This document provides information to help students plan for applying to four-year colleges. It outlines the a-g requirements that students must complete in high school with a C- or better. It encourages taking honors, AP, and college courses. It also discusses the PSAT, SAT, ACT, getting involved in extracurriculars, and researching college options. Specific details are provided about the University of California system, California State University system, private colleges, and scholarship opportunities.

1. Planning for Four-YearPlanning for Four-Year
CollegeCollege
Preparing our students to
be World Ready

2. AcademicsAcademics
 Complete the a-g requirements (C- or better)
– 4 years of English
– 3 years of Social Studies
– 3 years of Math (minimum Alg 2)
– 2 years of Lab Science
– 2 years of Foreign Language
– 1 year of Visual Performing Art
– 1 year College Prep elective
Harbor a-g list available at:
https://doorways.ucop.edu/list/

3. AcademicsAcademics
 Take a strong academic program in high school
– Honors & AP classes
– Enrich high school curricula with college courses
 California Scholarship Federation
 Take the PSAT – Saturday Oct 17
 SAT or ACT
 SAT Subject Tests (if applicable)

4. SAT
 Paragraph-length critical reading
passages, an essay, and more
challenging math
 Ten-section exam-3 critical reading, 3
math, 3 writing, 1 experimental
 Basic geometry and Algebra 2
 No science
 Reading – sentence completions, short
and long critical reading passages,
reading comprehension
 Writing – essay, and questions testing
grammar usage, and word choice
 Penalty for wrong answers
 200 – 800 per section max combined
score of 2400
ACT
 Four-section exam-English, Math,
Reading and Science reasoning
 Math up to trigonometry
 Science – charts and experiments
 Reading – 4 passages - prose, fiction,
social science, humanities and natural
science
 Writing – stresses grammar
 No penalty for wrong answers
 1-36 for each subject, averaged
composite score, highest possible 36
SAT vs. ACTSAT vs. ACT

5. Get Involved!!Get Involved!!
Clubs
Leadership
Athletics
Link Crew
Community Service

6. College OptionsCollege Options
Which school is right for YOU?Which school is right for YOU?
Research & Visit Campuses
Considerations
-What are my interests and skills?
-What do I want to major in?
-What size college do I want to attend?
-Athletics and extracurricular activities
Attend Cabrillo College and Career Night
November 2 6:00-8:00pm

7. University of CaliforniaUniversity of California
 9 campuses
Very Competitive
ELC
SAT or ACT and SAT Subject Tests
(2 different subjects, math level 2 only)
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/

8. California State UniversityCalifornia State University
23 campuses
SAT or ACT
Minimum GPA 2.0 (for non-impacted campuses)
EAP Program for English and Math
www.csumentor.edu

9. Private Colleges &Private Colleges &
UniversitiesUniversities
Over 75 in California
Vary in selectivity, testing requirements
applications and process
Usually need 1 or more letters of
recommendation and essays
www.aiccu.edu

10. Western UndergraduateWestern Undergraduate
Exchange ProgramExchange Program
Reduced tuition level (up to 150%) for
California Residents
Participating States:
Alaska Arizona Colorado
Hawaii Idaho Montana
Nevada New Mexico North Dakota
Oregon South Dakota Utah
Washington Wyoming
www.wiche.edu

11. ScholarshipsScholarships
 Complete Scholarship Profile in Senior year
 Research scholarships online ww.fastweb.com
 Free Application for Federal Student Aid & Cal
Grant
– Apply for FAFSA Jan 1-March 2
– Record your SSN with with Counseling in order for
GPA to be sent by Harbor for Cal Grant verification
– FAFSA workshops at Cabrillo
www.fafsa.ed.gov

12. QUESTIONS??QUESTIONS??