1. College Talk 2015 What are your plans?

2. Counseling Office Mrs. AshwellSecretary Ms. PurvisRegistrar / Records Mrs. GouldClerk / Support Mr. Derum Counselor (A-G) Ms. MackeyCounselor (H-O) Mr. AhlgrenCounselor (P-Z) Mrs. McGuireSpecial Projects

3. Graduation Requirements Total Credits Required 220 English40 credits Math20 credits (must pass Algebra 1) Life Science10 credits Physical Science10 credits Visual / Performing Art10 credits PE20 credits American Gov. / Econ. 5 credits each US History10 credits World History10 credits Social Studies elective5 credits Health5 credits Pass CAHSEE (English and Math) with passing score of 350

5. Grade Point Average

6. Why go on to Post Secondary College Education? College graduates tend to lead happier, more productive lives College graduates travel more College graduates are more likely to vote and be involved in their communities College graduates earn nearly twice as much over their lifetimes than those without a college education Degree holders have fared better on the job front during the recession whereas workers with only a high school diploma saw the fewest job gains

7. College Graduates Earn More Money

8. College = Lower Unemployment Rates

9. Higher Education in California Four Systems of Higher Education 1. The California Community Colleges (CCC) 2. The California State University (CSU) 3. The University of California (UC) 4. Independent California Colleges and Universities (private)

10. California Community Colleges (CCC) Largest system of higher education in the world with 110 campuses across the state Offer two-year Associate Degrees, certificate programs, and occupational ed. courses Enable you to complete your first two years towards a Bachelor’s Degree Assist students in the transfer process to a four-year school

11. California State University (CSU) Nation’s largest system of higher education offering a Bachelor’s Degree or higher with 23 campuses Academic programs in Liberal Arts, Engineering, Computer Science, and more Emphasis on teaching and undergraduate studies Diverse faculty with a rich blend of educational and work experience

12. University of California (UC) One of the most prestigious systems of higher education in the nation with 10 campuses Offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate and professional degrees (e.g., law, medicine, and more) Research emphasis offers undergraduate students unique opportunities

13. California’s Independent / Private Educational Institutions Include major research universities, liberal arts colleges, religion-affiliated liberal arts colleges, and specialized training institutes May cost more. However, financial aid can help make them more affordable.

14. COLLEGE Admissions A-G Minimum requirements include: (A) 2 years of History / Social Science (B) 4 years of English (C) 3 years of Math courses (through Algebra 2) (D) 2 years of Science, 2 of which must be lab-based science courses (E) 2 years of LOTE (Language other than English) (F) 1 year Visual or Performing Art (G) 1 college-prep Elective course ALL A-G COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED WITH “C” OR BETTER!

15. College Entrance Exams (SAT / ACT) Exams must be completed by December of senior year for consideration at most colleges Check each college website for their deadlines since they can vary SAT information www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com ACT information www.act.orgwww.act.org You must release your scores to the colleges where you are applying

16. ACT vs. SAT What’s the difference? ACT Science, math, reading, English Accepted nationally Curriculum-based No penalty for wrong answers All multiple choice Writing essay is optional Perfect score is 36 New SAT Reading, math, writing & language tests Continued emphasis on Reasoning, with a stronger focus on knowledge skills No penalty for wrong answers Writing essay is optional Perfect score is1600

17. College Athletics You must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center online to be recruited for Division 1 and some Division 2 schools. – www.eligibilitycenter.org www.eligibilitycenter.org Many Division 2 and 3 schools are members of NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

18. College Planning Calendar (Junior Year) Plan ahead! Fall-Winter: Register to take the PSAT. PSAT will be Wednesday, October 14 th at 8:00 a.m. here at EC. Register in the Finance Office. – Stay on track with ALL course work. Spring: Register to take the SAT and/or ACT in April, May, or June (then again in the fall!) Spring-Summer: Visit as many colleges as possible during spring and summer vacations.

19. Why take the PSAT? Practice for the SAT, prediction for SAT performance, identify weaknesses Qualify for National Merit Scholarship Participate in college search service When you get your test results, connect your College Board and Khan Academy ® accounts to get free personalized SAT study recommendations.Khan Academy ® Bring student ID, pencils, and calculator to the exam.

20. ARE YOU STILL CONFUSED ABOUT YOUR FUTURE?

21. Tips for Researching Colleges www.californiacolleges.edu Visit colleges at fall preview days Visit the College and Career Center at the Central Library in downtown Sacramento Know your interests and values Learn about majors and programs

22. Need help researching colleges? Naviance can help! Find college matches Investigate colleges that align with career aspirations and interests Learn about the college decision process, enrollment, majors, student activities, and financial aid process. Take career interest and personality assessments to help with picking a college major Create a post-secondary plan of action!

23. USERNAME: Student ID Number PASSWORD: mmddyyyy

24. Consider College Characteristics What majors are offered? Admission procedures? Location and size? Cost and financial aid? Campus activities and support services? College affiliation and accreditation?

25. College Selection Talk to family and friends Write down what you want or need from your school: close or distant, public or private, big or small, and so forth College Board offers an opportunity to find schools that match your needs at collegeboard.org under the College Planning tab Explore CA colleges at www.californiacolleges.eduwww.californiacolleges.edu

26. Other Tips for College Selection Stay overnight in a dorm Visit the student union Tour the surrounding area Eat a meal on campus and ask about food plan options Sit in on a class Visit when college classes are in session Make notes about each school that you visit

27. Remember… It is up to you! You don’t want to find yourself stuck in a bad place! So, get informed… and set goals! PLAN!