Ukiah Independent Study Academy College Planning Handbook Class of 2021 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS (clicking any of these links will take you to the corresponding section) |
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE |
Academics
Atmosphere/Campus Culture
Cost
Housing and Student Services
Location
Size
Questions To Help You Evaluate Your College Preferences
VISITING COLLEGE CAMPUSES |
Whenever returning, high school graduates are asked, "What one thing most helped you in deciding where to go to college?" they always give the same response: "Visiting the campuses.” All of them emphasize the importance of visiting the Admissions Office, taking a campus tour, and talking to both college officials and students in attendance. Why visit a campus?
UC |
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CSU |
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PRIVATE |
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COMMUNITY |
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BUS./TECHNICAL |
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ART/DESIGN/CULINARY |
Art Institutes / FIDM - San Francisco / Culinary Institute of America - St. Helena |
→Can’t visit a college? Check online to see if they offer an online virtual tour or campus video! Plan your trips
Questions you should ask on a tour
COLLEGE FAIRS |
College fairs are another opportunity for students to learn more information about colleges. Mendocino College and Humboldt State have a college fair in the fall. Sonoma State has a large college fair in the spring, usually during the month of May. Windsor High School hosts a big college fair in September. Fairs can be overwhelming so prepare ahead of time by thinking of questions to ask the representatives. Here are five good questions to ask:
Question 1: How would you describe the student body’s personality?
Each college campus has a personality, revealed through its student body. Of course, not everyone on campus has exactly the same personality, but a student body tends to value certain qualities. For example, some campuses are politically liberal; some are conservative. A student body might especially value the arts, or athletics or community service. This question helps you determine if you might fit in well among your potential classmates.
Question 2: How is this school distinctive?
Each school has a unique story. In fact, most schools have many unique stories. Maybe you’ll learn about a newly developed internship program; maybe you’ll hear about an unusual curriculum or a special program for freshmen. Because college administrators can’t include every extraordinary opportunity in publications or on Web sites, this question is one of the best ways to learn about them. (Hint: If the counselor mentions a program or opportunity that interests you, make a note to follow up with an e-mail or a phone call to get more information.)
Question 3: How many students transfer to another school during or after their first year?
This question offers a glimpse of how satisfied current students are. You obviously want to attend a school where your peers are generally happy. Sometimes a high transfer rate indicates that students aren’t finding what they thought they’d find at the school; sometimes a high transfer rate is related to a change in curriculum or financial aid. If the transfer rate is high, ask why and listen carefully to the response.
Question 4: How would you describe students’ relationships with professors?
The counselor might tell you about opportunities for students to collaborate with professors on research. Or maybe she’ll mention that professors give out their home phone numbers so students can reach them outside of class and office hours. You’ll have a general idea about how accessible the professors are—an important part of your college experience.
Question 5: How do you award scholarships and financial aid?
Colleges and universities have widely different policies about scholarships. Some schools require separate applications for scholarships; some simply award scholarships based on information in a student’s application. A university might offer scholarships for specific academic programs or for artistic or athletic talent. You need to know not only how to apply for these awards, but also which qualities the scholarship committees weigh most heavily. You also need to know how a college awards financial aid, which is based on your family’s need. Often, colleges and universities require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). But a college might have an institutional form you must complete as well.
MAJORS |
Majors indicate interests. Use online resources like www.cacareerzone.org to do an interest inventory that compares your interests with interests of individuals in a variety of occupations. From these interests, a major interest can be selected. There is no best major. Select a major that interests you and a major that will encourage you to finish your degree; additionally, select a degree that leads to a job that you think will be a satisfying job.
Other interest websites that might be helpful include:
Undeclared: Still unsure of your major?? An undeclared major provides students 2 years to decide what they want to major in. Usually students focus on their general education requirements to explore options during this time. Most undeclared students have to declare a major by their junior year.
TESTING |
OUR CEEB CODE AT UHS IS: 053580
WHICH COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST SHOULD I TAKE? ACT or SAT?
Reasoning
SAT Reasoning (Scholastic Assessment Test) - The SAT Reasoning Test is a college admissions test comprised of a Evidence Based Reading & Writing, Math and Essay section. Students may register online. The test is administered at various sites off campus several times during the year and must be taken by December of senior year. Several CSU’s will not accept scores after the November test date. For early decision/early action applications, tests must be completed by October of your senior year.
ACT (American College Test) - The ACT is a college admissions test that tests English, mathematics, natural sciences, and social studies. Most colleges will accept either the ACT or SAT and will accept the test with the highest score. Typically, college applicants must complete tests by December of senior year.
SAT Subject Tests - SAT subject tests are recommended for admission in addition to the SAT or ACT by many private universities and the University of California system. The student selects subject areas to be tested. For private schools, please check each schools website to find out if they require subject tests. Also, no matter public or private, check the schools major recommendations. Some majors recommend a subject test that relates to their major. It could help with your admission.
AP - Advanced Placement - AP tests are placement tests taken after completing a college level course while in high school. Universities grant either advanced placement and/or credit with qualifying score. Tests are administered in May to students completing appropriate courses.
EAP- Early Assessment Program - The Early Assessment Program was established to provide opportunities for students to measure their readiness for college-level English and mathematics in their junior year of high school, and to facilitate opportunities for them to improve their skills during their senior year. The test is administered on the State exam their junior year. They will be scored as Ready, Conditional or Not Ready in Math and English.
TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOFEL is a college admission/placement test to evaluate English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. It does not replace the SAT or ACT. Take it in the spring of junior year or fall of senior year if it is required. The cost is $110.00.
FINANCIAL AID** |
**Please make sure we have your Social Security Number in our computer system by fall of your senior year. If you do, we will be able to electronically file your Cal Grant application for you. Without it, you will be required to file an application on your own.
Financial aid is available to help meet college expenses including tuition, fees, books, food, housing, and transportation. It is important for all students who plan on post-secondary education (community college, four-year college, or vocational school) to explore financial aid options. You must apply for financial aid by filing a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is used by post-secondary institutions to determine your eligibility for financial aid and by the state and federal government for grants. This is the primary financial aid application for both public and private universities and may qualify you for the various types of aid listed below.
Private Universities may require forms in addition to the FAFSA including the CSS Profile application.
Financial aid is available in several different forms. Gift aid includes grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid. Self-help aid includes Federal Work-Study programs as well as loans that must be repaid.
GRANTS |
CAL Grants - Cal Grants are awarded to students who will be attending California community colleges, four year colleges, or vocational schools. To qualify for a Cal Grant, a student must be a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident or an eligible non-citizen. Students selected for Cal Grants must meet the scholastic criterion (GPA earned in 10th and 11th grades) and meet the demonstrated family financial need criterion.
Federal Pell Grant Pell Grants -These are awards to help undergraduates who demonstrate financial need pay for their education after high school. For many students, these grants provide a foundation of financial aid, to which aid from other federal and non-Federal sources may be added. To apply for a Pell Grant, you simply check "yes" to the appropriate question on your FAFSA. Your financial information is then automatically forwarded to the Pell Grant Program and the institutions that you list in the spaces provided on the form. The college financial aid office determines the size of the award.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) - SEOG are awarded to undergraduate students having the greatest financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. As with other grants, it does not have to be paid back.
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT FINANCIAL AID |
The California Dream Act - There are 3 California laws that make the dream of going to college possible for AB 540 students (Dreamers/Undocumented Students). The California Dream Act offers AB540 students the opportunity to apply for and receive several types of financial aid such as: Board of Governors Fee Waivers, State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants, Assistance from EOPS, CARE and Cal works, and Privately-Funded Scholarships.
Students can access the Financial Aid Dream Act application at: http://www.csac.ca.gov/dream_act.asp
Submit the Financial Aid Dream Act application as soon as possible, on or after October 1st –March 2nd.
For privately-funded scholarships, visit the Scholarship Department at each campus of interest or meet with your counselor for additional resources and lists of scholarships for AB540 students.
In order to qualify for AB 540 a student must:
LOANS |
Federal Perkins Loan Program - The Perkins Loan is a fixed low-interest loan to help you pay for your education after high school. These loans are made through a school's financial aid office. Preference is given to students with exceptional need. Repayment begins after graduation (or ending college) and continues for 10 years.
Federal Stafford Loan - A Stafford Loan is a variable-interest loan, capped at 8.25%, made to you by a lender such as bank, credit union, or savings and loan association to help you pay for your education after high school. Loans are available in both subsidized and unsubsidized arrangements. The college will determine whether you are eligible for a Pell Grant before you can receive a Stafford loan. You can get a Stafford loan application from any college.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loans) - PLUS loans are for parent borrowers and are not need based. PLUS loans provide additional funds for educational purposes. They are variable interest rates, capped at 9%. PLUS loans are made by a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association through a process similar to Stafford loans. Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance. Repayment begins 60 days after final disbursement.
FILING THE FAFSA FORM |
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ** - is required by both public and private Universities and colleges before scholarships and / or financial aid is awarded. → Students will file this application during their senior year.
For more information about the FAFSA and instructions, click here
FAFSA Forecaster - This is a financial aid estimator that you can use before officially applying for financial aid during your senior year.
DEFINITION OF NEED |
Simply defined, financial need is the difference between what it will cost a student to attend a college and the amount the family can contribute toward the student’s education as determined by the financial aid office. The important point to remember is that financial need will usually increase as college costs increase. The family’s income, assets, debts, family size, how many children they have in college and extenuating circumstances are all taken into consideration in determining financial need. Parents with special or unusual circumstances may wish to discuss their situation with the financial aid officer at the colleges their son/daughter is interested in attending.
SCHOLARSHIPS |
Scholarships are financial aid based on a variety of criteria. The planned area of study in college, academic excellence, ethnicity, and special activities in high school are some of the criteria that might qualify for scholarships. Additionally, parents’ employers, professional associations, or labor unions may sponsor scholarships. Fastweb.com and Scholarships.com are very comprehensive, free scholarship search services for students. In addition, check the scholarship board in the A-Building weekly for current information on scholarships.
The 3 Groups of Scholarships:
Private Colleges - Private colleges often require additional financial aid forms. Contact each college where you apply to find the forms required and deadlines for submitting all financial forms. The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid Profile is frequently required - http://profileonline.collegeboard.com
Per Year ESTIMATED California College Costs Revised 02/2016 |
2015 – 2016 |
Community College |
CSU |
UC |
Private/Independent |
Registration Fees / Tuition* |
$1,234 - $1,500 |
$6,274 - $9,000 |
$12,440 - $15,703 |
$30,741 - $48,690 |
Books and Supplies |
$1,860 |
$1,860 |
$1,860 |
$1,860 |
Room and Board |
$4,000 - $11,970 |
$9,108 - $16,745 |
$12,071-15,700 |
$7,800-14,150 |
On Campus Housing |
||||
Transportation |
$1,486 |
$1,486 |
$1,486 |
$1,486 |
Personal Expenses |
$1,392 |
$1,392 |
$1,392 |
$1,392 |
Total Expenses |
$10,373- $18,208 |
$20,120 - $30,483 |
$29,049 - $36,141 |
$43,009- $67,578 |
*Registration fees and tuition are based on Full-time enrollment. Fees and tuition are subject to change without advance notice.
FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST |
If you think you need aid to continue your education, your chances of getting it are best if you apply in the right way at the right time. (Helpful tip: Create an email address you will only use for college services. Filing your FAFSA, college applications etc. That way you know anything in that email inbox or SPAM folder is important and you won’t miss anything. (example - [email protected])
Ask for information
Look up financial aid opportunities and application procedures online for each college on your list. Generally, the financial aid office at your college is the best source of financial aid available. For help, you may visit your counselor. Begin the research process in the fall.
File all required financial aid forms
The form currently used is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) of the College Scholarship Service. You can obtain this form online at www.fafsa.gov. The form should not be filed until after October 1 of your senior year. Be sure to attend the financial aid workshop at Ukiah High in September, 2016 for information on how to fill out the FAFSA.
Some colleges require additional financial aid forms. Complete the forms as early as possible and return them to the college by their specified deadline.
File completed FAFSA after October 1, 2016 and by March 2, 2017
(Many private schools have an earlier deadline of Feb. 1st)
Review your SAR (Student Aid Report)
Make sure this isn’t in your SPAM folder. Once you file your FAFSA, you will receive an electronic copy of your Student Aid Report. This is a summary of the financial information you reported and includes your Expected Family Contribution or EFC. Colleges you list on your FAFSA will also receive a copy of your SAR and will use the information, including your EFC, to determine a financial award package. It is extremely important that information reported be accurate. Review your SAR carefully and file any necessary changes or corrections immediately.
Research Scholarships
In additional to the FAFSA and other financial aid applications, there are many scholarships available to help students pay for college. Research scholarships in the College and Career Center and online to find those you may qualify for. In addition, research the colleges you apply to for scholarships and follow the application procedures.
GENERAL COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS & |
Since admissions policies vary, you must check with each college to make sure you meet all requirements. A combination of the following factors is required for admission consideration:
TYPES OF ADMISSION |
Standard Admission - Application and supporting documents must be submitted by a set date in the senior year. The dates vary from November 30 through March 15. The college then takes action on all the applications and notifies all students of its decision at the same time.
Early Decision - This program is for students who select a particular college as a definite first choice. The application, as well as all supporting documents, must be submitted early, usually in November. The college will then take action and notify you, usually in December, whether you have been accepted or deferred to the standard admission review period. If accepted, you are under contract to attend that institution and must withdraw all other applications. Students who need financial aid should give careful consideration to applying for Early Decisions because financial aid might be affected. Typically, you may only apply to one university using the early decision application.
Early Action/Single Choice Early Action/Restrictive Early Action - This program is similar to Early Decision but you do not have to commit yourself until the reply date in May. The ‘single-choice’ or ‘restrictive’ early action programs stipulate that you may only apply to one college through early action. You may continue to apply to other colleges through regular admission process and wait until all offers arrive before sending in your intent to enroll in May. Also, with early action, the college can refuse admissions as well as defer or accept. Check with individual schools for their policy.
Rolling Admission - The many state universities and some private schools that use this program act on your application as soon as the file is complete. They notify you of the admissions decision within weeks of receiving the complete application. Schools with a rolling admissions system continue to accept students until they reach capacity enrollment.
WHEN TO APPLY |
HOW TO COMPLETE A COLLEGE APPLICATION |
Before you start filling out college applications, you should have:
SENIOR YEAR COURSES AND GRADES |
When filling out your applications you will report senior year courses in progress. List both Ukiah High School and any planned community college classes. If you drop a class or earn a “D” or ”F” grade during your senior year, you must report this in writing to all colleges that you have applied to immediately. Also, keep in mind that when you are admitted, the admission is typically PROVISIONAL.
If your senior year grades are unacceptable to the colleges you were admitted to or you change classes, YOUR ADMISSION CAN BE REVOKED BY THE SCHOOL.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES |
A good choice if....
Career programs, also referred to as vocational, occupational, or technical programs, prepare students with entry-level and upgraded job skills, and training necessary for employment. Programs range in length from one semester to two years. Units earned may be applied toward the Associate Degree. Students who successfully complete these programs will be awarded a certificate of achievement. The community colleges in the area offer different career programs, so consult the brochures in the College/Career Center or the Guidance offices for the different programs.
TRANSFER PROGRAM |
GUARANTEED ADMISSION PROGRAMS |
Guaranteed Admission is more commonly referred to as a Transfer Admission Agreement or Transfer Admission Guarantee program. A TAA/TAG is a contractual agreement between you, the community college you attend and a four-year college or university. Students who meet and maintain stated admission and major requirements may apply for admission using a guaranteed admission program. If they qualify, they may be guaranteed a transfer spot to a specific four-year college or university after successful completion of their second year at the community college. Students planning to apply using a TAA/TAG should meet with a counselor or academic advisor as early as possible to develop an education plan and select the appropriate coursework.
For more information regarding TAA/TAG programs, you may research either on the community college websites or the four-year university you are planning to transfer to.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHECKLIST |
If you are planning to transfer to a four-year university or college, you should be sure to discuss your plans with your community college counselor. Before you enter community college, you are strongly encouraged to sign up for a summer orientation class. This checklist is designed to help seniors realize what must be done in order to apply for admission to a California Community College.
January - April
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA |
Subject Requirements
The University of California selects applicants from the top twelve percent of California's high school graduates. Admission is based on the student’s grade point average in a specific sequence of high school courses called the “a-g” subjects, his/her score on the ACT or SAT Reasoning, and his/her score on two Subject Exams.
The “a-g GPA” is based on work in the specified courses completed in the 10, 11, and 12 grades. Only subjects with a C grade or better can be counted as successful completion, however, a ‘D’ grade is still counted in your GPA calculation unless you repeat the course. See your counselor if you earn a “D” in a required course before you make-up that course.
Application Window for UC’s:
AUGUST 1st - NOVEMBER 30th - A student is required to complete 15 “a-g” subjects as described below. At least 11 of the required units must be completed by the end of the junior year of high school.
“A - G” COURSES OFFERED AT UKIAH HIGH SCHOOL |
The following website will assist you in finding “a – g” courses offered at Ukiah High School that meet requirements for admission to the University of California. www.ucop.edu/doorways Click on the first link un “A-G Course Lists” Type “Ukiah High School” in the search box Click on the Ukiah high School Link that says “View Course List” to view the list of approved a-g courses offered at our school.
EXAM AND GPA REQUIREMENTS |
SENIOR YEAR COURSES AND GRADES |
BLUE & GOLD SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY PLAN |
UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will ensure that you will not have to pay UC’s system-wide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid. You must file a FAFSA to be eligible.
HOUSING |
UC CAMPUS LOCATIONS AND INFORMATION |
There are ten campuses of the University of California including:
Internet addresses for the ten campuses are listed below. A full range of student support services is provided at each campus.
For more detailed information about the University of California, refer to the UC website at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY |
THE APPLICATION WINDOW FOR CSUs IS OCTOBER 1st - NOVEMBER 30th
SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS - The California State University (CSU) selects applicants from the upper one-third of California's high school graduates. To qualify for regular admission as a first-time freshman you must:
(a.) Graduate from high school and
(b.) Earn a C or better in each of the college preparatory subject requirements, and
(c.) Qualify on the eligibility index
Fifteen courses are required in the subject areas as listed below. All courses must have a grade of a C or better. See your counselor if you earn a “D” in a required course before you make-up that course.
Consult with your school counselor or any CSU campus admissions office for further information. Courses used to meet subject requirements for CSU admission must be on the approved “Courses to Meet Requirements for Admission to the University of California” (“a – g” Course List.)
For information about all campuses and registration: www.csumentor.edu
IMPACTED PROGRAMS |
In the California State Universities (CSU), an undergraduate program or campus can be designated as impacted when the number of applications received in the first month of the filing period is expected to be larger than the number of spaces available. In addition, several majors are impacted across the system. Impacted programs or campuses are authorized to use supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants for admission. Consideration for admission to any impacted program is contingent on first meeting the regular admission requirements for the CSU. Students interested in impacted programs or impacted campuses must apply for admission during the month of October or November.
CSU CAMPUS APPLICATION, INFORMATION, AND RESOURCES
Check out the website for the entire California State University: www.calstate.edu
CSU Planning and Application www.csumentor.edu
CSU Impacted Programs (updated 2012 -2013): http://www.calstate.edu/sas/impactioninfo.shtml
MAP OF CSU CAMPUSES/ELIGIBILITY INDEX TABLE |
California Eligibility Index Table | ||
3.0 and above qualifies with any score | ||
GPA | ACT Score | SAT Reasoning Score |
2.99 | 10 | 510 |
2.95 | 11 | 540 |
2.90 | 12 | 580 |
2.85 | 13 | 620 |
2.80 | 14 | 660 |
2.75 | 15 | 700 |
2.70 | 16 | 740 |
2.65 | 17 | 780 |
2.60 | 18 | 820 |
2.55 | 19 | 860 |
2.50 | 20 | 900 |
2.45 | 21 | 940 |
2.40 | 22 | 980 |
2.35 | 23 | 1020 |
2.30 | 24 | 1060 |
2.25 | 25 | 1100 |
2.20 | 26 | 1140 |
2.15 | 27 | 1180 |
2.10 | 28 | 1220 |
2.05 | 29 | 1260 |
2.00 | 30 | 1300 |
Below 2.0 does not qualify |
UC/CSU GPA CALCULATION |
There are many different ways to calculate grade point average. For example, the GPA for UC eligibility is the average of grades earned in the required “a-g'׳' subjects completed in grades IQ- 12 with extra points for up to four units of UC-certified honors coursework.
The UC campuses use a variety of other GPAs in the admission process - all including grades earned in ׳a-g” subjects completed in grades 10 and 11, some capped at 4.00, some uncapped, some with a limit on the number of extra points allowed for UC-certified honors, and some with no limit on honors points. Grades earned in the ninth grade are not used in these GPAs.
The same standards are used for ail students within the applicant pool at each campus.
(1) Column 1 - Grade | (2) Column 2 - Weight | ||
A | x4 | ||
B | x3 | ||
C | x2 | ||
D | x1 | ||
F | x0 | ||
(3) Total Column 1 | Total Column 2 | ||
(4) (H)/AP total semesters | |||
(5) Total column 2 | |||
(6) Final Total - (4) + (5) | |||
(7) Final Total / Total Column 1 |
The University of California will weight a maximum of eight honors/AP semesters when calculating the eligibility GPA. Competitive GPA's are calculated by some UC campuses and may include all honors/AP semester points.
PRIVATE COLLEGES |
There are hundreds of private colleges and universities with a wide range of characteristics that make them attractive to students.
In searching for a private college, you should first decide on the college characteristics that are important to you and then begin seeing which colleges have these characteristics.
***See your counselor since we have visited many of these campuses and can offer some unique insight into them and what they are looking for.***
GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT PRIVATE COLLEGES |
PERSONAL INTERVIEW |
A few highly selective colleges have a personal interview as part of their selection process. Realizing that many students live far away, the colleges often provide an applicant the opportunity to talk with an alumni interviewer who lives in the local community. If your college requires an interview, a college representative will contact you.
HOUSING |
Some colleges provide housing for all new students, while other colleges have limited housing arrangements. You should read the information from your college carefully, so you will know about the housing opportunities at your campus and what procedure to follow in order to apply for Freshman Housing.
COSTS/FINANCIAL AID |
Private colleges are more expensive than public colleges because the student pays the cost of tuition rather than being supported by public tax dollars. You should consider the cost carefully and apply for financial aid if there is a need in your family. If you are applying for financial aid from the private colleges there are additional steps that are necessary. Be sure to meet all deadlines. Contact the private college about the specific forms they require as well as their deadline for financial aid forms. They may require their own form as well as the following two:
**Please exercise caution when researching tuition at private schools. Much of the information you will read from them indicates that they offer a lot of financial aid to help with their higher cost of tuition. While this is true, it does not always paint the clearest picture. For example, most Private Colleges consider Loans as financial aid and they use loans as a way for students to pay their tuition. While loans are technically considered financial aid, most students are not planning on assuming loans and don’t consider them financial aid.
CHECKLIST FOR SENIORS APPLYING TO PRIVATE COLLEGES |
This checklist is designed to help seniors realize what must be done in order to apply for admission to a private college or university.
Consider carefully what you are looking for in a college because private colleges vary considerably in terms of size, location, selectivity, cost, majors and housing arrangements.
COLLEGE ESSAY / PERSONAL STATEMENT |
PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS |
BASIC APPROACH |
IMPORTANT QUALITIES TO DEMONSTRATE |
HELPFUL ADVICE |
COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION LETTERS |
Many private and some out of state public colleges require students to submit recommendation letters with their application. There are two main types of recommendation letters. One is the teacher recommendation and it is up to you to select teachers to complete this form. The other is called the Secondary School Report and this form must be completed by your Guidance Counselor. In addition, private colleges may require a mid-year report. Follow these guidelines when requesting letters of recommendation.
SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT** |
**PLEASE NOTE: When we submit our “Secondary School Report”, we will be attaching a current transcript and letter of recommendation to it.**
Colleges usually want a report from a school official. This report is often called Secondary School Recommendation Form. Your Guidance Counselor will write your recommendation so they will need information from you. We require that you complete the “Questions to Consider for Letters of Recommendation”.
In addition, most private colleges require a Mid-Year Report or mid-year transcript so that they can see your first semester grades.
You are responsible for submitting your application online and ensuring that all components arrive at the college admissions office, to include official test scores, letters of recommendation and transcripts.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRIVATE COLLEGES |
Most private and some out of state public colleges require one or two teacher recommendations in addition to the Counselor Recommendation. The following notes should help in that process. Do not send teacher recommendation letters to the UC or CSU colleges; they are not required and will be thrown away.
Does the thought of taking a year off before starting college sound like a desirable and welcome choice for you? After thirteen years of school, you may need a break from your studies. What would you do? What do you like to do? What do you enjoy? Here are some suggestions:
ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
You may be tired of school | You may decide not to further your education |
You may want to do something to enhance your college application | If you are in another country, it may be more difficult to apply to college |
You will appreciate education more if you take a break | You will not have the support of your Guidance Counselor to help you through the college process |
Your teachers may forget who you are for any letters of recommendation |
Websites
Books
Foreign Exchange Programs
THE APPEAL PROCESS |