College: Making it Happen Source: College - Making it Happen A Guide for California Middle School Families and Educators

Consider These Careers… Name of Career Level of Education Needed

Consider These Careers… Name of Career Level of Education Needed

What do each of these careers require? … a college degree!

Regrets? Recently, the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development released data showing that college graduates generally do not regret going to college, despite lots of criticism of the value of higher education. The center released a new report focusing on the depressing state of America’s recent high school graduates, who seem to agree about the importance of further education. The study reported on a survey of high school graduates of the classes of who do not have college degrees and are not enrolled in school full time. This group overwhelmingly believes that additional education beyond a high school diploma is required to succeed.” Source: nytimes.com on June 6, 2012

Lifetime Earnings by Educational Levels Someone with a Bachelor’s Degree earns nearly $1 million more over his or her lifetime than a high school graduate!

Why take college prep courses? Research shows that students who take Algebra and Geometry early (by the end of the eighth and ninth grades) are much more likely to go to college than students who do not. In a national sample, only 26 percent of low-income students who did not take Geometry went to college, but 71 percent of low-income students who took Geometry enrolled in college. Taking Algebra early in middle school prepares high school students for Chemistry, Physics, Trigonometry, and other higher level math courses in high school. In addition, students need to take at least two years of a language other than English and as many Honors and Advanced Placement courses as they can before finishing high school.

What is a G.P.A.? G.P.A stands for grade point average. It is an average of the grades that your receive on your report cards. Your G.P.A. is the #1 factor colleges look at when they consider accepting you.

How is G.P.A. calculated? Grades are converted into numerical values: 4 points for an “A,” 3 points for a “B,” 2 points for a “C,” 1 point for a “D,” and 0 points for and “F.” The total points for all grades is then divided by the number of courses taken. ClassGradePoints AlgebraB+3 ScienceA-4 P.E.D1 Language ArtsC2 Total10 10 points divided by 4 classes = 2.5 G.P.A.

G.P.A. Practice Now try these two on your own: ClassGradePoints AlgebraA- ScienceC+ P.E.C- Language Arts B BandD Total __ points divided by 5 classes = ____ G.P.A. ClassGradePoints AlgebraF ScienceA+ P.E.B- Language Arts C ArtB+ Total __ points divided by 5 classes = ____ G.P.A.

G.P.A. Practice Now predict your own G.P.A at the end of the semester: ClassGradePoints __ points divided by __ classes = ____ G.P.A.

What tests are required for college admission? California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) The purpose of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is to ensure that students who graduate from high school have learned to read, write, and compute adequately. PSAT Take the PSAT in your 9th grade year because it will help him or her prepare for the SAT in high school. Additionally, the PSAT is a key to national college search processes and scholarships. The more times a child takes the PSAT, the greater the likelihood that he/she will be prepared for the SAT in high school. SAT The SAT is a reasoning test that attempts to measure how well you will do in college. Colleges will usually accept either the SAT or ACT score. ACT The ACT is like the CST tests you take a the end of the school year.

Types of Financial Aid Grants and Scholarships are free money that do not have to be paid back. CAL Grant Program gives students with a “B” average, or a 3.0 grade point average (for Cal Grant A), or 2.0 (for Cal Grant B) money for college that does not have to be paid back. Educational Loans are borrowed money that must be paid back after you graduate. Work-Study Program provides part-time work during the school year or in the summer to help pay for college. Private Scholarships are given by businesses, professional groups, civic organizations, and do not have to be paid back.

Average California College Costs Public Four-Year Colleges (in state) Tuition and Fees$9,173 Books and supplies$1,168 Room and Board$10,000 Personal Expenses$2,066 Private Four-Year Colleges Tuition and Fees$38,511 Books and supplies$1,168 Room and Board$10,000 Personal Expenses$2,066 Community Colleges Tuition and Fees$1,429 Books and supplies$1,168 Personal Expenses$2,066 *Source:

5 Types of California Colleges There are three public systems of higher education that are funded through taxpayer dollars: The California Community Colleges (CCC) The California State University (CSU) The University of California (UC) Two other types of colleges exist that are not supported by taxpayer funds: Non-profit private colleges and universities For profit vocational schools and colleges

California Community Colleges The California Community Colleges offer a wide range of academic and vocational courses leading to a variety of valuable certificates and degrees. People may train for a new career, improve their job skills, or pursue special interests. Additionally, students may complete the first two years (freshman and sophomore) of an university education and transfer to any college or university to complete a Bachelor’s Degree. The California Community Colleges admit any high school graduate or any person 18 years of age or older.

California State University The California State University (also known as “Cal State or CSU)accepts high school graduates who have completed a specified pattern of coursework and have combined grade point averages and standardized test scores that place them among the upper one-third of California high school graduates. Completion of fifteen units of College Preparatory Course Requirements (A-G Requirements) with grades of “C” or better is required.

The University of California At the University of California (or UC), most faculty members teach and conduct research. On the average, there is one faculty member for every 18 students, although this varies by campus and major of study. UC is committed to providing a place on one of its campuses for all eligible applicants who are California residents. Eligible applicants have grades and test scores that place them in the top 12.5 percent of high school graduates statewide. Most incoming freshmen have high school grade point averages of 3.7 or above (a strong “B+” average) in academic courses and combined SAT verbal, math, and writing scores of 1800 or more, or an ACT score of at least 25.

Non-Profit (Private Colleges) California is home to almost 80 private, non-profit independent colleges and universities. Nine out of ten students receive financial aid; the average financial aid package is almost $23,000 in order to ensure that college is available to everyone. Each private non-profit college and university is unique. Students can select the school and environment that best fits their individual needs. Some schools are small; others are large. Some are faith-based; a few are for women only. Some focus on art, or music, or science. Some are in large cities; others are in small towns. Some have large on-campus communities; others have large commuter student populations. The admissions requirements are similar to those at the California State University and University of California systems.

For Profit Vocational School and Colleges There are over 3,000 schools and colleges which grant certificates of completion or Associate’s of Arts Degrees. Of these, 14 institutions are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). As such, they have the same regional accreditation as the four other types of institutions listed above.

A-G Requirements The chart below lists the minimum courses that are required for freshman admission to the California State University, the University of California, and many independent colleges and universities. This pattern of courses is the same as recommended for community colleges.

On Your Own This assignment must be completed and placed in your portfolio by the end of the school year.