check the student profile, as this will show the average GPA, ACT/SAT score, and geographic/ethnic background of admitted students. Throughout this process, keep in contact with your counselor and don t hesitate to ask for help. Remember that your counselor can t choose the school for you. It is up to you to do some careful research and make some personal choices. Finally, when your list is down to your final choices, make every attempt to visit the schools. 4

6 SECTION 3 Selection Summary In summary, the suggested procedure for selection of a college is: Talk to your CCHS counselor during the second half of your junior year and at the beginning of your senior year. Do online searches using Naviance and check other references to generate a list of schools that meet your criteria. Check online for school catalogs. Check the Internet and the Counseling Office for more information, and review each school s profile. Attend the CCHS College Fair held yearly in October and the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) College Fair held yearly in April. Attend college visits on our campus. Approximately 150 schools send representatives to our campus each year to speak about their schools. These visitations are announced in Naviance and the CCHS Daily Bulletin in advance of the visit. You may wish to attend these sessions to learn more about college life on that campus. You will be limited to five of these sessions for your junior year and five for your senior year, and this rule is strictly enforced. Once you sign up to attend a college visit on Naviance, it counts whether or not you attend the visit. The only exception is an absence due to illness. If possible, visit your top choices. No matter how well you think you know a college or university, you can learn a lot (good or bad) by spending a few hours on campus, including whether or not the college feels like a good fit for you. 5

7 A few other tips to consider: A college is not necessarily right for you because its name is familiar. Don t equate educational quality with name recognition. Don t choose a college because your friends are going there. Choosing a college because your girlfriend or boyfriend is headed there is one of the worst reasons to select a school. Separate reality from opinions. Many people refer to a college as good, hard to get into, a party school, too expensive, etc., without really knowing the facts. Don t accept these kinds of generalizations without evidence. Do not rule out colleges early because of cost. Many colleges offer scholarships, financial aid, and tuition installment plans that make them far more affordable than they may first appear. You won t know how much it will cost to attend a college until the very end of the process. Finally, if you have a tough time choosing among two or more colleges or universities, it is probably because you have done a good job putting together your list, and you will be happy at whichever institution you choose. Once you make your choice, don t agonize over it. If you have done thorough research, there is an excellent chance your final college choice will be a good one. 6

8 CHAPTER 2 College Entrance Tests There are three college entrance tests that you need to be aware of: ACT SAT Reasoning Test SAT Subject Tests Of these three tests, the ACT and the SAT Reasoning Test are comparable and most four-year colleges require applicants to submit scores from one or the other for admission. The SAT Subject Tests are only required by certain schools, and this requirement will be indicated in each school's admission criteria. Information on Subject Tests follows in its own section below. Both the ACT and the SAT exams are intended to provide measures of a student s college readiness, and virtually all schools accept either test. The two tests differ in many ways and measure different skills, so it is important to learn about these differences, as students may do better on one test format over the other. Following is a Comparative Features chart (designed by KAPLAN Test Prep), which has a side-by-side comparison of the ACT and the SAT, to get an initial idea of the differences between the ACT and the SAT. 7

9 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ACT AND SAT 8

10 Students often want to know what their ACT scores mean when compared to the scores of the SAT. To get an idea how an ACT Composite Score compares with SAT Composite Scores, please review the following chart: 9

11 Though both the ACT and SAT tests are offered in all 50 states, it is interesting to note that each test's popularity is often based simply on which state students reside and not by college admissions requirements as sometimes believed. Please review the ACT-SAT preference map (from StudyPoint) below, which shows each state's testing preference. Blue states have more ACT takers, and orange states have more SAT takers. The following sections will provide more details of each exam (all information has been garnered from their respective websites), but to access all the resources available in relation to these tests, please visit for the ACT and sat.collegeboard.org/home for the SAT. 10

12 SECTION 1 American College Test (ACT) The ACT tests are universally accepted for college admission. All four-year colleges and universities in the United States, including all of the Ivy League schools, accept the ACT (all information on the ACT from ACT, Inc.) Content and Format The ACT is curriculum based. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what is taught in high school courses. The test contains four multiple-choice tests that measure academic achievement in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science, as well as an optional Writing Test, for which students complete an essay. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes three and a half hours (including administration instructions and breaks) to complete without the Writing Test. The ACT Writing Test adds 30 minutes to the testing time. a. The ACT English Test (45 minutes) contains 75 items on usage and mechanics, including punctuation, basic grammar and usage, sentence structure, rhetorical skills, strategies, organization and style. b. The ACT Mathematics Test (60 minutes) contains 60 items and covers pre-algebra and elementary algebra, intermediate algebra and coordinate geometry, and plane geometry and trigonometry. c. The ACT Reading Test (35 minutes) contains 40 items and covers arts and literature (prose fiction and humanities) and social studies and natural sciences (history, political science, biology, chemistry, physics, physical sciences). d. The ACT Science Test (35 minutes) contains 40 items and covers interpretation analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in biology, earth/space sciences, chemistry, and physics. e. The optional ACT Writing Test (30 minutes) involves one prompt and measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses. CCHS recommends that all students taking the ACT take the Writing Test. 11

13 Test Scores Scores for the ACT are based on the number of right answers. There is no penalty for guessing. ACT test scores and the Composite score range from 1 to 36; subscores range from 1 to 18. The Composite score is the average of the scores on the four subject area tests, and does not include writing. Subscores do not necessarily add up to the score for a subject area test. To figure the multiple-choice test scores and the Composite score, ACT follows this process: First they count the number of questions on each test that are answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers. Then, ACT converts the raw scores (number of correct answers on each test) to scale scores. Scale scores have the same meaning for all the different forms of the ACT, no matter which test date a test was taken. The Composite score and each test score (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science) range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The Composite Score is the average of the four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. Fractions less than one-half are rounded down; fractions one-half or more are rounded up. Then, ACT computes the seven subscores (Usage/Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills, etc.) in the same way, but subscores range from 1 (low) to 18 (high). There is no direct, arithmetic relationship between the subscores and the test scores this means the subscores don t add up to the test score. ACT has developed College Readiness Benchmark Scores to directly measure College Readiness Standards that are based on actual college performance of students and reflected by specific scores. These scores represent the level of achievement required for students to have a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in corresponding credit-bearing, first-year college courses. These college courses include English composition, college algebra, introductory social studies and humanities courses, and biology. If a student scores at or above the following ACT benchmark scores (updated 2013), he or she will likely be ready for first-year college courses English 18, Mathematics 22, Reading 22, and Science

14 a. Rank The ACT Student Report indicates rank, which shows the percent of recent high school graduates who took the ACT and scored at or below each of your scores. Students can use the ranks to get a sense of strengths and weaknesses in the four general subject areas represented by the test scores and in the seven specific areas represented by the subscores. A high rank in a content area may suggest a good chance of success in related college majors and careers. A low rank may indicate that the student may need to develop skills more by taking additional coursework in that area. b. Writing Test Scores Taking the ACT Plus Writing will provide you and the schools to which you have ACT report scores sent with two additional scores. When you take both the English Test and the Writing Test, you will receive a Writing subscore and a Combined English/Writing score. You will also receive selected comments about your essay from one of the readers. An image of your essay will be available to CCHS and the colleges to which you have ACT report your scores from that test date. You must take both the English and Writing Tests in the same session to receive Writing scores. The Combined English/Writing score is created by using a formula that weights the English Test score two-thirds and the Writing Test score one-third. The Combined English/Writing score is then reported on a 1-36 scale. Taking the Writing Test does not affect your subject area scores or your Composite score. The essay will be evaluated on the evidence it gives of your ability to do the following: express judgments by taking a position on the issue in the writing prompt maintain a focus on the topic throughout the essay develop a position by using logical reasoning and by supporting your ideas organize ideas in a logical way use language clearly and effectively according to the rules of standard written English 13

15 The essay will be scored holistically that is, on the basis of the overall impression created by all the elements of the writing. Two trained readers will score the essay, each giving it a rating from 1 (low) to 6 (high). The sum of those ratings is your Writing subscore, which is reported on a scale of 2 to 12. If the readers ratings disagree by more than one point, a third reader will evaluate your essay to resolve the discrepancy. c. Average Scores The average ACT score of all 1.8 million test takers nationwide in 2013 was The average ACT score of all 107,000 test takers in California in 2013 was While college and university guidelines vary greatly, to get a rough idea of the average composite scores that typically are accepted at colleges or universities, please review the following: Highly selective (majority of accepted freshmen in top 10% of high school graduating class): scores Selective (majority of accepted freshmen in top 25% of high school graduating class): scores Traditional (majority of accepted freshmen in top 50% of high school graduating class): scores Liberal (some freshmen from lower half of high school graduating class): scores Open (all high school graduates accepted, to limit of capacity): scores

16 When to Take the ACT Most students take the ACT during their junior and senior year in high school. It is recommended that students take the ACT at least twice once in the spring of their junior year and once in the fall of their senior year. Most students improve their score the second time around. In fact, 57% of students who retake the ACT saw an increase in their composite score. 15

17 SECTION 2 Taking the ACT Preparing for the ACT The ACT measures the knowledge, understanding, and skills that you have acquired throughout your education. Although the sum total of what a person has learned cannot easily be changed, your performance in a specific area can be affected by adequate preparation, especially if it has been some time since you have taken a course in that area. a. Three Strategies to Help from ACT There are three strategies that ACT says can help you to prepare yourself for the content included in the ACT: 1. Familiarize Yourself with the Content of the ACT Tests: Review the information about the tests provided by ACT. Note which content areas make up a large proportion of the tests and which do not. The specific topics included in each content area are examples of possible topics; they do not include all of the possibilities. Taking ACT practice tests can help students become familiar with the ACT. It is most helpful to take the tests under conditions that are as similar as possible to those you will experience on test day. 2. Refresh Your Knowledge and Skills in the Content Areas: Review those content areas you have studied but are not fresh in your mind. Spend your time refreshing your knowledge and skills in the content areas that make up large portions of the tests. 3. Identify the Content Areas You Have Not Studied: If unfamiliar content areas make up major portions of the tests, consider taking coursework to help you gain knowledge and skills in these areas before you take the ACT. Because the ACT measures knowledge and skills acquired over a period of time, it is unlikely that a cram course covering material that is unfamiliar to you will help you improve your scores. Longer-term survey courses will be most helpful to you, because they aim to improve your knowledge through sustained learning and practice. 16

18 b. Additional ACT Preparation Materials ( 1. ACT Online Prep: The only online test preparation program designed exclusively by ACT test development professionals. ACT Online Prep has practice tests with real ACT test questions; practice essays for the optional ACT Writing Test, with real-time scoring; comprehensive content review for each of the ACT s four required tests English, Math, Reading, and Science; diagnostic test and personalized Study Path; anywhere, anytime access via the Internet. 2. The Real ACT Prep Guide: This is the official prep book from the makers of the ACT. It includes: five practice tests used in previous actual test administrations each with an optional Writing Test; explanations for all right and wrong answer choices; an in-depth look at the optional Writing Test and how it is scored; valuable test-taking strategies for each test section; all you need to know about the ACT formatting, structure, registration, and how colleges interpret your scores; a review of important topics in English, math, science, and writing; how to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for test day; and a CD version that contains supplemental resources to help you explore colleges and get college planning advice. 3. Use ACT Question of the Day (found at and read the booklet Preparing for the ACT, available in the CCHS Counseling Office. 17

19 Online Registration The easiest way to register for the ACT is to do it online at Before you can register, you will need to create a free ACT Web account. This account also allows you to change your test option, test date, or test center; add, change, or delete college choices; receive updates from ACT about your registration; view your scores at no charge; and request and pay for score reports to additional colleges after you test. At the time of registration, students may designate up to six (four if they register by mail) score recipients (four are included in the test fee). Additions, deletions, and changes may be made up to 12 p.m., central time, the Thursday after the regularly scheduled Saturday test date. To send reports to more than six colleges and all reports after the change deadline, students must submit and pay for Additional Score Reports after they test. When you register to take the test, you will need to choose your test option, either the ACT (No Writing), or the ACT Plus Writing (as mentioned before, CCHS recommends that all students taking the ACT take the Writing Test). In addition, you will need to choose your test date and test center location. You also will be required to provide your gender and upload or submit (via ACT website, mobile device, or mail) a recognizable, head-and-shoulders photo of yourself when registering. Your gender and photo will be included on tickets, test center rosters, and score reports that are sent to students' high schools. Once your registration is completed, you will be prompted to print your Admission Ticket. You must bring your Admission Ticket (along with an acceptable photo ID) with you to the test center on test day. It has information you will need to accurately complete your answer document; otherwise, your scores will be delayed. a. High School Code Students are required to provide their high school to ACT when they register, and score reports will automatically be sent to that high school. Cathedral Catholic High School s Code is

20 Late Registration Period Once the regular registration deadline is past, the late registration period begins for students registering for the ACT. The late registration period generally extends for one to two weeks past the regular registration deadline. Students who miss the regular registration deadline can still register during this period by paying an additional late registration fee. Fee waivers may not be used to pay for the late registration fee. Standby Testing If you miss the late registration deadline for a test date, you may choose to try to test as a standby on test day. To be considered for standby testing, you must first register for standby testing and then bring a Standby Ticket for the particular test center you chose and have your name on the Standby Roster at that test center. If you bring a ticket for another test date or a different test center, you will not be admitted. In addition, paper registration folders will not be accepted at the test center. Standby requests must be submitted during a limited "Standby Request Period" before the test date. You will not be guaranteed a seat or a test booklet, and only standard time and regular print materials are available for standby testing. Your standby request is valid only if you fully complete all required materials, including uploading a photo and submitting payment. Test centers admit standbys on a first-come, first-admitted basis and only if there are seats, test materials, and staff available after all registered students have been admitted for their test option. If you are not admitted to test on the upcoming test day, your standby request will not transfer to any other test date. Instead, ACT will refund the fees paid for your standby request. 19

21 Fee Waivers The ACT Fee Waiver Program is designed to assist students in the United States, United States territories, and Puerto Rico for whom payment of the basic registration fee could be a barrier to college entrance. Students cannot request a fee waiver directly from ACT; students must contact their counselor to receive an ACT Fee Waiver. Students must meet all of the following requirements: Currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade. Either a United States citizen or testing in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Puerto Rico. Meet one or more indicators of economic need listed on the ACT Fee Waiver Form. If a student is eligible, he/she may use a maximum of two separate fee waivers total. The waiver is used once a student registers, even if he/she does not test on the requested test date. It is important to note that to take full advantage of the waiver, students must follow through and test on their registered test date. Fee waivers cover only the basic registration fee for your test option, including up to four college choices (if you provide valid codes when you register). Waivers do not cover the late registration fee, test date or test center changes, standby fee, or any other services. If you do receive an ACT Fee Waiver Form, follow the Student Directions on it for your registration method (or if requesting Special Testing). If you register online, and register during the late period or request any additional services, you must enter a credit card to pay those fees before submitting your registration. 20

22 At the Test Center a. Arriving at the Test Center Students are to report to their assigned test center by the time shown on their Admission Ticket, normally 8 a.m. Students will not be admitted to test if they are late. Students should be prepared to begin testing after all examinees are seated. A break is scheduled after the first two tests. You will not be allowed to use cell phones or any electronic devices during the break, and you may not bring food or drinks back to the test room. If you are taking the ACT (No Writing), which is generally not advised by CCHS, plan to be dismissed at about 12:15 p.m. If you take the ACT Plus Writing, you will normally be dismissed about 1p.m. Once the seal on your test booklet is broken, you cannot later request a Test Date Change, even if you do not complete testing. In addition, students (including those who hope to test on a standby basis) will not be allowed to make any test center or test date changes the day of the test. b. What Students Should Bring to the Test Center Students should be sure to take these items to the test center: Your Admission Ticket. Your scores will be delayed, possibly up to eight weeks, if you do not enter the matching information exactly as it appears on your Admission Ticket onto your answer document. Acceptable identification. When you arrive at the test center, you ll be required to show acceptable identification before being admitted to test. The ID you present, including any required signatures, must be original, not a photocopy or reproduction. Only certain forms of identification are acceptable. Your Admission Ticket is not identification. You will not be admitted to test without acceptable identification. Please go to for all ID requirements. On test day, test center staff will match the name and photo on the student's ticket, the examinee roster, and the student's photo ID to the examinee who arrives to take the test before granting him or her admission. If students do not bring both their ticket and acceptable photo ID on test day, they will not be admitted to test. 21

23 Sharpened soft lead No. 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens). A watch to pace yourself. The supervisor in standard time rooms will announce when five minutes remain on each test. A permitted calculator, if you wish to use one on the Mathematics Test. Not all calculators are permitted. For a complete description of prohibited calculators, visit Students may NOT take any of the following items into the test room: books, dictionaries, notes, scratch paper, or other aids; highlighters, colored pens or pencils, or correction fluid; any electronic device other than a permitted calculator (examples include timer, cell phone, media player, PDA, headphones, camera, ipad); reading material; tobacco in any form. Taking the Test: General Guidelines from ACT The ACT contains multiple-choice tests in the four areas described earlier in this section: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Each of these tests contains questions that offer either four or five answer choices from which you are to choose the correct, or best, answer. The following suggestions apply to all four tests: Pace Yourself The time limits set for each test give nearly everyone enough time to finish all the questions; however, the English, Reading, and Science Tests contain a considerable amount of text, so it is important to pace yourself so you do not spend too much time on one passage. Similarly, try not to spend too much time on a specific problem on the Mathematics Test. Go on to other questions and come back if there is time. Read Directions For Each Test Carefully Before you begin taking one of the tests, read the directions carefully. The English, Reading, and Science Tests ask for the best answer. Do not respond as soon as you identify a correct answer. Read and consider all the answer choices and choose the answer that best responds to the question. The Mathematics Test asks for the correct answer. After working out a problem, if your answer is not among the choices provided, reread the question and consider all of the answer choices. 22

24 Read Each Question Carefully It is important that you understand what each question asks. Answer the Easy Questions First The best strategy for taking the tests is to answer the easy questions and skip the questions you find difficult. After answering all the easy questions, go back and answer the more difficult questions if you have time. Use Logic on More Difficult Questions When you return to the more difficult questions, try to use logic to eliminate incorrect answers to a question. Look at the answer choices, as differences may provide clues as to what the question requires. Eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess from the remaining answers. Answer Every Question Your score is based only on the number of questions that you answer correctly, as there is no penalty for guessing. Review Your Work If there is time left after you have answered every question in a test, go back to check your work on that test. Be Precise in Marking Your Answer Document Be sure to properly fill in the correct ovals on your answer document and be sure that the number of the line of ovals on your answer document is the same as the number of the question you are answering. Mark only one response for each question. Erase Completely If you want to change an answer, be sure to use a soft eraser that will not leave smudges and erase the unintended mark completely. Do not cross out answers; you must erase them. And for the Writing Portion: Pace Yourself It is important to pace yourself in the way that best suits your personal writing strategy. Because you have 30 minutes to write your essay, keep in mind that you are unlikely to have time to draft, revise, and recopy your essay. Therefore, take a few minutes to plan your essay. In general, budget your time in the way that feels best to you based on your experience in taking essay tests in school and in other circumstances when you ve done writing within a time limit. 23

25 Read the Directions Carefully Before you begin the Writing Test, read the directions carefully, as they will tell you aspects of writing on which your essay will be evaluated. They will also give instructions on how to write your essay in the answer folder. Read the Writing Prompt Carefully It is important that you understand exactly what the writing prompt asks you to do. Be sure to have a clear understanding of the issue in the writing prompt and of the question you must respond to before you start to plan and write your essay. Write (or print) Legibly in the Answer Folder You may write or print your essay, whichever you prefer, but you must do so legibly using a soft lead No. 2 pencil and only on the lined pages in the answer folder. Do not skip lines. Make Corrections Clear If you make corrections by using erasures or cross-outs, do so thoroughly and legibly. You may write corrections or additions neatly between the lines of your essay, but do not write in the margins of the lined pages. ACT Score Reports ACT initially prepares three different reports for each student who tests: the Student Report; the High School Report; and the College Report. The Student Report is delivered to your student Web account. It will be delivered about 2-8 weeks after the test date (there is no way to have your tests scored faster). It reports your ACT Scores and college and career planning information. The High School Report is delivered to your high school (only if you authorized reporting). It is kept with your school records. It is delivered about 2-8 weeks after the test date. It reports ACT Scores and college and career planning information. The College Report is delivered to each valid college or scholarship agency code you listed and paid for when you registered or tested (up to six). It is delivered about 2-8 weeks after the test date. It reports everything on the Student and High School report, plus the grades you reported in up to 30 high school courses. It may also include predictions about your performance in specific college programs and courses. If you take the ACT Plus Writing, an image of the essay you write may be available to the high school and colleges to which you have ACT report scores for that test date. 24

26 a. Viewing Your Scores and Score Report on the Web You can view your scores online as soon as they are available through your student Web account. Most multiple-choice scores from National and International testing, including the Composite score, are posted approximately two weeks after each test date. Writing scores are normally added about two weeks after your multiple-choice scores. You will receive notification when you log in to your account if your Writing scores have been added. Normally, all scores are posted by eight weeks after the test date. Schedules for posting scores after each test date are at along with reasons why some scores take longer. 25

27 Sending Scores When a student registers for the ACT online, he or she can choose up to four score report recipients that are included with his or her registration. A student can also have his or her ACT scores sent to other colleges and scholarship agencies after he or she tests in addition to the ones selected when they registered. Requests are processed after the tests have been scored and all scores for the appropriate test option ACT (No Writing) or ACT Plus Writing are ready. If a student has taken the ACT more than once, ACT maintains a separate record for each test date. If requested to send a report to a college, ACT will release only the record from the test date indicated. This protects students and ensures that they direct the reporting of their scores. A student may ask ACT to report more than one test date record to an institution. However, he or she may not select test scores from different test dates to construct a new record; a student must designate an entire test date record as it stands. ACT does not create new records by averaging scores from different test dates. If a student wishes to report Writing results, the entire record for that test date must be reported. When sending scores, be certain to use valid ACT codes only. If the recipient college has more than one campus, you must indicate by city and state the campus where you want your scores sent. The College Code List and the Congressional Code List are available online to provide you with the most updated information. Please note that processing will be delayed if you don t provide your personal information (name, date of birth), as well as your Social Security number or ACT ID from your score report and the month and year when you took the test. 26

28 SECTION 3 Additional Information on the ACT How Colleges and Universities Use Your Scores Colleges use ACT results in a variety of ways: Admissions Decisions ACT test results, high school grades, academic preparation, out-of-class accomplishments, and future plans these and other kinds of information help admissions officials identify applicants who can benefit most from their programs. Course Placement Colleges usually try to take into account individual strengths and weaknesses as they place students in first-year courses. For example, a college may offer three sections of a subject developmental, regular, and advanced. A student s ACT test results, academic background, and high school grades might be used to determine which section would be most appropriate. Academic Advising College academic advisors may consider ACT results, the high school academic program, high school grades, planned extracurricular activities, areas in which there is a need for assistance, and part-time employment plans to tailor an appropriate program of study to a student. Scholarships and Loans Some scholarship and loan agencies may use ACT test results with other information such as high school grades to identify qualified candidates. However, the agencies may not look at academic potential alone. The ACT score report provides information about a student s educational needs, extracurricular achievements, and educational plans. This information, along with high school grades and test scores, helps the agencies evaluate applications for scholarships, loans, and other financial assistance. If you took the ACT Plus Writing, the colleges to which you have ACT report your scores will receive your Writing scores and the reader s comments on your essay along with your subject-area scores and Composite score. These colleges will also have the option to access an image of your essay online. Colleges may choose to review individual essays to help make admissions or course placement decisions. 27

29 Fairness and Difficulty It is ACT s goal to accurately assess what students can do with what they know in the content areas covered by ACT s testing program. ACT is therefore committed to fairness both in principle and in the interest of accuracy in all its tests. The work of ensuring test fairness starts with the design of the test and test specifications. It then continues through every stage of the test development process, including item (test question) writing and review, item pretesting, item selection and forms construction, and forms review. ACT makes every effort to see that the ACT test is fair to the population for which the test is intended. The statistical specifications for the ACT indicate the level of item difficulty and the level of item discrimination of the test items to be used. The level of item difficulty for the items in the ACT has been selected to help ensure that the test will effectively measure achievement across a broad range of ability. The standard of item quality for the ACT requires that each item effectively differentiate between students who are well prepared and those who are less well prepared. 28

30 Changes to the ACT Coming in 2015 and Beyond Starting in 2015, students who take the ACT will receive new scores and indicators designed to improve readiness and help students plan for the future in areas important to success after high school, including a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Score, Progress Toward Career Readiness Indicator, English Language Arts Score, and a Text Complexity Progress Indicator. The familiar 1-to-36 scores on the ACT will not change and will still be reported. The new readiness indicators will supplement those scores, giving students, parents and educators more detailed insights so that they may better plan for future success. In addition, ACT plans to enhance the scoring and approach of the optional ACT Writing Test, offering more insights to help students become college and career ready. Students essays will be evaluated on four domains of writing competency: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use. The test will measure students ability to evaluate multiple perspectives on a complex issue and generate their own analysis based on reasoning, knowledge and experience. This will allow students to more fully demonstrate their analytical writing ability. ACT has also announced other new developments they plan to deliver over the next few years, including a computer-based version of the ACT test and optional constructed-response questions. The digital ACT and constructed-response tests will be offered as options to select schools that participate in state and district testing starting in The computer-based ACT was successfully piloted with approximately 4,000 high school students across the United States. ACT will also add new reporting categories in The new categories will align with the Common Core State Standards domains and conceptual categories. For more information on the upcoming changes, and to sign up for updates on progress and new developments, please visit 29

31 SECTION 4 SAT Reasoning Test The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well students analyze and solve problems skills learned in school that are needed in college (all information on the SAT/SAT Subject Tests from the College Board). Content and Format The content and format of the SAT reflect accepted educational standards and practices. a. The critical reading section emphasizes reading and assesses students ability to draw inferences, synthesize information, distinguish between main and supporting ideas, and understand vocabulary as it is used in context. b. The mathematics section requires students to apply mathematical concepts, solve problems, and use data literacy skills in interpreting tables, charts, and graphs. c. The writing section requires students to communicate ideas clearly and effectively; improve writing through revision and editing; recognize and identify sentence-level errors; understand grammatical elements and structures and how they relate to each other in a sentence; and improve coherence of ideas within and among paragraphs. The writing section includes both multiplechoice questions that deal with the mechanics of writing and an essay as a direct measure of writing skills. 30

32 The SAT consists of nine subsections, including a 25-minute essay, with each subsection timed separately. Most tests include a tenth unscored, 25-minute subsection, called an equating or variable section, that may be a reading, mathematics, or multiple-choice writing subsection. Both the placement and the content of the equating subsection varies on different versions of the test and it is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to help make sure that scores on the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier versions of the test. Test-takers sitting next to each other during the same testing session may have different test books. Test Scores Students receive three scores one for the critical reading section, one for the mathematics section, and one for the writing section. Each section score is reported on the 200- to 800-point scale, where 200 is the lowest score and 800 is the highest. A student s scaled score is computed by first establishing a raw score: For each correct answer, the student earns one point. For a wrong answer to a multiple-choice question, the student loses one-quarter (1/4) point. No points are deducted for unanswered questions or for wrong answers to mathematics student-produced response questions. a. Writing Subscores Students also receive two writing subscores: a multiple-choice score from 20 to 80 and an essay score from two to 12. The total writing scrore, which is a combination of the multiple-choice and essay scores, is reported on a 200- to 800-point scale. The essay makes up approximately 30 percent of the total writing score. 31

33 b. Scoring the Essay The SAT essay is scored in a manner that is fair and consistent, using a holistic approach. In holistic scoring, a piece of writing is considered as a total work, the whole of which is greater than the sum of its parts. Every essay is graded independently by two qualified readers, who take into account such aspects as complexity of thought, appropriateness of development and facility with language. A reader does not judge a work based on its separate traits, but rather on the total impression it creates. c. Average Scores The SAT is designed so that a student who answers about one-half of the questions correctly will receive an average score. The mean, or average, score on the SAT is about 500 on each section of the test (reading, mathematics, writing). Some of the questions are easy and some are hard, but the majority of questions are of medium difficulty. Medium-difficulty questions are answered correctly by about one-third to two-thirds of students. d. SAT College and Career Readiness Benchmark The College Board developed the SAT College and Readiness Benchmark to help evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and better prepare students for college. The SAT Benchmark score of 1550 is associated with a 65 percent probability of obtaining a first-year GPA of B- or higher, which in turn is associated with a high likelihood of college success. Studies show that students who meet the SAT College and Career Readiness Benchmark are more likely to enroll in a four-year college, more likely to earn a higher firstyear GPA, and more likely to persist beyond the first year of college and complete their degree. 32

34 When to Take the SAT Most students take the SAT during their junior and senior year in high school. It is recommended that students take the SAT at least twice once in the spring of their junior year and once in the fall of their senior year. Most students improve their score the second time around. 33

35 SECTION 5 SAT Subject Tests About the Subject Tests The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour long, content-based tests that are designed to measure students knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge. Some institutions require or recommend SAT Subject Tests as part of the admission process to assess a student s academic preparation for college. Some colleges and universities use them for placement or for advisement in course selection. A student may even be able to place out of an introductory class or satisfy a basic requirement by submitting SAT Subject Test scores. All SAT Subject Tests cover content knowledge learned in the classroom, as well as interpretation and problem solving within the context of particular subjects. The foreign language tests measure reading comprehension, language usage and vocabulary. Some language tests have a listening component. The SAT Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas: English; History; Mathematics; Science; and Languages. Test Scores Scores for all Subject Tests are reported on a 200- to 800-point scale, where 200 is the lowest score and 800 is the highest. A student s scaled score is computed by first establishing a raw score: For each correct answer, the student earns one point. For a wrong answer to a question with five answer choices, the student loses one-quarter (1/4) point. For a wrong answer to a question with four answer choices, the student loses one-third (1/3) point. For a wrong answer to a question with three answer choices, the student loses one-half (1/2) point. No points are deducted for unanswered questions. 34

36 The raw score is converted to a score on the 200- to 800-point scale. This is the score that appears on the score report. a. Language Test Subscores Subscores are provided for listening, usage, and reading sections of some language tests. These subscores, reported on 20- to 80-point scale, reflect a student s knowledge of a specific language skill. For example, reading subscores measure understanding of main or supporting ideas within a passage. b. Language Tests and Native Language Speakers Native speaker scores are grouped with the scores of students who have had less exposure to the language. However, college admissions staff know that native speakers are included in the percentile rankings and take that into account when they review scores. When to Take the SAT Subject Tests It is best to take an SAT Subject Test after completing recommended coursework for a subject, bearing in mind any applicable college admission deadlines. Most students take these tests toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year, though some may be best taken in the spring of the sophomore year. For the language tests, students should consider taking these tests after they have studied the language for at least two years. Students should be aware that not every subject test is offered on every test date, so it is important to review the SAT Subject Test calendar early and plan accordingly. 35

37 SECTION 6 Taking the SAT and Subject Tests Preparing for the Tests Students can best prepare for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests by taking the most challenging courses available and by reading and writing as much as possible. College admissions staff are more impressed by an academic record that shows real effort and achievement than they are by test scores alone. Students are reminded that test scores are only one part of the admissions decision. a. Strategies to Help from College Board Before taking the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, students should: take the PSAT/NMSQT become familiar with the test s format, directions, answer sheet, and question types take rigorous courses, study hard, and engage in learning activities read and write as much as possible in and out of school use SAT and SAT Subject Test practice and study materials go to sat.collegeboard.org/practice for a variety of options to practice for the test check out practice materials available with Khan Academy, as the College Board is now in partnership with Khan Academy for SAT Prep. Students may access additional SAT practice materials, watch videos of Khan working through SAT problems, and access additional SAT tutorials. Apps for iphone, ipad, and ipod are available. b. Additional SAT Preparation Materials from College Board 1. Official SAT Study Guide with/without DVD: The best selling Official SAT Study Guide, available with a DVD companion featuring bonus SAT practice test, exclusive Math Concepts review and Skills Insight videos, SAT Test Timer that allows students to hear actual instructions and timed full length practice tests. The study guide is the only guide with actual practice tests from the creators of the SAT. 36

38 2. The Official SAT Online Course: This online course features interactive lessons, auto essay scoring, and much more. It s personalized, comprehensive, easy to use, and available anytime. 3. The Official Study Guide for All SAT Subject Tests: This is the only study guide with actual, previously administered tests for all 20 SAT Subject Tests to provide you with real test-taking experience. Online Registration Students must register in advance for the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests. This ensures that enough test materials are at the test center. Please note that students may not take both the SAT and SAT Subject Tests on the same day. The easiest way for students to register is online at sat.org/register. Students will need to create a free personal account and will need a credit card to register online. If students qualify for a fee waiver (see below), they are also eligible to register online. Students who register online can print their Admission Ticket anytime and will not be mailed a paper Admission Ticket. Students will also be given instructions for providing a photo for the ticket during the registration process. Guidelines for p r o p e r p i c t u r e s ( i. e., p a s s p o r t p i c t u r e ) c a n b e l o c a t e d a t sat.org/photo-requirements. Once a registration has been completed, a student cannot make changes to personal identifying information (e.g., name, birth date, gender) without contacting Customer Service. The information on a student's Admission Ticket must match the roster at the test center, so any corrections needed must be submitted well in advance of the test date. If a student's address or high school information changes after an Admission Ticket is generated, he or she should contact Customer Service or make the change through his or her online account as soon as possible. 37

39 Changes to registrations can be made for a nonrefundable fee, payable by credit card. Students can use their online accounts to change their test type, test date or test center. They can also call Customer Service to make these changes. Students must make their request no later than the date listed on their Admission Tickets. Once a registration is updated, the student must print a new Admission Ticket for test day. Test-day changes are not permitted at any test center. Supervisors will not admit a student who is not on their roster, nor will they generally allow a student to sit for a different test type than is specified on the roster. There are special rules regarding changes to SAT Subject Tests, so please check the College Board website for more information. When a student registers for the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, the student may pick up to four score report recipients, and the cost is included in the registration fee. Students may use their online accounts to change their score report recipients if necessary. a. High School Code Students are required to provide their high school to SAT when they register, and score reports will automatically be sent to that high school. Cathedral Catholic High School s Code is Late Registration Period Once the regular registration deadline has passed, the late registration period begins for domestic students. The late registration period generally extends for 14 days past the regular registration deadline. Students testing in the United States and U.S. territories who miss the regular registration deadline can still register during this period by paying an additional late registration fee; however, those students who are eligible for a fee waiver may use a fee waiver to register for any test date through the late registration period and no late fee will apply. 38

40 Standby Testing/Waitlist Status Standby test-taking is not permitted; however students who miss the late registration deadline may be able to go online until five days before test day to request waitlist status through their online account up until five days before test day. Waitlist Status Restrictions pertinent to CCHS students: There is no waitlist status offered for Language with Listening Subject Tests. Waitlist requests are accepted for all other SAT Subject Tests. Fee waivers cannot be used for waitlist status. Students with Waitlist Tickets should bring the following to the test center: Waitlist Ticket, with photo and accurate and complete test-taker information that matches the center attendance roster; acceptable photo ID that is issued by a school or the government located in the country in which the center is located; a copy of an Eligibility Approval Letter for testing with SSD accommodations offered in test centers (school-based accommodations with specific test formats or equipment cannot be offered in waitlist status). Waitlist test-takers are seated on a first-come, first served basis, determined by when they arrive at the center. They can be seated only after all regularly registered test-takers have been admitted and only if sufficient test materials, staff and seating are available. If they are seated, students will be charged the applicable fees. 39

41 Fee Waivers The fee waiver service assists high school students for whom payment of fees for the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests may be a barrier to applying for college. Fee waivers are available for low-income, college-aspiring high school students who meet the eligibility guidelines. Students apply for fee waivers through their counselor, and the fee waivers may be used for online or mail registration. A student who is eligible for fee waivers can receive the following services free or at a reduced price: Up to two registrations for the SAT and up to two registrations for the SAT Subject Tests--a total of four fee waivers. One fee-waiver card covers one SAT registration or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day Four additional score reports, which can be ordered at registration or after the student has received his or her scores (these are in addition to the four free score reports provided to all test takers) The Question-And-Answer Service or the Student Answer Service if ordered when registering A discount on The Official SAT Online Course with any online registration using a fee waiver Up to four Request for Waiver of College Application Fee forms. At the Test Center a. Arriving at the Test Center Students should plan to arrive at the test center no later than 7:45 a.m. unless otherwise indicated on their Admission Ticket. For most students taking the SAT, the test day ends by 1 p.m. SAT Subject Test-takers will likely finish earlier, especially if they are taking fewer than three tests. b. What Students Should Bring to the Test Center When taking the SAT Reasoning Test or SAT Subject Tests, students should bring the following to the test center: Admission Ticket displaying a recognizable photo of the student. Students must keep the ticket ready for inspection at all times while at the center. 40

42 --Students can print their Admission Ticket from sat.collegeboard.org, whether they registered online or by paper. Every student who provides an address will receive a ticket by along with reminders to print the ticket for use on Test Day. Students who register by paper or phone and do not provide an address will automatically receive an Admission Ticket in the mail. If such a student has not received an Admission Ticket by two weeks before the test date, he or she should either print out the online Admission Ticket or call SAT Customer Service. Acceptable photo identification (government- or school-issued) in English is required for admission to the test center and will also be checked during the test. --Identification must be current, include a recognizable photo, and bear the student's name exactly as it appears on the student's Admission Ticket. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that his or her ID documents are up-to-date and available on the day of the test. ID documents must meet all of the requirements given online at: sat.org/test-day and in the Student Registration Guide. Two or more No. 2 pencils (soft lead), as a pencil is required for the multiple-choice sections AND the essay. Essays written in ink will receive a score of zero. Students should not bring pens or mechanical pencils. Soft erasers Acceptable calculator for the mathematics section of the SAT or the Subject Tests in Mathematics Acceptable battery-operated CD player with earphones for the Language with Listening Tests only Snacks --Although for security reasons neither food nor drinks can be opened or consumed during testing, students are encouraged to bring snacks in a book bag or paper bag on test day. These snacks should be easily stored under desks or chairs in the test room and can be consumed in designated areas during breaks. 41

43 Taking the Test: Guidelines from the College Board Here are some general guidelines for students who are getting ready to take the SAT: All questions count the same, so answer the easy questions first. The easier ones are usually at the beginning of the section. The exception is in the reading section, where the passage-based questions are ordered according to the logic and organization of each passage. Make educated guesses. You have a better chance of guessing the correct answer if you can rule out one or more answer choices for the multiplechoice questions. Skip questions that you really can t answer no points are deducted if an answer is left blank. Keep track of time, i.e., don t spend too much time on any group of questions within a section. Use your test booklet as scratch paper. Be sure, however, to record your answer on the answer sheet. You won't be given credit for answers written in the test book. In the test booklet, mark the questions that you skipped and to which you want to return. Check your answer sheet to make sure you are placing your answers correctly. Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil. Be sure to fill in the entire circle on the answer sheet. If you change your answer, erase it as completely as possible. Do not skip sections. Doing so could result in score cancellation and/or delays. 42

44 SAT Score Reports The SAT Program provides students detailed information about their performance on the SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests, comparing it with that of the graduating seniors in the previous year who took SAT Program tests anytime during high school. Students receive their scores online free of charge. A few weeks after the test administration they can check their full online score report. All students can request to receive paper reports, which begin mailing about five weeks after the test. Students who register by paper and who do not have an online account will automatically receive a paper score report. The delivery of official score reports generally begins within 20 days of the test date. a. Cumulative Score Reporting to Students and High Schools The student s score report contains scores from up to six previous SAT and six previous SAT Subject Test administrations, along with the most recent score. These scores are also sent to CCHS. b. My SAT Online Score Report My SAT Online Score Report is a free tool that allows students to see detailed and personalized information about their scores, whether they registered online or by mail. All a student needs is a collegeboard.org account. To access the report, the student should log on to collegeboard.org/mysat with his or her username and password. The resulting screen shows the upcoming tests for which the student is registered (or registrations that are in progress), plus scores from all previous SATs taken. Then, next to the relevant test, the student can click Understand your test performance. 43

45 My SAT Online Score Report helps students to: Get detailed insights into how they performed on each section of the test, including responses by question type and difficulty. Understand specifics about how the test, including the writing section and the essay, is structured and scored. See how their scores compare with those of students in their school, their state and the nation. Determine whether they might benefit from taking the test again and work to improve their scores on a future test through targeted practice. Search for the right colleges, majors and careers based on their scores. View a printable copy of your actual essay response and see sample essays that received various scores. Sending Scores Students have the following options for sending official score reports to colleges and scholarship programs: Choose up to four institutions to receive scores at the time of registration. These score reports are sent at no additional charge. Choose additional institutions at registration, or anytime after, to receive scores. --Additional score reports are subject to a fee unless the student is eligible for fee-waiver flexible score reports. --Ordering scores online is easy, but scores can also be ordered using the Additional Score Report Request Form, which can be downloaded from sat.org/contact and select Send scores. Codes of score recipients are provided online. 44

46 Please note the following about sending additional scores: Only score reports from completed and scored tests will be sent. Scores that have not yet been released, or from tests that the student has not yet taken, will not be included. Scores are provided within three weeks after the request is received. Rush reporting is available for an additional fee. Rush scores are normally sent two business days after the student s request is received and processed. If a student orders score reports with a registration, those reports will not go out until after the administration takes place. For example, if ordered in November as part of a January registration, score reports will not be delivered until January scores are available in early February. a. Score Choice Score Choice gives students the option to send scores from selected or all SAT and SAT Subject Test dates, as requested by each institution s score-use practice. Score Choice is optional, and if students choose not to use it, all scores will be sent automatically. Score Choice only affects scores submitted to colleges and universities and scholarship programs; all scores still appear on score reports given to students and counselors. Since most colleges only consider students best scores, students should feel comfortable reporting scores from all of their test dates. Colleges and universities continue to follow their own score-use practices, which may vary from college to college. The College Board includes institutions' score-use practices as part of the scoresending process; however, students should check with the colleges to which they are applying to ensure that they report the right scores. 45

47 The College Board encourages students to use their registration score sends, since these are the quickest way to get scores to colleges and can often serve as a demonstration of interest in that college. Demonstrations of interest are often considered in a college s admission decision. Additional information about Score Choice is given at collegeboard.org/scorechoice. 46

48 SECTION 7 Additional Information on the SAT Tests How Colleges and Universities Use Your Scores The following list illustrates some of the ways SAT scores might be used at different colleges and universities: Use SAT scores to better understand other information in the applicant s folder, such as grades and courses taken. Include SAT scores as one element in an admissions index to determine basic qualifications or preliminary screening. Review SAT scores to identify students who might be at risk and who might benefit from special advisors, developmental programs, and/or persistence support. Recruit students (through the Student Search Service or from among those who have sent scores) who have SAT scores similar to those of accepted or enrolled students at that institution. Conduct research on SAT scores and other criteria to identify characteristics used in decision making that predict success in course placement, completion of freshman year, and/or graduation. Include information about SAT scores (such as the middle 50 percent) of all applicants, accepted students, or enrolled freshmen in promotional materials so that students and counselors can develop an understanding of how the student might fit in that particular institution. Use SAT Subject Test scores as placement tools to ensure students enroll in courses at the appropriate level. Use SAT Subject Test scores to gain deeper insight into a student's achievement in specific subject areas and ensure students enroll in courses at the appropriate level. Review SAT Subject Test scores to determine a student's readiness to take college-level courses in a specific subject area, relative to other students or prospective students at the institution. The SAT essay provides an opportunity for students to provide evidence of their writing abilities. Images of the original essays can be downloaded and printed by colleges and universities that students designate as score recipients to gain additional information about candidates writing skill, to compare their SAT essays with their application essays, and to use them as additional placement essays. 47

49 Fairness and Difficulty of the SAT Meticulous care goes into developing and evaluating each test for fairness. Test developers and other trained content experts write the test questions for the SAT. Test developers, trained content experts, and members of subject-based development committees write the test questions for the SAT Subject Tests. Test development committees made up of ethnically diverse high school and college teachers from across the country review each test before it is administered. To ensure that the SAT and SAT Subject Tests are valid measures of the skills and knowledge specified for the tests, as well as fair to all students, the SAT Program maintains rigorous standards for administering and scoring the tests. Careful and thorough procedures are involved in creating the test. Educators monitor the SAT Program's practices and policies and scrupulously review each new question over more than a two-year period to ensure its utility and fairness. Each test question is then pretested before use in an actual SAT or SAT Subject Test. Not until this rigorous process is completed are newly developed questions finally used in SAT administrations. The data show that the difficulty level of the material on the SAT and SAT Subject Tests and the time allocated to each section are appropriate for the intended test-taking population. The SAT is designed so that a student who answers about one-half of the questions correctly will receive an average score. Changes to the SAT Coming in 2016 and Beyond When students open their SAT test books in spring 2016, they ll encounter an SAT that is more focused and useful than ever before. This redesigned SAT will test the few things that research shows matter most for college readiness and success. The SAT redesign is centered on eight key changes: relevant words in context; command of evidence; essay analyzing a source; focus on math that matters most; problems grounded in real-world contexts; analysis in science and in history/social studies; founding documents and great global conversation; and no penalty for wrong answers. Please see the next page for a table which provides a comparison of the major features of the current SAT and redesigned SAT. More i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e u p c o m i n g c h a n g e s i s a l s o av a i l a b l e a t : 48

50 Comparison of the Major Features: Current SAT vs. Redesigned SAT Category Current SAT Redesigned SAT Total Testing Time* *Redesigned SAT testing time subject to research Components Important Features Essay Score Reporting* *Redesigned SAT scores subject to research Subscore Reporting 3 hours and 45 minutes 1. Critical Reading 2. Writing 3. Mathematics 4. Essay Emphasis on general reasoning skills Emphasis on vocabulary, often in limited contexts Complex scoring (a point for a correct answer and a deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores) Required and given at the beginning of the SAT 25 minutes to write the essay Tests writing skill; students take a position on a presented issue Scale ranging from 600 to 2400 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Critical Reading; 200 to 800 for Mathematics; 200 to 800 for Writing Essay results scaled to multiplechoice Writing None 3 hours [plus 50 minutes for the Essay (optional)] 1. Evidence-Based Reading and Wring Reading Test Writing and Language Test 2. Math 3. Essay (optional) Continued emphasis on reasoning alongside a clearer, stronger focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings most important for college and career readiness and success. Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact Rights-only scoring (a point for a correct answer but no deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores Optional and given at the end of the SAT; postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission 50 minutes to write the Essay Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text Scale ranging from 400 to 1600 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three traits for Essay Essay results reported separately Subscores for every test, providing added insign for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors 49

51 SECTION 8 Extended Time and Other Accomodations Students with documented learning disabilities (from a public school I.E.P. or testing by a professional in the private sector) may take the ACT and SAT tests with extended time or other accommodations. Please contact the Director of the Learning Center for the requirements and documentation required. 50

52 CHAPTER 3 Types of Colleges In this section, we will offer information on those schools that fall into one of the following five categories: The California State University System (CSU) The University of California System (UC) Private Colleges and Universities Military Academies Community Colleges 51

53 SECTION 1 The California State University System The California State University (CSU) is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country. The CSU offers more than 1,800 bachelor s and master s degree programs in some 357-subject areas. Current enrollment totals approximately 447,000 students, taught and assisted by some 45,000 faculty and staff. The CSU plays a critical role in preparing outstanding candidates for the job market. With 95,000 annual graduates, the CSU is the state s greatest producer of bachelor s degrees and drives California s economy in the agriculture, information technology, business, hospitality, life sciences, health care, public administration, education, media and entertainment industries (all information on the CSU from CSUMentor and the California State University website, 52

54 Requirements for Admission to Cal State Universities The CSU requires a minimum 15-unit pattern of courses for admission as a firsttime freshman. Each unit is equal to a year of study in a subject area. A grade of C or higher is required for each course you use to meet any subject requirement. Area Subject Years a. b. c. d. e. f. g. History and Social Science (including one year of U.S. history or one semester of US History and one semester of civics or American government AND one year of social science) English (four years of college preparatory English composition and literature) Math (four years is recommended) including algebra I, geometry, algebra II, or higher mathematics (take one each year) Laboratory Science (including one biological science and one physical science) Language Other than English (two years of the same language; American Sign Language is applicable) Visual and Performing Arts (dance, drama or theater, music, or visual art) College Preparatory Elective (additional year chosen from the University of California A-G list) Total Required Courses 15 Please note that if you can demonstrate competency in a language other than English that is equivalent to or higher than that expected of students who have completed two years of language other than English study, you may be allowed a waiver for this language requirement. For further information, contact the CSU campuses to which you are applying. 53

55 The California State University Freshman Eligibility Index Students must meet the CSU Eligibility Index using their grade point average and test scores to be admitted to the CSU. California residents must have a minimum eligibility index of 694 using ACT scores or 2900 using SAT scores. The ACT score component for CSU is the composite score. The SAT score component for CSU is the sum of the mathematics and critical reading scores. Neither ACT nor SAT writing scores are included in the calculation of the CSU Eligibility Index. To calculate your eligibility index, first calculate your grade point average (see directions below), then use one of the following formulas based on whether you are using your ACT or SAT score: --ACT Scores: (Your GPA) x (10 x ACT Comp) = Your Eligibility Index --SAT Scores: (Your GPA) x Your SAT Total = Your Eligibility Index The grades you earn in high school are the most important factor in CSU admission decisions. Your high school GPA is calculated using the total number of grade points you earned, divided by the total number of units you took. For all your college prep ag (UC "a-g" course list) work completed in the 10th and 11th grades, you will receive the following points per grade earned: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. Your 9th-grade courses do not count in your GPA calculation (however, please note that Cal Poly SLO counts 9th grade). Plus and minus grades do not affect the GPA calculation. 54

56 The CSU assigns extra points for up to eight semesters of approved honors level, AP or IB courses taken in the last three years of high school: A=5 points, B=4 points, C=3 points. No more than two approved honors level courses taken in the tenth grade may be given extra points. Extra points cannot be earned for honors, IB or Advanced Placement courses where the grade of D was received. In order to be an approved honors level course, that high school course must be identified as honors level on the CCHS high school a-g course list. Courses taken in the summer are counted in the grade level AFTER the summer in which you took the course (for example, Geometry taken between the 9th and 10th grades is listed as a 10th grade class). 1. Repeating Courses Courses used to satisfy the a-g requirements for the first time in the 10th- 12th grades in which D or F grades are earned are treated as subject omissions. If the courses are not repeated, the D or F grades are used in calculating the GPA. If you have repeated a course, you will only count the course in which you receive the higher grade. 55

57 2. Subject Matter Validation For all courses in mathematics (c), all courses in language other than English (e), and for all chemistry courses (d), if you receive a grade of D in the first semester and a grade of C or higher in the second semester, you will receive two semesters of subject requirement credit. Satisfactory completion of a final year of study validates prior study in math, language other than English, and chemistry. Completion of an advanced course in the same subject presupposes knowledge of the previous course(s). In mathematics: A grade of C or better in the second semester of a mathematics course validates a D/F in the first semester A grade of C or better in the first semester of algebra II validates both semesters of algebra I, but it will NOT validate geometry. A grade of C or better in trigonometry or pre-calculus validates the entire high school college preparatory requirement A grade of C or better in statistics will validate only Algebra I and Algebra II, not geometry For language other than English: A grade of C or better in a higher-level course validates a lower-level course A higher-level LOTE course can validate the appropriate number of years based on the level A college course can validate a high school LOTE course; the level of validation depends on the college course prerequisite and description For chemistry: A grade of C or better in the second semester of chemistry will validate a D in the first semester. 56

58 Test Score Requirements As you can see in the Eligibility Index above, test scores are required unless you have a grade point average above 3.0 and are a resident of California. Even if you have a GPA above 3.0, it is useful to take either an ACT or SAT, as the score may indicate if you do not need to take English and math placement tests after you are admitted and before you enroll at the CSU. In addition, while ACT/SAT test scores are not required to establish the admission eligibility of California residents with high school GPAs of 3.0 or above, impacted campuses and impacted first-time freshmen enrollment categories often include test scores among the supplemental criteria required of all applicants to those campuses and enrollment categories. As mentioned before, the CSU uses a combination of your high school grade point average and your score on either an ACT or SAT. The CSU collects but does not use the Writing Scores on the ACT or SAT for admission decisions. 1. Sending ACT Scores to the CSU When registering for the ACT, if you list a CSU campus as a score report recipient, you can use the ACT Scores Manager to release your score to additional campuses. Before you can use the ACT Scores Manager, you must first have arranged for your scores to be sent to a CSU campus. To use the ACT Scores Manager, you must log on with your CSUMentor account and complete an online form. If the system locates your ACT information, the ACT test information available for release will appear. You may select any of the ACT tests available for release and send them to any CSU campus or campuses. 57

59 If a match is made from data in your undergraduate admissions application, available ACT test information will be displayed at the end of the application process and you may release these scores to the campus to which you are applying. If you do not arrange for your ACT scores to be sent to a CSU campus when you register or test, you can send scores later by going to 2. Sending SAT Scores to the CSU When filling out the SAT score report form, you should list CSUMentor as a SAT score recipient. The SAT institution code for CSUMentor is Listing 3594 will send your score to all CSU campuses for one price. CSUMentor will then store your scores for ALL CSU campuses to utilize. Please go to sat.collegeboard.org/scores/ to send scores to either a CSU campus or to CSUMentor. Selection and Improving Your Chances for Admission The key to improving your chances for admission is under your control. Working hard, earning good grades, and taking the right classes will improve your chances for admission. Taking either the ACT or SAT on a timely basis is also helpful. Remember that you must meet the minimum CSU admission requirements, but high-demand majors and competitive admission campuses may require higher standards. 58

60 Impacted CSU Campuses and Majors Campus impaction (otherwise known as campus-wide impaction) means that a campus has exhausted existing enrollment capacity in terms of the instructional resources and physical capacity of the campus. Because the campus receives more eligible applicants during the initial admission application filing period than can be accommodated, the campus must restrict enrollment to the campus for a specific enrollment category (i.e., first-time freshmen). Therefore, impacted campuses are authorized to use supplementary admission criteria to screen applications. Across the CSU, higher standards than the basic admission standards are used for high demand majors. These high demand majors are referred to as impacted majors. A major may be declared impacted when the campus receives more eligible applicants than it can accommodate during the initial filing period (October 1 through November 30 for the following fall term). Several programs may be impacted at one or more but not necessarily all of the campuses offering the program. If you are interested in an impacted major, you will be subject to additional admission criteria and might not be accepted into the program. In order to maximize your options for study at CSU, you should apply to additional campuses within the CSU system. Applicants should review program descriptions in campus catalogs before filing their application since similarly named programs may differ from campus to campus. Students should be aware that if they are applying to an impacted major, they can still be admitted to the campus in an alternate major or they may eventually be admitted to the over-subscribed major provided they meet the supplementary admission criteria. Students interested in an impacted campus or major must apply for admission during the initial admission application filing period of October 1 through November 30 for fall admission. Applicants to majors that are impacted at every CSU campus where offered should apply to additional CSU campuses to maximize opportunity for admission. Impacted campuses and majors accept no applications for admission after the initial filing period. 59

61 Due to the ever-changing climate at all CSU campuses, students should refer to for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding impacted campuses and majors at the CSU. a. Impacted Programs Supplementary Admission Criteria In such instances where an undergraduate campus or major is designated as impacted, CSU campuses have been authorized to use supplementary admission criteria to screen applicants. These supplementary admission criteria may include, but are not limited to the following: Cease accepting admission applications at the conclusion of the initial filing period; Require submission of the ACT or SAT regardless of the high school grade point average; Rank order first-time freshmen by eligibility index; Set a higher minimum eligibility index than required for CSU admission; Review additional characteristics such as socioeconomic or educational factors, space availability in a program or major, indications of overcoming educational obstacles, or exceptional talents; and Require completion of specified lower-division general education requirements for transfer applicants. 60

62 Approximate Expenses for Cal State Schools For , California residents attending a California State University campus as an undergraduate will pay the systemwide Tuition Fee, which is currently $5,472 per academic year for students enrolling in more than six units per term and $3,174 for undergraduates enrolling in six or fewer units. Each campus also has mandatory fees that all students must pay, and these fees vary by campus. Students will also have expenses for books and supplies, food and housing, transportation, and other miscellaneous personal expenses while attending college. These expenses vary depending on where the student lives while attending college, and also depending on where in the state the student s college residence is located. Since the CSU has 23 campuses throughout the state, the variation in living costs can be significant. Please view the following page for the Standard Student Expense Budget for all of the CSU s campuses. 61

63 $ $1,366 $1,365 $1,365 $1,365 $1,364 $1,364 $1,365 $1,365 $1,364 $1,365 $ $1,134 $1,134 $1,464 $1,464 $1,496 $1,494 $1,176 $1,134 $1,494 $1,300 $ $4,600 $4,599 $4,099 $4,099 $4,600 $4,598 $4,008 $4,600 $4,598 $4,599 $ $1,746 $1,557 $1,762 $1,762 $1,826 $1,826 $1,776 $1,746 $1,826 $1,760 Living Off Campus Total Fees $6,544 $6,440 $6,648 $6,549 $6,866 $5,706 $6,468 $7,484 $8,919 $7,164 $7,276 $6,682 Books and Supplies $1,826 $1,500 $1,746 $1,557 $1,762 $1,762 $1,826 $1,826 $1,776 1,746 $1,826 $1,760 Food and Housing $13,051 $12,088 $11,494 $10,929 $11,176 $11,176 $13,052 $13,050 $11,448 $12,441 $13,050 $11,800 Transportation $1,456 $1,300 $1,278 $1,278 $1,819 $1,819 $1,496 $1,456 $1,176 $1,279 $1,456 $1,300 Personal $1,364 $1,365 $1,366 $1,365 $1,365 $1,365 $1,364 $1,364 $1,365 $1,365 $1,364 $1,365 Total Budget $24,241 $22,693 $22,532 $21,678 $22,988 $21,828 $24,206 $25,180 $24,684 $23,995 $24,972 $22,907 Living In Campus Housing Total Fees $6,544 $6,440 $6,648 $6,549 $6,866 $5,706 $6,468 $7,484 $8,919 $7,164 $7,276 $6,682 Books and Supplies $1,826 $1,500 $1,746 $1,557 $1,762 $1,762 $1,826 $1,826 $1,776 $1,746 $1,826 $1,760 Food and Housing $10,981 $13,284 $12,700 $9,933 $14,745 $13,812 $13,052 $13,350 $11,448 $12,855 $11,799 $9,200 Transportation $1,390 $900 $864 $999 $1,420 $1,420 $1,496 $1,390 $1,176 $865 $1,390 $950 Personal $1,364 $1,365 $1,366 $1,365 $1,365 $1,365 $1,364 $1,364 $1,365 $1,365 $1,364 $1,365 Total Budget $22,105 $23,489 $23,324 $20,403 $26,158 24,065 $24,206 $25,414 $24,684 $23,995 $23,655 $19,957 Living With Parents Imperial Valley Total Fees $6,544 $6,440 $6,648 $6,549 $6,866 $5,706 $6,468 $7,484 $8,919 $7,164 $7,276 $6,682 Books and Supplies $1,826 1,500 Total Budget $15,826 $15,204 $15,494 $15,204 $15,556 $14,396 $15,754 $16,766 $17,244 $16,009 $16,558 $15,706 Living Off Campus Total Fees $6,790 $6,506 $7,002 $6,134 $6,549 $6,298 $6,316 $7,152 $6,420 $6,343 $6,536 $5,963 Books and Supplies $1,827 $1,826 $1,746 $1,746 $1,500 $1,762 $1,806 $1,612 $1,828 $1,809 $1,588 $1,288 Food and Housing $11,718 $13,050 $10,962 $12,600 $12,267 $11,268 $12,924 $11,644 $12,138 $13,050 $10,702 $13,051 Transportation $1,455 $1,456 $1,092 $1,450 $1,314 $1,324 $1,490 $1,052 $1,458 $1,455 $1,278 $1,457 Personal $1,365 $1,366 $1,366 $1,365 $1,338 $1,365 $1,364 $1,364 $1,366 $1,365 $1,365 $1,365 Total Budget $23,155 $24,204 $22,168 $23,295 $22,968 $22,017 $23,900 $22,824 $23,210 $24,022 $21,469 $23,124 Living In Campus Housing Total Fees $6,790 $6,506 $7,002 $6,134 $6,549 $6,298 $6,316 $7,152 $6,420 $6,343 $6,536 $5,963 Books and Supplies $1,827 $1,826 $1,746 $1,746 $1,500 $1,762 $1,806 $1,612 $1,828 $1,809 $1,588 $1,288 Food and Housing $10,926 $14,170 $11,208 $12,358 $12,246 $10,604 $13,510 $11,644 $11,688 $12,627 $11,670 $10,112 Transportation $1,389 $1,390 $1,092 $864 $1,182 $900 $1,390 $1,052 $1,390 $1,389 $864 $900 Personal $1,365 $1,366 $1,366 $1,365 $1,338 $1,365 $1,364 $1,364 $1,366 $1,365 $1,365 $1,365 Total Budget $22,297 $25,258 $22,414 $22,467 $22,815 $20,929 $24,386 $22,824 $22,692 $23,533 $22,023 $19,628 Northridge Pomona Sacramento San Bernardino San Diego San Diego- San Francisco San Jose San Luis Obispo* San Marcos Sonoma Stanislaus Living With Parents Total Fees $6,790 $6,506 $7,002 $6,134 $6,549 $6,298 $6,316 $7,152 $6,420 $6,343 $6,536 $5,963 Books and Supplies $1,827 $1,826 $1,746 $1,746 $1,500 $1,762 $1,806 $1,612 $1,828 $1,809 $1,588 $1,288 Food and Housing $4,599 $4,598 $4,600 $4,599 $4,599 $4,598 $4,596 $4,598 $4,598 $4,599 $4,599 $4,599 Transportation $1,494 $1,494 $1,092 $1,450 $1,314 $1,180 $1,490 $1,052 $1,496 $1,494 $1,134 $1,495 Personal $1,365 $1,366 $1,366 $1,365 $1,338 $1,365 $1,364 $1,364 $1,366 $1,365 $1,365 $1,365 Total Budget $16,075 $15,790 $15,806 $15,294 $15,300 $15,203 $15,572 $15,778 $15,708 $15,610 $15,222 $14,710 Bakersfield Channel Islands Chico Dominguez Hills East Bay Fresno Fullerton Humboldt Long Beach Los Angeles Maritime Monterey Bay The California State University Standard Student Expense Budget Food and Housing $4,598 4,599 Transportation $1,494 1,300 Personal $1,364 1,365 Budget Category/Expense Budget Category Expense 62

64 For an additional comparative view of fees and costs, as well as setting and location information, of each campus of the California State University system, please use the following link: Please note that fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees. To learn about financial aid at the CSU, please check on CSUMentor. For general information, visit Financial Aid Overview; if you have additional questions, visit the Financial Aid section of the Frequently Asked Questions. 63

65 When to Apply and Other Admission Requirements for the Cal State Schools Applications are available online at and should be sent October 1 - November 30. Please check the websites for each individual campus for further details and testing deadlines. After the initial application period, some campuses continue to accept applications on a space-available basis, so be sure to check the Application Status page for the campus(es) in which you are interested. Each admission application you file requires a $55 application fee. This fee is nonrefundable and may not be transferred to another term. In case of financial hardship, campuses allow a limited number of application fee waivers for residents of California. When applying via CSUMentor, the fee waiver request is included in the online system as part of the application process. You will be notified at the time you apply online if you qualify for the fee waiver. In situations where the online application is unable to determine your eligibility for a fee waiver, you will need to submit the Request for Application Fee Waiver directly to the campus admission office(s). The campus will inform you if you do not qualify for the fee waiver. Students may use a maximum of four fee waivers. Each campus has its own timeline for notifying students of admission. Some campuses begin notifying applicants of an admission decision soon after the receipt of an application and all necessary documents. Other campuses notify all applicants at the same time. It is not uncommon for there to be a several-month period before admission decisions are mailed to the applicants. Provisional Admission Each Cal State campus may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned for the senior year. The campus will monitor the senior year of study to ensure that admitted students complete their senior year of studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. 64

66 Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all course work has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student s first term of CSU enrollment. A campus may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated. Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a diploma from high school, have a qualifiable minimum eligibility index, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory a-g subjects, and, if applying to an impacted program, have met all supplementary criteria. 65

67 Early Start Program The CSU system recently enacted a policy known as Early Start, a program requiring incoming students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level math and/or English to begin remediation during the summer before coming to the CSU. In particular, Early Start is required for incoming students who have not fulfilled the Entry Level Math and/or English Placement Test proficiency requirements. Students are required to participate in the Early Start Program if their Entry Level Mathematics Exam (ELM) score is less than 50 and/or their English Placement Test (EPT) score is less than 147 (students are required to take these exams if they are not deemed exempt based on ACT/SAT/AP scores, etc.). Newly admitted freshman students who are required to complete Early Start will be notified of the requirement and options for completing the program as part of campus communications to newly admitted students. Early Start math and English courses are available at every CSU campus, at a few community colleges, and online. Financial aid is available for those who demonstrate need. Housing at the CSU Students should contact the Housing Office at the campus they wish to attend to learn about housing on and off campus and housing applications should be submitted before any deadline dates. Some campuses may have additional requirements or early deadlines for campus housing. It is important to note that students are not automatically eligible for housing if they apply for admission and are admitted. 66

68 SECTION 2 The University of California System (UC) The University of California is one of the finest research universities in the world. Undergraduates find an unmatched range of distinguished academic programs, more of which are rated among the top 10 nationally than at any other public or private university. There are nine undergraduate campuses (UC San Francisco is devoted to the health sciences, offering professional programs in dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy and dental hygiene, as well as graduate programs in the health and social sciences). All 10 campuses offer more than 700 majors, with even more emphases. The UC family includes more than 233,000 students, more than 190,000 faculty and staff, and more than 1.7 million living alumni (all information on this section from the University of California website, 1. Map of the University of California Campuses! 67

69 Freshman Eligibility Requirements For California high school seniors to be entitled to a comprehensive review of their applications at each University of California campus to which they apply, students must satisfy the three following minimum admission requirements: Complete a minimum of 15 UC-required college-preparatory ( a-g ) courses, with at least 11 finished prior to the beginning of the start of 12th grade Earn a GPA of 3.0 or better in these courses with no grade lower than a C Meet the examination requirement by taking the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test by December of your senior year; SAT Subject Tests are not required, but certain programs on some campuses recommend them Applicants should be reminded that admission to the University of California is competitive, and most applicants present more than the minimum requirements when applying for admission. Each of the three admission requirements is described below. a. A-G Subject Requirement: Freshman applicants will be required to complete a minimum of 15 yearlong a-g courses in grades Seven of these courses must be taken in the last two years of high school. Eleven of the 15 required courses must be completed by the end of 11th grade in order for applicants to receive a review of their application. No particular course pattern is required to apply for admission; however, a specific 11-course pattern is required for consideration in UC's Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) program (described in a section below) and must be completed prior to the beginning of 12th grade. Courses taken in summer school after 11th grade will be considered. Although a minimum of 11 courses are required for admissions consideration, completion of at least the full 15 yearlong college-preparatory required courses will be expected of all students by the end of their senior year. (Although not covered in this Guide, students may also meet subject requirements by completing college courses or earning certain scores on SAT, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams; please see the UC website for more information). 68

70 a: History/Social Science Two Years Required Two years of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures, and geography (may be a single yearlong course or two one-semester courses); and one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government. b: English Four Years Required Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement. c: Mathematics -- Three Years Required, Four Years Recommended Three years (four years recommended) of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades if your high school accepts them as equivalent to its own math courses. d: Laboratory Science Two Years Required, Three Years Recommended Two years (three years recommended) of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in two of these three foundational subjects: biology, chemistry and physics. The final two years of an approved three-year integrated science program that provides rigorous coverage of at least two of the three foundational subjects may be used to fulfill this requirement. e: Language other than English Two Years Required, Three Years Recommended Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English are required (Three years/3rd level of high school instruction recommended). Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. American Sign Language and classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, are acceptable. Courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses. f: Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) One Year Required One yearlong course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following: dance, drama/ theater, music or visual art. g: College Preparatory Electives One Year Required One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in a-f above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts (non-introductory-level courses), history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the e requirement or two years of another language). 69

71 The courses taken to fulfill the Subject Requirement must be on Cathedral Catholic High School s University-certified course list. To review what current CCHS courses meet the requirements for admission to the UC, visit b. Scholarship Requirement: In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have earned a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in all a-g courses completed in grades 10 and 11, with no grade lower than a C. The UC awards extra grade points for grades received in approved honors-level courses to a maximum of eight semesters, including no more than four semesters taken in the 10th grade. All campuses use the same method of calculating a preliminary grade point average. UC calculates the GPA based on all a-g subjects completed in grades 10 and 11. This includes summer sessions; the courses taken the summer after the ninth grade are reported with 10th-grade courses, and the courses taken the summer after 11th grade are considered 11th-grade courses. Grades earned for courses completed in the ninth grade are not counted in the GPA if the course was completed with a grade of C or better, however, it can be used to meet the Subject Requirement. To calculate the GPA, point values are assigned to the grades a student earns in these courses, and the total is divided by the number of a-g course units. Points are assigned as follows: A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point, and F=0 points. Pluses and minuses are not used; for example, a B- plus, a B and a B-minus are each assigned 3 points. 70

72 The University assigns an extra grade point for each successfully completed semester of a UC-certified honors-level, Advanced Placement and/or designated International Baccalaureate course, and also for transferable collegelevel courses in the a-g subjects. Students may earn up to eight semesters of honors points. Grades of D are not assigned extra points. A maximum of four semesters of honors courses taken in grade 10 are assigned honors grade points. Honors points will be awarded for honors courses taken in 10th grade only if they have been certified by the University as honors-level courses. A student s GPA is based on semester grades, unless the high school gives only year grades. Repeating Courses For freshman applicants, a grade of C or better is required to fulfill a subject requirement. D and F grades are not acceptable and must be cleared by repeating a class, completing advanced work in the same subject area of sequential knowledge (math or language other than English) or attaining certain minimum scores on SAT, AP or IB examinations. There is no limit to the number of repeated courses applicants may present, but each course can be repeated only once. The University of California does not accept pass/fail grades for freshman admission. If a student repeats a course used to satisfy the "a-g" requirements in which he or she originally earned a grade of C or higher, the repeated grade will not be used in calculating the GPA. The student must self-report the grades for both courses on the application, and the University will determine which course and grade will be used in the GPA calculation. 71

73 Validation When a student has successfully completed advanced work (earning a grade of C or better) in an area of sequential knowledge, the student is presumed to have completed the lower-level coursework (e.g., Spanish 2, successfully completed, validates Spanish 1). Validation can occur with just a semester of a higher-level course. For freshman applicants, validation applies to courses in mathematics and languages other than English (please note that UC does not allow the validation of chemistry). Some examples in mathematics: A grade of C or better in the second semester of a mathematics course validates a D/F in the first semester. A grade of C or better in the first semester of algebra II validates both semesters of algebra I. A grade of C or better in trigonometry or pre-calculus validates the entire high school college preparatory requirement. --Please note that beginning with students applying to the University for Fall 2015 admission, a yearlong geometry course must be completed. Higher level math courses will continue to validate a grade deficiency (D or F) earned in a geometry course but will not validate the omission of a geometry course. Examples in language other than English: A grade of C or better in a higher-level course validates a lower-level course. A higher-level LOTE course can validate the appropriate number of years based on the level. A college course can validate a high school LOTE course. The level of validation depends on the college course prerequisite and description. 72

74 Please be aware that validation is not the same as repeating a course to clear the initial D or F grade. If a student uses a higher-level course to validate a lower-level course, both grades are used in calculating the GPA. c. Exam Requirements Freshman applicants must submit the following test scores: ACT Plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test. SAT Subject Tests are no longer required for admission; however, students may submit scores if they wish to showcase academic mastery, just as scores on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests show ability and subject mastery. Competitive majors on some campuses may recommend particular SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate subject proficiency. Please see the section below for additional information on SAT Subject Tests. Students applying for admission for the fall term must take these tests no later than December of their senior year, and preferably earlier. Students should report their ACT and/or SAT score on their application, and then request that an official copy of the scores be sent to UC from the testing agency. Students can have their official score report sent to one UC campus, and all campuses they apply to will receive it. Students are advised to have the testing agencies report all scores. The University will use the highest scores from a single test administration. For the ACT Plus Writing Test, the University will focus on the highest combined score from the same test administration. 73

75 For the SAT Reasoning Test, the University will focus on the highest total score from a single test date. The UCs require all scores and will use the highest scores from a single administration. 1. SAT Subject Tests While SAT Subject Tests are not required for admission to the University, some campuses recommend that students take certain SAT Subject Tests for specific colleges, schools, and majors. Because they are only recommendations, and not mandated, you will not be penalized for failing to take the SAT Subject Tests; however, they do add merit to your application. The following are recommended SAT Subject Tests for the current year. Please note that if a major you are interested in is not listed, then there is no recommendation at this time. Berkeley College of Chemistry and College of Engineering: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant s intended major Davis SAT Subject Tests are not recommended for any area Irvine Henry Samueli School of Engineering: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant s intended major Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Biology M, Chemistry, and/or Math Level 2 School of Physical Sciences: Chemistry and Math Level 2 for chemistry, earth system science, mathematics, and physics majors Program in Public Health: Biology E, Biology M, and/or Chemistry for public health science majors; Biology E, Biology M, and/or World History for public health policy majors 74

76 Los Angeles Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant s intended major Merced SAT Subject Tests are not recommended at this time Riverside College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Bourns College of Engineering: Math Level 2 and Chemistry or Physics, for all majors San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering and Biological or Physical Sciences Majors: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant s intended major Santa Barbara College of Engineering: Math Level 2 College of Creative Studies: Math Level 2 for math majors Math Level 2 and Physics for physics majors Biology for biology majors Chemistry for biochemistry and chemistry majors Math Level 2 for computer science majors Santa Cruz SAT Subject Tests are not recommended for any area 75

77 Guaranteed Admission for California Residents Two groups of California-resident students are guaranteed admission to a UC campus: those who rank in the top nine percent of all high school graduates statewide, according to the UC s admissions index. This is referred to as the Statewide path. those who rank in the top nine percent of their own high school graduating class at the end of the 11th grade. This is referred to as Eligible in the Local Context (ELC). It is important to understand, however, that these students are not guaranteed admission to the UC campus or campuses to which they apply. Some campuses and majors are extremely competitive and aren t able to accommodate every qualified student who wishes to attend. In those instances, students will be offered admission to a UC campus with available space. Students must complete the UC s course and test-taking requirements by the end of their senior year in high school to be considered fully qualified to enroll. a. Statewide Path Students who are in the top nine percent of California high school graduates and aren't admitted to any of the UC campuses they apply to will be offered a spot at another campus if space is available. The UC uses a formula, called an admissions index, to determine if students fall in that group. They convert your ACT or SAT scores to a UC score, which they then match to your GPA. If your UC score is equal to or greater than the score required for your GPA, then you re in the top nine percent of California high school graduates. To calculate if you will be in the top nine percent, you will first need to calculate your grade point average and convert your test scores to a UC Score total. 76

78 Please go to the following website for thorough instructions on this process and to review the UC admissions index for nine percent statewide: dmissions-index/. b. Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) Under the Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) pathway, the top nine percent of students at each participating California high school can be designated UC-eligible. If an ELC student is not admitted to a UC campus he or she applied to, the student will be offered admission to another UC campus if space is available. For a student to become ELC-eligible, the student must complete 11 UC-approved courses by the beginning of their senior year. The 11 units include: a: History/social science 1 year b: English 2 years c: Mathematics 2 years d: Laboratory Science 1 year e: Language other than English 1 year f: College-preparatory elective 4 yearlong courses (chosen from the subjects listed above or another course approved by the university) Students must also have a GPA that meets or exceeds the school's benchmark ELC GPA (minimum 3.0). Benchmark GPA's are set using historical transcript information to determine a cutoff for the top nine percent of the senior class. Schools are periodically asked to submit transcripts so that the UC can monitor and adjust benchmark GPAs. 77

79 As an applicant from California, your application will be automatically screened for ELC eligibility when you apply. There s no extra paperwork. After submitting the application, you can return to the My UC Application page to see whether or not you ve been designated as being in the top 9 percent of your class. For further information on the ELC program, go to the following website: cal-path/index.html. 78

80 The Selection Process When UC campuses receive more qualified applicants than they have room to accommodate, they turn to something called comprehensive review. Using this process, evaluators look beyond test scores and grades to evaluate applicants academic achievements in light of the opportunities available to them and the capacity each student demonstrates to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus. To guide the campuses in their comprehensive review of applicants, UC faculty developed a list of 14 selection factors, which are listed in the table on page 80. All campuses place the highest importance on academic achievement in evaluating applications. However, the evaluation process and specific weight (if any) given to each factor differs from campus to campus and year to year. The most current descriptions of how each campus applies these factors are available on the UC webs i t e a t : /index.html. Keep in mind that the pool of students who apply to UC is different every year. The level of academic performance you ll need to be admitted to a particular campus or major will vary as well. Acceptance rates depend on the number of other applicants, their academic qualifications, and the number of available spaces. 79

81 SELECTION FACTORS FOR FRESHMAN APPLICANTS 1. Academic grade point average in all completed a-g courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses. 2. Scores on the ACT Plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test (SAT Subject Tests are not required but are recommended by some majors on some campuses). 3. Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum a-g requirements. 4. Number of and performance in UC-approved honors courses, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and transferable college courses. 5. Identification by UC as being ranked in the top nine percent of your high school class at the end of your junior year (Eligible in the Local Context or ELC). 6. Quality of your senior-year program as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned. 7. Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your high school. 8. Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas. 9. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study. 10. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by your academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress. 11. Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate your promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus. 12. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs. 13. Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances, including but not limited to: disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status. 14. Location of your secondary school and residence. 80

82 Impacted UC Campuses and Undergraduate Programs Virtually all UC campuses may be considered impacted in the sense that simply meeting the eligibility requirements will not secure admission. Freshman Admission Profiles, which summarize the academic qualifications of applicants and admitted freshmen to each UC campus for fall 2014, are found online at: Please be cautious in drawing conclusions from this information. The data are useful only as a general guide to selectivity, rather than as a predictor of your chances for admission to a particular campus or program. These figures are preliminary, as of June 13, Some campuses admitted students after that date, which may affect their statistics. In addition, when reviewing the data, it is important to keep the following in mind: The data reflect the selection process for fall 2014 applicants. The selection process may vary from year to year; therefore, the results may differ significantly. Data for several colleges on a campus are grouped together, which masks the differences in the degree of competition for admission among them. Some campuses and colleges admit students directly into individual majors, and the degree of competition among majors may vary widely. GPA is defined as a student s grade point average in the a-g requirements. The average high school GPA listed for each campus is computed from 10th and 11th grade coursework, including up to eight honors courses. These GPAs are drawn from application data at the system-wide admissions office. Average exam scores are derived from the highest official reported scores from a single test administration. 81

83 Approximate Expenses at a UC School Per Year for California Residents The chart below estimates the cost of attending UC for one year as a California resident undergraduate for For a significant proportion of UC students, these expenses are offset by grants and scholarships. In addition, the UC s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan ensures that, at a minimum, systemwide tuition and student services fees are covered for eligible students with parent total income of $80,000 or less. For more information on the Blue and Gold Plan, please visit When reviewing the chart, please note that a student s total cost will vary depending on his/her personal expenses and the campus he/she attends. Estimated Average Costs for California Residents, Living On Campus Living Off Campus Tuition and fees* $13,300 $13,300 Books and supplies $1,500 $1,500 Health insurance allowance/fee $1,900 $1,900 Room and board $14,000 $9,300 Personal/transportation $2,400 $3,200 TOTAL $33,100 $29,200 * California resident undergraduates at all UC campuses pay the same $12,192 in systemwide tuition and fees for The fees figure above includes the average cost of additional campus-based fees. Your total costs will vary depending on your personal expenses and the campus you attend. All fees are subject to change without notice. 82

84 When to Apply and Other Admission Requirements for UC Schools The University prefers that applicants use the online application, which helps you file a more accurate and complete application because error messages will highlight common mistakes and missing information before you file. Additional privacy guards help ensure that your information stays secure. The online application period opens August 1 for the fall term. Students may apply to one or more of UC s nine undergraduate campuses using a single application. There is a $70 application fee for each campus you select. These fees are not refundable and are subject to change. The UC will waive application fees for up to four campuses for students who otherwise would not be able to apply for admission. Students who qualify for fee waivers and who select more than four campuses must pay $70 for each additional choice. To be accepted for the fee waiver program, a student s family income and size must fall within specific guidelines. Students can apply automatically for a fee waiver within the online application. The priority application period for UC schools is November Students must apply during this period to be considered for an impacted program (actually for any program or school since most campuses fill up with priority applicants). Your application will be sent to the campus(es) you designate, and it will be considered simultaneously by each one. You may apply to different majors at different campuses. 83

85 Please remember that you must take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test no later than December of your senior year to apply as a freshman for the fall term. Students can have their official score report sent to one UC campus, and all campuses they apply to will receive it. Each campus you applied to during the filing period will notify you whether you have been admitted generally between March 1 and March 31. Each campus that accepts you for admission will issue you a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) form or direct you to a website where you can declare your intent to register. Use this form or website to indicate whether you accept or decline the admission offer. You are strongly encouraged to wait until you hear from each campus you have applied to before you declare your intent to register as you may accept admission to one campus only and you may not transfer your acceptance from one campus to another after you declare your intent to register. A $100 nonrefundable deposit must accompany your acceptance. Students who are admitted as fall-term freshmen must submit the SIR by May 1. Provisional Admission Offers of admission are provisional until the campus receives your final official transcript and verifies successful completion of all coursework required for UC eligibility. If any information on your application is found to be incomplete or inaccurate or your performance drops significantly during the senior year, the offer of admission may be revoked. Each campus provides newly admitted students with Conditions for Admissions that must be satisfied prior to enrollment. Housing at UC The housing office on each campus can provide you with complete information about UC and housing. Admission to UC does not guarantee your assignment to on-campus housing. If you want to live on campus, you should apply for UC housing within the specified deadlines at each campus. 84

86 UCSD s Six Undergraduate Colleges REVELLE COLLEGE Founded 1964 Motto: Purpose, Truth, Vision Emphasizes a well-rounded, structured, and rigorous curriculum emphasizing four main skills: to write effectively, to use the languages of science and mathematics, to appreciate our culture, and to ask insightful questions. General Education Requirements: Humanities (HUM) that offers an interdisciplinary approach to history, philosophy, and literature, with a focus on ideas and forms of expression from the Western humanistic tradition that exert a major influence on modern America. Revelle Humanities includes instruction in university level writing. Chemistry, Biology) (separate track for non-science majors) unrelated to the student s major ELEANOR ROOSEVELT COLLEGE Founded 1988 Motto: Developing Global Citizens through Scholarship, Leadership and Service world citizens through scholarship, leadership, and service. General Education Requirements: Modern World (MMW), which emphasizes learning history and gaining an understanding of community. Students study different cultures and civilizations from those groups' points of view. MMW includes two quarters of intensive instruction in university level writing. majors) majors) foreign language and regional specialization course work to create a minor focusing on a particular geographic area. The Six Colleges: A Quick Comparison SIXTH COLLEGE Founded 2002 JOHN MUIR COLLEGE Founded 1967 Motto: Preparing Effective Citizens for the 21st Century Motto: Celebrating the Independent Spirit Dedicated to helping students acquire the interpersonal skills, technical know-how, self-knowledge, and cultural awareness needed engage creatively and ethically with the century. General Education Requirements: (CAT) core sequence explores how people in various societies use culture, especially in express themselves and to shape and mediate their interactions with nature, with each other, and with their own environments. Includes two quarters of intensive instruction in university level writing. Modes of Inquiry in the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Biology, and Engineering Stresses the spirit of individual choice and environmental issues and involvement in General Education Requirements: Sciences (Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Critical Gender Studies, Economics, Ethnic Sociology) and non-science majors) Dance, or Visual Arts) THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE Founded 1970 Motto: Developing the Scholar and Citizen Committed to revitalizing a humanitarian idea of higher education and the principle that a General Education Requirements: called Dimensions of Culture (DOC) which explores the American experience through the complex and controversial issues regarding the social and political implications of inequality and the asymmetries of power associated with historical and contemporary racial, ethnic, gender, and class hierarchies. Dimensions of Culture includes instruction in university level writing. and non-science majors) (non-contiguous to the student s major) EARL WARREN COLLEGE Founded 1974 Motto: Toward a Life in Balance Committed to helping its students gain the intellectual, social, and decision-making skills citizenship. General Education Requirements; students to make informed decisions regarding the moral conflicts of our time, especially those with social, political, or legal dimensions, in their roles as citizens, communities. logic, computer programming and/or statistics) the Warren Writing program Sciences) Two programs of concentration, each other, twelve courses total* area of study in the Social Sciences, six courses total* * A departmental minor may be substituted for a program of concentration or area of study.! 85

87 SECTION 3 Private Colleges and Universities There are thousands of colleges in this category and admission requirements, costs, and when to apply vary greatly. Because of the disparities, general information is indicated below for this group of schools. General Admission Requirements for Private Colleges and Universities a. Subject Requirements Although these will vary, the college is usually looking for a solid college-prep background: four years of English, two to four years of language other than English, two to four years of mathematics, two or three years of laboratory science and two or three years of history. b. Grade Point Average and Test Requirements As you know, your Grade Point Average (GPA) is an important factor in the college acceptance process. The more competitive the school, the higher the required GPA. Because private schools dictate their own entrance requirements and acceptance policies, you will need to check with each individual school for how the GPA is calculated and what the average GPA is for accepted undergraduates. Just like the GPA, the more competitive the institution, the higher the test requirements. Again, you will need to check with each individual school for their testing requirements. Please note that when taking the ACT, CCHS recommends that all students take the Writing test, as it will be required for many private schools. In addition, many schools will require SAT Subject Tests. 86

88 Some examples of average high school GPAs and test scores for admitted freshmen are listed below. School Loyola Marymount University Santa Clara University University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern California Average HS GPA ACT Composite Range SAT Reading Range SAT Math Range Information taken from The Best 378 Colleges, Princeton Review, 2014 Edition Please note that SAT Subject Test requirements also vary from school to school, and each school s requirements need to be checked carefully before applying. c. Teacher/Counselor Recommendations Many schools will require letters of recommendation. Based on the admission requirements of the school, you will most likely need to ask two teachers (whose classes you have done well) and your counselor if they will write you a recommendation. You will want to ask in person at least two weeks in advance of the deadline the school has set for receiving the letters. In addition, you will need to fill out the Senior Recommendation Survey through Naviance, as it will allow the teachers and counselor to write the best letter possible, and request letters of recommendation using Naviance as well. Please see the next section in this Guide for the steps you will need to follow to get your private school applications completed. 87

89 d. Activity and Work Record Most private schools will be very interested in the extent of your extracurricular activities, such as: student government, school clubs, athletics, community service, science fair awards, etc. All other things being equal, the student with a record of varied and high-quality extracurricular involvement is more likely to be accepted than a student with only a high GPA and test scores. e. Rank in Class Cathedral Catholic High School does not share student ranking. Approximate Expense at Private Schools (for nine months) According to the College Board s Annual Survey of Colleges, Trends in College Pricing 2014, published tuition and fees at private nonprofit four-year colleges and universities averaged $31,231 in Average total charges, including tuition and fees and room and board, are $42,419. In , full-time undergraduate students at private nonprofit four-year institutions receive an estimated average of about $ in grant aid and federal tax benefits to help them pay for college. Please note that because final financial aid data for are not yet available, financial aid and the resulting net prices for are preliminary estimates. When to Apply and Other Admission Requirements Check the application deadlines and required procedures for the schools you plan to apply to as they vary from school to school. Take the appropriate admissions tests as early in the first semester of your senior year as possible. Plan to get your applications in early, as it is always best to get them in as soon as possible, especially for the more competitive schools or where on-campus housing is tied to application dates. 88

90 SECTION 4 Military Academies Overview There are five service academies in the United States: U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Connecticut; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. These institutions prepare college-age Americans to be officers of the United States uniformed services. Upon graduation, service academy graduates are commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the military, the Merchant Marine, or the U.S. Coast Guard for a minimum of five years. When to Start the Process for Applying to a Military Academy When a student wishes to apply to an academy, the earlier they begin to prepare, the better. Students should begin the application process at the beginning of the second semester of their junior year. Students should complete pre-candidate questionnaires, consider attending and apply for one of the academy s summer seminars (described below), start ACT and SAT testing, and apply for nominations from an approved source. Nominations In order to attend a U.S. service academy (except the U.S. Coast Guard Academy), you must have a nomination and you should apply for all nominations for which you are eligible. At a minimum, candidates are eligible for a congressional nomination from their representative in Congress, their two U.S. senators, and the vice president of the United States. There are also military affiliated nominations. Eligible applicants may apply for and receive a nomination in both categories. Only one nomination is required in order for an academy to offer you an appointment. 89

91 Applicants wishing to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy do not need a nomination and must apply directly to the Academy. Eligibility Requirements Each applicant must meet the following basic eligibility requirements as of July 1 of the year they intend to enter a service academy: Age: Citizenship: Must be at least 17 years old and not have passed their 23rd birthday (age 17 to 25 for the Merchant Marine) Must be a U.S. citizen Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents Skill/Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the academy For those students who have earned college credits while in high school, those credits are not transferable. However, if you receive a nomination and an appointment, you will be tested and placed at an appropriate academic level upon entering the academy. Strong math and science courses in high school help prepare students for the academy curriculum. Consideration is given to academic record, class rank, extracurricular activities, ACT/SAT test scores, and leadership experiences. It is recommended that students take the ACT and/or SAT as early and as often as possible. Academies consider the highest test score received in each category, regardless of when that score was received. The U.S. Military Academy now requires applicants taking the ACT to also select and take the ACT Plus Writing exam. 90

92 Please review the following table for examples of average high school GPAs and test scores for the most recent class entering the academies. Academy Average High School GPA ACT Composite Range SAT Reading Range SAT Math Range U.S. Air Force Not Reported U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Merchant Marine U.S. Military Not Reported U.S. Naval Not Reported Not Reported Information taken fromthe Best 378 Colleges, Princeton Review, 2014 Edition Candidates are also required to open a file with the desired academy/academies. Upon opening a file with an academy, candidates who meet the academy s academic standards are scheduled for a physical fitness test and a medical examination by the Department of Defense Medical Evaluation Review Board (DoD- MERB). Most tests and exams are scheduled to be completed at a nearby military facility and it will take 30 to 60 days before the results are received and reviewed by DoDMERB. Academy Summer Seminars The academies offer one-week summer programs for high school juniors. The programs are scheduled during June each year and selection is highly competitive. Online applications open in January and close mid-march each year. You will need test scores to apply. Please check the different academy websites for more information about their summer programs. 91

93 SECTION 5 Community Colleges A community college is one of the most affordable options in higher education. Whatever your career or higher education goals may be, a community college can help you get there. Whether you are planning to work toward a four-year college or university degree or are seeking an associate degree, community colleges have the courses and programs you need. And if you are interested in eventually attending a four-year college or university, community college transfer students typically save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars by completing as much of their coursework as possible at a community college campus. In addition, studies conducted by the CSU and UC systems have found that community college transfer students perform at least as well in junior and senior year courses and graduate at the same rate as those who begin their studies at the universities. In fact, almost two-thirds of all CSU graduates and one-third of all UC graduates start their academic careers at a California community college. Requirements for Admission to a California Community College Nearly 3 million students enroll each year in California s community colleges. Admission is available to any high school graduate who is a resident of California. For more information about California community colleges, students should visit the California Community Colleges Online Application Center at home.cccapply.org. At this website, students can get information about each of California s 112 community colleges including location, program offerings, and student services as well as apply to multiple community colleges using the same data. a. When to Apply Students generally apply for the fall term at the end of April or the beginning of May of their senior year. Most community colleges accept admission applications through the first few weeks of the term. Some community colleges have priority deadline dates for priority registration appointments, so be sure to check before applying. 92

94 Most community college terms begin mid to late August (fall term) and mid to late January (spring term). Colleges on the quarter system offer a winter term between the fall and spring terms. Most community colleges also have summer sessions that begin in late May and June. Because many colleges offer classes beginning and ending throughout the semester, you should contact individual colleges for their application dates. The dates are usually included in the academic calendar published with the schedule of classes or published on the college s website. b. Process for Applying For most California community colleges, you can use the CCCApply online application. Colleges not using CCCApply will have their own online applications. If you wish to apply to more than one community college campus when using the statewide online application, you will need to select an initial campus to apply to and then that information from your first application will automatically populate into your next application. You can apply to as many community colleges as you select. Generally, there is no cost to apply to a California community college. In addition to your application, most California community colleges will request that you submit transcripts from any high schools that you have attended. In some situations, college admission officers may request additional information to help them make residency determinations. ACT and SAT scores are not required to determine your eligibility to be admitted to a California community college, nor may they be used in lieu of community college assessment tests. Personal essays and letters of recommendation are not required for admission, and extracurricular activities are not considered in admissions decisions. 93

95 When you are admitted, most California community colleges will contact you as soon as your application has been processed. Typically, you will receive registration information, as well as information about college orientation sessions, assessment tests, and advisement. Approximate Expenses at a Community College California residents are currently charged $46 per unit for community college courses. A typical course is three or four units, for a cost of $138 to $184. A student who enrolls in 12 units is considered a full-time student that student would pay $46 x 12 units = $552 per semester. Colleges may also charge for class materials and add fees for things like health services, parking and student government. Fees are generally due when you register for classes. Other costs associated with your education include books, supplies, transportation to campus and food and housing. Other than housing, books and supplies represent the greatest cost at a community college. The cost of books and supplies varies due to the number of courses and number of items required for each course. A full-time student should generally plan on spending approximately $855 each semester for books and supplies. Many bookstores offer used books at a lower price. Financial aid is available to help pay for a community college. Among other financial aid resources, California residents may apply for a California Community College Board of Governors Waiver (BOGW), which waives the $46 per unit enrollment fee as well as exempts students from the health fee. To find out if you qualify for a BOGW and for other financial aid information, go to icanaffordcollege.com. 94

96 Some colleges permit students to pay on an installment plan and other colleges will not. Students are advised to contact the admission office at the college(s) they are interested in attending for more information on when fees are due, etc. Community College Transfer Programs When you attend community college, many of the courses you will take may be applied for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. In addition, if you know early on that you want to transfer, particularly to a California State University or University of California campus, there are transfer agreements between community colleges and CSU and six UC campuses (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz; the last available term for TAG admission at UC San Diego was Fall 2014) that can either guarantee your entry as a transfer student or ease the way for your transfer. Since transfer programs vary at each community college, students should contact their community college transfer or counseling centers to learn about the guaranteed transfer agreements that exist. For specific details on transferring from a public California community college to a public four-year university in California, visit the ASSIST (Articulation System Stimulating Interinstitutional Student Transfer) website at ASSIST is a computerized studenttransfer information system that gives students an easy way to access accurate and complete information about transferring from one California college or university to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation at colleges and universities and therefore provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer in California. Students should also note that after two years at a community college, your high school records may not be needed for transfer purposes. 95

97 CHAPTER 4 The College Application Process Once you have completed your college search and have your list of colleges ready, it is time to apply! Organization is key, so to help, you will want to use your Naviance account to stay on top of your applications, tasks you need to complete, and deadlines you need to meet. The more you stay on task and stay organized, the easier the process will be, and, most importantly, you won t be in danger of missing any key steps or firm deadlines. The following three segments explain how to apply to the CSU, the UCs, and private schools, which are likely the three most common places you will be sending applications. In addition, under the Family Connection area of Naviance, there are helpful reference pages available for you to use throughout the application process. These include: "Frequently Asked College Application Questions," which provides answers to many common questions on college applications; "College Admissions Requirements," which is an easy to follow chart on admissions requirements for different types of colleges and universities in which you may be applying; and an "Application Reference Sheet," which gives you a brief description of each step you will need to follow when applying to the CSU, the UC, Common Application Schools, and all other colleges and universities. 96

98 SECTION 1 How to Apply to the CSU (Information from The California State University Undergraduate Application for Admission Handbook) Items to Collect for Completing the Application Your high school transcript for entering classes and grades into the system; Your test scores: ACT plus Writing, SAT, Advanced Placement, TOEFL (whichever is/are required or relevant). Know the test dates for upcoming exams you plan to take; and The application fee of $55 (check, money order, or credit card when applying electronically) per campus OR obtain an application fee waiver. Complete the Application Almost all CSU applications for admission are submitted online. To apply online for admission to any of the 23 CSU campuses, visit CSUMentor at CSUMentor is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. For technical support, help is available by calling (800) GO-TO-XAP ( ) or by at: [email protected]. When you complete your application online, your completed admission application will be forwarded automatically to the campus(es) of your choice. You are urged to apply as early as possible. All first-time freshman applicants must apply during the initial application filing period, which is October 1 through November

99 a. Please note that letters of recommendation are not needed to apply to a CSU campus, and transcripts should not be sent unless specifically requested by a campus. Report Exam Scores Applicants must provide ACT or SAT scores to be considered for fall admission. Students are advised to check with the specific CSU campus of your choice for required dates in taking the ACT or SAT tests. Most campuses recommend applicants take the ACT or SAT no later than November for fall admission consideration, some no later than December, and a few no later than October. Direct the testing agencies to report your scores to the appropriate CSU campus, or to CSUMentor. For ACT, when scores are sent to one school, all will have access to your scores through the ACT Scores Manager associated with your CSUMentor account. For SAT, use code 3594 to send to all CSU campuses. Update Naviance Once you've applied, you will need to enter your CSU college selections into your Naviance account. Apply for Financial Aid, If Needed The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be accessed through You may also authorize CSUMentor to begin your FAFSA application after January 1 by providing data from your electronic admission application. Fall term applicants applying for financial aid should submit their FAFSA between January 1 and March 2 to receive priority processing. 98

100 You should also submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to apply for a Cal Grant. Make sure to fill out a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form and give it to your counselor by the deadline stated on the CCHS calendar, as our school submits your GPA to the California Student Aid Commission electronically by the March 2 filing deadline. After Applying, What Happens Next You will receive an application acknowledgement from the campus to which you applied. Read it carefully and follow any instructions about when to send in documents or when to take placement tests. If you need to make any changes (address, , course, etc.), contact each individual campus' admission office to update your file. You will receive notification of your admission status. When you are admitted to the campus, you will receive information about orientation, registration, and other activities for new students. Some campuses communicate to applicants via to the address that is provided on the application. It is the applicant s responsibility to check this and ensure its accuracy. Final transcripts must be sent to the campus admissions office once you graduate. 99

101 English and Math Placement Tests and Early State Program If you are admitted, arrange to take the English Placement Test (EPT) and/or the Entry Level Mathematics Test (ELM) as soon as possible unless you are exempt. For information and test dates available, check the most current CSU placement test information bulletin OR visit You may also call the campus testing office where you want to take the test. Based on scores from these tests, students may also be required to participate in the Early Start Program. Newly admitted freshman students who are required to complete Early Start will be notified of the requirement and options for completing the program as part of campus communications to newly admitted students. If a First-Choice Campus is Full If your first-choice campus is unable to accommodate you after the initial filing period, it may be possible to re-route your application to another campus. If you appear to be CSU eligible and your first-choice campus is full, you may be offered a chance to be re-routed to one CSU campus that is open. 100

102 SECTION 2 How to Apply to the UC (Information from the University of California website under "How to Apply.") Items to Collect for Completing the Application Your high school transcript: You will need to enter courses and grades from all schools you have attended. Don t enter information from memory; misreporting your academic record can jeopardize your admission. If you took advanced math and/or a language other than English in middle school, you will need to enter how many semesters you completed; Your test scores: this includes your ACT plus Writing and/or SAT scores and any scores from SAT Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, TOEFL or IELTS exams. You should also know the test dates for upcoming exams you plan to take; Annual Income (optional): If your parents claim you as a dependent on their tax return, ask them for their annual pre-tax income. Refer to tax records or pay stubs; Social Security Number (if you have one): The UC uses Social Security numbers to verify identity and match applications to transcripts and test score reports, and, if you apply for financial aid, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is kept confidential; Citizenship Status: You must enter your country of citizenship (or No Selection ). If you select a country other than the United States, you ll need to provide your immigration status and the type of visa you hold (such as F-1); Statewide Student ID (SSID) (optional): CCHS students do not have an SSID number, as only students in California public schools are assigned this ID number; The application fee of $70 (credit card when applying electronically; if you prefer to pay by check, you can send your payment by mail, but do not send cash) per campus OR obtain an application fee waiver. 101

103 Complete the Application The University prefers that applicants use the online application, which helps you file a more accurate and complete application because error messages will highlight common mistakes and missing information before you file. Additional privacy guards help ensure that your information stays secure. The online application period opens October 1 for the fall term. You may apply to one or more of UC s nine undergraduate campuses using a single application. Your application will be sent to the campus(es) you designate, and it will be considered simultaneously by each one. You may apply to different majors at different campuses. To a p p l y o n l i n e f o r a d m i s s i o n, v i s i t : admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply-online/index.html. If you have a question about the application process, call the application center at (800) (within the U.S.) or (661) (outside the U.S.) during normal business hours, or [email protected]. You are urged to apply as early as possible. The University's application opens on August 1 for fall admission. The submission period for applicants for fall is November Applications are accepted after these periods only if space is available, but be aware that most campuses (if not all) stop accepting applications at the end of the filing period or shortly thereafter. 102

104 As you enter in your information, be sure to follow directions. Answers to common questions appear on every page. If you can t find an answer, contact the UC Help Desk at the number or address listed above. If you take a break from your application, be sure to sign out or click Next on any page to make sure your work is saved. Also, be sure to review your summary. Look for any instance where the summary page says not started or in progress. If you didn t intend to leave a question blank, click Edit to go back and fill it in. Finally, don t forget to click Submit your application for UC admission. Your application won t be sent to UC until you do. You will be taken to the receipt page, which shows your application ID. It s a good idea to print this page. When you apply, pick an address and stick with it. Campuses applicants to request or clarify information, and they often need a quick response. Provide an address that you check regularly and keep it until you enroll. Also, update your spam filters to ensure that you receive all UC communications. a. Your Personal Statement It is advised to write your personal statement in advance. The UC states that you should think of your personal statement as your chance to tell the UC who you are and what s important to you. What you tell the UC in your essays gives them the context to better understand the rest of the information you ve provided in your application. Be open, be honest, and be yourself. A few tips from UC: Read each prompt carefully and be sure to respond to all parts. Use specific, concrete examples to support the points you want to make. Compose your personal statement in a word-processing program. Don't type it directly into the application. This way, you will have the opportunity to print copies for review. Take time to write, rewrite and edit. Show it to a teacher, counselor or friend for comments, but make sure the words you use are your own. Once you are satisfied with your essays, save them in 103

105 plain text and paste them into the space provided in the application. Proofread once more to make sure no odd characters or line breaks have appeared. Remember, your personal statement is just one of the many pieces of information the UC considers in reviewing your application. An admission decision will not be based on your personal statement alone. b. Please note that letters of recommendation are not needed to apply to a UC campus, and transcripts should not be sent unless specifically requested by a campus. Report Exam Scores When you apply as a freshman for the fall term, you must take the ACT plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Tests (and any recommended SAT Subject Tests if applicable) no later than December of your senior year. Direct testing agencies to report your scores to one UC campus, and all campuses you apply to will receive it. Update Naviance Once you've applied, you will need to enter your UC college selections into your Naviance account. Apply for Financial Aid, If Needed, and Scholarship Information There is money available to help you attend UC. Even if you don t think you ll qualify, applying for aid is the only way to be considered for every type of aid possible, including low-interest student and parent loans. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2 at You should also submit your GPA for a Cal Grant. Make sure to fill out a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form and give it to your counselor by the deadline stated on the CCHS calendar, as our school submits your GPA electronically for you. 104

106 To find out more about UC s financial aid programs, visit: admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/paying-for-uc/. Here you will find information on things related to helping you pay for school, from loans and grants to scholarships and UC s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. 105

107 After Applying, What Happens Next Print a copy of your application. You will want to keep a record of your application ID number and a summary of your application for reference. Watch for your application acknowledgement. As soon as you submit your application, you ll receive an confirming it has been successfully filed. If you do not receive this acknowledgment, contact the processing center at [email protected], or (800) (toll free in the U.S.) or (661) (outside the U.S.). You will want to update your application if there are any changes to your telephone number, , mailing address, or ACT/SAT test scores. You can also apply to additional campuses if they're still open. This can be done at: admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/after-you-apply/index.html. If you change schools, add or drop a course, or fail to earn a C or better in a course after you submit your application, you must notify the UC Application Center by or postal mail. Your correspondence must include your name, UC Application ID number and your signature (if you mail a letter) and will be available to all the campuses to which you applied. Minor changes to your activities, awards, volunteer work, employment or personal statement are unlikely to have an impact on your admission decision. However, if you have significant updates in any of these areas, you may notify the UC Application Center. Each UC campus will notify you of its admission decision, generally by March 31, if you're a fall freshman applicant. Order an official, final transcript (showing your date of graduation) and have it sent to the campus where you plan to enroll. If you are admitted for the fall term, you must arrange to have it sent to the campus admission office no later than July

108 SECTION 3 How to Apply to a Private College or University When applying to a private college or university, you will either apply via the Common Application or directly to the school through their own application. Because specific instructions for both avenues can change each year, the counselors always give seniors exact instructions at the beginning of their fall semester to guide them through the process. Thus, this section contains more general information that will be helpful when applying to a private college or university. Items to Collect/Steps to Follow/Helpful Tips for Completing an Application The application period varies greatly in the private school category, so pay attention to deadlines. You will be able to check online at each school s website through Naviance to see what process is required for applying. Whatever method is required to apply, be sure to start the process with plenty of time to complete everything by all application dates. Remember that missing an application deadline automatically means that you ve missed your chance to apply. Have a copy of a transcript (unofficial, printed off of Aeries) to use when filling out the application. Also have a list of your activities and awards available to reference. Make certain to keep track of your login information for each institution you are applying. Write your essays in a word processing program before typing them on the application itself. Oftentimes, essays can be uploaded directly into your online application, so this can save you time re-entering the information each time you apply. If you are doing a paper application, remember that neatness counts, so you will want to print or type perfectly. When answering essay questions, make your responses interesting! Remember that admissions officers have to read thousands of essays. Be sure your essays are of the desired length and within the requested guidelines. In addition, always use perfect spelling, grammar and punctuation. Make sure to have several people look over your drafts and offer their comments and suggestions. Finally, completing college applications requires a large amount of work, so give yourself plenty of time to complete all the steps required. Also, be aware that applying early (more information below) means more work in a shorter period of time, which can impact course work and other activities. While applying early can be beneficial, be sure to think about it carefully and not rush into a decision. 107

109 Additional Helpful Tips for Completing Applications Because you want to fill out your applications completely and accurately, and on time, follow these college application tips from Peterson s College Search: What to do-- DO read college applications and follow directions carefully. DO make sure that everything that is supposed to be included is included! DO fill out your own applications. DO proofread the applications and essays several times for accuracy. Also ask someone else to proofread them for you. DO describe how you can make a contribution to the schools to which you apply (if you re asked). DO be truthful, and do not exaggerate your accomplishments. DO keep a copy of all the forms you submit to colleges. DO be thorough and turn things in on time. What NOT to do DON T leave blank spaces. Missing information may cause your application to be sent back or delayed while admission officers wait for complete information. DON T be unclear. If the question calls for a specific answer, don t try to dodge it by being vague. DON T procrastinate! Give yourself plenty of time to complete things well before application deadlines. If you need to complete a paper application, DON T use correction fluid and DON T write in script. 108

110 Making the Decision to Apply Early If you are thinking about applying early to a school, it is important to understand the differences between the different early admission plans before sending in applications. If you find a college that seems like a perfect fit, applying early may be a good idea. These plans allow you to apply early and get an admission decision from the college well before the usual spring notification date. There are three options that are the most common: Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Restrictive Early Action (REA). All three plans typically have application deadlines in early November, and acceptance decisions reach students sometime in December. However, there are important differences between them as well: Early Decision plans are binding. Here, you agree to attend the college if accepted and if the college offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for ED, applying to other colleges through the regular admission process is allowed. If you are accepted by the firstchoice college early, all other applications must be withdrawn. Early Action plans are similar to ED plans, but they are not binding. If accepted, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the spring to make a decision at the Regular Admission decision deadline. Under these plans, you may also apply EA to other colleges. Restricted Early Action is the same as EA except you may be restricted from applying ED, EA or REA to other institutions. 109

111 Other things to consider if you are thinking about applying under an early admission plan: ED is the right decision only if you are applying to the college that is right for you--the one that you would choose to attend no matter what. If you are applying ED, remember to also keep up with your Regular Admission applications as a backup. You should not apply under an early admission plan if you are planning to weigh offers and financial aid packages from several colleges later in the spring. Also, you shouldn t apply early if it would be beneficial to have more senior year work to show to a college. There has been definite growth in the number of early admission applications colleges and universities are receiving, but students should not feel pressured to apply early if it is not right for them. While it may seem that there is a better chance of getting accepted if you apply early, it is important to recognize the level of "competition" during the early pool, which may lead to what appears to be higher early acceptance rates as compared to the school's regular acceptance rates. Often, the students who are in the early pool are extremely talented--one of the reasons that colleges want to accept them quickly. Students are up against some of the best and brightest in the early pool. Thus, even if data tends to show colleges will accept a higher percentage of applicants applying under an early admission plan than during regular admission, this should not be the reason to choose to apply early. Applying EA is a great way to get applications turned in early and still keep options open in the spring. Another benefit of EA is that by receiving acceptance decisions from schools, you can get a good idea of where you stand in terms of acceptance into similar schools, which can help as you apply Regular Admission. 110

112 The Common Application Many institutions work with The Common Application, a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application online that students may submit to any of their more than 500 member schools. Once the Common Application is completed online, copies of the Application for Undergraduate Admission can be sent to any number of participating colleges. Because we use Naviance at our school, you will connect your Common App to your Naviance account when applying to Common App schools, and directions for this process will be given to students at the beginning of their senior year. The following are some important items from The Common Application that you should be aware of when you complete a Common App: You must submit the Common App to each of your selected institutions. This can be done all at one time, or one at a time. After you have submitted your Common App, you may add additional institutions and submit your application to them as well. Once you have submitted your Common App to any institution, your application will be locked and you will not be able to make any changes to it. Therefore, you will want to make sure to preview your application carefully prior to submitting it to ensure all of your information is entered correctly. You will not be able to preview your application until you have answered all required questions. Many Common App member institutions require supplemental forms. If a supplement is required, you must complete and submit this before your application package will be complete. When you submit your application electronically, you MUST submit your supplement electronically as well. Each member institution has a specific deadline for when they will accept your Common Application and supplement. Once a deadline has passed, you will no longer be able to submit your forms to this institution. Please note that some institutions have a supplement deadline prior to their Common Application deadline, so don t wait until the last minute to submit your forms. 111

113 Make sure your address is kept accurate so that you can receive important information about deadlines and other admissions information from the Common App or your selected institutions. Make sure to enter CCHS s CEEB Code correctly. Our code is Correct entry of this code is extremely important to the accurate and timely processing of your submitted application. When you take your college entrance examinations, make sure your test results are sent directly to your selected institutions. As part of the application process, schools require a variety of information to be provided by teachers and counselors who have interacted with you in the high school environment. Teachers and counselors are able to complete this information online via Naviance, so it is very important to link your Common App to Naviance by completing the FERPA in Common App. You will also need to complete additional steps in Naviance for letters of recommendation to be completed. Finally, save your work often, and logout after each session. Applying to Common Application Schools Because our school uses Naviance, you will be completing items in both Naviance and the Common Application website when applying via the Common App. Counselors and teachers will also be using Naviance to complete your school reports and letters of recommendation, so it is very important to follow all of the steps and make sure that your Common App and your Navaince account are linked. a. Letters of Recommendation Letters of recommendation will need to be submitted by your counselor and two teachers. You will want to make certain the teachers you ask to write your recommendation letters know you well and will write you a positive letter. Be sure to give counselors and teachers plenty of time to complete their letters, generally at least two weeks before the letter is due. Remember, counselors and teachers are usually very busy with other college application requests, so allow them enough time to address your needs. 112

114 To get your letters of recommendation completed: 1. Complete your Senior Recommendation Survey in Naviance. This is located under the "About Me" tab in the Family Connection. Please answer each question thoughtfully and thoroughly. You can save your survey and return to complete it later. Once you click "Save and I am Finished," you will no longer have access to your survey. You must click "Save and I am Finished" before requesting a letter of recommendation through Naviance. 2. Ask your counselor and teachers in person to write you letters before requesting letters through Naviance. 3. After asking in person, make your request through the link on Naviance. 4. Your counselor and teachers will submit their letters of recommendation online through Naviance. You do not need to provide envelopes or stamps. A Secondary School Report, a CCHS profile, and your transcript will be sent automatically by your counselor with his/her letter of recommendation. 5. If applying to additional schools later, you must notify your counselor and teachers to let them know so they can send the required materials. 6. Be sure to send thank you letters to each teacher who wrote your recommendation letters. b. Reporting Exam Scores Most institutions will need a copy of your test scores from the ACT plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test, and possibly SAT Subject Tests. Direct the testing agencies to report your scores to all appropriate institutions. Please note that October is the last test date that makes scores available in time for early decision and early action programs. 113

115 Applying to All Other Colleges and Universities Application policies and requirements will vary from school to school, so you will need to read and follow instructions carefully for each institution. Application periods can vary greatly as well, so pay attention to all deadlines. You will be able to access each college(s) admission website through Naviance, and you will want to add these schools to your "Colleges I'm Applying To " list. You may need letters of recommendation, so you will want to follow the instructions above for completing your Senior Recommendation Survey through Naviance and requesting letters of recommendation. You will also need to be aware of each school's testing deadlines and complete all testing requirements by those dates as well as submit your scores directly through the testing agencies. Please note that for the minority of schools that do not accept electronic letters of recommendation, you will need to supply your counselor and teachers the required forms and envelopes. Your counselor will need to receive the paper school report and a large manila envelope, addressed and stamped (three stamps) from you. The counselor will then send a letter of recommendation, your transcript, the school report, and a CCHS school profile. Your teachers will need to receive a paper teacher form (if required) and an addressed and stamped regular-sized envelope from you. The teacher will send a letter of recommendation and school form if required. If no counselor report or recommendation is required, you must make a request for an official transcript to be sent to the school directly from the CCHS registrar. 114

116 After Applying, What Happens Next Once you apply, you will need to continue to monitor your applications and confirm that the schools have everything they request. Set up any required interviews, and be sure to submit your first semester senior grades (Mid-Year Reports) to the schools that require them. Continue to keep your senior grades up, as colleges have been known to rescind a decision based on final transcripts. If you are accepted, you generally have until May 1 to make most college decisions. If you decide you want to accept an offer, don t forget to send in all the forms your college will need: AP exam scores, housing deposits, etc. Meet all required deadlines, and send in your deposit to secure your spot. Finally, notify the other schools that have accepted you that you will not attend. Applying for Financial Aid To apply for financial aid, first contact your selected institution(s) to ask for their financial aid application and make note of all deadlines. Some private schools require you to file both the FAFSA and an addition form ( PROFILE ) or other forms specific to that institution, so be sure to complete and file all forms necessary by the deadlines. Please check the section on financial aid for more information on this process. 115

117 CHAPTER 5 Frequently Asked College Application Questions Rank: CCHS does not rank students. Simply put NA on your application Senior Class Size: (Updated each year) Counselor Title: Counselor Grading System: ABCDF Grading Scale: 4.0 CEEB Code or School Code: Fax Number: Phone Number: Address: 5555 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, CA

118 CSSID or SSID number: Simply leave black. You are not assigned a number. What GPA Do I Use? For the CSU s and UC s you will use your UC approved courses, weighted GPA (Cal Poly SLO looks at 9th grade coursework) For all other universities you will use your 9-12 weighted GPA. When/Where Do I Get a Transcript? CSU's and UC s No transcript is required at the time of application unless requested by the school; if required, order transcript through the CCHS Registrar (see directions below) Common App Transcripts will be sent automatically through Naviance by your counselor CCHS Registrar -- Only when colleges do NOT accept electronic documents. Go to CCHS website and click on Academics to locate our transcript request form. When Do I Need an Envelope? Only when colleges do NOT accept electronic documents. 117

119 CHAPTER 6 Financial Aid Federal and state policies on financial aid are based upon an expectation that parents will pay for their son or daughter s undergraduate college education, to the extent they are able to do so. It is the role of state and federal funds to help those whose parents are not able to pay part or all of the costs. To determine if you need financial aid, you must estimate your total expenses for going to college (tuition, fees, books, transportation, supplies, room and board, personal expenses, etc.). Next, estimate what you and your parents can contribute (*family contribution) and subtract this from the total expense. Any difference is an estimate of your financial need: Total Cost $26,000 (Minus) Family Contribution $16,000 Equals Your Financial Need $10,000 * You can calculate your family contribution in more detail at 118

120 SECTION 1 Overview for Applying for an Receiving Financial Aid 1. To help you with the financial aid process, please review and use the Senior Year Student Financial Aid Checklist at the end of this section. 2. When you apply for financial aid (and even some merit scholarships), you will be required to fill out a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. The FAFSA application is the foundation for any financial aid money given, paid or loaned to help pay for education. You will use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and college work-study. In addition, most states and schools use FAFSA information to award their financial aid. You should complete and submit your FAFSA online at as it is the fastest and most accurate way to apply for student aid. Once you have submitted your form, your FAFSA responses will be put into a formula (known as the Federal Methodology), to find out your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. The EFC is a preliminary estimate that measures your family s financial strength. It is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance at the school(s) you plan to attend to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. You will then get a report, called a Student Aid Report (SAR), which lists the information you reported on your FAFSA. At the upper right of the front page of the SAR, you will find your EFC. Schools will use your EFC to prepare a financial aid package (grants, loans, and/or work-study) to help you meet your financial need. Financial need is the difference between your EFC and your school s cost of attendance (which can include living expenses). 119

121 3. Although a student s final financial aid eligibility is based on final year-end tax figures, students are encouraged to file their FAFSA as early as possible in January, and definitely by the earliest school deadline using estimates of their federal taxes. Then, when the final tax figures are available, students can file a correction at the FAFSA website: Not having final tax figures is not an accepted reason for missing a school or state financial aid filing deadline. 4. Some private schools require both the FAFSA and an additional form ( PRO- FILE ), or other forms specific to that institution. It is necessary to check with each college you are applying to see which form(s) it requires and the deadline(s). It is important to note that the deadline may be before January. 5. If you are applying to any California school, you should also apply for a Cal Grant, which requires filling out a GPA Verification Form (available on Naviance when the California Student Aid Commission releases them each year) and turning it in to the Counseling Office so that they may submit it electronically to the California Student Aid Commission system by the deadline stated. The Cal Grant program enables you to compete for free money (Cal Grant A, B, and C). Cal Grants are described later in this section. 6. California s Cal Grant program also requires the FAFSA to be filed by the March 2 deadline. 7. Students should be aware that colleges will have their own scholarship and financial aid filing deadlines. Students should check online with every college under consideration for the school s scholarship and financial aid deadlines. 120

122 8. Questions on completing the FAFSA can be made to the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) Students with Cal Grant questions can call (888) The CCHS Counseling Office offers a college financial aid night for senior parents during December. Make certain your parents attend. A financial aid officer from a university will review the financial aid process, including a review of the FAFSA. 10. Log on to your Naviance account to review scholarship opportunities that are available to you. There is also information in the Counseling Office regarding scholarships. Review these sources during your college application process, and apply to those scholarships that you are eligible to receive. 11. When searching for scholarships, grants and financial aid packages on your own, be cautious of unscrupulous companies. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), students should look and listen for the tell-tale lines of companies that should be avoided: The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back. You can t get this information anywhere else. I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship. We ll do all the work. The scholarship will cost some money. You ve been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship or You re a finalist in a contest you never entered. 121

123 12. The California Student Aid Commission, in partnership with the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC), gives these tips as well: A scholarship or grant is free money--you should never have to pay to find, apply for or receive one. Watch out for companies that make promises, charge you money to apply for or receive a scholarship, or try to get you to send money by claiming you're a finalist in a scholarship contest. Be wary of seminars, websites or "consultants" that want to charge you for financial aid information that is readily available for free. Never give your credit card information, bank account information, Social Security number or student identification number over the phone or Internet unless you initiated contact and know who you're dealing with. You shouldn't need to provide financial information to obtain a legitimate scholarship or grant that you've been awarded. Don't fall for claims that "guarantee" a scholarship. Reputable companies neither guarantee scholarships nor use aggressive tactics. Do your own research before spending your money. If you choose to pay a scholarship search service, be sure you understand what you're paying for. To learn more, please visit the following website: and You can also visit the Federal Student Aid website at If you believe you've been a victim of scholarship fraud, contact the California Attorney General's office at 122

124 Before January: Senior Year Student Financial Aid Checklist Make a list of every college under consideration. Visit the websites of these schools and read the financial aid office (FAO) information. Note the deadlines of all required forms and the total cost of attendance. Determine if any college(s) on your list require the PROFILE and determine the deadline date(s). To do this, a) Go to b) Use the drop-down list to check if the colleges on your list require the PROFILE; c) Register for and complete the PROFILE, if required (this may be required before January 1) Determine if any college(s) on your list require other forms specific to that institution and complete any requirements by the deadline. Get federal PIN numbers for yourself and at least one parent at Please note that the U.S. Department of Education plans to eliminate the use of the four-digit PIN in the near future. The government plans to replace the PIN with a new FSA ID, which will allow students and parents to select their own user name and password. Students and parents who already have a PIN will be able to link that code to their new FSA ID. Develop a comparison chart of realistic and specific costs for each college. Start with the FAO standard student budgets and build upon these. Add unique expenses you might face. Search for scholarships and begin/finalize applications. Keep this up throughout your senior year. Gather all income/asset information at the end of December (so you and your parents can estimate your income on the FAFSA application). After January 1 Complete the FAFSA in early January. Meet the earliest deadline on your list of colleges. Do not wait until taxes are completed. Do not wait for March 2. Apply online at If you are applying to a school in California, submit your Cal grant GPA Verification Form to your counselor before the CCHS deadline (at the end of February). Your GPA must be sent to the State electronically, and the Counseling Office does this for you before the State s March 2 deadline. With a submitted FAFSA and GPA to the California Student Aid Commission, you should create a WebGrants 4 Students (WGS) account. Go to and register for WebGrants to monitor your State grant status, change your address, view your your California Aid Report (CAR), report your college of attendance, view your payment history, and submit School Change (SC) or Leave of Absence (LOA) requests. When you get a response from the FAFSA (called the Student Aid Report, or SAR), check the accuracy of the information you submitted. You will use the SAR to: a) Make corrections if there are errors; b) Revise estimated income information when tax returns are complete; c) Add or delete colleges from your list. Follow the individual instructions received from each college FAO. Most colleges will have an electronic link to your file status. If you do not hear from a college two to three weeks after you get a response to your FAFSA, check with them for follow-up requirements. IMPORTANT...send everything requested and do so immediately. If you don t understand a request, call or the FAO right away. If you applied for a Cal Grant, you will receive a separate communication from the California Student Aid Commission. Ask the FAO for an explanation if you have questions. If you are admitted to the college, you will receive a financial aid offer. When the offer arrives, read the whole package and follow all instructions. Contact the FAO if you have questions. If you have applied to a community college, your offer of financial aid will probably come later (possibly June or July). Decide which college you will attend. Do not make a May 1 deposit until you are sure of an offer of financial aid that is comfortable for you and your family. Work with the FAO and Admissions Offices if you have concerns. Notify Cal Grant (through WebGrants) if you change your college choice from the one on the Cal Grant record. Notify the college FAO immediately if you receive any additional financial resources (like a scholarship) after you receive your offer of financial aid, or if there are other significant changes in your circumstances. Read the college website and materials to learn how and when you will receive your financial aid and how your bill to the college will be handled. If you receive a loan offer, you will be required to do entrance counseling before getting the proceeds. If you receive an offer to do Federal Work Study, find out from the college how you get a job. Once in College Remember...you must renew your FAFSA every year. Follow the college instructions! 123

125 SECTION 2 What Happens When One Has Financial Need? The computer analysis of your FAFSA form (and Cal Grant GPA Verification form, if appropriate) is sent to the financial aid offices of the colleges of your choice. This analysis will show how much need (if any) you have. For example, if the analysis shows your financial need to attend a given college to be $4,000, the financial aid office at that school will attempt to make up a $4,000 financial aid package for you. Your financial aid package is composed of one or all of the four kinds of components shown below to meet your $4,000 need. Cal Grant Programs Cal Grants are free money for college that are awarded to students who meet eligibility, income, and academic requirements. They can be used at any California State University, University of California, California community college, most independent colleges, and many career or technical schools in California (information on Cal Grant programs from the California Student Aid Commission and the CalGrants website, To apply for a Cal Grant, you will need to submit the FAFSA and a verified Cal Grant GPA by the necessary deadlines. The deadline to apply for a Cal Grant is March 2 (of your senior year in high school). To submit a verified Cal Grant GPA, you will need to fill out a GPA Verification Form, available through a link on Naviance, and return it to your counselor. The counselor will then calculate your GPA and the Counseling Office will submit it electronically to the California Student Aid Commission for you. Please be advised that the form must be turned in to your counselor by the date stated on the CCHS school calendar (which will be a few days before the official March 2 Cal Grant deadline) in order for it to be submitted electronically by CCHS. 124

126 To qualify for a Cal Grant, students must: submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (beginning in 2013) and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline, be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (your parents don't need to be citizens or eligible noncitizens) or meet AB540 criteria (beginning in 2013), be a California resident when you graduate from high school or meet AB540 criteria, have a Social Security number or meet AB540 criteria, attend a qualifying California college, not have a bachelor's or professional degree (except for the Cal Grant A and B extended awards for a teaching credential program), have financial need based on your college costs, have family income and assets below the established ceilings, meet any minimum GPA requirements, be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate, be enrolled at least half-time, have registered with U.S. Selective Service (most males), and not owe a refund on a state or federal grant, or be in default on a student loan. If you meet the Cal Grant application requirements and qualify for a Cal Grant, you will receive an award letter, also known as the California Aid Report, or CAR, by the end of March or early April. It will give you all the information you will need to activate your Cal Grant award. 125

127 The following is a description of the different Cal Grants available: a. Cal Grant A 1. Cal Grant A Entitlement Awards Cal Grant A Entitlement awards can be used for tuition and fees at public and private colleges as well as some private career colleges. At CSU and UC schools, this Cal Grant covers system-wide fees up to $5,472 and $12,192 respectively. If you are attending a private nonprofit college or a for-profit college accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, it pays up to $9,084 toward tuition and fees. If you are attending most other career colleges, it pays up to $4, Cal Grant A Competitive Awards Cal Grant A Competitive Awards are for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are from low- and middle-income families. These awards help pay tuition and fees at qualifying schools with academic programs that are at least two years in length. Cal Grant A Competitive Awards are for students who aren t eligible for the Entitlement awards. The main difference is that these awards are not guaranteed. b. Cal Grant B 1. Cal Grant B Entitlement Awards Cal Grant B Entitlement Awards provide low-income students with a living allowance and assistance with tuition and fees. Most first-year students receive an allowance of up to $1,473 for books and living expenses. After the freshman year, Cal Grant B also helps pay tuition and fees in the same amount as a Cal Grant A. For Cal Grant B, your coursework must be for at least one academic year. 126

128 2. Cal Grant B Competitive Awards Cal Grant B Competitive Awards are for students with a minimum 2.0 GPA who are from disadvantaged and low-income families. These awards can be used for tuition, fees and access costs at qualifying schools whose programs are at least one year in length. If you get a Cal Grant B Competitive Award it can only be used for access costs in the first year. These costs include living expenses, transportation, supplies and books. Beginning with the second year, you can use your Cal Grant B Competitive Award to help pay tuition and fees at public or private four-year colleges or other qualifying schools. Cal Grant B Competitive Awards are for students who aren t eligible for the Entitlement awards. The main difference is that these awards are not guaranteed. c. Cal Grant C These awards help pay for tuition and training costs at occupational or career technical schools. This $547 award is for books, tools and equipment. You may also receive up to an additional $2,462 for tuition at a school other than a California community college. To qualify, you must enroll in a vocational program that is at least four months long at a California community college, private college, or a career technical school. Funding is available for up to two years, depending on the length of your program. 127

129 d. California Student Aid Commission Cal Grant Program Income Ceilings Cal Grant A and C Cal Grant B Dependent students and Independent students with dependents other than a spouse Family Size: Six or more $100,800 $55,400 Five $93,400 $51,300 Four $87,200 $45,800 Three $80,200 $41,200 Two $78,300 $36,600 Independent students Single, no dependents $32,000 $32,000 Married, no other dependents $36,600 $36,600 e. California Student Aid Commission Cal Grant Program Asset Ceilings Dependent students* $67,500 Independent students $32,100 All Programs *This ceiling also applies to independent students with dependents other than a spouse. f. Final Note on Cal Grants Please be advised that any Cal Grant award is tentative and subject to final approval of the State Budget Act. 128

130 Federal Pell Grants The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain post-baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student's EFC, the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time (information on Federal Pell Grants from Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education). A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. The maximum Pell Grant award for the award year (July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014) is $5,645. The maximum amount can change each award year and depends on program funding. Students apply for a Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA. Financial need is then determined by the U.S. Department of Education using a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the financial information reported on the FAFSA and to determine the EFC. Students will be notified if they are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on their SAR. As of July 1, 2012, students may not receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years). 129

131 Campus-Based Aid There are three campus-based aid programs available: the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), and Federal Perkins Loan programs. These are called campus-based programs because they are administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating school. Not all schools participate in all three programs, so you will need to check with your chosen school s financial aid office to find out which programs are available to you (information on Campus-Based Aid from Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education). How much aid you receive from each of these programs depends on your financial need, on the amount of other aid you receive, and on the availability of funds at your chosen college or career school. Campus-based programs provide a certain amount of funds for each participating school to administer each year; therefore, when the money for a program is gone, no more awards can be made from that program for that year. Make sure you apply for federal student aid as early as you can. Each school sets its own deadlines for campus-based funds, and those deadlines are usually earlier than the Department of Education s deadline for filing the FAFSA. a. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) These grants are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs) will be the first to get FSEOGs. These grants do not need to be paid back. Students can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on when you apply, your financial need, the funding at the school you will be attending, and the policies of the financial aid office at that school. Once the full amount of the school s FSEOG funds has been awarded to students, no more FSEOG awards can be made for that year. Therefore, make sure you apply for federal student aid as early as you can. 130

132 b. Federal Work-Study (FWS) The FWS Program provides funds that are earned through part-time employment to assist students in financing the costs of postsecondary education. The program emphasizes employment in civic education and work related to the recipient's course of study. Undergraduate students are paid by the hour, and no FWS student may be paid by commission or fee. The school must pay you directly (unless you direct otherwise) and at least monthly. Wages for the program must equal at least the current federal minimum wage but might be higher, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required. The amount you earn can't exceed your total FWS award. When assigning work hours, your employer or financial aid administrator will consider your award amount, your class schedule, and your academic progress. If you work on campus, you ll usually work for your school. If you work off campus, your employer will usually be a private nonprofit organization or a public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest. Your chosen school might also have agreements with private for-profit employers for Federal Work-Study jobs. This type of job must be relevant to your course of study (to the maximum extent possible). If you attend a career school, there might be further restrictions on the jobs you can be assigned. If you are interested in getting a Federal Work-Study job while you re enrolled in college or career school, make sure you apply for aid early. Schools that participate in the Federal Work-Study Program award funds on a first come, first served basis. 131

133 c. Federal Perkins Loans A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan for both undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. Federal Perkins Loans are made through a school s financial aid office. Your school is your lender, and the loan is made with government funds. You must repay this loan to your school. You can borrow up to $5,500 for each year of undergraduate study (the total you can borrow as an undergraduate is $27,500). The amount you receive depends on when you apply, your financial need, and the funding level at the school. Other than interest, there are no other charges for this loan. However, if you skip a payment, if it's late, or if you make less than a full payment, you might have to pay a late charge plus any collection costs. If you re attending school at least half time, you have nine months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time status before you must begin repayment. Federal Student Loans Federal loans are borrowed funds that you must repay with interest. A federal student loan allows students and their parents to borrow money to help pay for college through loan programs supported by the federal government. Federal student loans offer borrowers many benefits not typically found in private loans. These include low fixed interest rates, income-based repayment plans, cancellations for certain employment, and deferment (postponement) options, including deferment of loan payments when a student returns to school. Also, private loans usually require a credit check. For these reasons, students and parents should always exhaust federal student loan options before considering a private loan (information on Federal Student Loans from the U.S. Department of Education). Please review the following chart for details on the four federal student loans available to undergraduates: the Federal Perkins Loan (the college is the lender) and the three federal student loans made directly through the U.S. Department of Education. 132

134 Federal Loan Program Loan Details (subject to change) Annual Award (subject to change Federal Perkins Loan Direct Subsidized Loan * For undergraduate and graduate students * Eligibility depends on student s financial need and availability of funds at the college * Interest is 5% * College is the lender; payment is owed to the college that made the loan * For undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time and demonstrate financial need * Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2014, and before July 1, 2015, interest rate is 4.66% * Student is not usually charged interest on the loan during certain periods * Department of Education (ED) is the lender; payment is owed to ED Undergraduate students: up to $5,500; graduate and professional students: up to $8,000 Total amount may not exceed $27,500 for undergraduates and $60,000 for graduate students (including amounts borrowed as an undergraduate) $3,500-$5,500, depending on grade level For total lifetime limit, go to StudentAid.gov/sub-unsub Direct Unsubsidized Loan * For undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least halftime; financial need is not required * For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2014, and before July 1, 2015: % interest rate for undergraduate students, and % interest rate for graduate and professional students * Student is responsible for interest during all periods * ED is the lender; payment is owed to ED $5,500-$20,500 (less any subsidized amounts received for same period), depending on grade level and dependency status For total lifetime limit, go to StudentAid.gov/sub-unsub Direct PLUS Loan * For parent of dependent undergraduate students and for graduate or professional students; financial need is not required * Student must be enrolled at least half-time and must be either a dependent undergraduate student for whom a parent is taking out a Direct PLUS Loan or a graduate or professional student who is receiving a Direct PLUS Loan Maximum amount is cost of attendance minus any other financial aid student receives; no minimum amount * For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2014, and before July 1, 2015, interest rate is 7.21% * Borrower must not have negative credit history * Borrower is responsible for interest during all periods * ED is the lender; payment is owed to ED For definitions of financial aid terms in this chart, visit Student.Aid.gov/glossary 133

135 SECTION 3 Financial Aid for Military Programs Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships Founded in 1926, ROTC is a college program offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, cadets commit to serve in the U.S. Military after graduation. Each service branch has its own ROTC program. If you are interested in an ROTC scholarship, it is best to see your counselor by the end of your junior year. 134

136 CHAPTER 7 Senior Timeline for the College Bound Student August Register for upcoming tests (September ACT) Have a preliminary college list to include reach, target and safety schools Have college application essays drafted September Register to take or retake the ACT plus Writing, SAT Reasoning Test, and SAT Subject Tests (if necessary) by December; be aware that deadlines vary and many schools have an earlier deadline Attend college presentations at CCHS and off-campus Continue to stay involved in extracurricular activities Continue to work on college list; limit to six to eight colleges Keep your Naviance college list up-to-date and complete your Senior Survey in Naviance Have your parents attend the Senior Parent College Information Meeting at CCHS October Work on and refine your college admissions essay if required Take or retake college admissions tests if necessary Request letters of recommendation if necessary. Ask in person and complete all steps in Naviance Continue to attend college presentations and the CCHS College Fair Create a chart of deadlines; pay attention to Early Decision, Early Action and Restricted Early Action deadlines November Submit college applications; pay attention to priority deadlines Take or retake college admissions tests if necessary 135

137 December Keep your grades up...do not fall behind Meet the CCHS counselor deadline for Letters of Recommendation Go to for your FAFSA Pin #. Please note that the U.S. Department of Education plans to eliminate the use of the four-digit PIN in the near future. The government plans to replace the PIN with a new FSA ID, which will allow students and parents to select their own user name and password. Students and parents who already have a PIN will be able to link that code to their new FSA ID. Check with the schools you are applying to see if they require additional financial aid forms (i.e., the PROFILE); be aware of deadlines and file the PROFILE if necessary by the deadline Have your parents attend the College Financial Aid Night at CCHS Research and apply to scholarship opportunities January/February Follow the steps given by the Counseling Office to send your Midyear Reports Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) If planning to attend college in California, complete a Cal Grant GPA Verification form Don t procrastinate about completing financial aid forms; complete them accurately and as soon as possible Don't panic; many, many decisions are not mailed until April March/April/May Keep academically competitive avoid "senioritis" Continue to apply for scholarships be alert to deadline dates Watch for college acceptances and financial aid awards; pay attention to deadlines for notifying schools and financial aid offices of acceptance Write thank you notes to those who wrote letters of recommendation Report all college acceptances/declines in Naviance and complete the College that I am Attending section Pay attention to your college's deposit deadline (usually May 1) If you have ruled out any college, it is a courtesy to let them know June Enjoy being a high school graduate! Attend orientation events at your college Find out if your college requires placement tests and take them if necessary 136

138 CHAPTER 8 Common Oversights Regarding the Application 1. Failure to send transcripts or to send them on time, particularly if not being sent by your counselor with your letter of recommendations. All transcript requests done on your own go through the CCHS Registrar s Office. Some schools require up to three sets of transcripts to be sent through the school year, so be sure to follow all instructions on your college applications and from the Counseling Office regarding transcripts. 2. Failure to have letters of recommendation sent or not giving ample time to get this process completed. ASK your teachers or counselor with plenty of lead-time. If there is not an online option, you will need to provide addressed and stamped envelopes. Do not hesitate to politely check up on whether or not the letters have been sent. 3. Failure to send in housing requests or applications. Many students receive admission to a college only to discover they did nothing about housing. Each college has different housing application procedures. Check them out carefully. Don t wait to be accepted; it may be too late by then, especially at public colleges and universities. 137

139 4. Failure to take the ACT and/or SAT on time or to have test results sent. Remember, test scores must be sent by the testing agency, and you are advised to check each campus of your choice for required dates in taking the ACT or SAT tests. 5. Failure to submit financial aid papers on time. Also, if scholarships are important to you, keep watch of many scholarships that are available by checking the list on Naviance and applying by the deadlines. Also, check with the financial aid office of each school you are considering for a listing of all scholarships available from the school, as you do not want to miss out on a scholarship due to ignorance of its existence. 6. Failure to keep your senior grades up! Many schools will rescind your acceptance if your grades fall significantly. 138

140 CHAPTER 9 Information for the Student-Athlete 139

141 SECTION 1 The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, was established in 1906 and serves as the athletics governing body for more than 1,300 colleges, universities, conferences and organizations. The NCAA's core purpose is to govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable and sportsmanlike manner, and to integrate intercollegiate athletics into higher education so that the educational experience of the student-athlete is paramount. The NCAA is made up of three membership classifications that are known as Division I, II, and III. Each division creates its own rules governing personnel, amateurism, recruiting, eligibility, benefits, financial aid, and playing and practice seasons--consistent with the overall governing principles of the Association. Every program must affiliate its core program with one of the three divisions. To find out more information about the NCAA and the differences among the three divisions, go to their website at You may contact the NCAA at 317/ (information in this section from the NCAA and the NCAA Eligibility Center websites). 140

142 SECTION 2 The NCAA Eligiblity Center The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies the academic and amateur credentials of all college-bound student-athletes who wish to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics. To find answers to your questions, students may access the Eligibility Center s resource page on its website at clicking on Resources and then selecting the type of student you are. You can then navigate through the resources to find helpful information. One resource found here is the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete, which will have answers to many of your questions. You can also contact the Eligibility Center Customer Service Department at 877/

143 SECTION 3 Steps to Achieving Eligiblity Through Your Junior Year Students should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center during their sophomore year in high school. The following are the steps one would follow to register with the Eligibility Center. 1. Go online to and click the link to enter as an NCAA College-Bound Student Student-Athlete. To create an account, either click on the New Account button at the top right of the screen or the cell phone on the left side of the screen. Allow at least 15 minutes to one hour to register completely. If you need to exit and come back at a later time, you can save and exit once your account has been created. You will need to provide a valid address to create an account and begin the registration process. Be sure you provide an address that will be active even after you complete high school. 2. After you have entered all required information, your account will be eligible for processing once the registration fee of $75 has been paid (or submission of a fee waiver if you have been granted a waiver). You must pay online by debit, credit card or e-check. --You are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee only if you have already received a waiver of the ACT or SAT fee. You must have an authorized high school official submit your fee waiver documentation online after you have completed your registration. If you have not yet been granted a fee waiver by ACT or SAT, you are not yet eligible for a waiver of the NCAA Eligibility Center registration fee. 142

144 3. Once you register online and have completed your junior year, you will also need to submit a transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center. You may do t h i s o n t h e C C H S w e b s i t e a t : You will need to submit complete information for your request to be processed. Please note that the NCAA Eligibility Center does NOT accept faxed or ed transcripts or test scores. 4. Double check to make sure the courses you have taken match our school's list of NCAA courses. 5. You must also have your ACT and SAT scores reported to the NCAA Eligibility Center by the testing agency. Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used. When registering for the ACT or SAT, use the Eligibility Center code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the Eligibility Center. 6. Be mindful of the amount of core courses that you will need to complete your senior year for eligibility. 7. Cathedral Catholic has also teamed up with CoreCourseGPA.com to provide custom online software to all student-athletes to assist in tracking their progress toward meeting NCAA initial eligibility requirements. CoreCourseGPA.com calculates core course GPA for both Division I and II, provides corresponding minimum ACT/SAT scores, and offers a detailed report of core course credits earned and needed. All student-athletes are encouraged to activate their free membership to begin tracking their core course GPA and learn more about important recruiting topics. To activate your membership: Go to Click Free New Member Account Enter School ID (052896) and School Code ( ) Complete Registration Form 143

145 SECTION 4 Steps for Eligiblity During Your Senior Year 1. Take the ACT and/or SAT again, if necessary. The NCAA Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each section of the ACT or SAT to determine your best cumulative score. 2. Continue to take college-prep courses. 3. Check the courses you have taken to match our school's list of NCAA courses. 4. Review your amateurism responses and request final amateurism certification on or after April 1 (for fall enrollees) or October 1 (for spring enrollees). 5. Continue to work hard to get the best grades possible and graduate on time. 6. After graduation, send your final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center with proof of graduation. 144

146 SECTION 5 NCAA Freshman-Eligiblity Standards NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Core Courses: (16) Initial full-time collegiate enrollment before August 1, 2016: o Sixteen (16) core courses are required (see chart below for subject-area requirements). Initial full-time collegiate enrollment on or after August 1, 2016: o Sixteen (16) core courses are required (see chart below for subject-area requirements). Ten (10) core courses completed before the seventh semester; seven (7) of the 10 must be in English, math or natural/physical science. These courses/grades are "locked in" at start of the seventh semester (cannot be repeated for grade-point average [GPA] improvement to meet initial-eligibility requirements for competition). o Students who do not meet core-course progression requirements may still be eligible to receive athletics aid and practice in the initial year of enrollment by meeting academic redshirt requirements (see below). Test Scores: (ACT/SAT) NCAA Division I Initial-Eligibility Requirements Students must present a corresponding test score and core-course GPA on the sliding scale (see Page No. 2). o SAT: critical reading and math sections. Best subscore from each section is used to determine the SAT combined score for initial eligibility. o ACT: English, math, reading and science sections. Best subscore from each section is used to determine the ACT sum score for initial eligibility. All ACT and SAT attempts before initial full-time collegiate enrollment may be used for initial eligibility. Enter 9999 during ACT or SAT registration to ensure the testing agency reports your score directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Test scores on transcripts will not be used. Core Grade-Point Average: Only core courses that appear on the high school's List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website ( will be used to calculate your core-course GPA. Use this list as a guide. Initial full-time collegiate enrollment before August 1, 2016: o Students must present a corresponding test score (ACT sum score or SAT combined score) and core-course GPA (minimum 2.000) on Sliding Scale A (see Page No. 2). o Core-course GPA is calculated using the best 16 core courses that meet subject-area requirements. Initial full-time collegiate enrollment on or after August 1, 2016: o Students must present a corresponding test score (ACT sum score or SAT combined score) and core-course GPA (minimum 2.300) on Sliding Scale B (see Page No. 2). o Core-course GPA is calculated using the best 16 core courses that meet both progression (10 before seventh semester; seven in English, math or science; "locked in") and subject-area requirements. DIVISION I Core-Course Requirement (16) 4 years of English 3 years of math (Algebra I or higher) 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered) 1 year of additional English, math or natural/physical science 2 years of social science 4 years of additional courses (any area above, foreign language or comparative religion/philosophy) DIVISION I 2016 Qualifier Requirements *Athletics aid, practice, and competition 16 core courses o Ten (10) core courses completed before the start of seventh semester. Seven (7) of the 10 must be in English, math or natural/physical science. "Locked in" for core-course GPA calculation. Corresponding test score (ACT sum score or SAT combined score) and core-course GPA (minimum 2.300) on Sliding Scale B (see Page No. 2). Graduate from high school. DIVISION I 2016 Academic Redshirt Requirements *Athletics aid and practice (no competition) 16 core courses o No grades/credits "locked in" (repeated courses after the seventh semester begins may be used for initial eligibility). Corresponding test score (ACT sum score or SAT combined score) and core-course GPA (minimum 2.000) on Sliding Scale B (see Page No. 2). Graduate from high school. 145

147 146

148 147

149 148

150 SECTION 6 Questions to ask Prospective College Coaches as you Consider Colleges Please review the following list of questions from the NCAA Eligibility Center that they suggest you ask prospective college coaches: ATHLETICS: What positions will I play on your team? It is not always obvious. Most coaches want to be flexible, so you might not receive a definite answer. What other players may be competing at the same position? The response could give you an idea of when you can expect to be a starter. Will I be redshirted my first year? The school's policy on redshirting may impact you both athletically and academically. What expectations do you have for training and conditioning? This will reveal the college or university's commitment to a training and conditioning program. H o w w o u l d y o u b e s t d e s c r i b e y o u r c o a c h i n g s t y l e? Every coach has a particular style that involves different motivational techniques and discipline. You need to know if a coach's teaching style matches your learning style. When does the head coach's contract end? How long does the coach intend to stay? The answer could be helpful. Do not make any assumptions about how long a coach will be at a school. If the coach leaves, does this change your mind about the school/program? 149

151 What are preferred, invited and uninvited walk-on situations? How many do you expect to compete? How many earn a scholarship? Situations vary from school to school. W h o e l s e a r e y o u r e c r u i t i n g f o r m y p o s i t i o n? Coaches may consider other student-athletes for every position. Is medical insurance required for my participation? Is it provided by the college? You may be required to provide proof of insurance. If I am seriously injured while competing, who is responsible for my medical expenses? Different colleges have different policies. What happens if I want to transfer to another school? You may not transfer without the permission of your current school's athletics administration. Ask how often coaches grant this privilege and ask for an example of a situation in which permission was not granted. What other factors should I consider when choosing a college? Be realistic about your athletics ability and the type of athletics experience you would enjoy. Some student-athletes want to be part of a particular athletics program, even if that means little or no playing time. Other considerations include coaching staff and style. Of course, the ideal is to choose a college or university that will provide you with both the educational and athletics opportunities you want. 150

152 ACADEMICS: How good is the department in my major? How many students are in the department? What credentials do faculty members hold? What are graduates of the program doing after school? W h at p e rc e n t a ge o f p l a ye rs o n s cholarship g raduate? The response will suggest the school's commitment to academics. You might want t o a s k t w o f o l l o w - u p q u e s t i o n s : 1. What percentage of incoming students eventually g raduate? 2. What is the current team's grade-point average? What academic support programs are available to student-athletes? Look for a college that will help you become a better student. If I have a diagnosed and documented disability, what kind of academic services are available? Special academic services may help you achieve your academic goals. How many credit hours should I take in season and out of season? It is important to determine how many credit hours are required for your degree and what pace you will follow to obtain that degree. Are there restrictions in scheduling classes around practice? NCAA rules prevent you from missing class for practice. Is summer school available? If I need to take summer school, will it be paid for by the college? You may need to take summer school to meet academic and/or graduation requirements. 151

153 COLLEGE LIFE: What is a typical day for a student-athlete? The answer will give you a good idea of how much time is spent in class, practice, study and travel. It also will give you a good indication of what coaches expect. What are the residence halls like? The response should give you a hint of how comfortable you would be in your room, study areas, community bathrooms and at the laundry facilities. Also ask about the number of students in a room, coed dorms and the rules governing life in the residence halls. Must student-athletes live on campus? If yes, ask about exceptions. FINANCIAL AID: How much financial aid is available for both the academic year and summer school? What does your scholarship cover? How long does my scholarship last? Most people think a full ride is good for four years, but athletics financial aid is available on a one-year, renewable basis. What are my opportunities for employment while I am a student? Find out if you can be employed in season, out of season or during vacation periods. Exactly how much will the athletics scholarship be? What will and will not be covered? It is important to understand what college expenses your family is responsible for so you can arrange to pay those. Educational expenses can be paid with student loans and government grants, but it takes time to apply for them. Find out early so you can get something lined up. 152

154 Am I eligible for additional financial aid? Are there any restrictions? Sometimes a student-athlete cannot accept a certain type of scholarship because of NCAA limitations. If you will be receiving other scholarships, let the coach and financial aid officer know so they can determine if you may accept additional dollars. Who is financially responsible if I am injured while competing? You need to understand your financial obligations if you suffer an injury while participating in athletics. Under what circumstances would my scholarship be reduced or canceled? Coaches should be able to give you some idea of how players are evaluated from year to year and how these decisions are made. The college or university may have a policy governing renewal of athletics aid. Ask if such a policy exists and read it. Are there academic criteria tied to maintaining the scholarship? Some colleges or universities add academic requirements to scholarships (e.g., minimum grade-point average). What scholarship money is available after eligibility is exhausted to help me complete my degree? It may take longer than four years to complete a college degree program. Some colleges assist student- athletes financially as they complete their degrees. Ask how such aid is awarded. You may have to work with the team or in the athletics department to qualify for this aid. What scholarship money is available if I suffer an athletics careerending injury? Not every institution continues to provide an athletics scholarship to a studentathlete who can no longer compete because of a career-ending injury. Will my scholarship be maintained if there is a change in coaches? A coach may not be able to answer this, but the athletics director may. 153

155 SECTION 7 How to Help Make an Impression on College Coaches Effective ways for a player to introduce himself or herself to a college coach: Send an or letter Make a phone call to his/her office number to briefly say hello and that you are interested in his/her program Send a DVD/Video with a brief note of introduction How to continue communication with a college coach after you have expressed interest: It makes a good impression on a college coach when a player keeps them informed of recent tournament results and upcoming events. It will never hurt to send a quick to a coach letting them know where you will be playing, whether it s a high school event or a national tournament. Things to avoid when trying to get a college coach s attention: Showing up on campus unannounced Having your current coaches or parents write letters or call on your behalf (before you have established a relationship with the coach) Using recruiting services (these can be impersonal and creates unnecessary expenses on recruits. Coaches receive so many mass mailings from recruiting services that it becomes difficult to keep up ). Sending excessive letters or making excessive contacts. However, a follow-up or phone call can be very effective in making sure a coach received your information. (Adapted from Kathy Sell, Head Coach Women s Tennis, Princeton University) 154

156 SECTION 8 Interesting Facts on College Athletes (from Mike Blackburn, CMAA, Athletic Director at Northwestern High School in Kokomo, Indiana) 155

157 Student Resume for College Coaches Please see the following for an example of a student resume that can to be used for introducing yourself to college coaches. clvi

158 LIST OF IMAGES P a g e 3 File:KingsCollegeChapel.jpg P a g e 6 college_acceptance_ x280.jpg Page 10 Page 15 Pa ge 17 Guide jpg Page 25 Report.jpg Page Page 33 Page 41 %28vector%29.svg Page 43 Page clvii

159 Page 50 Extended-Time.jpg Page 52 Page 55 Page 60 Page 62 Page 63 Page 65 Page 67 Page 78 Page J2SmlL-v3E/s1600/UC%2520Berkeley_Campus.jpg Page 85 Page 99 infographic/4.1.24_finaltranscript_art.gif Page clviii

160 Page Page Page Page admissions.jpg Page Page Financial_Aid.jpg Page Page Page DYkUejkBr6w/s1600/rotc%2Bpatch.jpg P a g e MP _OopsSign-595x395.jpg Page Page clix

161 Page Page Page Player-1small.gif Cover Photograph by Madison Nornes, Haley Nute and Joshua Wehn clx