College Preparation
High Schools: What should you be doing right now?
- Question: How early should I start preparing for college?
- Answer: 9th grade is generally the best time to start learning about your options after high school. You need to start early in order to make sure that you have time not only to fulfill higher education admission requirements, but that you may also do more than what is simply required.
- Question: How many Advanced Placement (AP) classes should I take?
- Answer: There is no exact amount. It is recommended you take as many classes as you feel comfortable taking. Don’t overload yourself! Remember, a person who gets an A in two AP classes looks better than a person who gets C’s in five AP classes. AP classes look good, but doing well in these classes looks even better. If you take an AP exam, you may get some college credit.
- Question: I really don’t want to take a third year of Spanish. If the UC only asks for two years, why should I take more?
- Answer: If you want to impress colleges, then you need to take more classes than the bare minimum. If everyone else takes two years while you take four, you automatically look better. But don’t take a third and fourth year and get D’s in them. That doesn’t help. You may satisfy the foreign language requirement for college by taking four years of the same language.
Entrance Exams
***The California State University (CSU), University of California (UC) and other institutions have suspended the use of SAT/ACT in their admissions decisions.
Please check the institution or university system website for regular updates.***
***Learn more about the CSU | Freshman Testing Requirements and UC | Admissions Exam Requirements
- Question: What’s the difference between the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT?
- Answer: The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems. This is why some people argue that the SAT is good at predicting how well a student will do in college. However, it is also argued that questions on the ACT are more modeled after questions that you would actually see in your high school classes – that’s why they call it an achievement test.
- Question: How do I qualify for a fee waiver?
- Answer: Depending on your parents’ income and the number of people in the household you may qualify for a fee waiver. Your high school counselor can help you access a fee waiver if you qualify.
Admissions
- Question: College is too expensive. How can I afford it?
- Answer: Never let money stand in the way of your education!
- To get started, we suggest you visit the Federal Student Aid website to gather more information about the types of aid available to you. You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the GPA Verification Form by March 2 in order to be considered for state and federal aid.
- If you are undocumented, unfortunately you will not qualify for federal aid, But good news, if you plan to attend college in the state of California, you may qualify for state aid through the California Dream Act. You can find out more information by visiting the CSAC website DREAM Act section.
- Additionally, there are thousands of SCHOLARSHIPS out there that students let pass them by every year. This is FREE MONEY, so start applying today! California GRANTS are also free money. Qualification depends on your family income and the number of students attending college per household – but you have to apply. Usually, if you believe that you won’t be able to afford college, you probably already qualify for financial aid. There are also LOANS that you OR your parents may receive. Most of them don’t require you to start paying them back until after you graduate college.
- When applying to colleges, keep in mind that California public universities offer top-notch education at affordable prices. And if you absolutely know that you will not be able to afford 4 years at a university, you can always go the community college route for the first couple years. Check out our Scholarships page to learn about scholarship opportunities!
- Answer: Never let money stand in the way of your education!
- Question: What is the FAFSA and when is it due?
- Answer: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application that determines if you qualify to receive state and federal aid for any college or university. You must fill out the FAFSA and the GPA Verification form by March 2 in order to be considered for state and federal aid. Though you may still turn in the FAFSA after this priority filing date, there just might not be that much money left for you. If you are undocumented and plan to attend college in the state of California, you will need to fill out the California Dream Act Application and can find out more information by visiting the California Dream Act section of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website.
- Question: I’m not sure my family will have financial need. Should I complete the FAFSA?
- Answer: Yes. Financial aid is intended both to remove financial barriers for families who cannot afford the cost of education beyond high school, and to also fill in the gap for families who can afford only part of the cost. Some loans and scholarships are available regardless of “need.”
- Question: Do I have to wait till I’m accepted to a college before I can apply for financial aid? Can I receive aid before I’m enrolled?
- Answer: No, you don’t have to wait till you’re admitted in order to apply, and no, you can’t receive it before you’re actually enrolled at one college/university. You may apply for financial aid any time between October 1st and March 2nd of your senior year. However, you must be admitted and enrolled at the college before you can receive any funds.
Financial Aid
- Question: What’s the difference between a minimally eligible applicant and a competitive applicant?
- Answer: A minimally eligible applicant meets the basic requirements to apply to college – no more, no less. just does the bare minimum. For example, the UC requires a minimum academic GPA of 3.0; the minimally eligible applicant would have exactly that. Since there is nothing exciting about this student’s application that separates them from everybody else, their chances of getting accepted is slim to none. Don’t let this be you. Other the other hand, the competitive applicant goes above and beyond to perform well beyond the college requirements to ensure they stand out in the review process. The competitive applicant treats the college application process like a competition. For example, if the UC requires two years of a language other than English, this student will do four years on top of clubs, working, tutoring, and sports. The key here is to take advantage of every opportunity and always challenge yourself to do more than is expected of you.
- Question: Wow! It sounds like it’s pretty tough and a lot of hard work to be a competitive applicant. I’m not sure I’m up to it. Can I do it? Maybe I should just go to a Community College first.
- Answer: YES, of course you can become a competitive applicant! Anyone who tries can be a competitive applicant. But that’s the whole point – you have to try. You don’t become a competitive applicant overnight. It’s going to require dedication and hard work. But it will all pay off once you get accepted to the college of your dreams. Just remember that you are not alone – EAOP will work with you and help you stay on the right track. Sometimes Community College is the best choice. However, if you are eligible to apply to a university right out of high school, then go for it. Keep in mind that community college is still college and a lack of motivation is never a reason to deny your own success and achievement. On a final note, students that plan to transfer from community college to a university will certainly have to work hard to be competitive college applicants so it’s best to start now.
- Question: What’s the difference between a public and a private college?
- Answer: Public colleges, like public high schools, receive money from the state. Because of this they can provide great education at a respectively low cost. The public universities in California are the Cal States and the UC system. There are currently nine UC campuses (each with its own personality) from which you can choose. All community colleges are also public. Then there are private universities. If you’ve heard of the University of Southern California (USC) or Stanford University, then you’re already familiar with the private colleges. What makes each so “unique” is their philosophies and freedom to admit whomever they want. For instance, California Baptist University (CBU) is prominent research university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, whereas Azusa Pacific University is a “strengths-based” campus with evangelical Christian roots. Students also attend private universities to benefit from small class sizes and an intricate network of connections. At the end of the day, it’s all up to you what kind of school you think will fit your needs. Be sure to make informed decisions by researching each campus of interest before applying.
- Question: What’s the difference between a California State University (CSU) and a University of California (UC)?
- Answer: The California State University (CSU), also known as the Cal State, is a public university system with 23 campuses to choose from. While the acceptance rates vary depending on campus, major, and number of submitted applicants, these universities are generally understood to accommodate most students that apply. Cal States have earned the reputation of being primarily focused on helping students develop professional and practical skills for careers like nursing and teaching. The University of California (UC), is a public university system with 9 campuses to choose from (UCSF is excluded). The most notable feature of the UC is its commitment as a research institution. This means the annual focus of professors and students is to develop new ideas and produce knowledge for the world. In addition to its research focus, UCs are also highly competitive campuses. For instance, in the 2019-2020 admissions cycle, UCI admitted only 26.6 % of students that applied while UCLA admitted a staggering 14% of applicants. Students who attend a UC often continue their education to obtain professional degrees (e.g., JD, MBA, MD) or doctoral degrees (e.g., Ph.D, Ed.D).
- Question: If I know that I only want to go to UCLA why should I apply anywhere else?
- Answer: Unfortunately, universities can accept or refuse any student they want. “So, what if I’m the top student of my class and I volunteer 60 hours a week to feeding my town’s homeless kittens?” This doesn’t guarantee you a spot anywhere; but it definitely increases your chances of being accepted. That’s why it’s best to apply to several schools so that not only will you have a backup school just in case your first choice doesn’t accept you, but also so you can have a few to choose from. It’s always nice to feel wanted.
- Question: Is it true that the UC wants the ‘well-rounded’ student?
- Answer: Yes, this is very true. The UC goes beyond intellect when admitting students. Other factors such as how outgoing, involved, a leader, a go-getter, determined, charismatic an applicant is adds value to their application. Remember that the combination of grades, entrance exams, extra-curricular activities and personal insight response gives the UC an overall picture of you. Ask yourself, is that picture the best it can be?
- Question: Why does the UC want ‘well-rounded’ students? What’s wrong with just being the smartest?
- Answer: Think about it. College is a whole lot more than just academics. Most students have part-time jobs and are involved in student organizations and clubs. Students need good time management and prioritization skills in order to be successful. The UC doesn’t want its student to sink and drown from all the responsibility. So, it chooses the students who it feels will be most likely to thrive in an independent college atmosphere – and this why it’s critical to be the “well-rounded” high school student.
- Question: Do you have to be a straight ‘A’ student to go to college?
- Answer: No way! Of course, it helps, but it’s not necessary. If you’re not the #1 student in your class, it’s okay. Just remember to do your best because, honestly, when you apply to college you will be competing with some straight “A” students. Just remember our discussion of the “well-rounded” student. If you’re a little low on the academic side, try to make up for it in other areas such as community service, leadership, taking advantage of any educational programs/opportunities available.
- Question: What are my options if I am undocumented?
- Answer: You can still apply and be accepted to a 4-year college or university. Never let your residency status hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Due to AB 540, as long as you have attended and will graduate from a California high school, you can pay in-state tuition – the same tuition that everyone else who lives in California has to pay. In addition, the California DREAM Application allows students enrolled in eligible California Colleges, Universities, and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. Another alternative is to go the community college route, work on your paperwork, and transfer to a 4-year university later.
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