GETTING INTO COLLEGE: A PARENT GUIDE Presented by: Blanca Rodriguez, Counselor Engineering, IB, & Roa-Ta Buhach Colony High School

Graduation Requirements English-40 credits Social Science-40credits Mathematics-20 credits Science-30 credits Fine Arts/Foreign Language-10 credits Physical Education-20 credits Electives-60 credits Total credits for graduation-220 A-G Requirements A. History/Social Science-2 Years B. English-4 years C. Mathematics-3 years or more D. Laboratory Science-2 years or more E. Foreign Language-2 years or more F. Visual and Performing Arts-1 year G. College Preparatory Electives- 1 year *Must complete all A-G classes with a “C” or better. ACADEMIC GPA (10 th to 12 th ) UC-~3.0 or higher CSU~ 2.0 or higher GRADUATION & COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

WHY SHOULD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE A-G CLASSES? These requirements plus taking the SAT or ACT will make your student eligible to start at a 4 year university straight out of high school. If the student plans to attend a 2 year college he/she will be better prepared for the course work, the placement exams, and qualify for more scholarships!!

WHY GO TO COLLEGE? A college education can provide many opportunities for a better life. In a working life, more and more jobs will require education beyond high school.

EDUCATION PAYS

EDUCATION PAYS: Level of education completed Mean (average) earnings in 2011 Unemployment rate in 2011 Less than a high school diploma$29, % High school graduate, no college$41,2889.4% Some college, no degree$46,2888.7% Occupational program (career school)$49,9206.6% Associate degree (academic program)$52,9886.9% Bachelor’s degree$71,5524.9% Master’s degree$84,4483.6% Doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D.)$102,6482.5% Professional degree (e.g., M.D., J.D.)$121,2122.4%

SAT & ACT EXAMS If the student plans on attending a UC/CSU, they must take the SAT or ACT. ACT- A three and a half-hour college admissions examination that consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. SAT- A three and a half-hour college admission test of critical reading, mathematical reasoning abilities, and writing skills. 11 th Graders should take the test in Spring of their Junior year (April, May, or June). Must sign up for test at least a month ahead. 12 th Graders must take the test Fall of their senior year (by December). 10 th & 11 th Grade can take the PSAT to help prepare for the SAT tests, test given in October. Cost is $16. Cost of tests: SAT is $ The ACT is $54.50, and $38 without Writing,. Your child may qualify for a fee waiver if “low income.”

Advanced Placement Program ® (AP ® ) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are college-level courses offered in high school. AP & IB courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses At the end of course, students take AP or IB Exams—standardized exams that measure how well students have mastered college-level course work. IB courses are two year courses. College prefer students who take the most rigorous courses offered. Students who do well on AP or IB Exams can earn credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. Students who take AP or IB courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a college degree on time. Only one in four students who enter college complete a bachelor’s degree in four years. A recent study showed that students taking AP or IB courses and exams were much more likely to earn a college degree in four years. BENEFITS OF AP & IB COURSES 8

SAVE MONEY  Students who take five years or more to graduate can spend $8,000-$27,000 for each additional year in college.  The typical college cost per year for a four-year public institution is $8,142 for in-state students and $19,670 for out-of-state students.*  Students attending private institutions might expect to incur $27,389 for each additional year it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree.* 9 * Costs include tuition, fees, and books and supplies only, and do not include room, board, and other living expenses. Average Estimated Undergraduate Budgets, (Enrollment- Weighted). The College Board, ”Trends in College Pricing,” 2009.

COLLEGE CLASSES & CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT COLLEGE CLASSES AT MERCED COLLEGE Have the student see Counselor for K-12 form, also available online on our website. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher at BCHS Classes are free, no tuition fee. 11 th and 12 th graders can have as part of their schedule with proof of enrollment No transportation provided Must provide supplies and materials Get a head start on college and save $money$!

PARENT TIPS TO HELP STUDENT:  Talk to your child about going to college, and about careers.      Keep an eye on your child’s progress in school, their study habits and grades.  Encourage your child to read 30 minutes or more daily,  Access grades on Aries for parents. Sign up on our website.  Communicate with your child’s teachers if you have concerns, or questions (come to Back to School Night, Thunder Fair, and other events).  Become familiar with tutoring and other resources for your child.  Encourage your child to take challenging courses, such as AP or IB.  Meet with their counselor for a 6 year plan  Encourage your child to be active in sports, clubs and community.  Schedule and tour colleges with your child.  Research Financial Aid, Scholarships and Loans, and/or begin a saving plan to help pay for college. Go to HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED

UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS TRANSCRIPT For a list of courses accepted under A-G for a UC, go to https//doorway.ucop.edu/list/

DATES:  PSAT: Wednesday, October 14, Student can sign up at school with bookkeeper.  SAT Test Dates: Oct. 3, Nov 7, and Dec. 5, 2015 (Senior year). Must apply a month ahead to take test.  And, Jan. 23, March 5, May 7 and June 4, 2016 (Junior year). Go to  ACT Test Dates: Sept 12, Oct 24, Dec. 12, 2015 (Seniors).  And, Feb 6, April 9, and June 11, 2016 (Junior year). Go to  CSU & UC College Application Deadline: November 30, 2015 for most campuses. Early decision deadline is November 1 st, or  Financial Aid (FAFSA), Dream Act, Cal Grant Deadline: March 2, 2016 (after this date, can still apply but not for Cal Grant). Go to RESOURCES: (SAT registration, SAT prep, AP & college information), link to bigfuture. (scholarship search) (career and college research) (information on college majors) (free SAT prep) IMPORTANT DATES & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

QUESTIONS?