Arleta High School College Summit Peer Leader College

Arleta High School College Summit Peer Leader College Requirements Presentation

Arleta High School Home of the Mustangs o General Advice o General Timelines o What are the Colleges/ Universities looking for? o Specific Admissions Information o Questions or Comments

General Advice o Define what you are looking for in a college or university: -location -major -size -population -activities -athletics -competitiveness -class size -special programs -other?

General Advice v Make lists with 3 types of schools: A. Safe B. Match C. Dream v Apply to at least 3 schools v Have a “Plan B” in case of financial or admissions challenges v Most Admissions Officers will spend between 20 -30 minutes reviewing your application. This is why it is important to make sure your application is ACCURATE!

General Advice o Make a timeline or calendar of due dates and application requirements o Do NOT choose a college because of: -your boyfriend/girlfriend -friends -someone liked/didn’t like the school o Look for a good “FIT” and ask yourself: Why is this a good school for me?

General Timelines o o o October 1 November 30 -Cal State University Applications -University of California Applications October 1 February 15 -Private/Independent University Applications -Out of State University Applications October, November, December -Last 3 SAT/ACT exams for Seniors Before May 1 -Community College Applications January 1 March 2 -Financial Aid Applications (FAFSA) May 1 -Student Intent to Register (SIR) Deadline

What are colleges/ universities looking for? 1) GPA/Grades and A-G Courses 2) SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests 3) Application Requirements: -Personal Statements -Letters of Recommendation -Extra Curricular Activities -Community Service

GPA and A-G Courses o Most Colleges or Universities are interested in your GPA. o They want to see good grades and NO Ds or Fails in academic courses o You are also more competitive if you have taken a large amount of highlevel courses (Honors, Advanced Placement, …)

SATs and ACTs o Take the PSAT as a practice exam in 9 th, 10 th and 11 th grade o Begin to take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of your 11 th grade o Colleges will take either the SAT or ACT: Take both to get the highest score possible o Fee Waivers are available from Ms. Winningham in the College Center

Personal Statements o Universities may require 1 -2 Personal Statements o Personal Statements are essays that provide an opportunity for students to highlight how unique or special they are o It is an excellent opportunity for students to: -highlight a special talent -explain a unique situation -provide details about a personal challenge q Students should write multiple drafts and get a great deal of feedback before they attach them to their application

Letters of Recommendation ü Universities generally require 2 Letters of Recommendation: -counselor -academic teacher ü A third letter could include a coach, boss, religious leader, … ü Give the Individuals at least 3 weeks ü Provide them with a BRAG sheet ü The best teacher recommendations will come from the academic teacher who knows your potential and knows you best.

Extra Curricular Activities Ø Athletics Ø Ø Music/Art/Drama Student Government Journalism Peer College Counseling Ø Academic Decathlon Ø Speech/Debate Ø Work

Extra Curricular Activities Ø Ø Ø Discover your passion Long term commitment is very important Leadership within activity Demonstrate initiative Take your passion and ‘give back to community’ Ø Fewer, in-depth, rather than laundry list of activities is preferred

Community Service Ø Connect with your passion Ø Do more than the minimum Ø Find something uncommon/unique Ø Stick with it Ø Become known by the people in charge

Summers are Important! Ø Ø Ø Ø Community service Summer school College programs Study abroad Internships Work No vegging out or collecting dust!

Specific Admissions Information o Be sure to understand application requirements and deadlines: 1. Community Colleges: -Apply before March 1 st -Apply using a hard copy or online -No transcript or test scores needed -No essay or application fee

Specific Admissions Information 2. California State Universites: -Apply Oct. 1 st –Nov. 30 th -Apply on-line: www. csumentor. edu -Need transcript -SAT or ACT required -No application essay or additional info. needed -Application fee: $55 or fee waiver

Specific Admissions Information 3. University of California: -Apply October 1 st-November 30 th -Apply on-line: www. universityofcalifornia. edu -Transcript, personal statements, activities, awards, volunteer service, work experience -SAT/ ACT required (2 SAT Subject Tests recommended) -Application fee: $70 or fee waiver

Specific Admissions Information 4. Private/Independent or Out of State Universities -Deadlines vary (most due by mid-January) -Apply on-line: at school website or www. commonapp. org -Need transcripts, letters of rec. , personal statements, activities, work experience, awards, … -Need a Secondary School Report from Counselor -Application Fee: Varies or fee waiver