1. CAL-SOAP PRESENTS… Choosing a College That is Right for You

2. Picture your ideal college or university Where is it? What are you studying? What degree do you want to obtain?

3. Think About Your Goals What do I like to do? What do I want to do in the future? Which careers sound interesting? What degree do I need to become a ______? Which schools offer that major? Which major do I want to pursue?

4. Factors to take into consideration… Majors Offered Cost Degrees Offered Is the major offered? Is the major impacted? Tuition? Housing? Associate, Bachelor, or Certificate Can I apply as undeclared? (YES)

5. More factors to take into consideration… Size of School Location Housing Campus Life Large lecture halls Small classes Big city Rural town Suburban area Guaranteed housing Off-campus housing Activities Sports Clubs Organizations

6. Make a List of Colleges that Fit You Begin list as early as Freshman Year List will not be final until October of Senior Year The more options the better!

7. Research your Options Search Learn Visit collegeboard.com College Match Maker College catalogs College websites College campuses Cal-SOAP College Fair

8. Narrowing Down the List Sept.-Oct. of Senior Year Choose as many colleges as you have time and financial resources for which to apply ∙ Apply to ‘reach’ and ‘backup’ schools ∙ Apply to at least one Community College

9. APPLY! November – January of Senior Year UC & CSU deadline is Nov. 30 Private School deadlines vary

10. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID FAFSA Apply starting Jan 1st Deadline March 2nd Scholarships fastweb.com maldef.org

11. You’ve Got Mail! Acceptance Letters Rejection Letters Financial Aid Packages Sort Discuss options with family counselor Cal-SOAP CPA

12. Submit one Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) BY DEADLINE Submit all requested paperwork BY DEADLINE Housing Orientation Supplementary admission forms Registration Placement Exams Campus-based financial aid forms

13. Final Tips Visit campus choices Find college that fits YOU best Talk with family, counselors and Cal-SOAP advisors! Do not accept college stereotypes Apply to ‘reach’ schools but also have back-up plans Don’t rule out because of cost

14. Contacting Cal-SOAP… Find our representatives at local Cal-SOAP college and career events.  For events and general college information: sandiegocalsoap.com Questions? Call our office: (858) 569-1866