1. Preparing for College: A Review of the College Admissions Process
Puente Parent Meeting
5/24/2018
Preparing for College: A Review of the College Admissions Process

2. Prior to the application process: Junior and Senior Year
Use the summer to explore and visit as many colleges as possible – colleges offer free campus tours
Focus on selecting a major specific to the college of your choice
Narrow your choices to six or eight colleges. Apply broadly!
Make sure your name matches your social security card and all other documents – Memorize your social security number
Create an account specifically for college applications

3. Prior to the application process cont.
Review your transcript and make sure all entrance requirements will be completed
Colleges expect the student to complete the classes listed on the college application. Be careful about choosing your senior year schedule. Failure to complete your senior year courses may jeopardize your admissions
Plan to take all entrance exams – SAT, ACT or SAT Subject Tests. See me for fee waivers. Qualified students can use two fee waivers for the ACT and two fee waivers for the SAT

4. California Community Colleges
The application filing period begins in March for Ohlone College
It is crucial to begin the application process early and follow the NMHS priority registration timeline.
The application process includes
- Online application
- Take Placement Tests (Math and English)
- Attend Orientation
- Register
- Pay
- Attend

5. California Community Colleges
There is no fee to apply!
Typically the community college application period begins in March for campuses on a semester system and June for campuses on a quarter system.
Each campus has transfer agreements – check campuses for additional information.

6. California State University (CSU)
Website –
Initial filing period is October 1st – November 30th
Most campuses are impacted – Apply early!
Check the website for application filing status report
Students will be expected to submit their grades (9th-11th grades) and include their senior year schedule. In addition students will be required to submit their test scores.
Students do not have to submit a personal statement
Take your SAT/ACT early. Some colleges require all testing to be completed at the time of the application. The CSU system only requires the Critical Reading and Math for the SAT or the ACT without writing.

7. California State Universtiy Cont.
When applying for the SAT use the code 3594 to send your SAT scores to all CSU campuses
Application fee - $55/application. Fee waivers are determined at the time of the application.
Students can also complete the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) application upon completion of the CSU application. Please note that that EOP application is a separate application and requires two recommendations.
Students may need to send a 7th semester transcript to a CSU campus

8. University of California (UC)
Website –
Filing period is November 1st – 30th. Students can begin the application on August 1st
Students will have to include scores from the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test. Students must complete these tests by December 2015
Application fee is $70/application. Fee waivers are determined at the time of the application. If the student’s fee waiver is denied students can use their SAT fee waiver up to 4 campuses

9. University of California Cont.
Scholarships
UC campuses and alumni associations award a variety of scholarships based on a student’s merit, financial need or both.
There are also “restricted” scholarships available to students with specific backgrounds, academic interests or career goals. You can apply for these scholarships in the admission application by matching your own background characteristics and interests to the lists provided.

10. University of California Cont.
Personal Statements - Respond to both prompts, using a maximum of 1,000 words total.
Prompt #1 - Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
Prompt #2 - Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?
Following the personal statement, there’s a section called Additional Comments. Use this space— up to 550 words — to tell us anything you want us to know about you that you don’t have the opportunity to describe elsewhere in the application.

11. University of California Cont.
In addition to listing your courses and grades, students will have space to comment on…
Coursework Other Than "A–G“
Educational Preparation Programs (Puente, AVID, Cosmos)
Volunteer and Community Service - List unpaid work only – hours per week and weeks per year.
Work Experience - List paid work only – hours per week and weeks per year
Awards and Honors - List and briefly describe the most significant awards you have received since 9th grade.
Extracurricular Activities – List and briefly describe the activities you have been involved in since 9th grade – hours per week and weeks per year

12. Private/Independent Universities
Most private universities use a single application. The website is
In addition to completing personal statements students may be required to answer supplemental questions.
Application filing periods vary, but most applications are due between December 1st and January 15th. Pay attention to due dates and early application deadlines
Students will need two teacher letters of recommendations. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the teacher’s information online.

13. Private/Independent Universities
The school counselor is responsible for completing the School Report, Midyear and Final Report.
Four fee waivers are available by completing the fee waiver online. The student must submit the request to the counselor through common app.
Applications fees vary per campus, but average $55-$90.
Students must also complete information about extra-curricular activities, work experience, honors and awards, and community service.

14. Thank You for Attending
In conclusion…
Plan Ahead!
Support your student by helping him/her set reasonable timelines
Speak to me for additional information
Thank You for Attending