1. College Planning: It’s Not Too Early

2. Questions You May Have What are my college options?
How do I get into college?
How can I pay for college?
What can I do now to prepare for college?

3. The Four Systems of Higher Education in California
California Community Colleges
The California State University
The University of California
Association of Independent California
Colleges and Universities

4. CA Community Colleges 110 Colleges Offer Associate Degrees
Prepare students to transfer to 4 year colleges
Offer vocational training
Provide high school enrichment programs

5. California State University (CSU)
23 Campuses
Target upper 33% of high school seniors
Minimum GPA is 2.0
Eligibility is based on
- A-G GPA
- SAT Reasoning Exam or ACT Exam score
Applications are accepted from October 1st to
November 30th

6. University of California
10 campuses in CA
Target upper 12.5% of high school students
Minimum GPA is 3.0
Application criteria:
- A-G courses and GPA
- SAT reasoning or ACT with Writing
- SAT Subject Tests (not required 2012)
- Extracurricular Activities and Involvement
- Personal Statement
Applications are due from November 1st to November
November 30th

7. Independent Colleges & Universities
Nearly 100 private colleges in CA
90% of students receive financial aid
$18,000 is the average financial aid award
High four-year graduation rates
Small class sizes
Strong faculty student mentorship

8. College Entrance Requirements
CSU UC
History (2 yrs)
English ( 4 yrs)
Math (3 yrs) 4 rec.
Lab Science (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Foreign Lang. (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Visual/Performing Arts(1 year)
College Prep Elective (1 year)
History (2yrs)
English (4 yrs)
Math (3 yrs) 4 rec.
Science (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Foreign Lang. (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Visual/Performing Arts (1 year)
College Prep Elective (1 year)

9. College Entrance Tests
SAT Reasoning Test & ACT – taken junior year
- Both accepted by UC & CSU colleges
- Private colleges – depends on the school
- Community colleges- no exams required
In Tracy Unified – a selected site administers
the SAT
Counselors encourage students to take the
PSAT during sophomore and junior year. Must
take it junior year to qualify for the National
Merit Scholarship.

10. College Fees College System Average Fees Books/ Supplies Living on
Campus
Transportation
California
Community
College
$1,104
$1,710
$7,900
$918
State
University
$6,633
$1,641
$11,295
Will Vary
University of
$13,200
$1,500
$13,800
$2,412
Independent
Colleges &
Universities
$32,100
$1,650
$13,070
Based on school year (Californiacolleges.edu)

11. FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Form used to determine eligibility for
financial aid
Filling it out is free
GPA Verification Form (Cal Grants)
Complete and file forms in the senior year
(January 1-March 2)

12. Paying For College Personal Savings – 529 plans, US savings
bonds, savings accounts
Loans
- Subsidized
- Unsubsidized
Grants – Free money for educational expenses based on
need
- PELL Grant (federal aid up to $ )
- Cal Grants (A, B, &C)
Work Study- employment at the campus to help pay
for school
Scholarships- Free money based on specific criteria

13. College Costs; It Also Pays
Didn’t finish high school $24,544
GED or high school diploma $33,804
Some college, no degree $37,264
Associate degree $40,404
Bachelor’s (4-year) degree $57,616
Master’s degree $69,108
Doctorate degree (Ph.D.) $84,396
Professional degree $89,128
*Source: US Census Bureau, Current Population Survey 2013

14. ACT report The Forgotten Middle states:
Students who are not on track for college & career readiness by 8th grade are not likely to reach that level of readiness by high school graduation.
The level of academic achievement that students attain by 8th grade has a bigger impact on college & career preparedness than any other factor including courses taken, grades earned in high school, or student testing behaviors.

15. Start Preparing Now Set goals for middle school (honor roll, good
attendance).
Take the most challenging English, Math,
Science, and Social Studies classes you can
handle.
Ask questions and participate in class.
Get involved in school or community activities.

16. Explore Your Future
Identify activities and subjects that interest you.
Take an interest inventory.
- Princetonreview.com/career
- Mappingyourfuture.org
Think about goals for high school.
Tour college campuses you are interested in.
Attend college fairs and parent nights.
Begin compiling a file of possible scholarships.
Keep talking to others about your dreams and
plans.