The Four Systems of Higher Education in California

Ginger Reyes, M.P.A.

&

Marcelo F. Vazquez, Ed.D.

How do/did you choose YOUR college?

2011 U.S. News & World Report Collegiate Rankings

1. Harvard

2. Princeton

3. Yale

4. Columbia

5. Stanford

6. University of Pennsylvania

7. Cal Tech

8. MIT

9. Dartmouth

9. Duke

Community College (CCC)

100%

California State University (CSU)

33%

University of California (UC)

12.5%

Private Colleges & Universities

California Master Plan

High School

Recommended Route

“High School”

Another Recommended Route

The CSU System

The CSU Mission Statement The mission of the California State University is:

– To advance and extend knowledge, learning, and culture, especially throughout California.

– To provide opportunities for individuals to develop intellectually, personally, and professionally.

– To prepare significant numbers of educated, responsible people to contribute to California's schools, economy, culture, and future.

– To encourage and provide access to an excellent education to all who are prepared for and wish to participate in collegiate study.

– To offer undergraduate and graduate instruction leading to bachelor's and higher degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, the applied fields, and the professions, including the doctoral degree when authorized.

– To prepare students for an international, multi-cultural society.

– To provide public services that enrich the university and its communities.

CSU Campuses

Different Sizes, SAME Mission Same Admissions Requirements Yet VERY

Different Standards. Somewhat Different Curricula Usually best to check with intended school

– Most websites include a link to email admissions

Different “Flavors”

Humboldt

Channel Islands

Cal Poly Pomona & SLO

Long Beach, San Diego, Northridge

Los Angeles

What can I study at a CSU? Radio/Television Film

San Francisco State

DanceSan Diego State

Engineering - Theme Park

CSU Long Beach

Interior DesignSan Jose State

Fire Protection AdministrationCSU Los Angeles

Dairy ScienceCal Poly San Luis Obispo

Hotel Restaurant ManagementCSU Pomona

Global Intelligence & National SecurityCSU Bakersfield

Computer Gaming & DesignCSU Channel Islands

Music Industry & Tech. Chico State

Freshmen Admissions Requirements

The basic admissions requirements include:

Specific high school courses Grades and test scores Graduation from high school

College Preparatory Pattern

a. U.S. History or U.S. History and 2 YearsGovernment, and Social Science

b. English 4 Yearsc. Mathematics

(Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II) 3 Years

d. Science with Lab 2 Years(CSU requires one Biological Science and one Physical Science)

e. Language Other Than English 2 Years(two years of same language)

f. Visual and Performing Arts 1 Year(A single yearlong approved course)

g. Electives 1 Year_______________________________________________________Comprehensive a-g pattern of college preparatory study- 15 Units

Grade Point Average The high school GPA is based upon grades earned in

all approved college preparatory courses taken in the 10th, 11th and 12th grade

CSU will award honors points in the GPA calculation for up to 8 semester courses taken in 11th and 12th grade. No honors points are awarded for grades of D and F.

Tests & Scores The CSU accepts the SAT I and ACT. CSU only looks at Critical Thinking and Math portion

of SAT I If a student submits multiple score reports the highest

score earned in each single sub score of the examination is used.

Example:

– 1st time: 500 M + 600 CR= 1100

– 2nd time: 550 M + 550 CR= 1100

– CSU total = 550 M + 600 CR= 1150

Eligibility Index

GPA ACT SAT GPA ACT SAT

2.95 11 540 2.45 21 940

2.90 12 580 2.40 22 980

2.85 13 620 2.35 23 1020

2.80 14 660 2.30 24 1060

2.75 15 700 2.25 25 1100

2.70 16 740 2.20 26 1140

2.65 17 780 2.15 27 1180

2.60 18 820 2.10 28 1220

2.55 19 860 2.05 29 1260

2.50 20 900 2.00 30 1300

2012/13Impacted for Freshman Admissions

(16 campuses)

Chico Fresno Fullerton Humboldt Long Beach Los Angeles Northridge Pomona

• Sacramento• San Bernardino• San Diego• San Francisco• San Jose• San Luis Obispo• San Marcos• Sonoma

2012/13 Who is Not Impacted(7 campuses)

• Bakersfield• Channel Islands• Dominguez Hills• East Bay• Maritime Academy• Monterey Bay• Stanislaus

2012/13 Impacted for Transfer Admissions

Campus/Program (All Majors) San Diego San Luis Obispo Fullerton San Jose

Most campuses have at least one impacted major

(i.e. Nursing)

Campus•Chico•East Bay•Fresno•Long Beach•Los Angeles•Pomona•Sacramento•San Bernardino•San Francisco•San Marcos•Sonoma

Tuition $4,721 - $6,780

Books $1,800 per year

Housing $7,114 - $15,936

Transportation $1,300

Personal $3,114

TOTAL $18,049 - $28,930

Average Per Year College Costs

www.csumentor.edu

Important Dates for Admissions

Application Priority Filing Period:

– Fall: October 1st - November 30th

FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid for fall:

– January 1st – March 2nd

EOP-Educational Opportunity Program:

– Varies

Scholarships:

– Varies

The UC System

UC Mission Statement

The University’s fundamental missions are teaching, research and public service.

UC Campuses

Different Sizes, SAME Mission Same Admissions Requirements Yet

Different Standards. Somewhat Different Curricula Usually best to check with intended school

– Most websites include a link to email admissions

Different “Flavors”

UCSC

UCLA

UC Merced

The UC Bachalaureate Experience

Research– Social Sciences,

humanities & Engineering, Business, Nursing, etc.

– Faculty at forefront of respective fields

– Teacher Assistants and Grad students may lead courses.

General Education– Social sciences,

humanities and Natural Sciences, and more

– More interdisciplinary studies

– Instruction usually in larger classrooms.

How Do I Become Eligible

for UC Admissions ?

Paths to the University of California

1. Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) 2. Statewide Context

Eligibility in the Local Context School sends top 15% of 11th grade class

ELC Office selects top 9% -Complete 11 units that include

1 unit of history/social science 3 units of English 2 units of mathematics 1 unit of laboratory science 1 unit of language other than English 3 units chosen from among the remaining “a-g”

Students who do not complete at least 11 of the 15 “a-g” requirements will not be considered for ELC

UC Eligibility Requirements

A-G Subject Requirements

Scholarship (GPA) Requirement

Examination Requirements

Extracurricular Activities

Statewide ContextUC Eligibility Requirements

A-G Subject

Scholarship (GPA)

Examinations

PATH TO UC

Subjects to meet and exceed admission requirements for the UC and CSU systems

Required Number of Years

9th 10th 11th 12th

1st semest

er

2nd semester

1st semester

2nd semester

1st semester

2nd semester

1st semester

2nd semester

A.A. History/Social Science Courses includeUS History, World History, Government, geography

2 Required3 Recommended*

World History

World History

US History

(AP)

US History

(AP)

Govt* (AP)

Economics * (AP)

BB.. English/Composition and Literature

4 Required English 9(H)

English 9 (H)

English 10 (H)

English 10 (H)

English 11 (H/AP)

English11(H/AP)

English 12(H/AP)

English 12 (H/AP)

CC.. Mathematics includes Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Advanced Courses like Trigonometry and Calculus are also recommended.

3 Required4 Recommended*

Algebra Ior

Geometry

Algebra I or

Geometry

Geometry or

Algebra II

Geometry or

Algebra II

Algebra IIor

Math Analysis

Algebra IIor

Math Analysi

s

Math Analysi

sor

Calculus*

Math Analysis

orCalculus*

DD.. Laboratory Science Includes biology, chemistry and physics & integrated/inter-coordinated science

2 Required3-4 Recommended*

Biology

Biology Chemistry

(H/AP)

Chemistry

(H/AP)

Physics*(H/AP)

Physics*

(H/AP)

AP Biology

*(H/AP)

AP Biology*(H/AP)

EE. . Language Other Than Language Other Than English English Includes Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese and Russian, etc.

2 Required3-4 Recommended*

Language

Other Than

EnglishI

Language Other Than

EnglishI

Language Other Than

EnglishII

Language Other Than

EnglishII

Language Other Than

EnglishIII*

Language Other Than

EnglishIII*

Language Other Than

EnglishIV* (AP)

Language Other Than

EnglishIV*(AP)

F. Visual and Performing Arts (drama, orchestra, photography, etc)

1 Required Drama A Drama B

G. College Preparatory Electives

1 Required

Exams PSAT/ACT/

SAT ReasoningSAT (Subject Tests)

Required Exams

PSAT(October)

PSAT(October)

SAT (Feb)SAT

(Subject tests) (June)

PSAT(October)

SAT (Dec)SAT

(Subject Tests)

May/ June

SAT (Oct/Nov/ or Dec.)SAT Subject Tests

High School Courses

Regular

Honors

Advanced Placement

*College Level

Any identified H/AP/CL courses

taken between 10th - 12th Grade receive an 1+ extra GPA point when passed with a

grade of “C” or better.

* College Level courses are offered to High School students at local Community Colleges through Concurrent Enrollment.

Exams PSAT(Preliminary Exam- Shorter Version of SAT)

- Critical Reasoning - Math- Writing

ACT - Reading Comprehension - Math- Social Science- Science ReasoningPLUS

- Writing

SAT

- Critical Reading

- Math

- Writing

SAT Subject Exams No longer required, but

highly recommended for Engineering applicants.

2 Subjects from Math II, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Page #3 from the UC Application

SEQUENTIAL COURSES

MATHEMATICS

LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH

The Personal Statement: Freshman Applicants

Question # 1

1. Describe the world you come from – for example, your family, community or school – and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

The Personal Statement: Freshman Applicants

Question #2Focus: Open-ended

2. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

UC Cost for CA Residents

Living on campus Living off campus

Tuition & Fees $13,200 $13,200

Books & Supplies $1,500 $1,500

Health Insurance fee $1,160 $1,160

Room & Board $13,200 $13,200

Personal Transportation $2,140 $3,040

TOTAL $31,200 $32,100

Which two UC campuses have undergraduate business

administration programs?

UC Berkeley &

UC Riverside

California Community Colleges

California Community Colleges 72 districts

– 112 colleges– enrolls more than 2.9 million students.

 Provide:– basic skills education– workforce training – and courses for transfer to four-year universities.  – personal enrichment and lifelong learning. 

Students must be 18years of age or H.S. Graduates– Diploma necessary for financial aid

Instructors must meet state set requirements– Master’s degree &/or years of experience

California Community Colleges

Basic Education– ESL – Courses for High School Diploma

Work Force Training– Technical training for a specific job/career– Auto mechanics, Cosmetology, X-Ray Tech,

Nurse’s assistant, Nurse, Firefighting, etc.– Classes are usually non-transferrable– Culminate in Certificate

California Community Colleges

Courses for transfer– Intersegmental General Education Transfer

Curriculum (IGETC)– College level courses– Designed to take 2-3 years– Private schools may take 1 year

Courses for lifelong learning– Art, counseling, personal financing, etc.– Non-traditional & returning students

East Los Angeles College

Part of the Los Angeles Community College District

Requires placement tests for math and English

Traditional college resources: Computer lab, book store, student center, etc.

Non-residential= No Dorms Student organizations, clubs, and support

programs

Two transfer students apply to UC Berkeley. One of the applicants is from Pierce College and the other

from UCLA. Which student is considered first?

The Pierce College Student

The California Independents

“As a group, independent colleges and universities provide diversity in size, location, types of students served, and many other ways. They emphasize teaching and learning, and focus on the individual student.”

AICCU

Private & Independent Colleges

Different Sizes & Missions Different Admissions Requirements Different Deadlines Different Curricula DIFFERNT EVERYTHING!!!! Usually best to check with intended school

– Most websites include a link to email admissions

Different Sizes: Small vs. Large

Large Larger classes Greater competition

for courses and activities

Greater resources and more programs

Can be anonymous Slip through cracks

Small Can be more

competitive to get in Less competition for

courses and clubs Get to know

professors & staff Can be isolating Everyone Knows your

business

Different Missions: Research vs. Liberal Arts Research

– Social Sciences, humanities & Engineering, Business, Nursing, etc.

– Graduate/Doctoral Programs

– Faculty at forefront of respective fields

– Teacher Assistants and Grad students may lead courses.

– Many NCAA I

Liberal Arts– Focus on social

sciences, humanities and Natural Sciences

– Usually Undergrad only

– Many general education requirements

– More interdisciplinary studies

– Focus on instruction– Less of a sports

emphasis: NCAA III

Different Admissions Requirements

High School GPA & Courses Tests: SAT Reasoning, SAT Subjects, ACT

– Bates vs. Georgetown

Extra Curricular Activities Personal Statements-many have multiple Awards & Honor Letters of Rec. Other: Reading lists, church hours, Legacies, etc. Financial Need: Need Blind v. Need Aware

Different Deadlines

Early Decision & Early Action The Common Application Mid Year Report CSS Profile

Different Curricula

Rhode Island School Of Design-Area Specific

Antioch College-Work Co-Op Scripps College-All Women's College Colorado College-Block Schedule Columbia-Core requirements

Independent University/College Cost

Living on campus Living off campus

Tuition & Fees $20-40,000 $20-40,000

Books & Supplies $1,500 $1,500

Room & Board $12-16,000 $12-16,000

Personal Transportation $2,000 $3,000

TOTAL $35-59,000 $36-60,000

Which U.S. university has the highest number of international students on their campus in the United States?

Answer:The University of Southern

California (USC)

8,615

Source: Institute of International Education, Open Doors Report (2011)

Admissions Deadlines/Timelines

CSU application: Submit between October 1 - November 30. www.csumentor.edu

UC Application: Submitted between November 1 – 30. www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/

Independent Application: Range between Fall and early Spring. www.commonapp.org

Admission & Financial Aid Tips: Find a campus that best fits you and take a campus tour!

Apply early

Check your email (The email address that is on your application is the one we email to)

Go to a Financial Aid Workshop with your parents

Remember that when you are admitted it is provisional (you have to complete your last semester of high school and still meet the admissions requirements)!

Do not assume the admissions process is the same for all colleges and universities. Pay attention to communication that is sent to you via email and mail.

Q. How do I ease the anxiety for my student & I during college admissions?

College Preparation starts yesterday. Strive for good grades, leadership and community

service to be able to have options when applying, this includes scholarships.

Take campus tours. Help your student figure out what he/she likes/dislike

Organization. Start creating file folders of places you have visited. Begin to narrow campuses down.

Attended College Fairs– NACAC Fair- May 1st Ventura County

– NACAC Fair- April 30/May 1st Pasadena Conv. Center

The Four Systems of Higher Education in California

Ginger Reyes, M.P.A.

&

Marcelo F. Vazquez, Ed.D.