Junior Information Session Setting yourself up for Success!

College Junior College/2 year college – this type of college allows students to complete the first two years of a bachelors degree at a college with no requirements of entrance. Students must take a placement test for Math and English. Junior college also has the potential to cost less than a traditional 4 year college/University. University/ 4 year college – this type of college offers one setting to obtain a bachelors in art or science. Students must complete A-G course with all C’s or better, take an a college entrance test, ACT/SAT, and apply in the fall of their senior year. This type of college usually cost more but it also offers many more opportunities throughout a students 4 years. Study abroad On-campus housing Meal plans/dining halls

A-G Courses History/social science (“a”) – Two years, including one year of world history, cultures and historical geography and one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of American government or civics. History/social science (“a”) English (“b”) – Four years of college preparatory English that integrates reading of classic and modern literature, frequent and regular writing, and practice listening and speaking. English (“b”) Mathematics (“c”) – Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include or integrate the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. Mathematics (“c”) Laboratory science (“d”) – Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Laboratory science (“d”) Language other than English (“e”) – Two years of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second-level of high school instruction. Language other than English (“e”) Visual and performing arts (“f”) – One year chosen from dance, drama/theater, music or visual art. Visual and performing arts (“f”) College-preparatory elective (“g”) – One year chosen from the “a-f” courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely in the elective area. College-preparatory elective (“g”)

ACT Curriculum based Test date: June 13th, Registration deadline is May 8th, Late fee registration is May 9 th -22 nd, Test date: Sept. 12th, Registration deadline is August 7, Late fee registration is August 8 th -21 st, Fees No writing portion - $38.00 With writing portion - $54.50

SAT Logic based Sat.collegeboard.org Test date: June 6th, Registration deadline is May 8th, Fee $52.50

2014/15 Summer Over this coming summer rising seniors should: Take a/both college assessment test/s; ACT/SAT Make themselves look like the ideal candidate for the college/s they wish to attend: Volunteer School Community Take an extra summer school course/grade improvement to meet A-G requirements. Set-up a free collegeboard.org student account: Students can research colleges, locate colleges with preferred major, sign-up for SAT and send scores through this option. Put together a great college list; all the colleges you are considering. Pick your ‘Top Three to Five’ and tour the campuses. Research the schools and see which may be the best fit for you and where you are headed.

2014/15 Summer Con’t Look for college fairs! This is a great way to meet college reps and find out more about a lot of different colleges at one time. Look for Scholarships I have office hours over the summer; please just call/ to set up an appointment if you have any questions or concerns.

University Applications Cal-State Universities- Applications open Oct. 1 st, 2015 till Nov. 30 th, University of California- Applications open Nov. 1 st till Nov. 30 th, For UC schools you can start your application early and just submit it when their application window opens. UC schools also require a personal statement.

Private Universities/Colleges Each private university is different. Researching the university you want to attend is always a best practice. How they differ from California Universities: Many have rolling admissions or will accept applications in the winter and spring. Very different than UC/CSU. Many private universities use the common application as their method for applying. Will be available August 1 st, 2015 for new applications.

The Bridge Program The Bridge Program is a program that Encore offers in conjunction with VVC to help students make a smooth transition to VVC as freshman in college. Ms. Ciancio will work with Bridge students completing the accuplacer, education plans, picking course for their first semester and answer questions regarding VVC. Bridge students get priority registration to help them get the classes they need. In addition, there is a special financial aid window exclusively for Bridge students. This helps a lot with fast tracking this process.

What is Financial Aid Funds provided to students and families to help pay for postsecondary educational expenses Different types of financial aid Scholarships Grants Loans Employment Scholarships Money that does not have to be paid back – FREE $$$ Awarded on the basis of merit, skill, or unique characteristic Offered by private/public donors (companies, organizations, individuals, etc.)

Grants Money that does not have to be paid back and are used for tuition and fees Usually awarded on the basis of financial need Offered by governments/agencies (State of California, U.S. Federal Government) Cal Grant A: Eligibility: Low to middle income students 3.0 high school GPA minimum Maximum annual awards: UC: $12,192/ year CSU: $5,472/year If you qualify for Cal Grant Cal Grant B: Eligibility: Very low income students 2.0 high school GPA minimum Award amount = $1,493+ Cal Grant A amount

Loans Money students and parents borrow to help pay for college expenses Repayment usually begins after education is finished (yay!) Only borrow what is really needed!!! Look at loans as an investment in your future Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans Both are student loans given by the federal government to students Both must be paid back! Subsidized loans are paid back, BUT interest does not accrue until finished! Unsubsidized loans are paid back with interest accruing right away. Employment A paycheck; or Non-monetary compensation, such as room and board Federal Work Study Programs – provides a student job on campus

FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid! Aid awarded primarily on the basis of financial need Must apply every year using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting on January 1st! The sooner you apply the more money you are eligible for!! You also need to have your parents tax return information however you can apply and enter that information at a later date. This will effect your award amount  DON’T NOT USE ANOTHER SITE TO APPLY!

Senior Camping Trip!! August th. We will leave from school on the 25 th after school starts and return to school on the 27 th before school is out. This way if you ride a bus you are still able to come. Camp We will be going to Big Bear and staying at Pine Summit Camp. We will be staying in camp cabins, meals are provided for the time we are there. You may bring extra money for the snack shop. The purpose of this trip is to discuss college, life after high school as well as start senior year with the enthusiasm to make senior year count!

Questions…. Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out -Robert Collier