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