College Planning: It’s Not Too Early

Questions You May Have What are my college options? How do I get into college? How can I pay for college? What can I do now to prepare for college?

The Four Systems of Higher Education in California California Community Colleges The California State University The University of California Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities

CA Community Colleges 110 Colleges Offer Associate Degrees Prepare students to transfer to 4 year colleges Offer vocational training Provide high school enrichment programs

California State University (CSU) 23 Campuses Target upper 33% of high school seniors Minimum GPA is 2.0 Eligibility is based on - A-G GPA - SAT Reasoning Exam or ACT Exam score Applications are accepted from October 1st to November 30th

University of California 10 campuses in CA Target upper 12.5% of high school students Minimum GPA is 3.0 Application criteria: - A-G courses and GPA - SAT reasoning or ACT with Writing - SAT Subject Tests (not required 2012) - Extracurricular Activities and Involvement - Personal Statement Applications are due from November 1st to November November 30th

Independent Colleges & Universities Nearly 100 private colleges in CA 90% of students receive financial aid $18,000 is the average financial aid award High four-year graduation rates Small class sizes Strong faculty student mentorship

College Entrance Requirements CSU UC History (2 yrs) English ( 4 yrs) Math (3 yrs) 4 rec. Lab Science (2 yrs) 3 rec. Foreign Lang. (2 yrs) 3 rec. Visual/Performing Arts(1 year) College Prep Elective (1 year) History (2yrs) English (4 yrs) Math (3 yrs) 4 rec. Science (2 yrs) 3 rec. Foreign Lang. (2 yrs) 3 rec. Visual/Performing Arts (1 year) College Prep Elective (1 year)

College Entrance Tests SAT Reasoning Test & ACT – taken junior year - Both accepted by UC & CSU colleges - Private colleges – depends on the school - Community colleges- no exams required In Tracy Unified – a selected site administers the SAT Counselors encourage students to take the PSAT during sophomore and junior year. Must take it junior year to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

College Fees College System Average Fees Books/ Supplies Living on Campus Transportation California Community College $1,104 $1,710 $7,900 $918 State University $6,633 $1,641 $11,295 Will Vary University of $13,200 $1,500 $13,800 $2,412 Independent Colleges & Universities $32,100 $1,650 $13,070 Based on 2013-2014 school year (Californiacolleges.edu)

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form used to determine eligibility for financial aid Filling it out is free GPA Verification Form (Cal Grants) Complete and file forms in the senior year (January 1-March 2) www.fafsa.ed.gov

Paying For College Personal Savings – 529 plans, US savings bonds, savings accounts Loans - Subsidized - Unsubsidized Grants – Free money for educational expenses based on need - PELL Grant (federal aid up to $5500.00) - Cal Grants (A, B, &C) Work Study- employment at the campus to help pay for school Scholarships- Free money based on specific criteria

College Costs; It Also Pays Didn’t finish high school $24,544 GED or high school diploma $33,804 Some college, no degree $37,264 Associate degree $40,404 Bachelor’s (4-year) degree $57,616 Master’s degree $69,108 Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) $84,396 Professional degree $89,128 *Source: US Census Bureau, Current Population Survey 2013

ACT report The Forgotten Middle states: Students who are not on track for college & career readiness by 8th grade are not likely to reach that level of readiness by high school graduation. The level of academic achievement that students attain by 8th grade has a bigger impact on college & career preparedness than any other factor including courses taken, grades earned in high school, or student testing behaviors.

Start Preparing Now Set goals for middle school (honor roll, good attendance). Take the most challenging English, Math, Science, and Social Studies classes you can handle. Ask questions and participate in class. Get involved in school or community activities.

Explore Your Future Identify activities and subjects that interest you. Take an interest inventory. - Princetonreview.com/career - Mappingyourfuture.org Think about goals for high school. Tour college campuses you are interested in. Attend college fairs and parent nights. Begin compiling a file of possible scholarships. Keep talking to others about your dreams and plans.