LELAND HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE APPLICATION TIPS FOR THE CLASS OF 2016

LELAND HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE APPLICATION TIPS FOR THE CLASS OF 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS Resources for Students and Parents 1 Leland Events and Workshops 1 General Application Tips for All Colleges 1 General UC and CSU Tips 4 California State University 5 University of California 7 Independents and Public Out of States 8 SAT, ACT and AP Testing 9 Financial Aid and Scholarships 10 Athletes and NCAA 10 ACADEMIC COUNSELING DEPARTMENT STAFF Assistant Principal: Alanna Callaway-Wilson Academic Counselors: Mrs. Lisa Castillo Grades 9-11 M-Z Mrs. Sarah Diatta Grades 9-11 A-L Mrs. Brenda Stone Grade 12 Main Office Career Center ITC ITC College Advisor (UC Berkeley Destination College Program): Ms. Mahitha Rao ITC College and Career Center Technician: Mrs. Joan Albers Career Center Counseling Intern from USF Ms. Beatriz Fernandez ITC RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS Naviance is an online comprehensive college and career readiness program that allows families to research careers, majors, colleges, and scholarships. Students can also complete many other activities including self-assessments of their personality, interests, learning styles, strengths, career clusters and multiple intelligences. Completing these activities will help students prepare them to research colleges and careers that could be a great match for them. Naviance is a college application manager tool that our seniors are encouraged to use (seniors can t submit college applications in Naviance). We want seniors to input into Naviance the colleges that they will be submitting an application. v Californiacolleges.edu: Information about all colleges in California. Excellent resource. v Academic Counseling Department (ACD) Web Site is on the Leland Home Page and is packed with important information and resources. v Get In 2 College is available on the ACD Web Site of the Leland Web Site. College Admissions Handbook: Excellent guide with A-Z info about college. Private site for additional resources: Senior Calendar, Checklist for Seniors, Application, Essay Writing, Visit, and Financial Aid. Consolidated Page of 600 Links sorted by category. Mini-Manuals: Recommend the following: Getting Organized for College Admissions, College Visit, Writing Effective Essays, & Senior Mini Handbook. v Career Center has many books that can be checked out. Topics include: college reference books, major books, specific majors books (business, medical, arts, law..), essays, visiting colleges, SAT Reasoning & Subjects, ACT, AP, financial aid, CSU ELM and EPT. v Personal Statement and Essay Readers:. Ms Rao and Mrs. Spindler in the ITC will provide feedback on your essays/personal statements. We encourage you to take advantage of these great resources. LELAND EVENTS v The ACD Bulletin announces upcoming college presentations. All of these college presentations are during non-instructional times (mostly tutorial). The ACD Bulletin is posted on the ACD Web Site and on the Naviance Home Page in the Document Library in the Career Center Bulletin folder. GENERAL APPLICATION TIPS FOR ALL COLLEGES BEFORE YOU APPLY v KNOW YOUR DEADLINES! Write them all down on a calendar or a spreadsheet (applications, testing, financial aid, transcripts, Student Intent to Register and housing). Submit applications several days before the deadline as problems may arise. If applying to schools outside of California be aware of the different time zones. Servers have crashed in the past. We recommend that you submit everything several days before the deadline. v Self Evaluation Activity: We encourage you to complete this activity before you complete your applications (available in the Naviance Document Library in the Senior College Folder). v Apply broadly and consider all options. We are encouraging our students to consider all post secondary options including CSU, UC, independents and public out of state colleges (some schools may

offer reductions in out of state fees). Students interested in California public colleges need to apply broadly. Facts to consider when making decisions are: the total cost of the education, number of years to obtain a degree (if more than four years = extra yearly expenses and loss of income), financial aid offered, retention rates and availability of classes and services. v Web Sites: Familiarize yourself with information at college web sites well before the deadlines. v YOUR College Files: Set up a filing system where each college has its own file filled with any information the college has sent you, and where you will file a copy of your application and all documentation you have sent in. File documents throughout the year in your college files. v Naviance: Naviance is a college application manager tool that our seniors are encouraged to use. We want seniors to input into Naviance the colleges that they will be submitting an application and update Naviance throughout the year with admissions decisions. v Test Scores: Request that the testing companies (SAT & ACT) send your official test scores to each school you are applying by the testing deadlines. Remember that application deadlines and testing deadlines are different. See Testing Section for additional info. v User Names and Passwords: Write down all user names and passwords. Create strong passwords. Choose challenge questions that you will remember the answers (example: favorite color may change). v Dedicated College E-Mail Address: We encourage you to set up a dedicated e-mail address to use for colleges with an appropriate address (inappropriate addresses may be returned to sender). Check your e-mails often (even during summer). Adjust filters to accept e-mails from the colleges. Disable pop-up blockers. Don t change this address. CSU and UC are requiring an e-mail address and most have a portal that you will need to check on a regular basis. Sometimes important e- mails from colleges are in your spam or junk files. Check your application status online if you can. Check your e-mails regularly. v Legal Name: Use your full legal name consistently on every application and document you submit because your name needs to match all records. This includes application, financial aid documents, transcripts and test scores. v GPA Calculations vary by college (9-12, 10-12) v TOEFL or IELTS Test may be required for seniors who have attended a non-english speaking out of the country high school. You must send results to each admissions office. See Mrs. Albers in the Career Center for information. v Omissions: If you don t include college prep classes in your application, you have an omission and omissions are considered falsifications and may affect your admissions decision. v Leland Info: Leland doesn t rank and GPA is unweighted. Class of 2016 has 444 seniors. GPA and decile information: Class of 2016 Deciles (unweighted Grades 9-11): 4.0 : 5% 4.0-3.94. : 10% 4.0-3.83: 20% 4.0-3.73: 30% 4.0-3.59: 40% 4.0-3.43: 50% 4.0-3.28: 60% 4.0 3.08: 70% 4.0-2.76: 80% 4.0-2.33: 90% v Learning Challenges: If you have a learning challenge, you may consider writing about it on your college application. See an Academic Counselor for additional information. v AB540 Students and non-citizens need to see Ms. Rao for info before you apply to colleges. There are scholarships for undocumented students. v California Dream Act: Will help seniors who are not U.S. Citizens. See Ms. Rao for additional info. v Social Media: Be aware that some colleges and future employers actually do search the Internet to see information about you (Facebook, My Space..). APPLICATION TIPS v Read all instructions for each college application that is available on the college website. v Take your time. Every piece of information you enter in your application is your opportunity to make yourself more competitive. v Be accurate and double check everything because you want to be considered at all of your schools!!! v Paper Applications: If completing a paper application because the college will only accept a paper application, use black or dark blue ink. Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible. v Fee Waivers: If you think that you may qualify for an application fee waiver for independent colleges, see an Academic Counselor. v Institutions Attended: Enter ALL high schools and colleges you have attended or will attend before enrolling at the college. Include institutions where you took summer classes. List SJCC courses taken at Leland as SJCC Classes. Always enter the LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 2

institution, course name and number as it appears on the institution where you took the class. v Courses Outside of Leland (including college classes, SJCC Classes at Leland, summer classes, online or private high school): If you have taken any classes outside of Leland (examples are above), enter the institution attended, dates attended and list the class name and course number as it appears on the transcript of the institution where you took the class (ie: Elem. Japanese 001A at San Jose City College). Use assist.org to see if your college courses are transferable. If they are, list it as college level (CL) in the honors section (UC and CSU applications). Exception: E2020 classes are listed as they appear on your Leland transcript. v SAT & ACT, Financial Aid and Scholarships: Read information on the last page of this document. v College Requirements: Make sure that you will have fulfilled all of the required courses by June. You need to enter all courses in your application including makeup courses that have been completed or are planned. Failure to do so may cause you to be ineligible. v Online Classes: Please see one of the academic counselors in the ITC or Career Center if you have taken an online class to repeat a class that you received a grade lower that a C to meet a college requirement. We want to make sure that the class is accepted at the colleges because there have been some changes recently. ITEMS YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR APPLICATIONS v Transcripts: High school transcript (you can use the copy we gave you last September). See transcript section for ordering college transcripts (including college classes you took at Leland), and any other institution that you took a course in high school. Make a copy of your Leland transcripts for each system you are submitting an application (CSU, UC, Independents that are on Common App, Independents that are not Common Application, Public out of states ). Cross off each class after you enter the class. You must enter all of your academic classes (unless it qualifies as a repeatable class) or it is considered an omission (except for P.E., or Athletics). v Test Scores: Your scores from SAT Reasoning, or ACT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP scores. v Social Security Number: If you have a SSN, many schools require that you enter your SSN. v Appropriate e-mail address BEFORE YOU SUBMIT v Make sure everything is complete and all required documents are included. v Print a copy of your application and all supporting documents before you mail or submit electronically. File all copies. Do not skip this important step. You may need documentation for proof that you applied on time. If mailing, ask the Post Office for a Certificate of Mailing as proof that you mailed it by the deadline. v Application Fees: Most schools will allow you to pay online with a credit card or mail a check or money order. If you mail in payment, make sure that payment is received on time or the application may be withdrawn. v Message Warnings: If you apply online, make sure that your read all messages warning you that something is incomplete or needs to be corrected. v Double-check everything on ALL applications! v Certification or Signature: Make sure that you read the important information about what your electronic signature means (usually the last section). v Submit Button for Online Apps: Push the Submit Button only after you have double-checked everything. v Housing Shortages: If there are housing shortages at some colleges, you may need to request housing when you apply. TRANSCRIPTS v Transcripts: Send your HS transcript ONLY when the college requests it and follow all the college instructions. If you took a class outside of Leland including college courses, check to see if the college requires those college transcripts as well. Do not send UC and CSU transcripts when you apply. UC s and most CSU s will only request the final transcript. If a college receives a copy of your transcript before they request it, the college may shred your transcript. Order all official and unofficial transcripts at one time. v Ordering Transcripts: See the Registrar, Mrs. Johnson, in the Main Office to order transcripts by completing the form on the counter. Unofficial transcripts are $1.00 each and official transcripts are $5.00 each. We no longer include test scores with your transcripts. If you want a copy of your test scores you need to complete the form on the Registrar s counter (no charge for the testing page). Allow for a two school day turnaround for transcripts. You will need to pay with cash (no checks) when you order your transcripts. LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 3

v Naviance: If all of the independents schools that you are applying to that require a counselor recommendation are being submitted through Naviance, you will not need to order transcripts for Counselor/Secondary School Reports and mid year reports because the counselor will upload and send your transcript. AFTER YOU APPLY v Avoid senioritis: Keep your grades up. Try to avoid class changes. v D s: Many colleges are not admitting or are rescinding acceptances if the senior receives any D or F including PE in the senior year. v You need to notify all colleges immediately in writing of ANY changes (change in classes, any grade below D, grades dropping...). You need to find out how each college wants to be notified. Many colleges require you to maintain a minimum GPA during your senior year. v Check your email and portals on a regular basis including during the summer. v Provisional Acceptance: Offers of admission to all colleges are provisional until the campus receives final official transcript and verifies all information you provided on your application. If any information on your application is found to be incomplete or inaccurate, or your grades have dropped, or there are omissions (considered falsifications), or you received a grade below C, the offer of admission may be revoked. v Application Notification: Each campus will notify you of receipt of your application either by e-mail or postcard. Call the campus directly if receipt is not received. v Transcripts: Send your HS transcript ONLY if the college requests it. See info in Transcript section. v College Notifications: U.C. s will notify students during the month of March. CSU s, independent colleges and out of state vary from school to school. All schools should notify you by April 1. v Housing: Pay special attention to housing information from each school so that you meet the deadline to guarantee your housing. v Appeals: Many colleges do not consider appeals and the few that do, only consider NEW and COMPELLING information and may require a letter of recommendation. A very small percentage of appeals are granted. AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED Student Intent to Register (SIR) or Intent to Register (ITR) Return your SIR or ITR by the deadline (usually 5/1) with the deposit required by the school by the deadline. You should have documented proof that you submitted your SIR or ITR, financial aid acceptance and deposit on time. v Remember all offers of acceptance are provisional. See info in the previous section. v Final Transcript: You must request that your final transcript be sent to the school you will be attending next fall. Order in the main office from Mrs. Johnson, Registrar, by the end of May to request final transcript. Cost for an official transcript is $5.00. Cash only. GENERAL UC AND CSU TIPS v Complete the 2016-2017 Application (fall term). v UC/CSU Comparison of Minimum Eligibility Required A-G Courses is available on the ACD Web Site. Classes must be completed with a grade of a C or better. Courses in which grades of a D are earned must be repeated or validated. There are a couple of exceptions listed on the CSU/UC Comparison on the ACD Web Site. v Double-Check: Seniors need to be very careful with their applications and must double-check everything because you want to be considered at all your schools! v Fee Waivers: If applying online for UC and/or CSU, you can submit information for a fee waiver. Carefully input financial information that is requested because after you press submit, you can t make changes. You will be notified immediately if you qualify for up to four waivers. v Impacted majors: If a major you are considering is listed as impacted, while it is more competitive, we encourage you to apply to that major. You can always change out of that major later; however, if you are not admitted right away it may be impossible to change to that major later. Always put a second choice major; undecided may be acceptable. v Status: High school seniors are considered high school students even if they have college credits. v High Schools/Institutions Attended: When you enter Leland as your high school you will be able to see all Leland A-G approved classes in each subject area. List all schools that you attended LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 4

including community colleges and SJCC if you took SJCC Classes at Leland. v CA State ID # (CSIS): California has assigned a Statewide Student ID Number that is optional on your CSU/UC applications. Your number is listed on your transcript as State ID on the line after birthdate and also in Infinite Campus. v Entering Your Classes: List only UC/CSU approved courses in which you have a letter grade. Read info in the CSU and UC sections regarding Economics and American Government. The Leland approved course list for UC and CSU is available at doorways.ucop.edu/list. v Repeated Courses: If you have repeated a course you need to list both courses. v College Courses: Enter all college courses that you have taken. Read info in General Tip Section. Read info in the UC section, as there is a special section for college courses. v Help Centers: Both CSU and UC have different options to have your questions answered. Information is posted in the application. v Summer Coursework: Select the grade level after the summer in which you took the course. v Questions: Both CSU and UC post in the application how you can have your questions answered. v Validation of Subject Requirement by Test Scores: Subject omissions may be satisfied with appropriate test scores on SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams. See Mrs. Albers for add l info. It is very important that you enter all information in the Testing Section. v GPA Calculators are available for both CSU and UC on their web sites. v EOP Program: CSU and UC have an Educational Opportunity Program for students who are historically disadvantaged because of their economic and educational backgrounds. If interested, read information on the UC or CSU Web Site if you think you may qualify. Ms. Rao encourages any seniors who think they may qualify for EOP to talk to her in the ITC. CSU has an additional application for EOP. UC requires seniors to answers a few additional questions. v Letters of Recommendation are NOT accepted by CSU and UC! v Warnings: If you are warned that you have not met a requirement, review the information you have entered and correct the omission. v Appeals: Appeals will be very limited and must have exceptional new and compelling circumstances. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY http://www.csumentor.edu v First: Read all information in General Application Tips For All Colleges and UC and CSU General Tips. v Filing Period: October 1 - November 30. We recommend that you submit your application one week before the deadline, avoiding panic, carelessness, and computer crashes v Application & information: Undergraduate Application 2016-17 at www.csumentor.edu. v Process: We encourage you to use the new Express Mode to submit multiple applications. v Help: Help Tutorial and a video are available in Apply Online. We encourage you to read this prior to applying. You can use the Ask an Expert for answers. v Select campus and click on start new application. To begin the application click on the Begin Application button at the bottom of the introduction screen. You must scroll down the screen to view the button. Do NOT start multiple applications for each campus. v Save each screen from left navigation sidebar. v Freshman Status: You are a freshman even if you have college credit. v Once you submit your first application, you can now apply to multiple campuses quickly and easily. Screens 2-12 will now be autopopulated. The data will be retrieved from your most recently submitted application. Supplemental questions and the EOP Application are not part of the Express Mode and will remain in the Standard Mode. v Subsequent Applications: Select term, then next campus choice. System determines if subsequent application qualifies for Express Application mode. App prepopulates with data from last submitted app. Do not close browser while processing. Do not click on back-arrow on web page. v Additional Info: Some campuses or majors may require you to submit additional information. Cal Poly SLO is offering binding Early Decision, contact them ASAP if interested. LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 5

v Local area: Students in Santa Clara County are considered local and have priority at SJSU, East Bay and SFSU. East Bay and SFSU MAY offer guaranteed admission to local students and SJSU has priority admissions provided that they comply with all posted deadlines and meet all CSU eligibility requirements. v Information from SJSU: SJSU is impacted and you must meet all eligibility requirements and all deadlines. The latest SAT or ACT scores they will accept is from the November test dates and use Internet score delivery. Scores must be received at SJSU by December 23. No exceptions! All majors are impacted and SJSU won t allow you to change your major after you apply. Most majors will require supplemental criterion of higher eligibility index. All deadlines are firm! Information is available at sjsu.edu. v Impacted Campuses and Majors: Last year there were 16 impacted campuses. Many campuses have impacted majors. Review program descriptions for each campus. You may be able to select undeclared. v CSU Testing Requirement: SAT Reasoning or the ACT (will not use the writing test). CSU combines your best critical reading and math scores from multiple sittings of the SAT; may combine best sub-scores from multiple ACT tests to calculate a best composite score (CSU s policy NOT UC s). Some campuses will accept December Test Scores. However, some campuses recommend or require testing completed by October or November. San Jose State requires all testing to be completed by November Test Dates and received electronically by December 20. Testing deadlines are available at csumentor.com. v CSU s SAT Code is 3594. When you use this code, your SAT scores will be sent to all CSU s that you submitted an application (listed as CSU Long Beach Mentor). v ACT Score: Send your ACT Score from one sitting to a CSU Campus. Once a CSU campus has received your ACT Score, log into your CSU Mentor account and go to the ACT Manager in the Apply Online tab and release your score to the campuses you will be submitting an application. Be aware of testing deadlines. If applying to schools with an early testing deadline, we recommend you send the scores directly to the campus because it will take several weeks to use the ACT Manager. v No Letters of Rec, Essays or Extracurricular Activities: CSU does not accept a letter of recommendation and you don t complete essays or input extracurricular info (some campuses may ask a few additional questions). v Special Events: Many CSU s offer special events, preview days, priority admission days and early decision days, check their websites for additional information. v Scholarships: All CSU s offer scholarships. Information is available at the individual campus web site (not at Mentor site). v Honors/Academic Programs: Almost all campuses have Honors and Special Academic Programs. v Advanced Standing Section: If you have completed CSU transferable college courses with a C or higher (check at assist.org) or you have college credits because of AP Tests, and the qualifications are met, you can use the Advanced Standing Section if you meet the qualifications. Check all boxes that are appropriate in this section. v High School Attended: Enter all high schools attended in High School Section. v Colleges Attended: Enter all colleges attended including summer classes and SJCC if you took SJCC classes at Leland (ASL, Japanese, Math). v Entering Senior Classes: Make sure you complete information regarding your senior classes. In addition to correctly listing all CSU approved courses you need to select In Progress for fall classes and Planned for spring classes. v College Classes: See info in General Tips Section. v Honors Points: If the class is an approved Leland Honors, AP class or a college transferable class (assist.org), indicate the appropriate level (H, AP or CL). v American Government and Economics: American Government is entered in A History/Social Science category and Economics is entered in G Electives category. Enter both classes as a semester class and the first semester class as in progress and second semester class as planned. Important: for the semester that you aren t taking the class do NOT make a selection. v Coursework Other Than A-G: Section is after the GPA calculation. Follow instructions. Possible examples: Speech and Debate with a plus (+), Business Internships, Chinese School, computer class, Summer College Programs, A.S.B., TA s that were selected by teachers and have important responsibilities, SVCTE LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 6

v Housing may be limited and on many campuses is first come, first served. You may have to deposit housing money when you apply at some campuses. v Deadlines: Testing, 6th or 7th semester transcripts (only some CSU s), final transcript, financial aid, and housing deadlines vary from campus to campus. Read info from each campus. v ID Number: After you apply, you may be assigned an ID Number. v Application Confirmation #: Keep this number. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions v First: Read all information in General Application Tips For All Colleges and UC and CSU General Tips. v Read and follow all instructions. v Filing Period: November 1-30. We recommend you submit several days before the 30th, avoid website overload, crashing, last minute panic v Process: You submit one application for all campuses. You need to declare a major at each campus you are submitting an application and can choose an alternate at most campuses. v Important University of California Info: Freshman admission to the University will continue to be highly competitive. Options for a referral (only to UC Merced) are expected to be limited. Students are encouraged to apply to UC Merced (if they are at least minimally eligible and not an ELC student) if they want to be ensured a space within the UC system. An automatic referral to Merced if you do not get into the UC campuses you applied to is not guaranteed. Most UC s will be using waitlists as an alternative to or in addition to the appeals process. v Apply broadly. Every year campuses are becoming more selective. v Application & Information: Available online at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply. The UC application is for ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIP! Use the UC web site extensively prior to beginning your application. Click How to Apply and click on all the topics on the left. Click on Apply Online. On the right click on Download a Quick Start Guide and then for California freshmen. Print these documents. Make sure you click on Apply Now Freshman Application 14/15 (even if you have college credits). v Print the Checklist. Take the application virtual tour. Read everything in at the UC Web Site. Read and follow all instructions. v Scholarships: Click and look over the scholarships that are available including campus specific scholarships. You may select up to 16 scholarships. v Eligibility and Selection: Read info online for the most current information on eligibility, selection and other admission info at each campus. v Testing Requirements: UC requires the ACT Assessment with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test. UC uses the highest score from a single test administration. UC no longer requires SAT Subject Tests, however, some majors may recommend Subject Tests. If your SAT Subject Tests are on your testing report, they may help you but won t hurt you. v Test Scores: If you send your SAT test scores or ACT score to one UC campus, then all campuses that you apply to will receive the scores. v E-Mail Address: An e-mail address is required for the UC application and it is your User Name. Check it often! Check junk and folders. v ELC: If you were in the top 15% of the class last spring and your parent permission letter was turned in to our Registrar, you are being considered for the ELC. You should receive a letter about the ELC process in early October. You need to submit your UC application and you will be notified shortly after you submit your application if you are an ELC Student (recalculated UC gpa that meets the criteria for the top 9% of Leland students). v GPA Calculation: UC will calculate your GPA. List courses and grades as they appear on your transcript. v Time Limitations: Be aware of time limitations of inactivity on your computer s pages to avoid losing information and not being saved. v Scholarships: Application is for admissions and some scholarships. v Freshman Status: You are a freshman even if you have college credit. v List only UC approved classes with a letter grade. A-G Leland approved courses are available at doorways.ucop.edu/list. v College Classes: See info in General Tips Section. In the high school section of the Academic History, DON T enter any college classes including SJCC classes offered at Leland even though they will appear in the menu. In the College section #3, you will enter all college classes including SJCC classes LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 7

offered at Leland. Enter the institution and dates attended then select the subject area (ASL=Sign Language) and drag down the class and enter the grade or in progress or planned. v American Government and Economics: American Government is entered in A History/Social Science category and Economics is entered in G Electives category. The semester that you aren t taking the class enter a no instead of in progress or planned. v Coursework Other Than A-G: (In Activities and Awards Section). Follow instructions. Possible examples: Speech and Debate with a plus (+), Business Internships, Chinese School, Summer College Programs, ASB, TA s that were selected by teachers and have important responsibilities, CCOC v College Classes: If a class that you took outside of Leland uses a different grading system you need to contact UC to find out how you will enter the class. Last year a senior wasn t considered for ELC because of the college grading system. You may need to add a course that is different in the Additional Academic Section. v Personal Statement & Extracurricular Information: UC personal statement tips and a video are available at: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission s/ in the how to apply section. Click on Personal Statement and read info. Click on Tips on the personal statement and look at the video. Your personal statement & extracurricular information are very important and can make a difference in your acceptance decision. There is a STRICT maximum 1,000 word limit on your Personal Statement so you can t go over 1,000 words! Compose your personal statement in a Word document, save it, and then copy and paste it onto the application. Double check to make sure words and characters were not changed. All words are counted. After you have pasted your essay, double check the word count. Descriptions on the extracurricular section are very important (don t analyze). Space is limited. Select your five most significant and meaningful activities. Leadership is important. v Prompts for Personal Statements have not changed. Make sure that address the entire prompt. Visit the Career Center to obtain helpful information about writing your Personal Statement. v Help with your personal statement is available. See information in the General Application section. v Californiacolleges.edu has a video on the UC Personal Statement. v Personal Statement Additional Comments Section: Use this section to share information regarding unusual circumstances any important information which has not been included in any other area of the application (add l names, citizenship/visa issues) or to explain or clarify unusual circumstances, hardships, academic record, etc. or to convey any information that will help us understand the context of your achievement. You can list add l honors or awards, more activities, and leadership elements, volunteer activities, etc. v Financial Information: Many questions in the Family Data Section are voluntary. EOP Applicants, students applying for need based scholarships and students requesting fee waivers will need to answer sections indicated by blue text. v UC Blue + Gold Opportunity Plan will cover your educational and student service fees if you are a California Resident whose family earns less than $80,000 a year and qualify for financial aid. Visit unversityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/paying-for-uc/ financial aid/grants for information and requirements. v Comprehensive Review: All applications will receive a comprehensive review in which all information on your application will be considered, including academics, your personal statement, and extracurricular information. Any information submitted on the application is subject to verification. v Carefully review info on the Summary Page. v Double-check everything! Print Receipt and Summary and file it. Contact Processing Service if written acknowledgment is not received within four weeks. To review your application, go to ucapplication.net/ucap. INDEPENDENTS/PRIVATES AND PUBLIC OUT OF STATES v First: Read all information in General Application Tips For All Colleges. v Independents: Many independents/privates use the Common Application (commonapplication.org). Through Naviance our recommenders can submit recommendations for over 2,000 colleges. v Applications: Most are on-line. Many independents use the Common Application. v Application Filing period: Vary by school. Some have early options. LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 8

v California Independents: Visit the California Independents Web Site at aiccu.edu or aiccumentor.org. v Letter of Recommendations: Most independent schools require letters of rec with their application. The required form for independent recommendations and instructions are available in Naviance. A few public out of state colleges require letter of recommendations. v Transcripts: Most independents request an official transcript and it is usually sent electronically with the counselor rec. You don t need to order an official transcript unless the independent will only accept paper recommendations. v Early Options: If you apply early (Early Action, Singly Early Action, Early Decision ) to any campus, make sure you fully understand their policy. We recommend you complete all other applications BEFORE you hear from the school that you applied early to ensure you do your best on your applications. If applying Early Decision make sure you follow instructions on the ED Agreement. v Additional Financial Aid Forms: Most independents will require additional financial aid forms in addition to the FAFSA (see info in Financial Aid section). Many schools require the CSS Profile (available at collegeboard.org). v Merit Scholarships: Most independent colleges (not highly selective) and state schools offer merit scholarships based on grades and test scores. v Need based money: Independents offer needbased money. Some independents have special programs for low income and middle-income families. v Public Out of State: Because you are a California Resident, you may have to pay out of state fees. Many public out of state schools are recruiting California residents. Research these additional fees. Each school has their own policies regarding financial aid and scholarships. Some schools award financial aid by date the application is received. Some Western States may offer California Residents reduced out-of-state fees (WUE). Many of these schools offer merit monies. Many of these schools calculate the GPA in grades 9-12. California has one of the highest costs of living. Look at the total cost for an out of state student including additional fees, graduation rates (if over four yrs.= additional yearly expenses plus loss of income), retention rates and financial aid. SAT, ACT and AP INFORMATION Leland Testing Code 053091 v Be aware of each college s Test Requirements: Most four-year schools require the SAT Reasoning or ACT (some schools including UC require the Optional Writing) and will accept either. We encourage you to take both because you may test better on one of them. Some schools including independents require SAT Subject Tests. UC no longer requires SAT Subject Tests, however, some majors may recommend Subject Tests. If your SAT Subject Tests are on your testing report, they may help you but won t hurt you. Colleges will use your best score. Community colleges do not require SAT or ACT. v Leland CEEB Code is 053091: If you enter this code Leland will receive a copy of your test score. v SAT Score Choice: We recommend that you don t use Score Choice because you may forget to release the scores and/or you may not meet testing deadlines. v SAT Score Report: Includes up to the last 6 SAT Reasoning and 6 Subject Test administrations. v ACT Score Report: Only the one test score you request through Score Choice is sent. v Sending Test Scores: You need to request the College Board (SAT s) or ACT testing service send your official scores to each school you are applying to NOW or before you take the test! You need to meet all testing deadlines. Most colleges prefer that all scores be submitted electronically by the testing companies. v SAT and ACT Test Scores to CSU s: See CSU section for instructions to send your SAT scores to one campus and instructions to send to one CSU and then use the ACT Manager. v SAT and ACT Test Scores to UC s: See UC section for instructions to send your scores to one campus and all campuses will receive the report. v Reports: If you do not receive your score report, contact the testing company. v Testing Deadlines: Vary by school. Last test date UC and most CSU s will accept SAT/ACT scores from is December. Some CSU campuses recommend or require testing be completed by October or November (csumentor.com) and have a deadline of when the score must be received. v SAT and ACT Web Sites: SAT is collegeboard.org and ACT is actstudent.org. LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 9

v SAT and ACT Online Courses: Both ACT and SAT sell online courses on their web sites. v Fee Waivers are available for the SAT S, ACT and independent college application fees. See an Academic Counselors to obtain waivers. v Practice Test Web Sites: The Career Center has a list of free practice testing sites. Get In 2 College has information and web sites at their private site and a Mini Manual on Standardized Testing. v AP Test Report: If you are planning on taking an AP Test next May, you can request that all of your AP Scores be sent to the college you will be attending next fall when you register for the AP Test. If you aren t taking an AP test next May, see Mrs. Albers. FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS v FAFSA: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be available fafsa.ed.gov (only use.gov) on January 1 st. This form must be submitted to receive any federal, state or institutional financial aid. If applying online, the first day you can submit the FAFSA is January 1. Request a separate student and parent PIN in advance from fafsa.ed.gov. In step 1, click on students & parents, to apply for a pin. Many schools will not give out institutional monies unless you complete the FAFSA. We encourage every senior to complete the FAFSA! v Naviance has financial aid information on the Home Page in the Financial Aid custom page on the left. Scholarship information is available in the College Tab in the Scholarships and money section in the Scholarship List and Nat l Scholarship Search links. v Financial Aid Estimator is available at fafsa4caster.ed.gov and will give you an estimate of your expected family contribution (EFC). v Financial Aid Workshops: These workshops are very informative for both parents & students seeking any type financial aid. v Financial Aid Night: January 14 h in the Leland ITC/Library at 6:30 p.m. for seniors and their parents. v Cash for College Workshop: To be announced. You will work with counselors to complete the FAFSA online at this event. v Middle Class Scholarship: The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program applies to undergraduate students with family incomes up to $150,000 and who attend a University of California or California State University campus. v Special Programs are available for low-income students. See Mrs. Albers for info. v AB540 Students and non citizens need to see Ms. Rao in the ITC for information before you apply to colleges. There are scholarships for undocumented students. v Cal Grant: The Cal Grant is California s State Financial Aid. You must follow directions on FAFSA if you wish to be considered for a Cal Grant. The student must also complete a GPA Verification Form process by March 2 nd. This process will be announced in January. There is GPA requirements, and income and asset ceilings to qualify for a Cal Grant. v Independent Colleges may require additional financial aid forms. If they require the CSS Profile, check each school s deadline (available at collegeboard.org). v Californiacolleges.edu: There is information about college systems and videos about financial aid. v Resources: A list of Web Sites is available in the Career Center and on the Naviance Home Page in the Document Library in the List of Resources/Web Site s folder. Other websites include: californiacashforcollege.org. Register at edfund.org, finaid.org, fastweb.com, collegeboard.com, fastaid.com, collegenet.com, collegequest.com, and petersons.com. v Scholarships Information: Any money earned through scholarships must be reported to your college and may be deducted from the school s financial award. ATHLETES AND NCAA v NCAA: If a senior athlete is interested in playing sports in college, they need to be cleared by the NCAA. We encourage you to visit the NCAA Web Site and read the information at this site before submitting the online form. v Requirements: There are many requirements that must be met for an athlete to be cleared by NCAA including classes, gpa, testing v Test Scores: Follow instructions to request the SAT or ACT to send official test scores to NCAA. v Transcripts: Seniors must print out the NCAA transcript request form, make a copy of it (bring both copies to the Leland Registrar in Main Office) and order one 6 th semester transcript and one final transcript. Cost for two official transcripts is $10.00. LHS: College Application Tips for the Class of 2016 Page 10