Arleta High School

College SummitPeer Leader

College Requirements Presentation

Arleta High School

Home of the Mustangs

General Advice General Timelines What are the Colleges/

Universities looking for? Specific Admissions Information Questions or Comments

General Advice

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 Make lists with 3 types of schools:

A. SafeB. MatchC. Dream

Apply to at least 3 schools Have a “Plan B” in case of financial or

admissions challenges 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 Make a timeline or calendar of due dates

and application requirements Do NOT choose a college because of:

-your boyfriend/girlfriend-friends-someone liked/didn’t like the school

Look for a good “FIT” and ask yourself:

Why is this a good school for me?

General Timelines 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 Courses2) SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests3) Application Requirements:

-Personal Statements-Letters of Recommendation-Extra Curricular Activities-Community Service

GPA and A-G Courses

Most Colleges or Universities are interested in your GPA.

They want to see good grades and NO Ds or Fails in academic courses

You are also more competitive if you have taken a large amount of high-level courses (Honors, Advanced Placement,…)

SATs and ACTs Take the PSAT as a practice exam in

9th, 10th and 11th grade Begin to take the SAT and/or ACT in

the spring of your 11th grade Colleges will take either the SAT or

ACT: Take both to get the highest score possible

Fee Waivers are available from Ms. Winningham in the College Center

Personal Statements

Universities may require 1-2 Personal Statements Personal Statements are essays that provide an

opportunity for students to highlight how unique or special they are

It is an excellent opportunity for students to:-highlight a special talent

-explain a unique situation -provide details about a personal challenge Students should write multiple drafts and get a

great deal of feedback before they attach them to their application

Letters of Recommendation Universities generally require 2 Letters of

Recommendation:-counselor-academic teacher

A third letter could include a coach, boss, religious leader,…

Give the Individuals at least 3 weeks Provide them with a BRAG sheet The best teacher recommendations will

come from the academic teacher who knows your potential and knows you best.

Extra Curricular Activities

Athletics Music/Art/Drama Student

Government Journalism Peer College

Counseling Academic Decathlon Speech/Debate Work

Extra Curricular Activities

Discover your passion Long term commitment is very important Leadership within activity Demonstrate initiative Take your passion and ‘give back to

community’ Fewer, in-depth, rather than laundry list

of activities is preferred

Community Service Connect with your

passion Do more than the

minimum Find something

uncommon/unique Stick with it Become known by

the people in charge

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

collecting dust!

Specific Admissions Information

Be sure to understand application requirements and deadlines:

1. Community Colleges:-Apply before March 1st-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. 1st –Nov. 30th -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 1st-November 30th

-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