The document provides guidance to students and families on preparing for and navigating the college admissions process. It discusses what colleges look for in applications, including grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. It also provides timelines for activities like taking standardized tests, researching colleges, writing essays, and submitting applications. The goal is to help students identify good college fits and strengthen their applications.

1. Dr. Rebecca Joseph [email_address]

2. Colleges are more expensive than ever… More affordable public universities are receiving more and more applications and cannot accept all applicants… The economy is hurting families and colleges… Family savings and incomes are decreasing Colleges are struggling as their endowments and budgets have fallen and reducing services and raising costs. There is still hope…. A Perfect Storm …

4. College is still worth the investment and the effort But families may have to make some difficult decisions Key is finding the right match between the strengths of your child and colleges that Provide unique learning communities Challenge but do not overwhelm Want to accept your child Offer enough financial support

5. HOW DO WE BEGIN TO PREPARE?

6. WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW? FIRST--WHAT DO COLLEGES Grades Academic Rigor Standardized Test Scores Strong applications Great essays Counselor Reports Extracurricular Activities Teacher Letters of Recommendation Other Unique Features

7. GRADES Colleges look for students who demonstrate Continuous strong performance Upward progression Particular academic strengths Exceeding basic admissions requirements. For example, in California, going beyond the A-G requirements required by the UC and CSU systems.

8. UCS REWARD GRADES IN RIGOROUS CLASSES UCs award extra points for honors and AP A maximum of four semesters of honors courses taken in grade 10 are assigned honors grade points. None in 9 th grade receive points, yet they count as initiative and rigor. http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/adminfo/freshman/advising/admission/scholarshipr.html

9. A-G REQUIREMENTS History/Social Science – 2 years required Two years of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures and geography; and one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government. Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement. Mathematics – 3 years required, 4 years recommended Three years 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 that your high school accepts as equivalent to its own math courses.

10. A-G REQUIREMENTS Laboratory Science – 2 years required, 3 years recommended Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of these three foundational subjects: biology, chemistry and physics. Advanced laboratory science classes that have biology, chemistry or physics as prerequisites and offer substantial additional material may be used to fulfill this requirement, as may 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. Language Other than English – 2 years required, 3 years recommended Two years of the same language other than English. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. Courses in languages other than English taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part of this requirement if your high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses. Foreign students who receive 800 on SAT II foreign language or approved AP score can test out of language requirement.

11. A-G REQUIREMENTS A single yearlong approved arts course from a single VPA discipline: dance, drama/theater, music or visual art. A rts (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).

12. ACADEMIC RIGOR Colleges look at How difficult each student’s course load is compared to academic options offered at school Academic reputation of school Particular strength and exploration in particular content areas

13. SO… Take the most challenging courses possible while keeping grades as high as possible Take honors and AP classes in stronger content areas if planning to apply to top colleges Continue to increase rigor in higher grades Do not drop core content in junior or senior year Use summers for advancement and enrichment, not just for fulfilling high school graduation requirements Understand that colleges will compare student academic choices to those offered at school If foreign language is a struggle, consider sign language. One year at community college equals two years for CSU and UCs

14. Take Courses Outside of High School If you run out of classes at your high school, take classes at your local community colleges. High school students get AP credit for these classes. Taking advanced classes impresses colleges, and they are free (except for fees and books). If you have time, also take community college classes in areas that interest you such as Psychology or Art History. Consider taking English 101 to enhance your reading and writing skills. Find other academic programs, such the UC Cosmos program for science, to advance, deepen, or expand your academic interests. For example, here is a list of programs for students interested in math http://www.ams.org/employment/mathcamps.html http://www.petersons.com/summerop/specnote.asp If you need to retake a class because of a low grade, consider Brigham Young online. Please clear low grades early. Don't wait until your senior year. http://ce.byu.edu/is/site/courses/highschool.cfm

15. UCLA EXTENSION SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR 7TH-12TH GRADE STUDENTS Summer Programs for 7th-12th Grade Students – enroll NOW as space is limited Great for enrichment and remediation. Contact your high school for how to award credit. Reasonably priced. Great instructors.

16. A NECESSARY EVIL?

17. STANDARDAIZED TESTS They were never intended for current use Colleges use these tests to compare students Understanding test options and readiness will empower students in the admissions process

18. THE TEST OPTIONS SAT I—Reading, Math, and Writing ACT with writing-Reading, English, Social Science, and Science SAT Subject Tests-One hour multiple choice in several content areas AP tests-Three hour content specific tests

19. BEST PREDICTORS Research shows SAT Subject Tests AP Tests Are BEST predictors YET SAT AND ACT Still prevail

20. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? 70% of students do the same For 30% of others, let’s look at differences

21. SAT VS ACT (1) ACT  content / SAT  problem solving (2) Some students may score higher on one test than on the other Act’s less dependence on vocabulary favors students of limited English proficiency, for students with higher GPAs (above 3.4), and for females. SAT good problem solvers do well. (3) Less emphasis on defensive test taking strategies ACT does not penalize for wrong answers so more students can take risks and guess, while SAT does penalize. (4) ACT provides a more detailed score report SAT(highest possible individual test 800) provides scores for three sections and for essay (scale of 6). Total score is three sections totaled (highest possible 2400) ACT provides details subsection scores (highest possible score (36) broken by math content area and for essay (scale of 12). They provide composite score as well. (5) Both offer score choice. ACT--you can send by test date SAT I-you can send by test date SAT II-you can send by test and date Yet UCs and top colleges will not accept SAT score choice.

22. RECOMMENDED STANDARDIZED TEST TIMELINE Sophomore/Junior Fall-Take the PSAT (SAT readiness) and/or PLAN (ACT readiness). If there is real strength in one versus the other, focus on that test. If not try both…through junior year spring. Then go with ACT or SAT…Don’t overstress your child…. If you go ACT route, your child still needs to take SAT IIs for top colleges Develop a testing schedule that includes SAT Subject Tests at end of sophomore and junior years. SAT/ACT in spring of junior year and fall of senior year. Consider test prep…courses, books, tutoring...Test prep does help. Aptitude and content knowledge are not fixed. The tests are coachable.

23. SOME GOOD NEWS… COLLEGES ARE BEGINNING TO REBEL April 20, 2009 NYU announces new test policy ACT or SAT Or Three SAT subject tests Or Three AP tests For SAT II and AP options 1 test humanities or literature 1 test math or science

24. COLBY ALSO JOINS… Colby requires official results of one of the following: the College Board SAT Reasoning Test the American College Test (ACT) with writing the SAT Subject Tests (in three different subject areas) Colby will use the set of test results that best advantage each applicant.

25. STANDARDIZED TESTING NOTES More than 750 colleges do not require tests!!! http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional See the following site for the most up-to-date testing requirements of top colleges: http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx

26. GREAT NEWS!! For class of 2012 and after, the UCs are no longer requiring two SAT Subjec Tests. Specific majors may. Remember, many colleges still do!!! So if possible, continue taking SAT Subject Tests in strong content areas. Make sure to get approval from your high school counselor before doing any of these.

27. POWERFUL APPLICATIONS There are many forms of applications. Most are now online Public colleges have their own applications Fortunately, most private colleges use the Common Application . Fortunately, all have overlapping features. Develop a plan for organizing application requirements Make sure you fill in every component and leave nothing to the imagination.

28. TYPES OF APPLICATIONS Rolling-apply anytime in fall and get response within weeks Early Decision-select one private college to apply to in November and receive response in mid December…BINDING. Families who will depend on financial aid need to know that ED comes out before financial aid. Early Action-also November-December schedule but not binding Regular-Typically January 1 or 15 th . April notification. May 1 decisions. You can only accept one school. UC and CSU applications due November 30 (October 30 for some CSU impacted majors)

29. OTHER KEY FACTORS: 5. APPLICATION ESSAYS Application essays are often the top non-academic component colleges use in admissions. Essays must have a sizzle, a message, a unique story. Essays can tip student in. I created a course that helps students write powerful essays that UCLA Summer Extension offers….this summer August 9-12. "Writing my personal statement with Dr. Joseph not only helped me get into college, but also helped me discover my true potential and inner self. She really taught me how to add that special personal touch to my essays."

30. DIFFERENT ROUTES TO UC… Eligibility in the Statewide Context Students who meet minimum requirements for coursework, grade point average and test scores are admitted by this path. Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) Students who rank in the top 4 percent at participating California high schools may be admitted through ELC. Must meet GPA and testing requirements. Eligibility by Examination Alone Students may qualify for admission by achieving high scores on the ACT Assessment plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test, and on two SAT Subject Tests. http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/adminfo/freshman/advising/admission_reqs.html

31. COUNSELOR LETTERS Counselors letters are required component of most private college and some public college applications The more your counselor knows your child the better a letter the counselor can write Yet counselors have large caseloads…so students and families must be proactive but not pushy Listen to your counselor Court your counselor If counselor uses a “brag sheet,” fill it out with as much examples and details as possible—students and parents

32. WHY COUNSELORS ARE SO IMPORTANT They write counselor letters Many counselors have relationships with colleges Counselors provide you with a context for understanding how your child fits into the context of the school. They may use different, yet similar categories for ranking likelihood of colleges for students Reach-reach or challenge or unlikely---most difficult Reach, strength-difficult 50-50 Likely Safety

33. DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

34. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Colleges want varied student populations. They want students who enhance their campuses and take advantage of resources. They look for students who participate actively in school and community activities. They want students who show in their activity choices and participation Consistency Development Leadership Initiative.

35. Extracurricular Activities Timeline Freshman-Sophomore Year; Participate in activities in and out of school that interest and motivate student Junior Year- Continue with current activities. Do not stop. Students can start an activity, but must plan to continue it through senior year. Junior and Senior Year: Take on leadership responsibilities in current activities. Summer-Use each summer well--- Get a job Get an internship Volunteer Take enrichment courses Continue with camp, sports, and other activities

36. TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS Most private colleges and many public colleges want one to two letters of recommendations from teachers. They want core academic letters—English, SS, Math, Science, and Foreign Language They prefer junior and senior year teachers or teachers that students have had more than once They want teachers who know student well

37. TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS: JUNIOR-SENIOR YEAR GRADE TIMELINE Sophomore Year-Start saving core graded assigned. Junior Year-If core teachers are planning to leave school…get contact info. Senior Year Fall-Ask one to two teachers. Ask EARLY. Senior Year Fall-Give teachers packets with appropriate forms and envelopes and brag sheets. Remind them of all the wonderful things you did in class-written, oral, and more.

38. OTHER SPECIALTY AREAS Sports NCAA regulations NCAA clearinghouse Varsity, clubs, summer programs Arts Auditions Art Supplements Particular areas of expertise

39. SOME MISCONCEPTIONS/QUESTIONS I applied to only three colleges, so why should my child apply to so many more? It’s a much more complex situation. Most teenagers in history in US Most teenagers going to college in history in US With more kids applying to more schools, a vicious trickle down cycle is happening… I didn’t visit or contact colleges, so why should my child visit colleges now? With the competitive colleges, visits are a sign of interest. In recent LA times article, director of admissions at Pitzer, calls students who never visit or contact colleges, “stealth” applicants and describes how Pitzer rejected a top applicant who had never contacted campus. If you can’t visit because of cost, there are different ways to connect with colleges Local fairs Campus visits to high schools and LA Emails Virtual tours

40. SO WHAT GOOD IS THIS INFORMATION IF WE CAN’T AFFORD THE COST OF PRIVATE COLLEGES? Apply to a range of colleges that meet all or most of your child’s needs Apply for merit scholarship available from colleges to which you apply Consider public universities Consider financial packages from schools one level below your highest level Research colleges that have income discounts…Harvard, Yale… Contact financial aid offices and negotiate….

41. FINANCIAL AID…. for counselors and mentors: www.fsa4counselors.ed.gov for students: www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov for everyone: 1-800-4-FED-AID To receive 2009–2010 edition of Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid . 52-page comprehensive guide on the federal student aid process for high school students, college students, parents, and nontraditional students. overview of the application process, steps for taking action during each phase, a glossary of financial aid terms, and other relevant resources. The PDF version of this publication can be downloaded at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/guide Publication Ordering Information To order copies of this publication, or other free materials, please visit FSAPubs at www.FSAPubs.org , e-mail your request to [email_address] , or call 1-800-394-7084. Also another site with great online resources and early to use book. http://www.fastweb.com

42. OTHER CORE READINESS TIMELINES-COLLEGE RESEARCH College research takes time Read key books and websites Fiske Guide-great hardcopy book http://www.collegeconfidential.com/--you can post questions and hear from students and parents Talk to friends who are seniors and recent grads Check how your students compares to peers on Naviance and other school comparative offerings.

43. COLLEGE RESEARCH: JUNIOR-SENIOR YEAR GRADE TIMELINE Junior Year-Develop core list of what match colleges must have-- location, size, cost, academics, social opportunites Spring Junior Year-Visit core colleges. Interview when possible. Visit classes, meet students Spring Junior Year-Attend local college fairs. Collect names of college representatives. Begin courting process. Search out NACAC College Fairs. This spring two fairs in our area. Greater Los Angeles Tuesday, April 27 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pasadena Convention Center Pasadena, CA

44. COLLEGE RESEARCH: JUNIOR-SENIOR YEAR GRADE TIMELINE Ventura/Tri-County Thursday, April 29 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Seaside Park Ventura, CA Consider early decision or early action. Fall Senior Year- Attend all relevant college visits at your school or in local area Fall Senior Year-Visit more colleges and narrow down list.

45. APPLICATION: JUNIOR-SENIOR YEAR GRADE TIMELINE Summer Post Junior Year-Start a master list of college application deadlines and requirements and passwords. Consider rolling, early action, and early decision routes. Summer Post Junior Year-Start writing core essays and develop a resume. Fall Senior Year-Begin completing formal applications. Devote one hour per day to applications. Remember, write fewest essays possible. Fall Senior Year-Make sure you follow Test score submission requirements School and teacher paperwork and transcripts requirements Complete all technical forms on applications Develop outstanding essays Meet all deadlines.

46. THIS ONLY WORKS IF… Colleges want to know how student will enhance and enrich the campus. Your child has a strong application and strong record, yet they don’t read minds. use the application to showcase your student. life's lasting gift to your child. You and your family visit colleges and make hard, hard decisions about the right fit….

47. FINAL WORDS Each student is a work in progress Colleges want to know how student will enhance and enrich campus Yet they don’t read minds-use application to showcase your student They worry about children of helicopter parents. Students must make majority of contacts with colleges except for planning visits Finances are a key component so make decisions now about what you can afford College is an amazing, life lasting gift to your child It is never too late...to develop a strong college readiness plan in this perfect storm of college admissions.

48. SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? 1. UC admissions fact sheets http://www.ucop.edu/news/factsheets/fall2009adm.html 2. New York Times. College admissions articles and new blog http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/the-envelope-please-as-one-college-woos-another-reveals-its-verdict/ http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/university-of-california-system-reports-rise-in-applications-not-admissions/ 3. College Board-SAT http://www.collegeboard.com 4. ACT http://www.actstudent.org 5. My Website http://www.getmetocollege.org 6. National Association of College Admisions Counselors (NACAC) http://www.nacacnet.org/StudentResources/CollegePrep/Pages/default.aspx

49. COLLEGE READINESS IS NOT A GAME!

50. TO LEARN MORE