th Welcome to the 14 Annual Kern County

th Welcome to the 14 Annual Kern County College Night

Kern County College Night Steering Committee Sal Avalos Kern County Superintendent of Schools Joanne Barrick Highland High School Sheri Black Taft College Jeff Coomber Kern County Superintendent of Schools Hazel Ellis, Retired Kern High School District Christine Goedhart-Humphrey Kern County Superintendent of Schools Sue Granger-Dixon Bakersfield College Erin James East High School Katie Price Bakersfield High School Frank Ramirez University of California, Merced Linda Roberts Kern County Superintendent of Schools Vickie Spanos Kern High School District Desiree Von Flue Kern Count Superintendent of Schools Emily Walker Kern County Superintendent of Schools Wendy Ward Bakersfield Adult School Steve Watkin California State University, Bakersfield

Kern County College Night Sponsors

Kern County Educational & Community Partners • AERA Energy • California State University, Bakersfield • The College Conundrum • De. Vry University • Jostens • Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office • Kern Federal Credit Union • Kern High School Counselors’ Association • Kern High School District • March Consulting • Taft College • University of California, Merced • Univision • Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation THANK YOU!!!

Tonight you have the chance to meet and speak with over 100 universities, colleges, trade schools, and military representatives

Did you know… In 2012 over 437, 000 students were attending 1 of the 23 CSU campuses.

What is financial aid? Financial aid is money that is given, paid or loaned to you to help pay for your college.

The 3 main types of financial aid are: 1. Grants & Scholarships - are given as awards and do not require repayment. 2. Loans - You are required to repay the loans with interest and loan related fees. 3. Work-Study Employment - is on- campus and approved off-campus employment which allows you to earn money for your education.

Did you know… You MUST submit a FAFSA in order to receive ANY scholarships and grants through the university you are going to attend.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) window for application submission opens on January 2 nd CA State Deadline: March 3 rd th Federal Deadline: June 30

Attend have questions on how to fund your education? Attend one of these sessions Financial Aide 101 Truxtun Room Session Times 5: 30 -6: 15 6: 30 -7: 15 Simplifying the Scholarship Search Caliente Room Session Times 5: 30 -6: 15 6: 30 -7: 15

Kern County College Night Sponsors

Kern County Educational & Community Partners • AERA Energy • California State University, Bakersfield • The College Conundrum • De. Vry University • Jostens • Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office • Kern Federal Credit Union • Kern High School Counselors’ Association • Kern High School District • March Consulting • Taft College • University of California, Merced • Univision • Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation THANK YOU!!!

Do you know your “A-Gs? ” A. History/Social Science (2 years) B. English (4 years) C. Mathematics (3 years, UC recommends 4) D. Laboratory Science (2 years, UC recommends 3) E. Language Other than English (2 years, UC recommends 3) F. Visual/Performing Arts (1 year) G. College Preparatory Elective (1 year)

Your Personal Statement can make or break your chances at getting into the university of choice. Find out how to effectively write your Personal Statement by attending this session. “How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement” Oleander Room 6: 30 -7: 15

Kern County College Night Steering Committee Sal Avalos Kern County Superintendent of Schools Joanne Barrick Highland High School Sheri Black Taft College Jeff Coomber Kern County Superintendent of Schools Hazel Ellis, Retired Kern High School District Christine Goedhart-Humphrey Kern County Superintendent of Schools Sue Granger-Dixon Bakersfield College Erin James East High School Katie Price Bakersfield High School Frank Ramirez University of California, Merced Linda Roberts Kern County Superintendent of Schools Vickie Spanos Kern High School District Desiree Von Flue Kern Count Superintendent of Schools Emily Walker Kern County Superintendent of Schools Wendy Ward Bakersfield Adult School Steve Watkin California State University, Bakersfield

The PSAT • It is recommended that students take the PSAT as a sophomore & as a junior. • Students taking the PSAT in their junior year are AUTOMATICALLY registered for the “National Merit Scholarship” • The PSAT will show your skills and weaknesses in math, writing and reading and will also project your SAT score.

The SAT • The SAT is the most widely used college admissions test. The combination of high school grades and SAT scores is the best predictor of your academic success in college. • You are recommended to take the SAT at least once in your Junior year and then once in your Senior year.

The ACT • The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in: – English, Mathematics, Reading & Science • You are recommended to take the ACT at least once in your Junior year and then once in your senior year.

College Testing Timeline ü 9 th grade • No national testing ü 10 th grade • PSAT (recommended) ü 11 th grade • PSAT • SAT (recommended) • ACT (recommended) ü 12 th grade • SAT • ACT

Kern County College Night Sponsors

Kern County Educational & Community Partners • AERA Energy • California State University, Bakersfield • The College Conundrum • De. Vry University • Jostens • Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office • Kern Federal Credit Union • Kern High School Counselors’ Association • Kern High School District • March Consulting • Taft College • University of California, Merced • Univision • Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation THANK YOU!!!

Which is the best campus for me? What are your academic and professional goals? If you know what your goals are and what your major will be, does the campus offer courses in that area? Do you prefer attending a small campus versus a larger one? Do you prefer a campus in a big city, or one that is in a rural community? If you enjoy an extracurricular activity or particular varsity sport or sports, does the campus offer it?

Unsure of even where to start? Having trouble narrowing down your options? Curious what campus will “fit” you? Want to create your own path towards college? Attend this session to answer all your questions… “Finding the Perfect College for YOU” Bank 1 Room 5: 30 -6: 15 6: 30 -7: 15

What is CSUMentor? CSUMentor is a website designed to help students and their families learn about the California State University (CSU) system. The CSU is comprised of 23 excellent campuses. CSUMentor assists students in planning for college, in selecting the appropriate CSU campus to attend, in planning how to finance their education, and in applying for admission. Check it out & register for free at CSUmentor. org

Kern County College Night Steering Committee Sal Avalos Kern County Superintendent of Schools Joanne Barrick Highland High School Sheri Black Taft College Jeff Coomber Kern County Superintendent of Schools Hazel Ellis, Retired Kern High School District Christine Goedhart-Humphrey Kern County Superintendent of Schools Sue Granger-Dixon Bakersfield College Erin James East High School Katie Price Bakersfield High School Frank Ramirez University of California, Merced Linda Roberts Kern County Superintendent of Schools Vickie Spanos Kern High School District Desiree Von Flue Kern Count Superintendent of Schools Emily Walker Kern County Superintendent of Schools Wendy Ward Bakersfield Adult School Steve Watkin California State University, Bakersfield

Remember one thing… It is about picking what is the best university and career that suits YOU, not everyone else!

Are you an undocumented student? You may now be eligible to receive financial aid! Attend the Dream Act session to learn how. Sessions are held in Spanish Potato Room 5: 30 -6: 15 - Financial Aid 6: 30 -7: 15 - Dream Act

Are you an athlete and are interested in playing at the university level? If so, plan to attend our session on the NCAA eligibility requirements. It’s a MUST that cannot wait until your senior year!

To play Division I sports, you need to qualify academically. To meet the minimum requirements for Division I student-athletes enrolling in college in August 2016 or later you MUST: • Graduate from high school • Complete 16 Core Courses, including 10 before your seventh semester • Earn a minimum 2. 300 Grade-Point Average in core courses to compete in your first year of college • Earn a combined SAT or ACT score that matches your core-course GPA on the sliding scale.

Are you an athlete and considering playing at a higher level? Do you know there are special requirements to play within the NCAA? Are you being recruited to play a collegiate sport? Are you familiar with the NCAA requirements? If you need answers, then this workshop is for you! “College Recruiting Simplified” Bank 2 Room 5: 30 -6: 15 7: 30 -8: 00

Did you know? Last year… 70% of all CSU students received some form of financial aid 60% of all UC students received some form of financial aid

Check out www. uplanit. org This website offers FREE: • • • Career Exploration High School Planning College affordability planning Matching lifestyles to careers Finding the right college And much, much more! Computers and representatives are on hand in the lab located on the main floor!

Kern County College Night Sponsors

Kern County Educational & Community Partners • AERA Energy • California State University, Bakersfield • The College Conundrum • De. Vry University • Jostens • Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office • Kern Federal Credit Union • Kern High School Counselors’ Association • Kern High School District • March Consulting • Taft College • University of California, Merced • Univision • Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation

Freshmen…Listen up! • Your grades and activities COUNT NOW! • It is NEVER too early to begin planning for life after high school • Start researching careers and degrees that interest you • Get involved on your campus and in your community • Finally, explore who YOU are!

Sophomores…Keep going! • Your 4 -year plan should be completed • Take the PSAT • Continue researching your future & begin narrowing down your options • Complete a career interest inventory test to focus on your strengths and weaknesses to fit with your career choices. • Begin looking at Universities & Colleges you are considering • Apply for AP/Honor courses

Juniors…Don’t quit now! • This is the time when you want to slow down. DON”T & KEEP GOING! • Take the PSAT & consider taking the ACT & SAT • Visit and/or request information on potential universities • Take all eligible and relevant AP classes & AP tests • Begin to narrow down and visit the top 10 Universities and colleges you are considering • Research and plan for scholarships for next year • STAY INVOLVED!

Seniors…Your in the homestretch! • DON’T QUIT! You’re almost there! • Take the SAT & ACT • Take ALL AP/Honors classes & take the AP tests • Finalize your college options & apply in November • Apply for financial aid beginning in January • Apply for any and ALL scholarships!

Looking at attending a CSU or UC? Attend this session to find out how to navigate through the process “How to Apply to a UC or CSU” Breckenridge Room 5: 30 -6: 15 6: 30 -7: 15

Need help? You are NOT alone! Your high school counselor can help answer questions, and guide you in your search for the right university and career pathway.

Something to think about As attendance increases at most universities, it is no longer only about what the university has to offer you. You need to work on setting yourself apart from your classmates. How do you do that? • Maintain a good GPA • Take all required tests • Get involved! • Join clubs! • Play a sport, or an instrument! • Volunteer! • Get a job!

Seniors… Struggling with writing your personal statement? We have a representative on hand from UCLA that will explain and simplify the personal statement process. Check your booklet for session time & location.

Not ready to go straight to a University? Are you not able to meet the A-G requirements? Unsure on the transfer process? Do you want to start at a Community College? “What if I Plan to Start at a Community College? ” Bank 2 Room 6: 30 -7: 15

In the end, know that you are NOT alone and the first student to go through this process. There is help out there for you. See your school counselor and ask for help!

Kern County College Night Sponsors

Kern County Educational & Community Partners • AERA Energy • California State University, Bakersfield • The College Conundrum • De. Vry University • Jostens • Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office • Kern Federal Credit Union • Kern High School Counselors’ Association • Kern High School District • March Consulting • Taft College • University of California, Merced • Univision • Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation

Register NOW! www. collegeboard. org Introducing Big. Future™: Step-by-step advice and interactive tools to help you get started navigating the college planning process, explore majors and careers, get in to schools you like, and figure out how best to pay for it.

Are you considering attending a private university or non-traditional school? Do you want to learn how to apply to several at once? Attend our Common Application Process session to learn more.

Are you thinking of attending a private college? You may want to find out more about the Common Application process. Attend this session to find out more! “Navigating the Common Application Process” Oleander Room Session Times 5: 30 -6: 15

Tid Bits for Parents… • • • Talk with your children Ask them about their dreams and plans Discuss their paths to reach those dreams Research with them Stay on top of them…especially when they start to fall off their course • Financially plan for what you can or cannot contribute to their education. • Be honest with them and discuss options within all of your budgets • Talk, communicate, and support them

On behalf of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Chevron, PG & E, the Kern High School Counselor’s Association and all of the representatives here tonight, we would like to THANK YOU FOR COMING & we look forward to you making your dreams a REALITY!

Kern County College Night Steering Committee Sal Avalos Kern County Superintendent of Schools Joanne Barrick Highland High School Sheri Black Taft College Jeff Coomber Kern County Superintendent of Schools Hazel Ellis, Retired Kern High School District Christine Goedhart-Humphrey Kern County Superintendent of Schools Sue Granger-Dixon Bakersfield College Erin James East High School Katie Price Bakersfield High School Frank Ramirez University of California, Merced Linda Roberts Kern County Superintendent of Schools Vickie Spanos Kern High School District Desiree Von Flue Kern Count Superintendent of Schools Emily Walker Kern County Superintendent of Schools Wendy Ward Bakersfield Adult School Steve Watkin California State University, Bakersfield