1. Eileen Doctorow Project STEPS College Counselor
Understanding High School Requirements & Financial Aid and The 21st Century - Gear Up Promise
Eileen Doctorow
Project STEPS
College Counselor

2. Moving through high school...
Credits for promotion:
Grade credits
Grade credits
Grade credits

3. To graduate from high school...
• Credits required: 230 credits
• Pass all required classes.
• Pass all areas of the High School Exit Exam.

4. High School Graduation vs College Admissions Requirements
a-History - 30 credits (3 years)
b-English 40 credits (4 years)
c-Math - 20 credits (2 years)
d-Lab Science - 20 credits (2 yrs)
e-Foreign Language - none
f-Visual/Performing Arts -
10 credits (1 year)
g-Electives - 70 credits
College Admissions
a-History - 2 years
b-English 4 years
c-Math - 3 years
d-Lab Science - 2 years
e-Foreign Language - 2 years
f-Visual/Performing Arts -
1 year
g-Electives - 1 year

5. Grade requirements 4-year College High School Grades must be “C”
or higher to enter.
High School
Grades must be “D”
or higher to pass.

6. High School Exit Exam The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE):
English language arts
Reading and Writing sections
Multiple Choice and Writing task
Covers state standards through grade 10
Mathematics
All Multiple Choice
Covers math concepts and skills through Algebra I

7. High School Exit Exam Taken once in 10th grade
If one or both parts not passed, may take two more times in 11th grade and three times in 12th grade
Once a part is passed, no need to take again
English language arts
Passing score (450 possible)
Mathematics

8. High School Exit Exam What if a student doesn’t pass?
Students who complete all graduation requirements have one more chance to pass exam in summer after senior year
Can complete diploma in Adult School
When 18, can take the GED and/or enroll in community college

9. What else do colleges consider?
College entrance tests (SAT or ACT)
Honors and Advanced Placement classes
Additional academic classes
Special talents or skills
 UC’s and Private Colleges 
Extra curricular activities
Community service
Obstacles overcome
Essay (writing skills)

10. How to get ready for college NOW!
• Read as much as possible.
• Get involved in school activities.
• Take challenging classes.
• Make up “D’s” or “Fails” as soon as possible.
• Take advantage of opportunities.
• Develop strong study skills.

11. Four California College Systems

12. The 21st Century Scholars Gear Up/Project STEPS Promise
As a Project STEPS - 21st Century Scholar you will receive the following services:
Tutoring
Mentoring
Counseling
Assistance with college applications and financial aid forms

13. Items considered for Financial Aid
• Total family income
• Number of people in family
• Value of family assets
• Student’s grade point average

14. Depending on your family’s total income, you might receive…
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Federal Work-Study (part-time job)
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Stafford Loan
California Grant

15. Depending on your GPA, you might receive a …
Cal Grant A (full tuition at CA public school)
3.0+
Middle to low income family
Cal Grant B (full tuition + $1,550/year)
2.0+
Lower income family
Cal Grant C (vocation/occupational schools)
No GPA requirement!

16. What Can Students do NOW?
Get GOOD GRADES!
Good grades turn into MONEY!
A Cal Grant is based on 4 semesters of work in 10th and 11th Grade.
A Cal Grant can pay for tuition at a California college.

17. The 21st Century Scholars Gear Up/Project STEPS Promise
You will receive a certificate
in your English class
stating this information.
This is a promise, not a guarantee.
It’s up to YOU!

18. You have a challenge and a promise.
What should you do NOW?
You have a challenge and a promise.
Go for it!