Preparing For College
Ms. ZavalaCollege and Career Counselor
Room 701
Topics That Will Be Discussed:
• A-G requirements
• The 4 College Options in California
• 10 Ways to Prepare For College
A-G Requirements
• These are courses in specific subjects that you are required to complete in order to attend a 4 year university.
• If you do not complete your A-G requirements, you will not be admitted to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC).
• Out of state colleges and private/independent colleges require some variation of the A-G requirements as well.
A-G Requirements
• Area A: Social Science• 2 years required• Ex. World History
and US History
• Area B: English• 4 years required• Ex. Language Arts
9 and AP English Language
• Area C: Mathematics• 3 years required• 4 years
recommended
• Area D: Laboratory Science• 2 years required• 3 or more years
recommended• Ex. Biology and
Chemistry
A-G Requirements
• Area E: Language other than English• 2 years of the
SAME language required
• 3 or more years recommended
• Ex. Spanish 1 and Spanish 2
• Area F: Visual and Performing Art• 1 year required• Ex. Art 1, Drama, etc.
• Area G: College Preparatory Elective• 1 year required• Example Psychology
1, Accounting 1
Remember…
• You must pass each A-G course with at least a C!
• If you earn a D or F in an A-G course, talk to your counselor to see when you can make up the course.
California Community College
• There are over 100 community colleges in California
• Local Community Colleges: Cerritos, Cypress, Fullerton
• Admission Requirements: Earn a high school diploma or be at least 18 years of age.
California Community Colleges
• What can I do at a Community College?
• Option 1: take general education courses (ex. English, Math, Science) for about 2 years then transfer to a CSU, UC, Private College or Out of State college to complete your degree.
• Option 2: Take classes in a specific career field and earn a certificate. Ex. Cosmetology, Automotive, Dental Assistant, etc.
Private/Independent Colleges
• There are over 70 private/independent colleges in California
• Ex: University of Southern California, Chapman University, Biola University, Stanford
• General Admission Requirements• Complete your A-G course• Take your SAT or ACT • be involved in extracurricular activities, do
community service • The minimum g.p.a. and average test scores vary.• Check on the school’s website to see their exact
admission requirements!
California State University (CSU)
• There are 23 CSUs to choose from.
• Admission Requirements: Minimum 2.0 g.p.a, Take the SAT or ACT.
• Your g.p.a. is calculated from 10th+11th grade ONLY
• If you have lower than a 3.0, you have to get a certain SAT or ACT score in order to be eligible to apply.
University of California (UC)
• There are 9 UC options in California.
• Admission Requirements:• Minimum 3.0 g.p.a. from 10th+11th grade
ONLY• Take the SAT or ACT• Be involved in clubs, sports, community
service or other extracurricular activities.
• These universities are research institutions: you will be required to do research and your classes will have a research emphasis.
UC vs. CSU Freshmen Admission Profiles
How Are My Applications Evaluated?
University of California
• A-G courses
• Grades
• SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Test Scores
• Extracurricular Activities
• Leadership Roles
• Awards and Honors Received
• Part Time Job
• Community Service
• Personal Statement • 2 Personal Statements• Total of 1,000 words
California State University
• A-G courses
• Grades
• SAT or ACT test scores (whichever one is higher)
10 Ways to Prepare for College
#1 Take Challenging Courses!
#2 Earn the highest grades possible!
#3 Research your college options.
#4 Get involved at JGHS and in your community.
#5 Be a leader!
#6 Prepare for and take the SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests your 11th and 12th grade year.
#7 Talk to college graduates and current college students about their experiences.
#8 Visit College Campuses!
#9 Come to events hosted by the College and Career Center.
#10 Come see Ms. Zavala in room 701.
College Exploration Websites
• Californiacolleges.edu
• Bigfuture.collegeboard.org
• Csumentor.edu
• Aiccu.edu
• Universityofcalifornia.edu
Review
• Quick Review!
Activity
Go to californiacolleges.edu on your iPad to complete the group worksheet and practice your college research skills!
