College Bound
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Selecting a college can be one of the most important and fun experiences of a student’s high school career. Becoming educated on college options takes time. Don’t wait until the fall of your senior year to decide where you will apply; it’s a stressful enough time as it is. Generate a potentially broad list of 15 to 20 schools which you will then research in depth. Explore their websites! Attend a College Presentation through the Career Center! Talk to college alumni! Talk to your parents! Talk to your counselor! Visit the campuses!
College Admissions Tests
UC and CSU schools does not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. Test scores submitted as part of the application may be used as an alternate method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after matriculation at UC/CSU.
*Some private and out-of-state universities or specialized programs may have different testing requirements. Please check with specific schools and/or programs to see whether admissions tests are necessary.
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The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized assessment closely connected to the SAT and cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It’s typically given to 11th graders and 10th graders in school on a school day.
Here are some reasons for schools to give their students the PSAT/NMSQT:
- The test offers students opportunities to earn scholarships and academic recognition (official qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program).
- Students can use their PSAT/NMSQT scores to get free personalized practice for the SAT.
- PSAT/NMSQT scores give students and their teachers information on what AP courses they will likely do well in.
- Their scores also give students information on what areas they’re strong in and what they need to work on.
This digital standard test is administered on campus to Juniors in the Fall (usually during the month of October). Testing priority is given to Juniors; if space is available, registration will open to sophomores (however, sophomores are not eligible to qualify for NMSQT). See Mrs. Bateman in Counseling Office for questions.
More info: PSAT/NMSQT (College Board)
Test Accommodation Information:
- If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for accommodations when you take the SAT and other College Board tests. Some available accommodations are extended time, extra and extended breaks, and reading and seeing accommodations (for example, large-type test books or Braille test books). Important: meet with Ms. Espinoza in the Counseling Office approximately 8 weeks before you take the SAT/PSAT in order to turn in required documentation. For more info: Accommodations (College Board)
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Register at www.sat.collegeboard.orgSAT (CollegeBoard).
The SAT tests the skills you are learning in school: reading, writing and math.- Critical reading: Reading in multiple subjects; includes reading passages and sentence completions.
- Mathematics: Arithmetic operations, Algebra, Geometry and Algebra 2.
- Writing: Includes a timed essay and a multiple-choice section on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage (some colleges do not use this score).
The SAT takes approximately 4 hours to complete. If you take the SAT more than once, some colleges will accept your top score from one sitting; while others will SuperScore, meaning add together your top scores from each section across multiple sittings.
Click to find more information on how to send your test scores to colleges and Universities: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/scores/sending-sat-scoresSending SAT Scores (CollegeBoard)
Test Accommodation Information:
- If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for accommodations when you take the SAT and other College Board tests. Some available accommodations are extended time, extra and extended breaks, and reading and seeing accommodations (for example, large-type test books or Braille test books). Important: meet with Ms. Espinoza in the Counseling Office approximately 8 weeks before you take the SAT/PSAT in order to turn in required documentation. For more info: Accommodations (College Board)
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SAT Subject Tests™ were standardized college admission tests in specific subjects. Students could choose to take these tests, in addition to the SAT, to showcase their strengths and interests. Previously called SAT II: Subject Tests, and before that Achievement Tests, each Subject Test examined students’ understanding of material taught in school.
There were 20 available tests grouped into five main categories: Math, Science, English, History, and Languages.
Some colleges used SAT Subject Tests for admission, course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges required students to submit scores from SAT Subject Tests for certain courses or programs.
College Board discontinued Subject Tests in 2021. As students and colleges adapted to new realities and changes to the college admissions process, College Board stopped offering Subject Tests to reduce demands on students.
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The ACT organization offers the ACT. Register at www.actstudent.orgACT Test
The ACT tests in 4 subject areas, plus an optional writing test.- English: Grammar and word usage.
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and Trigonometry.
- Reading Comprehension: Reading comprehension in multiple subject areas.
- Science: Understanding scientific information in a variety of methods (text, charts, etc.)
- Writing (Optional): Some colleges do not require this 30 minute timed essay.
The ACT takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. If you take the ACT more than once, you may select which scores to send to colleges.
Click to find more information on how to send your test scores to colleges and Universities: Sending Your Scores (ACT)
Colleges
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The UC system is among the world's greatest research universities with 10 campuses across California.
- Visit the University of California for admissions requirements, deadlines and the application.
- Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above in all UC approved coursework. How to Calculate Your UC GPA. Most UC campuses receive more applicants than they have room for, so they use a comprehensive review process to determine admission.
Note: Although standardized tests (SAT, ACT, etc.) are no longer required for admission, scores can still be submitted and are recommended by certain campuses or programs.
UC Application Deadline (see timeline): UC Important Dates & Deadlines
- University of California A-G List
- UC Admissions Website
- UC Application
- UC Freshman Admission Profiles
- UC GPA Calculator
- UC Campus Policies & Procedures for Reviewing Freshman Applicants
- Transfer Path to the UC
- Incoming Freshman: Personal Insight Questions - Click for worksheet: PIQ Guide
- UC Admission Presentation
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The CSU, with 22 campuses, is a leader in supplying graduates with the necessary technical and personal skills to be successful in the working world. Visit Cal State Apply for admissions requirements, deadlines, and the application.
The minimum requirements for admission as a first-year student are:- Completing 15 year long college prep A-G courses with a grade of "C" or better.
Note: Meeting the minimum eligibility requirement does not guarantee admission. Some programs/campuses may establish a higher index which is not published prior to applying. Admission as a first-time freshman is based on completion of required college preparatory coursework and overall academic achievement in high school.
CSU Application Deadline (see timeline): CSU Application Dates & Deadlines
- Cal State Apply
- CSU Application
- University of California A-G List
- CSU Freshman Testing Requirements
- CSU Undergraduate Impacted Programs
- Student Support
- Transfer Path to the CSU
- CSU Resources
- CSU Supportive Pathways For First-Year Students Program (*previously known as CSU Early Start Program)
For an overview of the CSU application process click here: Cal State Apply Overview.
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There are over 60 independent undergraduate colleges and universities in California alone. Private colleges and universities are quite diverse in nature, including research universities, small liberal arts colleges, faith-based colleges and universities, and specialized colleges.
The cost is higher than public colleges and universities. However, these institutions have a variety of financial aid programs that often make the cost comparable to a public institution. The ability to graduate in 4 years at a private institution may be greater than at a public institution due to more courses being available.
Some independent institutions, such as USC, Stanford, and California Institute of Technology, are highly selective. Other universities are less selective in nature. Visit their websites for specific admission information. Transfer to a private college is possible after your freshman year at a community college or other institution.
Many schools take applications through the Common App.See the following on how to get started on the Common App: Common App (YouTube)
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The Common Black College Application allows students to apply to over 50 HBCUs at the same time for only $20. Also, did you know that California community college students are guaranteed admission to several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the United States?
Click here to find out more information: HBCU Transfer Opportunities
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Attending a community college in California provides an affordable, flexible path to earn an associate degree, complete job-training certificates, or transfer to a four-year university.
Start Your Community College Journey (Application)
Some 80,000 California community colleges students transfer seamlessly to a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campus every year. And every year, nearly 40,000 California community college students earn an Associate Degree for Transfer that guarantees them admission as juniors to a Cal State campus and other participating universities (the Degree with a Guarantee).
The Degree with a Guarantee may be the perfect fit for you if you’re looking to transfer to a saved spot at a UC or CSU, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), or one of three dozen independent, nonprofit universities.