 Getting to College LASGS Senior Seminar Class

Reason #1: More money!  In 1999, average annual earnings ranged from $18,900 for high school dropouts to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,400 for college graduates and $99,300 for the holders of professional degrees (doctors, lawyers, etc.)  Over an adult's working life, high school graduates can expect, on average, to earn $1.2 million; those with a bachelor's degree, $2.1 million; and people with a master's degree, $2.5 million. Those with professional degrees do best at $4.4 million.

Reason #2: College is really fun! MajorsClassesExperiences Chicano Studies, Black Studies, Women’s Studies, Engineering, Astronomy, Religion, Philosophy, Spanish, French, Business, Music, History, Computer Science… History of Hip-Hop (UC Berkeley) Living in a dorm room The Art of Africa (Northwestern U.) Studying in another country History of Diseases (Carleton College) Making amazing friends Border Studies (University of New Mexico) Finding subjects you never knew you were interested in!

Reason #3: It is very possible for you to get there! As long as you complete certain tasks, you will qualify for admission to a great school! These tasks are: a. Completion of A-G requirements with an excellent grade point average b. Scoring well on the SAT c. Participation in extra-curricular activities Let’s learn a little bit more about the “A-G’s”…

The A-G Requirements A History/Social Science (2 years) World History, U.S. History, Government or Economics B English (4 years) English 9 (Genre Studies), English 10 (World Literature), English 11 (American Literature) and English 12 (British Literature) C Mathematics (3 years) Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry or Calculus D Laboratory Science (2 years) Biology, Chemistry or Physics E Language other than English (2 years) Spanish, Native Spanish or French (two years of same language must be taken consecutively) F Visual and Performing Arts (1 year) Dance, drama, theatre, visual arts or music G Elective (1 year) Advanced visual or performing arts, history, social studies, English, math, lab science or language End Day 1

Tips for Finding a College Match Characteristics You Should Consider  How can you find colleges that match your needs?  First, you should identify your priorities.  Second, you should carefully research the characteristics of a range of schools.  Third, match the two. Here are some college characteristics to consider.

Size of the Student Body  Size will affect many of your opportunities and experiences, including:  Range of academic majors offered  Extracurricular possibilities  Amount of personal attention you will receive  Number of books in the library

Location  Do you want to visit home frequently?  Perhaps you would like an urban environment with access to museums, ethnic food, or major league ball games.  Or maybe you hopes for easy access to the outdoors or the serenity of a small town.

Academic Programs  If you know what you wants to study:  You can research reputations of academic departments  If you are undecided:  may want to relax and pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs.  Students normally don't pick a major until the end of their sophomore year  Most colleges offer counseling to help students find a focus.

Campus Life  It's important for students to maintain a balance between academics, activities, and social life.  What extracurricular activities, athletics, and special interest groups are available?  Does the community around the college offer interesting outlets for students?  Are students welcomed by the community?  Is there an ethnic or religious group in which to take part?  How do fraternities and sororities influence campus life?  Is housing guaranteed?  How are dorms assigned?

Cost  Today's college price tag makes cost an important consideration for most students.  Virtually all colleges work to ensure that academically qualified students from every economic circumstance can find financial aid  Look beyond the price tag to the assistance available.

Diversity  You should explore what might be gained from a diverse student body.  The geographic, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity of the students can be a means of learning more about the world.  Investigate what kinds of student organizations, or other groups with ethnic or religious foundations, are active and visible on campus.

Retention and Graduation Rates  One of the best ways to measure a school's quality and the satisfaction of its students.  learn the percentage of students who return after the first year  learn the percentage of entering students who remain to graduate.