1. Leland Academic Counseling Team Presents: Junior Night Go, Chargers!

2. Leland Academic Counseling Team Deepa Mukherjee Assistant Principal (Guidance) Senior Class Adviser Mark McClure Academic Counselor Joan Albers Career Center Technician

3. Agenda 6:30 – 6:50: A-G Requirements CSU & UC Requirements CSU & UC Requirements Community College Requirements Community College Requirements 6:55 – 7:22: College Application Guidelines College Application Timeline College Application Timeline Letters of Recommendation Letters of Recommendation Career Center Resources Career Center Resources 7:30 – 8:00: PSAT Result Analysis Testing Timeline Testing Timeline

4. How to Become 4-year College Eligible ? A-G Eligibility The intent of the “a-g” subject requirements is to ensure that students can participate fully in the first-year program at the University in a wide variety of fields of study. UC faculty consider the Subject Requirement to be effective preparation, on many levels, for undergraduate work at the University. This pattern of study assures the faculty that the student has attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study. Fulfillment of the "a-g" pattern also demonstrates that the student has attained essential critical thinking and study skills

5. What are the A-G Requirements? History/Social Science 2 years History/Social Science 2 years English 4 years English 4 years Mathematics 3 years (required)/4 years (recommended) Mathematics 3 years (required)/4 years (recommended) Lab Science 2 years (required)/3 years (recommended) Lab Science 2 years (required)/3 years (recommended) Language Other than English 2 years of the same language/3 years (recommended) Language Other than English 2 years of the same language/3 years (recommended) Visual Performing Arts 1 year Visual Performing Arts 1 year Electives 1 year Electives 1 year

6. How do SJUSD graduation requirements compare to “A-G” requirements? “A-G” History/Social Science - 2 years English - 4 years Mathematics - 3 years (required)/4 years (recommended) Lab Science - 2 years (required)/3 years (recommended) Language Other than English - 2 years of the same language/3 years (recommended) Visual Performing Arts - 1 year Electives - 1 year SJUSD Social Sciences - 3.5 years English - 4 years Mathematics - 3 years Science - 3 years Language other than English - 2 years Electives – 4.5 years Visual Performing Arts - 2 years PE - 2 years

7. What classes count as an A-G requirement at Leland? A – History/Social Science – 2 years required A – History/Social Science – 2 years required Two years of history/social science, including one year of World History, Cultures or Geography; and one year of US History or one- half year of US History and one-half year of American Government/Civics. World Cultures 1-2 World Cultures 3-4 Accelerated World Cultures 3-4 US History Accelerated US History AP US History American Government Honors American Govt.

8. What classes count as an A-G requirement at Leland? b - English - 4 years required Four years of college preparatory English. Students may only use 1 year of ESL/ELD, SDAIE, or Sheltered English. English 1-2 English 3-4 Accelerated English 3-4 English 5-6 Honors English 5-6 AP English Language English 7-8 AP English Literature ELD 5-6

9. What classes count as an A-G requirement at Leland? c - Mathematics - 3 years required, 4 years recommended c - Mathematics - 3 years required, 4 years recommended Three years of college preparatory mathematics that includes the topics covered in Elementary Algebra/Algebra 1, Geometry and Advanced Algebra, Algebra 2. Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Algebra II with Trig. Pre-Calculus Calculus AP AB Calculus AP BC AP Statistics

10. What classes count as an A-G requirement at Leland? d - Laboratory Science - 2 years required, 3 years recommended Two years of laboratory science, including two of the three fundamental disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Biology 1-2Conceptual Physics Biology Honors AP BiologyPhysics 1-2 Chemistry 1-2Honors Physics 1-2 Honors ChemistryAP Physics Chemistry in the Community AP Environmental Science Zoology Physiology

11. What classes count as an A-G requirement at Leland? e - Language Other than English - 2 years required, 3 years recommended. Two years of the same language other than English. Spanish 1-2AP French Spanish 3-4Japanese 1-2 Spanish 5-6Japanese 3-4 Spanish 7-8ASL 1-2 AP SpanishASL 3-4 French 1-2 French 3-4 French 5-6 French 7-8

12. What classes count as an A-G requirement at Leland? f - Visual & Performing Arts - 1 year required Wind EnsembleDrawing/Painting 1-2 Jazz BandSculpture 1-2, Advanced Sculpture OrchestraPhotography 1-2, 3-4 Electronic MusicMedia Arts 1-2, 3-4 ChoirAnimation 1-2, 3-4 Chamber ChoirDrama AP Music TheorySpeech & Debate Film StudiesIntroduction to Engineering

13. What classes count as an A-G requirement at Leland? g - Elective - 1 year required. One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in "a-f”, for example a 3rd year of Spanish. Principles of Engineering Computers Multimedia Production 1-2, 3-4 Spirit

14. Who Uses the A-G requirements? California State Universities (CSU) www.csumentor.edu www.csumentor.edu University of California (UC) www.universityofcalifornia.edu www.universityofcalifornia.edu (Only public, state schools use the “a-g” requirements. Private colleges and universities each have their own admission requirements.)

15. General Application Requirements 2.0 minimum GPA for California State University 2.0 minimum GPA for California State University 3.0 minimum GPA for University of California 3.0 minimum GPA for University of California SAT or ACT Test SAT or ACT Test Private Colleges require letter of recommendation from teachers/counselors Private Colleges require letter of recommendation from teachers/counselors

16. What Do Colleges/Universities Consider While Making Decisions? Considered Top Three at most schools: Considered Top Three at most schools: Grades in academic classes How challenging your courses are Test Scores SAT & ACT

17. Some colleges MAY consider: Extracurricular activities Extracurricular activities Honors and awards Honors and awards Leadership Leadership Volunteer work/community service (commitment) Volunteer work/community service (commitment) Special talents Special talents Hardships Hardships Athletic Talent Athletic Talent Clubs Clubs Creativity Creativity

18. What if I have a “D” in an A-G course? For all courses in Mathematics (area C), all courses in Foreign Language (Area E), if you receive a grade of “D” in the first semester and a grade of “C” or higher in the second semester, you will receive two semesters of credit. Completion of an advanced course in the same subject (Math & Foreign Language) presupposes knowledge of the previous course(s). For example, satisfactory completion of a second year of foreign language will validate the first year. The second year of Algebra will validate the first-year algebra but will not validate Geometry. SAT tests can validate some subjects depending on scores SAT tests can validate some subjects depending on scores Retaking the course through community college, online courses, private summer schools. Retaking the course through community college, online courses, private summer schools. ** Check with Mr. McClure or Mrs. Albers before making any plans.

20. Community College A good next step… A good next step…

21. Reasons to go 1/3 of all UC and 2/3 of all CSU graduates started at a community college. Community college transfer students get admission priority to UC and CSU campuses. Community college transfers are just as successful academically as first-time freshmen in terms of graduation versus drop-out rates.

22. Transfer & Certificates Articulation and Transfer Admission Agreements with many universities Transfer Centers facilitate student’s transfer to their targeted university. Vocational training, certificates and 2-year degrees.

23. Money Money: Fees average 1/3 the cost of public universities, and 1/10 the cost of private universities. Add to that the potential savings of living at home for two additional years.

24. Admission Requirements One of the following: A high school diploma A high school diploma A General Education Diploma A General Education Diploma A Proficiency Certificate A Proficiency Certificate At least 18 years old with evidence of being able to benefit from the instruction offered by the college. At least 18 years old with evidence of being able to benefit from the instruction offered by the college.

25. Concurrent Enrollment Form High school students are also admissible provided they have a High School Concurrent Enrollment (R-40) form signed by their high school principal or designee and by a parent or guardian.

26. Community College Resources Application, Assessment dates, majors/Programs, Financial Aid, Transfer Programs all vary by campus. Further information available at the following websites: www.deanza.edu www.foothill.edu www.westvalley.edu www.missioncollege.edu www.sjcc.edu

28. Choosing a College That is the Best Match for You Step One: Know your personal and academic profile: Personal: Career goals, hobbies, special interests, talents, personal attitudes, traits and needs. Personal: Career goals, hobbies, special interests, talents, personal attitudes, traits and needs. Academics: academic record, grades, GPA, test scores, activities related to academics, awards and recognition, academic learning/study skills, self motivation and discipline, communication skills… Academics: academic record, grades, GPA, test scores, activities related to academics, awards and recognition, academic learning/study skills, self motivation and discipline, communication skills…

29. Choosing a College That is the Best Match for You Step Two: What are you looking for in a college? Type: Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering,… Curriculum: What is your tentative choice major? Special programs: Honors, research, internship, study abroad Where do I want the college to be? How far? Size? 50-40,000 How much will it cost? Coeducational or single-sex institution Campus life/social life/extracurricular Special Services Available (tutoring…special assistance)? Selectivity: How difficult? Be realistic!

30. Reminders Remember your final college choices should include schools that are realistic (safe), reasonable (good fit) and some reaches (long shots). You should have 2-3 of each. Colleges expect you to challenge yourself! Take as challenging of a course load that you can and receive good grades. Take care of yourself. Any D can affect your admissions decisions. Avoid Senioritis!!! Take advantage of summer academic opportunities.

31. More Reminders Choose as challenging of a senior course load as you can handle but remember you must be able to do well in the classes. Choose as challenging of a senior course load as you can handle but remember you must be able to do well in the classes. Any D in your senior year can make you ineligible even if it is for an AP class. Any D in your senior year can make you ineligible even if it is for an AP class. Must have grades of C or higher to meet college requirements Must have grades of C or higher to meet college requirements You also need to take care of yourself! You also need to take care of yourself!

32. Career Center Resources College, Major, and Career Library College, Major, and Career Library Bridges Choices Programs and Get In 2 College (internet) Bridges Choices Programs and Get In 2 College (internet) College Rep Visits for all students College Rep Visits for all students College Application Workshops for Seniors in the Fall College Application Workshops for Seniors in the Fall Scholarship Bulletin Scholarship Bulletin Financial Aid Materials Financial Aid Materials SAT and ACT Testing Info (registration, free booklets, books…) SAT and ACT Testing Info (registration, free booklets, books…) Testing and application fee waivers Testing and application fee waivers Test Prep Info and Resources, Revolution Test Prep offers Mock ACT’s and SATs Test Prep Info and Resources, Revolution Test Prep offers Mock ACT’s and SATs

33. College Rep. Visits College Rep Visits are for ALL Leland Students College Rep Visits are for ALL Leland Students Students obtain a pass and have teacher sign it in advance Students obtain a pass and have teacher sign it in advance Almost all visits are in the fall Almost all visits are in the fall Excellent opportunity Excellent opportunity

34. College Application Workshops for Seniors CSU Presentation for all CSU’s given by SJSU CSU Presentation for all CSU’s given by SJSU CSU Application Workshop CSU Application Workshop UC UC Independent Independent UC Personal Statement UC Personal Statement College Essays College Essays College Application Workshops College Application Workshops

35. Career Center Web Site Accessed from Leland High Web Site http://www.sjusd.org/leland/career_c enter/index.html http://www.sjusd.org/leland/career_c enter/index.html

36. College Application Workshops (contd.) Letter of Recommendation Workshops Letter of Recommendation Workshops CSU/UC Fall Update of changes for seniors CSU/UC Fall Update of changes for seniors Financial Aid Night: Seniors & their Parents - Jan. Financial Aid Night: Seniors & their Parents - Jan. Community College Night in the spring Community College Night in the spring

37. College Application Timeline Research and visit possible schools NOW. Consider all options. Research and visit possible schools NOW. Consider all options. Use online resources (Choices Planner, Get in 2 College, californiacolleges.edu, books, talk to people…….. Use online resources (Choices Planner, Get in 2 College, californiacolleges.edu, books, talk to people…….. Talk to seniors this semester about the college application process Talk to seniors this semester about the college application process CSU applications submitted between 10/1 – 11/30 CSU applications submitted between 10/1 – 11/30

38. College Application Timeline UC applications submitted 11/1 – 11/30 UC applications submitted 11/1 – 11/30 Independents: Early’s vary starting on 11/1: Regulars 12/1 – rolling (most during the month of Dec.) Independents: Early’s vary starting on 11/1: Regulars 12/1 – rolling (most during the month of Dec.) Public Out of State – vary: most similar to CSU and UC – some later or rolling Public Out of State – vary: most similar to CSU and UC – some later or rolling

39. Letter of Recommendation Process for Independents (CSU and UC will not accept letter of rec) (CSU and UC will not accept letter of rec) Junior year: Ask academic teachers if they are willing to write your letter of rec. Junior year: Ask academic teachers if they are willing to write your letter of rec. Students are required to complete the College and Scholarship Recommendation Form (CSRF). Students are required to complete the College and Scholarship Recommendation Form (CSRF).

40. Letter of Recommendation Process for Independents Four pages of information plus Senior Questionnaire, Parent Assessment and unofficial transcript. Four pages of information plus Senior Questionnaire, Parent Assessment and unofficial transcript. Seniors are encouraged to work on this packet during the summer. Seniors are encouraged to work on this packet during the summer. Administrators write the Counselor or Secondary School Report. Administrators write the Counselor or Secondary School Report. Completed packets are due to all recommenders for any EARLY APP (due before 12/1) by third week in September. All regulars (due 12/1 or after )second week in October. Completed packets are due to all recommenders for any EARLY APP (due before 12/1) by third week in September. All regulars (due 12/1 or after )second week in October. Mid-Year Reports in January. Mid-Year Reports in January.

41. Testing Information Colleges will accept either the SAT Reasoning or the ACT (UC requires the ACT Optional Writing if you take the ACT). UC will no longer require Subject Tests effective for Fall 2012 freshman applicants. However, some independents and some majors at UC may recommend or require SAT Subjects. We encourage you to take both SAT and ACT because colleges will take the best score and the tests are different.

42. Testing Information All juniors should plan to take at least one ACT and/or SAT Reasoning Test by June. Refer to #1 if you need to take SAT Subject Tests. Most schools will not consider test scores past December of your senior year. Keep in mind that these deadlines may change.

43. Testing Information Some CSU’s have October and November deadlines. Refer to Testing Schedule for add’l info. Students must send official test scores by the testing companies by testing deadlines. Revolution will present a testing timeline. Application deadlines and testing deadlines are different. All deadlines are FIRM.

44. Junior Newsletter

45. With Good Information, We Make Better Decisions!