1. 4-year University/College
The Counseling Department Welcomes Centennial’s Class of 2018

2. California’s Four Systems of Higher Education
University of California (UC)
California State University (CSU)
Private Colleges & Universities
California Community College

3. 4-Year College/University MINIMUM Application Requirements
Graduate High School
Meet specific GPA requirements
Meet A-G requirements
Take the SAT and/or ACT
Try your best to meet specific SAT/ACT scores
Meet all testing and all application deadlines
When asked, submit an OFFICIAL transcript

4. Official vs. Unofficial Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts can be printed or copied by:
Students
Parents
Counselor
Official transcripts can be printed by:
School registrar…nobody else!!!
Signed, embossed, and sealed
Registrar needs at least 2 weeks
Registrar requires a pre-addressed (WHERE IS IT GOING?) and pre-stamped envelope

5. Why the PSAT is Important
To help prepare for the SAT
You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT
To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college
You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional studying or practice
To receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service
To enter competitions for scholarships

6. SAT Practice Test vs. PSAT
Tests on the Math, Reading, and Writing sections of the SAT
Test provides feedback on the writing section of the SAT
Sign up in the student store
Date already passed but other test dates will be announced
PSAT:
Only tests on the Math and Reading sections of the SAT
Test does not provide feedback on the writing section of the SAT
Sign up in the student store
Date: October 19th
Students who take it their Junior year get entered into college and scholarship search programs

7. Scholarships Related to PSAT
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Awards more than $50 million in college scholarships each year based on PSAT scores and academic performance
National Hispanic Recognition Program
Honors about 5,000 of the highest-scoring students from over 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT
Students who take the PSAT in 9th or 10th grade must take it again in 11th grade to be eligible (SAT scores cannot be used)

8. Taking the PSAT
Please note: CNUSD has paid for every sophomore to take the PSAT in the school year
Test date is Wednesday, October 19, 2016 during the school day
Juniors took it last year which means your chances of improving your score is increased!
Juniors need to sign up! Remember the benefits!!!!
Purchase and sign-ups available through the student store
Student Store Contact Info:
Rosemary Extn: 20125
Barbara Extn: 20015
Tests are limited so don’t procrastinate!

9. SAT vs. ACT
SAT
Questions are evidence and context-based in an effort to focus on real-world situations and multi-step problem-solving
Questions increase in difficulty level as you move through that question type in a section 
Optional writing test
Scored based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing
2 Sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing are each scored on a scale of
ACT
Straightforward, questions may be long but are usually less difficult to decipher
Questions increase in difficulty level as you move through that question type in a section 
Optional writing test
Scored based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing
4 components: English, Math, Reading, and Science scores will each range between 1-36 

10. SAT: Test Dates & Deadlines
SAT Administration Dates and Deadlines
SAT Date
SAT Subject Tests Available (Find Dates)
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
Deadline for Changes
Mail
Phone/ Online
Oct. 1, 2016
See SAT Subject Tests available on this date
Sept. 1, 2016
Sept. 13, 2016
Sept. 20, 2016
Nov. 5, 2016
Oct. 7, 2016
Oct. 18, 2016
Oct. 25, 2016
Dec. 3, 2016
Nov. 3, 2016
Nov. 15, 2016
Nov. 22, 2016
Jan. 21, 2017
Dec. 21, 2016
Jan. 3, 2017
Jan. 10, 2017
March 11, 2017
SAT Subject Tests not offered on this date
Feb. 10, 2017
Feb. 21, 2017
Feb. 28, 2017
May 6, 2017
Apr. 7, 2017
Apr. 18, 2017
Apr. 25, 2017
June 3, 2017
May 9, 2017
May 16, 2017
May 24, 2017
To sign up for the SAT test,
please visit:
SAT:
There are also practice tests available on-line
Please see the counseling office manager (Judith Farnham) if you qualify for a fee waiver…more information on SAT fee waivers to follow

11. Phone Registration Fee
SAT Fees
Be mindful of deadlines to avoid additional fees
Information on fees for subject tests can be found on the college board website!
SAT Registration Fee
$43, with Essay $54.50
Includes up to four score reports (if selected during the registration period). Visit our Sending SAT Scores page to find out why StudyPoint recommends sending score reports after viewing your child’s SAT scores.
Late Registration Fee
additional $28
For more information about late registration, visit our SAT Late Registration page.
Phone Registration Fee
additional $15
This service is available only if you have previously registered.
Waitlist Testing Fee
additional $46
For more information about waitlist testing, visit our SAT Waitlist Testing page.
Change Fee
This fee applies to test date, test center, or test type changes.
Score Report Fee
additional $11.25 per report
This fee applies to each score report beyond the four included in the registration fee and to those reports requested after the test date. Visit our Sending SAT Scorespage to find out why StudyPoint recommends sending score reports after viewing your child’s SAT scores.

12. ACT: Test Dates & Deadlines
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required)
September 10, 2016
August 7, 2016
August 8-19, 2016
October 22, 2016
September 16, 2016
September 17-30, 2016
December 10, 2016
November 4, 2016
November 5-18, 2016
February 11, 2017
January 13, 2017
January 14-20, 2017
April 8, 2017
March 3, 2017
March 4-17, 2017
June 10, 2017
May 5, 2017
May 6-19, 2017
To sign up for the SAT test,
please visit:
ACT:
There are also practice tests available on-line
Please see the counseling office manager (Judith Farnham) if you qualify for a fee waiver…more information on ACT fee waivers to follow

13. ACT Fees ACT (no writing) $42.50
Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges (if codes are provided when you register)
ACT with writing$58.50
The $16.00 writing test fee is refundable on written request if you are absent on test day or switch to ACT (no writing) before testing begins.

14. SAT/ACT Fee Waivers
Some students may qualify for fee waivers for 4 tests
A fee waiver form details all of the information and if must be completed before an SAT/ACT fee waiver will be granted
You may qualify for a fee waiver because of one of the following reasons:
You’re enrolled in or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
You’re enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., Federal TRIO programs such as Upward Bound)
Your family receives public assistance
You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or are homeless
You are a ward of the state or an orphan

15. SAT/ACT Fee Waiver Request Form

16. Having Trouble Deciding Between CSU and UC?
California State University
University of California
23 campuses
9 campuses

17. General Similarities and Differences Between CSU and UC
Minimum GPA: 2.0
SAT/ACT required
Personal statement NOT required
Letters of recommendations are NOT required
Various majors offered
Medium - large campuses
Application based
Bachelors degrees, Masters degrees, Credentials UC
Minimum GPA: 3.0
SAT/ACT required
Personal statement IS required
Letters of recommendations are NOT required
Various majors offered
Typically larger campuses
Theory and research based
Bachelors degrees, Masters degrees, Credentials, Doctoral degrees

18. Snapshot Statistics Statistics on SAT/ACT are available online
The information below is based off of the admitted freshman profiles from fall 2016
Statistics on SAT/ACT are available online
CSU’s Local Campuses
All UC Campuses
School
Avg.
Weighted GPA
% of Admits
San Bernardino
3.23
65%
Los Angeles
3.32
61%
Northridge
3.39
53%
Fullerton
3.51
44%
Long Beach
3.58
36%
San Diego
3.63
34%
Cal Poly Pomona
3.68
52%
School
Avg.
Weighted GPA
% of Admits
Merced
3.37 – 3.88
73.7%
Riverside
3.52 – 4.00
66.2%
Santa Cruz
3.65 – 4.09
58.4%
Santa Barbara
3.92 – 4.23
35.9%
Irvine
3.93 – 4.22
40.7%
Davis
3.95 – 4.25
42.3%
San Diego
4.00 – 4.27
Los Angeles
4.12 – 4.30
18.0%
Berkley
17.5%

19. UC’s Eligibility by Other Means
UC guarantees a spot at one of their campuses for any of the following criteria that is met
Eligibility in the Statewide Context
If you're in the top 9 percent of California high school graduates and aren't admitted to any of the UC campuses you apply to, you'll be offered a spot at another campus if space is available. They use a formula — called an admissions index —to determine if you fall in that group
Eligibility in the Local Context
Unlike the broader statewide eligibility pathway, which seeks to recognize top students from throughout the state, ELC draws qualified students from among the top 9 percent of each participating high school
Eligibility by Examination Alone
Must meet specific scores on SAT/ACT
Look at university website to determine score

20. Private and Out of State Universities & Colleges
They will have their own admission
requirements and deadlines
Research individual school’s
websites for specific information
Private/Independent
California Colleges
Quick Facts:
77+ members
Approx. 50 in SoCal
86% receive financial aid
Out of State

21. Alternative Path to a 4-year College/University
What if you don’t get into the colleges or universities you apply to?
What if you don’t want to go to straight to a 4-year college/university?
Alternative path:
4-year
college or university
California Community College
High School

22. California Community College
Approx. 112 campuses in 72 districts
Convenient locations
Affordable when compared to a 4-year college or university
Have partnerships with UC and CSU for smooth transferring after general education is completed
55%-60% of CSU graduates and 28%-30% of UC graduates started off at a CCC

23. Why Go to a CCC First? Very affordable when compared to a 4-year
Hundreds of instructional programs
Wide variety of student support programs
Complete general education classes
Discover possible majors suitable for you
Option to transfer into a 4-year as a junior
Easier to get admitted as a junior vs. a freshman
End goal can still be met in 4-years

24. Things to Consider When “Shopping” for College
Which of the 4 systems interest you?
Listen to announcements regarding college visitors
Sign-up for specific visits with Mrs. Matthews in room 303
If possible, start visiting campuses that interest you
Consider admission statistics
Desired Location…close to or far from home?
Tuition costs and/or cost of living
School culture and demographics
Weather/climate
Degrees offered, majors offered,
academic programs, athletic programs

25. Speaking of Athletic Programs…NCAA
Are you and athlete and plan to
continue in your sport during college?
Register to take the ACT, SAT or
both and use the NCAA Eligibility
Center code “9999” as a score recipient
Complete NCAA-approved courses
Earn a minimum required core-course GPA
Earn a required SAT or ACT sum score
Division I and II both have 16-core classes
Talk to your counselor to check your status!

26. Financial Aid Start shopping for ways to help pay for college
Grants
Free money
Scholarships
Work study
Students work on campus which adds money to their financial aid packet which helps pay for college
Loans
Pay back with interest

27. Things Every Junior Needs to Consider
Take all tests seriously
PSAT
SAT/ACT
EAP…optional but has great potential rewards
Minimum scores may waive having to take placement tests
Work towards being academically competitive
Plan ahead and always consider deadlines
Take Honors/AP classes
Recognize your ability, talents, and limitations
Colleges like to see students challenging themselves
Extra points help increase can help improve your GPA
AP test scores of 3 or higher may earn you elective or subject college credit
For more information on AP credit, visit
and follow the AP links to “AP Credit & Placement”

28. Don't Forget CCGI California College Guidance Initiative
Step 1 Sign in (your account has already been created for you).
Account name: cnusd###### (cnusd + your ID #)
Example: cnusd123456
Password: MMDDYYYY (your birthday)
Example: If your birthday is 5/7/98, you enter
Step 2 You will be asked to reset your password.
Change your password to First Name Initial + Last Name Initial + Student ID number (i.e. FL123456)
Step 3 You will be asked to create a security question. Select one of these two questions:
In what city were you born?
What is the name of your hometown?
Answer the remaining questions on the page, agree to the terms and conditions and click on “continue.” You may now begin your first activity and your Plan of Study

29. Your Plan of Study
Step 1 Click on the tab called “High School Planning”
Step 2 Click on the box called “Your Plan of Study”
Step 3 Click on “Create another course plan”
Step 4 Click on “Create a plan of study from scratch”
Step 5 Click on “Show all defined requirements”
Step 6 You will be asked whether you wish to follow CSU Minimum Eligibility Requirements or UC Eligibility Requirements. Decide which path you wish to follow and click “Choose this set” on the far right column.
Once you complete step 6, you will see the Plan of Study. You may add classes to begin planning for the A-G requirements. The A-G requirements are the classes you will need to take to be college-eligible.

30. JUNIOR PARENT NIGHT Is the same as: COLLEGE FAIR NIGHT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
Location: PAC
Time: 6:00PM – 7:00PM

31. Questions?