Transcript Information for Juniors - William Howard Taft Charter High

Senior Year: Graduation and
Beyond
LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL…
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Students choose to do many different things after high
school depending on their personal situation.
Some options include:
Employment
Vocational School
Military
Gap Year
College/University
College Name Game
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How many colleges can you think of???
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There are over 3,000 schools in the United States alone…
What’s in a name???
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DON’T FALL INTO THE NAME TRAP!
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Just because you haven’t heard of it, doesn’t mean it’s not an
excellent school!
California’s Higher Education System
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Community Colleges – 2 year colleges
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California State Universities – 4 year universities
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(i.e. CSUN, CSULA, San Diego State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)
University of California – 4 year universities
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(i.e. Pierce,Valley, Santa Monica, Moorpark, Glendale)
(i.e. UCB, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD, UCI, UCD, UCSC, UCR, UCM)
Private Universities – 4 year colleges and universities
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(i.e. USC, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, Cal Lutheran)
Standardized Testing Options:
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SAT Reasoning (2400 pt scale) or ACT (36 pt scale)
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3 ½ hr test; equally accepted
Required by most 4-year universities
SAT Reasoning: Math,Verbal, Writing
ACT: Math, English, Reading, Science, Writing
Can be taken multiple times
SAT Subject Tests (800 pt scale)
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1 hr test in specific subject areas
2 or 3 required by some 4-year schools
Some UC Campuses recommend tests for certain majors
Student chooses which tests to take
Can be taken multiple times
UC/CSU A-G Eligibility Requirements
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2 years required (3-4 recommended)
4 years required
3 years required (4 recommended)
1 year biological, 1 year physical
(3-4 years recommended)
E-World Language: 2 years required (3-4 recommended)
F-Fine Art:
1 year required
G-Additional Academic Elective requirement-1 year min.
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Eligible DOES NOT equal competitive!
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A-Social Studies:
B-English:
C-Math:
D-Lab Science:
Testing Tips
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Take each test more than once to improve scores
Test prep (practice makes a difference)
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Prep books
Prep courses
Tutors / Practice exams
2 fee waivers for each test available, if eligible (i.e.
school lunch program)
Take Subject Test(s) after completing subject
courses
College Admittance Criteria
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Most schools take a holistic approach
Academics:
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Test scores: SAT/ACT, Subject Tests (if required)
Extracurricular activities at school:
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Grades (Cs or better, Ds are not accepted for college)
Challenging coursework
Concurrent enrollment in community college classes
Sports, clubs, music, drama, leadership, etc.
Community service / Volunteer work outside school:
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Find your passion! Make a commitment!
College Admittance Criteria
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Personal Essays (if required)
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Letters of Recommendation (if required or optional;
students must give counselors/teachers advance notice)
Participation in special programs
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Leadership
Life experience
Personal qualities (what makes student unique and a good fit)
Awards / recognition
Summer programs, internships, employment, etc.
Special factors
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Talent, legacy, first in family to attend college, diversity, etc.
Deciphering GPAs/Class Rank
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Every Taft student has 3 unique GPAs
LAUSD GPA: 9th – 11th grade marks on a 4.0 scale,
with a ¼ pt. weighting for all AP
classes
(senior ranking is determined with this GPA,
recalculated after 12th grade fall final marks)
UC/CSU GPA: 10th -11th grade marks on a 4.0 scale,
with a full pt. weighting for all AP classes and
applicable honors courses (see flyer)
Financial Aid GPA: 10th-11th grade unweighted marks on
a 4.0 scale (excludes PE)
Deciding Factors:
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4-year vs. 2-year
Housing
Location
Cost/Financial aid package
Degrees offered
Weather
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Extracurricular activities
Size (small vs. big)
Special programs
Unique college life aspects
Academic focus
What can each school offer?
What is the best fit for student?
Community College Option
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Eligibility
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Accelerated programs
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18 years old or high school diploma
Placement exams in Math and English
Honors Programs
College credit for AP tests (scores of 3 or higher)
Transfer agreements with certain 4 year colleges and
universities
Technical / Specialized programs
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Less expensive than private technical school
Skills for job placement (nursing, culinary arts, fire science)
Choosing Community College Over 4-Year
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Lower cost
Closer to home
Smaller class size
Bridge to a four year school
Programs not offered at 4-year college
Easy entrance requirements
Complete general education requirements before transfer
Opportunity to decide on major
Not accepted to school of choice
Opportunity to transfer to dream college or university
Choose schools wisely!
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Safety schools
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Competitive schools
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likely to be accepted, not guaranteed
Reach schools
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must have AT LEAST ONE safety school
very competitive, may not be accepted
Pick schools in each category
UCLA, UCB, UCSD, and UCSB are
COMPETITIVE/REACH schools for everyone!
Researching a College
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Internet
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College visits
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collegeboard.org
collegedata.com
csumentor.edu
ucop.edu/pathways
Tours/virtual tours
Summer programs
Compare colleges
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Start by visiting local colleges and universities
How to Pay for College
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Forms of financial aid
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Grants
Scholarships
Loans
Work study
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Sources of financial aid
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Federal government
State government
University grants
Private organizations for
scholarships
Lending institutions
College Finances
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Scholarships websites
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File FAFSA before March 2 of senior year
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fastweb.com
finaid.com
fafsa.ed.gov
EFC (Expected Family Contribution): same no matter what
school you attend!
File CSS profile for private schools senior year
Cal Grant GPA verification automatically sent by LAUSD
for Cal Grant eligibility
DON’T FALL FOR SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS!
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NEVER PAY FOR FREE MONEY!
Senior Timeline
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Oct.: Applications available for UCs/CSUs
Take SAT/ACT and SAT Subject Tests
Ask for letters of recommendation (EARLY)
Nov. : UC/CSU applications due November 30th
Take SAT/ACT and SAT Subject tests (if app.)
Dec.: Most private school applications due
Last chance to take SAT/ACT (and submit
scores)
Jan.-March 2: File financial aid forms (FAFSA)
April: Decide on college (notify before 5/1)
May: AP Exams
June: GRADUATION!!
College Office Services/Assistance
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Peer College Counselors
Senior meetings
College application help
Catalogs and brochures
Application workshops
College rep visits
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Scholarships
Financial aid information
Concurrent Enrollment
Test prep materials
Recommendations
Senior Rank/GPAs