College Information Workshop PRESENTED BY MICHELLE WARKENTIN FCS

College Information Workshop PRESENTED BY MICHELLE WARKENTIN FCS 11 th-12 th GRADE ACADEMIC ADVISOR

FCS Academic Counseling Dept. Reggie Williams – 7 -10 th Grade Counselor Michelle Warkentin – 11 -12 th Grade Counselor FCS Academic Counseling Dept. Mission Statement: “To equip students with the knowledge and resources needed to be successful in their college and career endeavors, as they diligently follow God’s leading in their life. ”

Topics ● ● Michelle Warkentin – College application process Reggie Williams – Course selection, NCAA Arvi Kaushal, College Prep Consultants Kathie Babigian, College Planning & Tutorial Center

Role of Academic Advisor ●Individual meetings with 11 th graders (Spring) ●Interest Inventories (ACT website) ●College/Career search (SAT website) ●College presentations ●Individual meetings with 12 th graders (Fall) ●Application workshops ●College/Career Fairs ●SAT/ACT prep in advisory

Types of Colleges ● Technical Institutes ● Community College ● California State Universities (CSU) ● University of California (UC) ● Private Christian Colleges ● Ivy League / Highly Selective Universities

Technical Institutes Advantages: Easy to get in (only need high school diploma or GED), can earn degree quickly, career focused (no GE classes), hands on training, smaller classes, flexible class schedule Disadvantages: Limited in what you can do when you graduate, typically smaller financial aid packages, graduates are not usually as well rounded as those from liberal arts colleges ● Students will usually be required to pass an admissions test or receive a specific score on the SAT/ACT ● They often require a 2. 0 GPA or better (ex. ITT) ● Programs vary in length but are usually around 16 month programs

Community Colleges Advantages: Cost, local, flexible schedule, SAT not required, everyone admitted, most 4 -yr colleges readily accept 2 -yr college transfer students Disadvantages: Restrictive regional perspective, less challenging academically, lacks the on-campus college living experience Clovis Community College Center, Fresno City College, Reedley College, Madera, Oakhurst Honors Program deadlines are: Fresno City - Dec, Reedley - Feb, Clovis Community - Feb 3. 5 GPA / 1650 SAT or 24 ACT (City) or top 25% in class 3. 0 GPA / 500 each section SAT or 26 ACT 3. 5 GPA / 1800 SAT or 25 ACT (CCC) or top 25% in class *FCS offers application workshop, placement test, and advising session on campus.

California State Universities Advantages: Cost, local, lower admission standards than UCs, four-year degree, some graduate programs, Middle Class Scholarship Disadvantages: - Less competitive academically than UC/Ivy League, etc. - Several majors and even whole campuses are impacted - May take longer to complete bachelor’s degree (difficulty getting classes- Budget cuts) - Application available online October 1 -November 30: www. csumentor. edu/ - Information needed/requirements: In Progress Classes, Transcript, Application Fee; no references or essay required www. csufresno. edu/scholarships Smittcamp: 50 awards per grad class, four years, tuition+housing+laptop stipend - Min. 3. 8 GPA, 1800 SAT, 27 ACT, top 10% in class Postmark by December 10, (must meet one or more qualification) http: //www. fresnostate. edu/academics/honors/application/index. html

Transferring from CCC to CSU/UC Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) ● A way to fulfill lower division general education requirements at any CSU/UC ● IGETC is helpful for students who want to keep their options open ● Can visit www. assist. org if student has an idea of their intended major ● Going through the IGETC program does not guarantee admission into college of choice but may increase chances of getting in ● Minimum of 37 semester unit IGETC classes must be completed with a C or better

Transferring from CCC to CSU AA-T or AS-T ● Completion of 60 semester units, including GE ● Completion of at least 18 sem. units of coursework in major or area of emphasis ● Must earn a minimum gpa of at least 2. 0 in CSU transferable coursework *A student who has earned an AA-T or AS-T will be granted priority admission to the CSU into a similar BA program with junior standing (not guaranteed for a specific major/campus – priority is given in local context)

Transferring from CCC to UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) ● This is a great option for students who are confident of their UC and major of choice ● Participants will receive early review of academic records, early admission notification, and guidance about major and GE coursework. ● Participating UCs: Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz *TAG applications are due Sept 30 and you can only apply for TAG at one campus

University of California Advantages: - More competitive academically, greater scope of graduate programs, Ph. D. programs, higher quality professors, top 9% statewide and local context are accepted if meet req. Disadvantages: - Cost, more selective admission policies - Choose four of the eight essay prompts Application available online Oct. 1 Submission Period Nov. 1 -Nov. 30 SAT Subject Tests no longer required www. ucop. edu/pathways/ Berkeley Davis Irvine Los Angeles Merced Riverside San Diego San Francisco Santa Barbara Santa Cruz

Private Christian Colleges Advantages: ● Four-year degree, graduate programs, some Ph. D programs, Christian worldview, chapels, stricter student code of conduct, more conservative dorm life, offer unique scholarships (academic, church match, music, etc. ) Disadvantages: ● Cost, limited academic offerings at some institutions ● Letters of reference and personal response essays are required *Contact each college directly for application due dates and further information *Most of the Christian colleges require a minimum GPA of 3. 0

Ivy League/Highly Selective Colleges Advantages: ● Outstanding education, highly recognized, intimate learning environment, work closely with professors (research) Disadvantages: ● Cost, extremely selctive/low acceptance rates ● Letters of reference and personal response essays are required, interviews are encouraged, work load, most want to see SAT and 2 Subject Tests or the ACT *Contact each college directly for application due dates and further information (most utilize the Common Application, www. commonapp. org/) *Most offer an early action/decision and regular decision (early action usually Nov 1 and regular is usually Dec 31/Jan 1)

What to Know About your College What’s the difference? • Visit the campus - talk to faculty and students - go beyond the tour and the admissions office - consider that the college’s location will be your student’s home for four years • Visit websites- request information • Contact FCS alumni who went there • Chat with your academic advisor

Role as it Applies to Parents

Earning Potential by College Major

College Readiness Tests PSAT (practice for SAT): Already passed ● 9 th/10 th/11 th grades *Geared toward 11 th grade Pre. ACT (practice for ACT): Thurs Jan 26 ● 9 th/10 th/11 th grades *Geared toward 10 th grade SAT Test (www. collegeboard. org) ● 11 th/12 th grades ACT Test (www. actstudent. org) ● 11 th/12 th grades SAT Subject Tests ● 11 th/12 th grades

Financial Aid Seniors: FAFSA (Financial Application for Federal Student Aid) ● submit between Oct 1 – Mar 2 www. fafsa. ed. gov No more PIN (now create FSA ID) GPA Verification Form (submitted by FCS) ● Uses this combined with FAFSA to determine EFC (estimated family contribution)

FAFSA Application

Financial Aid Process FAFSA leads to EFC: ● Estimated Family Contribution (Income, Assets, Size of household Government Formula) ● Total Cost of College - EFC = NEED ● Virtually every college will require your student to have a FAFSA on file to provide basic financial information. ● Very important to fill out even if you don’t think you will receive aid!!!

Cal Grant Program ● ● CAL GRANT PROGRAM www. csac. ca. gov/ 2016 -2017 Cal Grant program income (AGI) ceilings – CAL GRANT A, C CAL GRANT B (Dependent students and Independent students with dependents other than a spouse) Dependent students ● Family size: ● Six or more $110, 300 $60, 600 ● Five $102, 200 $56, 100 ● Four $95, 400 $50, 100 ● Three $87, 800 $45, 100 ● Two $85, 700 $40, 000 Independent students ● Single, no dependents $35, 000 ● Married, no dep. $40, 000 ● Cal Grant A ○ • Assists with tuition and fees for students at public and independent colleges ○ • Based on merit (3. 0 GPA) and income ○ • Amount may very from year to year ● Cal Grant B ○ • Assists with an access costs grant and in some cases a tuition/fee award ○ • Based on merit (2. 0 GPA) and income ○ • Award amount may aery from year to year

Stafford Loans www. staffordloan. com/ For subsidized loans for dependent students: (based on need) ● 3. 76% interest rate ● Borrowing limit – up to $8, 500 per year ● Federal Government pays interest while in school Freshman: $3, 500 per year Sophomore: $4, 500 per year Junior and beyond: $5, 500 per year Limit of $23, 000 lifetime For unsubsidized loans: (not need based) ● 3. 76% interest rate ● Borrowing limit – up to $12, 500 per year ● Interest accrues while in school ● Not based on financial need. Interest will accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school For both loans: ● No payments required while enrolled in school at least half-time ● Acceptance not based on credit ● Available to nearly all students to supplement resources ● To be eligible, the student must be a U. S. citizen or eligible ● Non-citizen and must have submitted a FAFSA/Dream Act

Middle Class Scholarship • • • Available beginning 2014 -15 academic school year State scholarship for students with family income under $150, 000 on a sliding scale UC and CSU specific Families who earn between $101, 001 -$150, 000 may be eligible for aid no less than 10% of systemwide tuition/fees When fully implemented in 2017 -18 the maximum award will be 40% of systemwide tuition fees at a UC or CSU (max. of $2, 200) MCS will be reduced in cases where student is receiving federal, state, or institutional aid

Financial Aid/Scholarships ● College scholarships are often first come first serve ● Private colleges- more expensive, but more aid ● Some colleges require a CSS Profile on file in addition to the FAFSA for nonfederal scholarships/aid. ● There are many outside scholarships that students can take advantage: www. fastweb. org, www. scholarships. com, www. chegg. com, www. cappex. com, www. freescholarship. com

Ivy League Tuition/Fees ● Total estimated cost for 2017 -2018: $66, 645 ● ● ● Tuition: $47, 500 Room charge: $8, 860 Board rate: $6, 635 Estimated miscellaneous expenses: $3, 650 (books, supplies, laundry, telephone, recreation, etc. ) ● Standard rates for University dormitories and meal plans are shown. ● Estimated miscellaneous expenses include the residential college fee, activities fees, class dues, and one-time transcript fee. ● This estimate does not include the cost of travel, which may range between $100 and $2, 500. Students who are not covered by a family health insurance policy must purchase Student Health Plan coverage for $1, 900.

Private Christian University Tuition/Fees ● The total expense of a Biola education includes tuition, room and board (housing and a meal plan), books, and miscellaneous fees or expenses. All underclassmen not living at home are required to live in on-campus housing and have a meal plan. 2017 -2018 Expected Costs Tuition ● Flat fee for 12 -18 units Annual $38, 448 ● Room (average): $5, 540 ● Board (15 meal plan): $4, 698 ● Health Insurance ($920), Parking Permit ($120), Books ($200 -$500) ● Total for one year: $48, 686 (estimate) *total will vary depending on meal plan and housing option

University of California Tuition/Fees Tuition and fees: Books and supplies: Health insurance: Room and board: Personal: On Campus $13, 500 $1, 500 $2, 300 $14, 500 $2, 400 Off Campus $13, 500 $1, 500 $2, 300 $9, 800 $3, 200 Total: $34, 200 $30, 300 *Over two-thirds of UC undergrads receive gift aid, with an average award of over $16, 000.

California State University Tuition/Fees Semester Total tuition and fees: $3, 156. 50 Housing: $4, 709 Meal plan: $4, 069 Student involvement: $2. 00 Health service fee: $113 Instructional fees: $132 Student union fee: $114 Total fees: $12, 295. 50 $7, 035 (no meals/housing)

Community College Tuition/Fees Enrollment fee: Books: ASB Representation: Health fee: Instructional: Parking permit: Total: $552 (12 units= $46 per unit) $500 $1 $19 $50 $25 $1, 152

Questions ? ? ?

Preperation for College & NCAA “Take control of your future” Reggie Williams

th 7 Grade College Prep Think of college as an important part of your future Take challenging and interesting classes to prepare for High School

th 8 Grade College prep Tell your parents you want to go to College Take Algebra and a foreign Language this year Strive for A’s if you can ( colleges will not see pre High School Grades) Visit College Websites for information on their requirements

th 9 Grade College Prep Meet with your counselor Take Algebra or Geometery and a foreign language Strive for A’s ( Do at least One hour of homework) Form a study group with friends who also plan to go to college ( If needed look into tutoring) Create a resume on File • Report card • Activities • Volunteer jobs , paid jobs, and list of offices

th 10 Grade College Prep Meet with your counselor Strive for A’S Form study groups with friends. Seek tutoring Work on a science fair project or another project. Try to take a leadership role Prepare for any SAT subject tests you plan to take

th 10 Grade College Prep Over the Summer Participate in academic enrichment programs , workshops , or camps Register for a community college course Volunteer in your comunity

NCAA Division 1 or 2 Need to be certified by the NCAA Elgibility Center to compete at an NCAA Division 1 or 2 school. Create a certification Account

Division 3 or undecided Create a profile page if you plan to compete at a Division 3 school or are not yet sure where you want to compete You will get an NCAA I. D and we will send you important reminders as you compete in high school

NCAA Checklist 9 th Grade Ask counselor for a list of your high school Core courses 10 th Grade Register with the NCAA elgibility center at eligibilitycenter. org 11 th Grade Check with Counselor to make sure you will graduate on time witth required number of NCAA core courses

CONT’D 11 th Grade cont’d Take the ACT or SAT and submit your scores to the NCAA using code 9999 End of year ask counselor to upload official transcripts to the NCAA Elgibility Center 12 th Grade Finish NCAA Core courses Take ACT or SAT again if necessary Upload transcript to NCAA Elgibility Center

SAT or ACT Score. S SAT Minimum of 400 on Math and Reading ACT Minimum of 37 (sum score of all 4 sections)

COLLEGE ADMISSION S COLLEGE PREP CONSULTANTS

ARVI KAUSHAL LUPE GEORGE NATALIE GARZA SAM HAIRSTON KOU XIONG

WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR? 1. A challenging high school curriculum 2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend 3. Solid scores on the SAT or ACT--consistent with high school grades 4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership, initiative, impact--and an angle 5. Out-of-school experiences, including summer activities, work, and hobbies that reflect responsibility, dedication, and areas of interest 6. Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting, well-rounded student body 7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student's personality, values, and goals 8. Anecdotal letters of recommendation from teachers and the student's counselor that give evidence of his or her intellectual curiosity, special skills, and positive character traits. 9. Demonstrated enthusiasm for attending a university, as evidenced by a campus visit, interview, and ongoing contact with the admission office. 10. Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, and extracurricular pursuits, summer activities, and more

WHAT DO COLLEGES UNIVERSITIES CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS

WHICH IS BETTER? AP verses Actual College Course

4 Myths of SAT 1. The SAT is a test of intelligence and my scores are a good indication of how I will do in college False: It is a reflection of how good you are at taking the SAT. Nevertheless, admission officers continue to place great weight on the test. It is important to prepare and do well. 2. The SAT test complex math concepts False: The SAT test has a lot of algebra, some arithmetic, statistics, and a bit of geometry. 3. You can’t really improve your Reading score False: You can improve your reading score by expanding your vocabulary and by honing your critical reading skills. 4. It is better to leave a question blank than to guess False: There is no penalty for wrong answers on the SAT, so you shouldn’t worry about guessing incorrectly. You receive 1 point per every correct answer and 0 point for every question you answered incorrectly or leave unanswered.

Freshman applicants: Personal insight questions Answer any 4 of the following 8 questions: 1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. 2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. 3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? 4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. 5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? 6. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you. 7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? 8. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to the University of California?

Why Hire A College Consultant? What's the difference between a guidance counselor and a College Coach admissions advisor? Guidance counselors are stretched thin — 407 students to one advisor, according to the U. S. Department of Education* – with extremely limited time per student. Also, unlike College Coach's team of college consultants, they’ve never sat in the decision-maker’s chair at a college. What makes College Coach different from other college admissions advising services? College Coach isn’t just one expert but a whole team of former admissions officers, with a collective knowledge base that can be tapped into for specific information about top colleges throughout the country. How would College Coach help my child with deadlines? Your consultant will provide a personalized action plan, detailed deadline schedule, and regular communication to make sure your child is aware of the responsibilities and on track. When is the right time to begin my child's college action plan with College Coach? College Coach works with students throughout their high school years. Starting in 9 th grade allows you to plan efficiently for college with private educational counseling from the get-go, but we also partner successfully with families who find us during their student’s senior year.

3 Questions about Great Letters of Recommendation 1. What sort of teacher should my child be asking for a letter? Ask teachers who know your child well 1. Is it best to ask for letters from teachers in hard classes? Colleges want to know that your child is the star player in class 1. If my child is a history buff, is it best to ask for letters from all history teachers? If it’s possible to do this without sacrificing quality, your child should try to submit recommendations from, for example, a history teacher, a science teacher, and a Spanish teacher, as opposed to three from

HOW MANY APPLICATION METHODS DO WE HAVE IN CALIFORNIA? 1. UNIVERSAL APP. 2. COMMON APP. 3. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA APP. 4. CSU MENTOR APP. 5. PRIVATE APP. 6. CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE APP.

COLLEGE CONSULTANT HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR HIGH SCHOOL A-G COLLEGE APPLICATIONS COURSE SELECTION CAREER ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATION LETTER COLLEG RESEARCH ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES ACT/SAT TUTORING 504 PLANS COLLEGE INTERVIEWS IEP MEETINGS FILING FAFSA STUDENT DISCIPLINE APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS CLASS REGISTRATION/PARENT NIGHTS ETC. TIMELINE COLLEGE COURSES

QUESTION?

WELCOME Parents and Students AGENDA √ SAT vs ACT √ What Colleges Look For √ Services Offered √ Q & R

What Colleges Look For “We take a very holistic approach to evaluating our applicants. ” The following items are required for consideration: • Grades/Official Transcripts • Test Scores • We seek serious students, and those applying as freshmen are expected to present a well-balanced secondary school program of college preparatory courses. • The applicant should have completed at least four or five academic subjects each year throughout high school. • This should include 4 years of science, and 4 years of math.

Great Schools for Good Students Syracuse University Oregon Chapman University Southern Methodist University of San Diego Texas Christian University Loyola Marymount University Saint Mary’s College Santa Clara University Pepperdine University Azusa Pacific University University of Southern California University of Alabama Northwestern University

BALANCE: GPA and RIGOR Fact: “We look at the academic credentials, scores and grades, what courses the school offers vs. what the student takes. ” Christopher Guttentag – Duke University Fact: “We look for a record of excellent performance over time, a requirement a standardized test can’t satisfy. ” Marilyn Mc. Grath – Harvard University Fact: “The SAT/ACT are still just one part of the entire package…. it doesn’t drive our decisions…. a record of interest and involvement in science and math activities is top priority. ” James Whitney – Cal Tech Fact: Admissions officers agree: your GPA is the most important factor in admissions decisions, with 79% of officers saying it is given considerable weight while keeping in mind the rigor of your courses.

US Business News Weekly Top 10 Universities 1. Princeton University 2. Harvard University 3. Yale University 4. Columbia University 5. Stanford University 6. University of Chicago 7. Duke University 8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 9. University of Pennsylvania 10. California Institute of Technology

What We Will Examine SAT or ACT or Both WHICH test should I take? WHEN should I start ? HOW do I prepare? Do I have to take Subject Tests?

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER • Which test highlights my strengths? • Why take it my Sophomore year? • How can I raise my scores? • Which test is easier? • What if I’m not a good test-taker?

Advantages of SAT Subject Test? 1. Offers an additional opportunity to show colleges your knowledge in a specific subject. 2. Many colleges use the SAT Subject tests for admission and course placement 3. Some colleges specify the Subject test required 4. Five categories: 20 Tests English, History, Science, Mathematics & Language

College Planning & Tutorial Center SAT and ACT Preparation √ Administer Diagnostic Assessment √ Determine which test is best fit for students √ Teach and model effective test taking strategies √ Analyze components of the test ▪ vocabulary ▪ grammar ▪ critical reading ▪ writing ▪ geometry▪ algebra, etc. √ Guided practice achieves results √ Analyze and review test questions

Part 2 Appling to College

Step by Step Process √ Identify your schools √ Take standardized tests: SAT, ACT, Subject Tests √ Determine which application is required √ List clubs, activities, and services (weeks, years, hours) √ References: contact teachers, counselors, others √ Request official transcripts √ Mail at Post Office (get a tracking number)

How We Prepare Our Students * Prepare for ACT & SAT Tests * Facilitate Extra Curricular Activities * Complete and Submit Applications * Choose the Right Essay Topic * Apply for Merit Based Scholarships * Prepare for College Interviews * Act as a Liaison Between YOU and the College

Application Process • Begin your video search for colleges the summer before senior year. • Consider: school size, student to teacher ratio, school activities, majors offered, scholarships, and acceptance rate. • Visit the campus and schedule an interview. • Discuss financial obligations with your parents.

Community Service Projects Colleges and Universities look for Leaders Start a club √ Initiate a fundraiser √ Expand an existing service √ Work abroad √ Create a blog √ Write a book √

Essays: Getting to Know You Write about something that matters to you; let your personality show. Your perspective – the lens through which you view your topic is far more important than the specific topic itself. Write about topics that spring from the life of your imagination. Finally: proofread, proofread! Share your essays with at least one or two people who know you well – parent, teacher, counselor, or friend – and ask for feedback.

The 5 Common App Essay Prompts 1. Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would incomplete without it. 2. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? 3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? 4. Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you…. 5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within

UC PROMPTS 1 -8 • Choose 4 prompts • 250 words each Purpose: Get to know YOU

Q&A

We hope the information answers many of your questions.