THE COLLEGE APPLICATION HANDBOOK
A resource guide to help students plan and prepare
for the college application and admission process
El Cerrito High School 540 Ashbury Avenue El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 231-1437
2
ndEdition, 2015
ECHS Website: elcerritogauchos.net
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction To The Handbook………...3
Choosing A College………..4-8 Graduation Requirements………...9
A-G Requirements………...….10
Understanding Higher Education in California: The Four Segments………...11-13 The University of California (U.C.) System……….14-15 Campuses of the CSU (California State Universities)……….16-18 Community Colleges in California………...19-22 Applying to Private/Independent Colleges and Universities: The Common Application...23-24 California Private Colleges and Universities: A Selected List………..25
Decision Plans: Breaking Down the Various Application Decision Plan Options………...26-27 Testing: College Entrance Tests………...28-30 The Personal Statement Essay………..31-34 College Recommendations: Teacher, Counselor, Other, and Etiquette……….35-36 Extra-Curricular Activities and Summer Involvements………37-38 Financial Aid and Scholarship Information and Resources………...39-44 Intercollegiate Sports………....45-46 Attending College with a Learning Difference or Physical or Emotional Challenges…………...47-48 Freshman Preparation and Checklist………...….49
Sophomore Preparation and Checklist………...…..50-51 Junior Preparation and Checklist……….….52-56 Senior Preparation and Checklist………...57-60 Historically Black Colleges: A Selected List………...…....61
Colleges Offering Strong Programs in the Arts: A Selected List………..………..…..62-63 Selected California Colleges for Dance: Tips for Applying to Dance Programs…….……….…...64
Colleges With Strong Engineering Programs: A Selected List.……….………...65
Senior Profile………..66
Resume Template: Academic and Extracurricular……….67
Transcript Request Form……….………..68 Resources For Students Applying to College………....69-71
This handbook drew inspiration from a variety of college-application handbooks from high schools throughout California. The El Cerrito High School handbook was developed by ECHS parent and College Advising Consultant, Leslie Cohen, with invaluable support and input from a dedicated group of individuals: Principal, David Luongo, Assistant Principal Guthrie Fleischman, Assistant Principal Brianna Winn, Counselors Mallory Neuman, Yecenia Campos, and Christina Rios, College and Career Advisor Bobbi Griggs, and numerous members of the ECHS staff.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HANDBOOK
Dear Students:Welcome to the 2nd edition of the ECHS College Application Handbook! This handbook was created in response to a growing need from our school community for accessible information and helpful advice about the often-complex college application process. This handbook is not intended to replace the many college guides on the market. Instead, it contains a synthesized version of the key steps, advice and resources to help make the application and admission process more accessible to students and families. The handbook, in its entirety, can also be viewed and downloaded on the ECHS website at www.elcerritogauchos.net.
Approaching the college application process for the first time may seem overwhelming. The process requires planning and research. However, if you take the necessary steps to prepare and organize, the experience will be much more rewarding and manageable. Additionally, don’t feel as if you are alone in this process. ECHS has experienced counselors, a fully resourced College and Career Center as well as dedicated teachers, administrators and volunteers, each of whom want you to be successful in achieving your goals. Our school is fortunate to offer junior and senior college
information nights, financial aid workshops, subject-specific tutoring, and many visits by individual college representatives. College-related information is also available on the ECHS website, on the email E-tree and in both Student Services and the College and Career Center.
Another important thing to understand is that even though you do not have control over which college or university may offer acceptance, you do have a great deal of control over the application and admission process. You control where you will apply, what kind of high school academic path you want to pursue, what extracurricular activities you want to be involved with, and how much effort you put into college research and preparing for standardized tests. And, once a school accepts you, you have control over which college you want to attend.
The creation of this handbook was a collective effort by a dedicated group of ECHS individuals. The project was initiated by ECHS parent and College Advising Consultant Leslie Cohen and invaluable input was provided by: Counselors, Mallory Neuman, Yecenia Campos, and Christina Rios, Career Center Director, Bobbi Griggs, English teachers Chris Silva and Curt Douglas, IT Academy teacher Melody Shah, and Dance Program Director Jessy Kronenberg.
Going to college is an important step in your adult life. It not only opens up a new world of ideas and interests but it also prepares you for our rapidly changing job market and economy. You will have the opportunity to engage with people from all around the world, develop skills and obtain knowledge that will enable you to broaden your experience and make your mark upon the world.
I hope the second edition of this handbook helps to make your college application process an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Go Gauchos!
David Luongo, Principal El Cerrito High School, 2015
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
Choosing to go to college is an important decision! Think about the following criteria as you create your college list and work towards finding schools that best fit and match your academic, social, emotional and individual needs.
ACADEMICS
• What colleges offer the kind of education or training that interest you?
• If you don’t know what you want to study, does the school offer a range of academic options? • How academically challenging is the school? Will you be satisfied with the level of rigor? • Do you want to be at a college with only undergraduate programs or at a university with both
undergraduate and graduate offerings?
• What is the average class size? Do you learn best in larger or smaller settings?
• Do professors and/or graduate students teach classes? Are faculty accessible to students? • Are my GPA, test scores and academic profile in line with acceptance rates at these colleges? • Are undergraduates able to become involved with research opportunities? Internships? • What are the graduation rates at schools you are interested in?
• What career advising options are available to students? • What are the study abroad opportunities?
SIZE
• Colleges range in size from 27-to-60,000 students. Think about where you might feel most comfortable—a small, medium or large setting?
• Small School: Up to 4,000, Medium School: 4,000-12,000, Large School: 12,000+ • What percentage of classes will have fewer than 50 students?
• Do you prefer larger lecture style classes or smaller seminar style classes? • What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
ATMOSPHERE & STUDENT BODY
• What types of clubs and activities are offered on campus?
• How serious about academics are students at various institutions? • Diversity: How ethnically and racially diverse is the student body?
• Do I want a single sex or co-ed college? Religious-based? An historically black college? • What are the housing, dining, health, and athletic offerings at the school?
• Is there a strong athletic program? Are intramural and club sports offered? • Greek life: Are fraternities or sororities important to you?
• What cultural and community options are available (concerts, museums, festivals, volunteer opportunities, on-campus speakers)?
LOCATION:
• How close---or sometimes more importantly—how far away from home do you want to be? • Geography: what part of the country the school is located in: West Coast, Southwest,
Midwest, South, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, or international (Canada, U.K., etc.) • How important is the climate and the weather?
COST
A major factor to be considered is the cost of attending college. Find out early on: How much can my family and I afford for a college education? The total cost of attendance for a year as computed by the college financial aid office, includes: tuition, fees, room-and-board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
While cost is important, DO NOT limit your choice of colleges to only those you can afford without financial assistance. MANY of the more expensive private colleges have extensive financial aid
programs, which may cover anywhere from 20% to the full cost, depending on your need. Often, private colleges can match or beat the costs of attending public universities. Do your research and look at individual college websites’ financial aid sections. Contact individual financial aid offices at colleges that interest you---they are eager to help you. Also, many college websites have financial aid calculators where you can plug in financial numbers and come away with a fairly good idea of what kind of financial award you may qualify for—type in net-price calculator on each college website. Fin-Aid is also a very helpful website for financial aid information: www.finaid.org.
Do additional research on finding scholarships to help offset college costs. The ECHS College and Career Center as well as your counselor have resources and information about scholarship
opportunities. Also, consult the Financial Aid and Scholarship sections of this manual for further resources and helpful tools.
DO YOUR RESEARCH:
Finding the best-fit colleges for you and creating a college list takes time and thoughtful research. The more information you have, the better decisions you will make about what colleges are right for YOU! There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States and more than one of these is bound to have what you are looking for.
Ø IMPORTANT: Do not focus on where your friends are applying, or which colleges have the highest ranking or buzz. Instead, spend the time to find the right schools that match your interests, needs, and qualifications and ones where you will be happy and thrive.
Here are some tips to begin the search:
TALK TO:
• Your counselor about your academic profile, your interests, and future goals and get some feedback about what kinds of schools consider. Go over your course selections and make sure you are on-track for graduation and for college acceptance requirements. Consider the rigor of your academic plan and decide if you are challenging yourself enough. If you are struggling academically, ask for support.
• Your teachers, ECHS alumni, family and friends and find out what they know about particular colleges or what college they are attending or have attended. If you know someone already in college, contact them about their experiences as a college student.
• Your parents or guardians about finances and what your family will be able to afford and what you may need to look for in terms of financial aid or scholarships. Do not wait until the last minute for this discussion---it is important to know what is feasible and available to you.
CONSULT one or more of the suggested research tools in the Resource section of this handbook.
• College Guides: See Resource section for recommended college guides. Take note of academic offerings, acceptance percentages, testing requirements and score ranges. Some guides also have “overlaps” sections that list schools that are similar to a particular college.
• College Websites: are filled with information about academics, student life, admissions, and financial aid. Go beyond the homepage and research academic majors, faculty, departmental newsletters, housing options, financial aid, and admissions details.
• ECHS College and Career Center: Visit often and make use of the available college resources available to all students. Resources include: college handbooks, college brochures,
scholarship materials, testing review materials, college visit schedules, and much more. ATTEND a college fair during sophomore, junior and senior year. These free fairs are a great way to find out about a wide variety of colleges in one place. See the Resource section of this manual for local college fair information. Also, look for college fair announcements from the ECHS College and Career Center. At a college fair, you can pick up brochures, meet admissions representatives, and put your name on college mailing lists (so you can receive additional information from the colleges). ATTEND presentations by college admissions representatives. Many admissions representatives come to ECHS throughout the fall to meet with interested students. Presentations are geared for seniors although there are opportunities for juniors to attend as well. Listen for announcements on the e-tree, the daily announcements or stop by the ECHS College and Career Center for
information. These presentations are great opportunities for students to learn about a particular school and to have their questions answered by admissions representatives.
VISIT one or more college campuses. There is no better way to find out if a college is a “good fit” than physically being on a college campus. Try to visit a few colleges---of varying sizes, locations, and focuses. There are many colleges within 10 minutes-to-2 hours of ECHS that can be accessed by car, bus or train. If you go on vacation with your family, find out if there are colleges in the area and set up a campus tour. Visits, tours and information sessions are FREE, but often require advanced registration (online or by phone). Go to a particular school’s website and find their “visit” section. Find a date that works for your schedule and sign up for a campus tour and information session.
• Tours are usually led by current students and are informal in nature. Tour leaders are great sources of information about their campus so come prepared with questions.
• Information Sessions are often led by an Admissions Counselor and will involve an overview of the college, their admission requirements, what they look for in an applicant. Often, there is time to ask questions at the end of the session. Make sure to get the full name or business card of the person who leads the information session so that you can email them with any follow-up questions.
• Visit Tips: While on campus, pick up a campus newspaper to get a feel for what is
newsworthy; check out campus bulletin boards to see what kinds of clubs, activities, concerts, or events are happening on campus, eat lunch in the dining hall and talk with current students, visit the library and check out the study spaces.
• Take Notes & Photos: Since you will most likely visit a number of colleges, make sure to bring a notebook or diary and take notes and write down impressions from your visit and take a few photos of the campus. When you get to the application phase you can revisit your notes and photos and these details can help you decide whether you are still interested in applying to a particular school and what specific details made an impression on you.
• Virtual Tours: Most colleges offer virtual tours on their websites, or you can search for videos on YouTube on a range of topics including: residential life, campus activities, academic
offerings, or application tips. Another great virtual resource is www.youvisit.com or
www.campustours.com . Virtual tours and videos are great ways to get a sense of a campus that you cannot visit. If the college appeals to you, submit your contact information so you will receive additional information from that school.
BUILDING A COLLEGE LIST
Building a list of colleges is much like building a house. You need to make sure you have a strong foundation to support you (these are your safety/good-bet schools), and then build your walls
(these are your match/possible schools) and finally, add that roof (these are your reach/wildcard
schools). If you want to end up with a variety of options in March and April, you should be both thoughtful and thorough in your research.
How Many Schools Should I Apply To?
A Balanced College List Should Include:
• 2-4 safety/good-bet schools (50%+ chance of acceptance) • 2-3 match/possible schools (25%-50% chance of acceptance) • 1-3 reaches/wildcards (5%-25% chance of acceptance) •
Applying to 6-10 colleges is a suggested number to consider. Important Note: If you are applying the University of California and/or the Cal State University System, each of the applications count as “one”. Just make sure to check off a range of options among each system.
Your college list could also include at least one non-binding early admissions or rolling admissions college that is either a good bet or possible school for you. Locking in an acceptance early in the application process will help you relax a bit while you wait for results from other colleges in the spring. See the Decision Plan section of this handbook for more information.
Ø IMPORTANT: When you create your college list, make sure that EACH school on your list is
somewhere you would like to attend for four years and which you feel would be a good fit— academically, socially, and financially.
When should I begin creating a college list?
During your sophomore and definitely during your junior year, you should begin to research colleges, visit campuses (either in-person or online), attend information sessions and college fairs, and begin to ask yourself “What am I looking for in a college experience?” You should have a balanced menu of schools by the summer after junior year. This list may change a bit, but it is advised to begin your
How can I determine if a college is a safety (Good Bet), match (Possible) or reach (Wildcard)?
Refer to college websites and college guides to familiarize yourself with national admission data from colleges’ current freshman. Pay particular attention to:
• The SAT or ACT score ranges for the middle 50% of accepted freshman. This means that some who were accepted had lower or higher scores but the middle range is what they release. How do your scores mesh with a particular school? If your scores are “in range” then that school is a potential match for you. However, scores are only one piece of the “fit” puzzle. Consider all aspects of each school’s admission data before adding it to your list, including:
• The percentage of admitted students with your GPA (unweighted) and scores. • The admit rate (the percentage of applicants admitted in a given year).
• College websites often post the admissions data of the current freshman class. This is a good gauge to refer to when considering if you will be an academic match for a particular college.
Additional College List Criteria:
• Safety (Good Bet): If an applicant’s scores exceed the mid-range (50%) of scores and the GPA for the prior year’s freshman class AND the college’s admit rates were above 50%, these colleges can be considered a safety (good bet). This means that this school seldom rejects candidates with your credentials and is a solid choice. You should have at least 3-4 safety or sure-bet schools on your list.
• Match (Possible): This means that if your scores and GPA fall into “range” but the school has a lower admit percentage (25-50%) than your chances of acceptance into this more selective school are considered probable or a possible match, but not as solid as a safety/good-bet option. You may opt to have 3-4 match/possible schools on your list.
• Reach (Wild Card): This is a school where your chances of being rejected are higher than your chances of being accepted. Most of these colleges have admitted rates of less than 25%. For example, Stanford, MIT or Harvard (and all Ivies) generally accepts 5-8% of applicants each year and Cal and UCLA accept less than 20%. No matter what your qualifications, these schools would go in the reach or wildcard column for all applicants. You may opt to include 1-3 reach/wildcard options.
GRADUATION REQUIRMENTS:
Required Credits for High School Graduation
Requirement
Required Credits
History/Social Science Social Science World History United States History American Government 35.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 5.00 English 40.00 Math 30.00 Laboratory Science Life Science Physical Science 20.00 10.00 10.00 Foreign Language 10.00 Visual/Performing Arts 10.00 Other Economics Physical Education Electives 80.00 5.00 20.00 55.00
ü Students must accumulate a total of at least 225 credits in the required subject areas in
order to graduate.
ü If a student fails a class, that student must make up that credit deficiency in order to graduate on time.
ü Make sure to check subject requirements and course recommendations from each college and college system (U.C. and CSU) that you are applying to. Some colleges want additional
courses in particular subjects, which go beyond the WCCUSD/ECHS graduation requirements.
ü Be aware that grades below a “C” may preclude you from applying to UC & CSU schools.
**If you have any questions about any of the above information, please contact your Counselor in Student Services or email them through the school website.
A – G REQUIREMENTS
For the University of California (U.C.) and California State University (CSU) Systems
History/ Social Science (“a”): 2 years required of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures and historical geography, and one year of U.S. history, and one-half year of American Government or civics.
English (“b”): 4 years required of college preparatory English, that includes frequent and regular writing, reading of classic and modern literature, and practice listening and speaking. Can include not more than one year of ESL/ELD courses.
Mathematics (“c”): 3 years required of college-preparatory mathematics (algebra I and II, and geometry). Four years recommended.
Laboratory Science (“d”): 2 years required of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three core disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics. Three or four years recommended.
Language Other Than English (“e”): 2 years required of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second-level of high school instruction. Three-four years recommended.
Visual & Performing Arts (“f”): One year required, including dance, drama/theater, music or visual arts.
College Preparatory Elective (“g”): 1 year chosen from the “a-f” courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely for use as “g” electives.
Important Considerations:
a. In order to be a competitive candidate, use the above guidelines to plan your high school academic plan. You should also consider taking an additional course in foreign language, science, math and/or social sciences/history.
b. You must have a grade of “C” or above in each of your sophomore and junior A-G courses in order to apply to U.C. and CSU campuses.
c. Meet the examination requirement by taking the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Plus Writing by December of your senior year. The U.C. system does not require the SAT Subject Tests, but certain programs on some campuses recommend them. Do your research. d. If you are a state resident who has met the minimum requirements and are not admitted to
any U.C. campus to which you apply, you will be offered a spot at another campus if space is available if:
• You rank in the top 9% of California high school students, according to the U.C. admissions index (grades and ACT Plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test scores) OR
• You rank in the top 9% of your graduating class at a participating high school. This is know as “Eligible in the Local Context” or ELC.
e. As the number of applicants to U.C. and CSU continue to increase, students should consider going beyond the minimum requirements.
f. Consult the UC-CSU A-G Comparison Matrix for requirement information at:
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/csu-uc-a-g-comparison-matrix.pdf
UNDERSTANDING HIGHER EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA:
THE PRIMARY DIFFERENCES AMONG THE FOUR SEGMENTS
Colleges and universities in California are organized into four different segments (excluding the for-profit colleges). Three of these segments are public----that is, they are supported by public tax money distributed by the California Legislature. The three public segments are:a. California Community College System b. California State University System c. University of California (U.C.) System
The fourth segment consists of private colleges or universities within California. These private institutions often prefer to be called “Independent” colleges/universities because they are independent from public funding. Each independent college establishes its own minimum admission requirements, admission policy and application procedures.
d. Independent (or private) colleges and universities in the state.
These four segments of California higher education differ in two major ways. The first of these is admission policy. That is, the percent of the state’s high school graduates that a particular segment admits, as specified in the California Master Plan for Higher Education. The University of California, for example, has admission requirements that are designed to yield the top 9% of the state’s high school graduates. The California State University System (Cal State) accepts the top 33.3%. California community colleges have an open enrollment policy, which specifies that anyone who is a high school graduate, who has passed the GED, or who is 18 years of age, may attend. Independent colleges and universities do not set admission policies in the same way that the three public segments do and they vary in their degree of selectivity. The most competitive independent colleges---for example, Stanford, California Institute of Technology, Pomona College— are highly selective, while many of the other independents admit a larger percentage of their applicants.
The second major difference is cost. California community colleges have the highest degree of
Legislative financial support of the public systems and remain relatively low cost to students. The California State University System is also strongly supported by the Legislature but not the same degree as community colleges. The U.C. system has the lowest proportion of public funding from the state, so its fees are approximately double those of the CSU system. The independent colleges and universities receive no public funding. Because they depend heavily on tuition for their operating budgets, they are much more expensive than even the most expensive segment of the public system. Note: consult the Financial Aid and Scholarship section in the Resources Section of this handbook for information on financing your education.
Naming: How to Determine Which College Belongs to Which System
Figuring out the differences among these four segments is often easier than figuring out what college belongs to which system. These naming rules will help clarify the confusion.
California Community Colleges
Most of the 112 California community colleges originally called themselves “junior colleges.” Some years ago, “City College” or “Community College” in their official names replaced that phrase. Now, most California community colleges use only the word “College” in their official names, for example:
College of Marin Santa Monica College
Laney College Diablo Valley College There are, however, some holdovers from earlier practice: City College of San Francisco Los Angeles City College Glendale Community College Riverside Community College Modesto Junior College Santa Rosa Junior College
California State Universities (CSU)
In general, the names of twenty-three California State University campuses begin with “California State University”, followed by the name of the city where the campus is located. “California State University” is often shortened (“Cal State”) or abbreviated (“CSU”):
Cal State East Bay Cal State Long Beach
In the case of long established and well-know campuses, the name of the city is followed by “State” or, more properly, “State University”:
Chico State University San Francisco State University San Diego State University San Jose State University Exceptions:
California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) California State Polytechnic University at Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) California Maritime Academy
Humboldt State University (named for its county rather than its city).
University of California
The ten University of California campuses all begin with “University of California” in their official names (usually abbreviated “UC”) followed by the name of the city where they are located:
UC Berkeley (or Cal) UC Davis UC Irvine UC Los Angeles (UCLA)
UC Merced UC Riverside UC San Diego UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)
UC Santa Cruz (UCSC)
Independent Colleges and Universities:
Independent colleges and universities almost always say “University of XXXX”, or “XXXX University”, or “XXXX College”” in their titles. You can also identify them by default: They do not say “City College”, “CSU” or “UC” in their titles:
University of Redlands Stanford University Occidental College University of the Pacific Loyola Marymount University Mills College
University of San Francisco Whittier College Claremont McKenna College Pepperdine University Pitzer College University of San Diego
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (U.C.) SYSTEM
Application Opens: August 1
stApplication Submission Dates: November 1 to November 30
Each of the nine undergraduate campuses has their own flavor and focus. Research and visit campuses to get a sense of both academic offerings and campus feel. Familiarize yourself with the acceptance rates at various U.C. campuses and apply broadly.The Application:
The application to the U.C. system becomes available August 1 and applications are available online at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions. Each student submits one application to the University of California, checking off which campus or campuses for which they wish to be considered and then pay a fee for each campus. Once you submit your application, it is electronically sent to the
campuses that you have indicated on your application. You do not need to send separate applications to each U.C. campus. File your application as soon as possible during the open filing period of November 1 to 30 as the computer system can become overloaded at the end of November.
Testing:
Make sure to complete all SAT or ACT with writing and SAT Subject tests (if required by a particular department or major) by the December test date of your senior year. It is YOUR responsibility to have all of your test scores sent to the U.C. You can have them sent via the www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org websites where you have your account. You can have a score report sent to one
campus and it will be shared with all the campuses to which you apply. SAT Subject Tests are not required for admission, however certain programs on some campuses require them. You may also submit scores if you want to show proficiency in a particular subject and/or if you plan to apply for competitive majors (check specific campuses and majors for requirements).
Transcripts:
Transcripts are not required at the time you apply to the U.C. system. If accepted and if you commit to attend a U.C. campus, you will be asked to submit a final transcript at the end of your senior year. Recommendations are not required for the U.C. system.
Special Programs Requirements:
Some departments have additional application requirements (art, theater, dance, etc.) so make sure to consult the departmental requirements at each of the campuses you are applying to.
Fee Waivers:
U.C. will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students. You can apply for a fee waiver within the online application and be notified immediately whether you have qualified.
Web Addresses for the Nine Undergraduate U.C. Campuses: UC Berkeley: www.berkeley.edu
UC Davis: www.ucdavis.edu UC Irvine: www.uci.edu
UC Los Angeles: www.ucla.edu UC Merced: www.ucmerced.edu UC Riverside: www.ucr.edu UC San Diego: www.ucsd.edu UC Santa Barbara: www.ucsb.edu UC Santa Cruz: www.ucsc.edu
U.C. Resources for High School Students:
For more information about admissions, academic preparation, pathways to the U.C. system, costs, and tips about the application process, the following links are excellent resources:
http://www.ucop.edu/education-partnerships/programs/resources-for-preparing-for-college.html http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR U.C.
*For more information on A-G requirements, refer to Page10 of this handbook. Complete the 15 units listed below with grades of C or better and have a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA in 10-12 coursework. Make note that admissions to U.C. campuses becomes more competitive each year so it is suggested that students go beyond the minimum course requirements and maintain solid grades.
• History/Social Science: 2 years required, 3 years recommended, including one year of world history, geography and one year of U.S. History or one-half year of U.S. History and one-half year of Government.
• English: 4 years required
• Mathematics: 3 years required, 4 years recommended, to include Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II
• Lab Science: 2 years required, 3-4 years recommended, in both physical and biological sciences • Foreign Language: 2 years required, 3-4 years recommended, in the same language.
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year required. • Elective: 1 year required of College Prep elective.
• SAT Reasoning Test or ACT with writing is also required.
• SAT Subject Tests are not required but recommended in certain majors—do your research. • Recommendations: not required.
U.C. Application Tips and Advice:
Ø Although you cannot officially submit your application until the November 1-30 filing period begins, you can begin to fill out the application beginning August 1st---make sure to “save” as you go. Complete the personal information sections, and get started on the required
Personal Statement essays. The two prompts stay the same from year-to-year. Refer to “The Personal Statement Essay” section of this handbook for information about the prompts and tips on essay writing.
Ø WARNING: If you are accepted to a U.C. campus, your acceptance is PROVISIONAL. You are expected to continue to do well academically throughout your entire senior year. Should you fail to maintain your academic levels (grades and final GPA), you risk having your
acceptance rescinded. Additionally, think carefully about dropping a class during the second semester of senior year. Remember, you have submitted your planned courses on your submitted U.C. application and they expect you to live up to your plan. If you are considering dropping a class, meet with your counselor to discuss the ramifications and how to
CAMPUSES OF THE CSU
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITIES
The California State University system is the largest state university system in the country, containing 23 campuses and serving more than 400,000 students. Each campus is unique and has distinct student populations and programs. The CSU campuses are:
Northern California: a. Humboldt b. Chico c. Sonoma d. Sacramento e. Maritime Academy f. San Francisco g. East Bay h. San Jose i. Stanislaus j. Monterey Bay Central California:
a. San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) b. Bakersfield c. Fresno Southern California: a. Northridge b. Channel Islands c. Los Angeles d. Dominguez Hills e. San Bernardino f. Fullerton g. Long Beach
h. Pomona (Cal Poly) i. San Marcos
j. San Diego
CSU Resources: each campus is unique in size, location, student population, course offerings, and majors. Use the following online resources to research individual CSU campuses:
www.calstate.edu www.csumentor.edu www.csusuccess.org
Preparation is Key! CSU Tips:
• Explore and research campuses via the web and take a virtual tour of the campuses that interest you. Some campuses have “impacted” majors (engineering, computer science, math, etc.), which may require higher admission standards; go to:
http://www.calstate.edu/SAS/impactioninfo.shtml for more information.
• The CSU website at www.csumentor.edu has the most up-to-date campus information and recommendations for students. Visit campus preview days in 10th and 11th grade and Fall Open Houses in 12th grade.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR CSU
*For more information about A-G requirements, refer to Page 10 of this Handbook
Complete the minimum 15 A-G courses with a grade of “C” or higher. Admission is based on an index of 10-12 GPA and test scores (SAT or ACT). To be a more competitive candidate, it is suggested to take additional courses than the minimum fifteen. Consider adding one or more years of Social Science, Math, Foreign Language and Science.
2 Years: Social Science, including one year of US History or US History and Government
4 Years: English
3 Years: Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II)
2 Years: Science with lab (one year biological and one year physical) 1 Year: Visual and Performing Arts
1 Year: Elective in college prep course SAT or ACT: Required for admission
Recommendations: Not required for admission
• The CSU uses a calculation called an eligibility index that combines your weighted high school GPA (10th and 11th grades) with the composite score you earn on the ACT or the SAT Reasoning (Critical Reading + Math) scores.
• Many CSU campuses utilize local admission guarantee policies for students who graduate from high schools and community colleges that are historically served by a CSU campus in that region.
• Many CSU campuses have higher standards for particular majors or for students who live outside the local admission area. Because of the number of students who apply, several campuses may require supplementary admission criteria for all applicants. Do your research. • Apply as early as Oct 1st. The application period is Oct 1-November 30. It is advised to submit
prior to the final date of November 30, as the computer system can get overloaded.
• Research ways to pay for college and attend a Cash-for-College-Workshop with your parents or guardians during your senior year. These are usually offered in January or February at ECHS and throughout the WCCUSD.
• Submit ACT/SAT/AP test scores to all campuses you apply to. You can indicate the CSU Mentor Code 3594 to have your SAT/ACT scores sent to any CSU. All CSU campuses will be able to access your scores through CSU Mentor. Be aware that many CSU campuses require that all SAT/ACT testing be completed no later than the October test date of your senior year.
• You do NOT need a teacher recommendation for CSU
Ø WARNING: Remember that when you are admitted it is PROVISIONAL---you must continue to do
well in your ENTIRE senior year to meet the admissions requirements! At a minimum, you must maintain at C- or above grade point average in order to keep your admission to CSU. Additionally, think carefully about dropping a class during the second semester of senior year. Remember, you have submitted your planned courses on your submitted CSU application and they expect you to live up to your plan. If you are considering dropping a class, meet with your counselor to discuss the ramifications and how to communicate the change to the campuses to which you applied.
Costs of Attending a CSU
2014-2015 Estimated Average Academic Year Expenses: The CSU system maintains one of the lowest fee structures among comparable institutions. Nearly 3.6 billion dollars is distributed in financial aid and more than 70% of the student population receives some form of financial aid. To qualify for aid, make sure to file a FAFSA during the priority filing period, between January 1-March 2.
2014-‐15 Estimated Budget Live at Home Live on Campus Live Off Fees $6,698 $6,698 $6,698 Books/Supplies $1,719 $1,719 $1,719 Room/Board $4,532 $12,080 $12,089 Transportation $1,345 $1,169 $1,391 Misc./Personal $1,364 $1,364 $1,364 ESTIMATED TOTALS $15,658 $23,030 $23,261
COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA
www.cccco.edu and www.cccapply.orgComprised of 72 districts and 112 colleges, the California Community Colleges make up the largest higher education system in the nation—providing a gateway to higher education for nearly 3 million students per year. Community colleges offer associate's degrees, prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, provide opportunities for lifelong learning, and train the workforce that sustains California’s economy.
Note: In the coming years, fifteen California Community Colleges will be offering specialized 4-year baccalaureate degrees. For details, go to: www.cccco.edu.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM • You need to be a high school graduate OR
• Have passed the GED (General Educational Development) test or California High School Proficiency Test (CAHSEE) OR
• Be at least 18 years of age.
Note: There may be special requirements for certain two-year career programs. Testing and personal interviews are the prerequisites for programs such as: dental assistance, marketing management, nursing, auto mechanics, etc.
If you meet the requirements above, you are eligible to attend any of the 112 community colleges in
California. Research a variety of community colleges to find the one that fits your academic needs and goals. Community College is a Good Choice If:
• You want to obtain an AA degree in vocational or technical training. • You wish to begin college while remaining in your home community.
• You are not sure of the academic field you wish to pursue and/or you want to explore varied subject areas before committing to a 4-year degree program.
• A four-year college is too costly. Community colleges cost significantly less than 4-year public or private universities.
• Your goal is to transfer to a 4-year college after completing 2 years at a community college. • You plan to complete a 4-year college program; however, for financial or other reasons you
plan to live at home for the first two years.
• You need flexibility in your educational schedule. Community colleges cater their offerings to students who need to work or have family responsibilities. Courses are offered on weekends, evenings and sometimes online.
• You want to attend a 4-year college, but your grades and/or subjects you took in high school do not qualify you for admission without further preparation.
Note: While the majority of community colleges are commuter campuses there are twelve campuses in California that offer on-campus housing. These include: Butte College, College of the Redwoods, College of the Siskiyous, Columbia College, Feather River College, Lassen Community College, Reedley College, Santa Barbara City College, Shasta College, Sierra College, Taft College and West Hills College.
Vocational-Technical:
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is awarded in many two-year, vocational-technical programs. A one-year certificate program is also available in certain fields. Students receive training in skills that qualify them for employment in semi-professional and technical areas. Examples of vocational-technical programs leading to an AA degree are: accounting, automotive mechanics, banking and finance, data processing, electronics, technology, healthcare, real estate, and the travel industry. Check the community college you are interested in for availability and course offerings.
Community College Application Process:
1. Get application online at www.cccapply.org or at the specific community college website. 2. Complete and submit application online
Other Important Steps: go to www.stepforward.cccco.edu • Take placement assessments tests before registering for courses. • Participate in an orientation at the community college of your choice.
• Meet with a community college counselor to develop an education plan and discuss transfer pathway options.
California residents may attend any community college in the state. Contra Costa College (CCC) counselors often come to ECHS to explain registration procedures. Ask in the Career Center for dates that CCC representatives will be on campus and the date(s) when community college assessment tests will be given at ECHS.
Note: If you wish to enter a special career program, there may be special requirements and earlier application dates. Make an appointment in November of your senior year to see a community college counselor if you are interested in two-year programs such as: dental assisting, marketing management, nursing, x-ray technology, law enforcement, and auto mechanic.
Admission Tests:
No college admission tests (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, etc.) are required. If, however, you are considering transferring to a four-year college, it is highly recommended that you take your SAT/ACT tests in high school. Additionally, a high enough score on your ACT or SAT can sometimes qualify you to skip the first level English or Math requirements.
Transfer Programs:
Community Colleges offer a full range of academic courses, covering the first two years of college, that enable a student to prepare for transfer to a UC or CSU campus or to a private college. Transfer students who plan carefully can enter a four-year college as a junior. Each community college has Transfer Admission Agreements (TAGS) with specific UC and CSU campuses as well as private colleges. Meet with a counselor at the community college you wish to attend and find out how you can plan for a transfer. Information about California Community College courses that do receive transfer credit is available at www.assist.org and at http://adegreewithaguarantee.com/.
• Note: When applying to the UC and CSU systems, students from California community colleges have admissions priority over all other prospective transfer students, including those from 4-year colleges. If you plan well and stay on track, this is a great way to go!
Financial Aid: Aid is available at the community college level. You must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid, www.fafsa.gov). You will also need to complete a GPA verification form (available in the College and Career Center). Check with the Financial Aid Office of the community college you wish to attend for more information and consult http://home.cccapply.org/money. Take a look at the Financial Aid and Resource sections in this handbook for more information on financial aid/scholarships.
California Community Colleges – Campus Locations
http://www.foundationccc.org/APPLYING TO PRIVATE COLLEGES AND SOME
OUT-OF-STATE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
The Common Application
Many private (or independent) colleges and universities, and some out-of-state public universities, use the Common Application. Over 500 schools utilize the Common Application; see
www.commonapp.org for a complete list. The Common Application is a one-stop clearinghouse for applying to many colleges. It allows students to submit and track components of their application such as: essays, supplements, payments, school forms, and recommenders.
IMPORTANT: Check each school’s website to find out if they require applying through the Common Application, or if they use an alternate application process, such as the Universal Application
(universalcollegeapp.com) or if they require their own individual applications, such as: Georgetown, Cal Arts, Elon University, MIT and University of Oregon.
In order to apply to colleges using the Common Application, students will need to set up a free online account at www.commonapp.org. Use the professional email that you want colleges to see and which you will use throughout the college application and financial aid process. Create an email such as: johndoe2014@gmail and not liketoparty@gmail. Once your account and password are set, you may research colleges through the site, find out each school’s application requirements and deadlines, and add schools-of-interest to your own personal “dashboard” of colleges. The dashboard is a helpful tool as it shows you what schools you are applying to, reminds you when an application deadline is coming up, checks off when a recommender has sent in his/her letter on your behalf, and lets you know when your application is complete.
The Common Application is also where you will fill out the general application requirements (personal, family, educational, academic, extra-curricular, awards, etc.) and where you will be asked to write a personal statement of up to 650 words from one of the five prompts offered. Please refer to the Common Application website and the Personal Statement Essay section of this handbook for essay-writing tips and prompts. This part of the application and essay prompt is what will be sent to each of the schools on your personal dashboard, with the same information going to each.
Many schools also require supplementary application information and writing components from students. These requirements will show up when you click on each school you have listed on your dashboard. The supplementary portions have to be submitted electronically, only after you have electronically submitted (and paid) for the general application portion of the Common Application. You will be asked to pay, by credit card, for each submission and each school has its own set
application fee (they often range from $50.00-90.00 per application). Payments can be done securely through the website and you will receive an email confirmation of payment. If you have a fee-waiver, follow the prompts within the application for instructions on how to submit.
TEACHER AND COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COMMON APP: Students will also be able to, electronically, invite counselors and teachers to write and submit a recommendation on their behalf. It is, however, up to you to determine how many
recommendations are required for each school and to invite your recommenders in a timely and courteous manner. Remember, counselors and teachers are asked to write many letters of recommendation so make sure to request and invite with plenty of advance notice. Refer to the Recommendations Section of this handbook for tips on requesting and managing recommendations.
COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COMMON APPLICATION:
Counselor recommendations are part of the School Report. Counselor letters and the School Report explain your transcript, your role in the ECHS community, as well as highlighting your involvement with on-campus and extracurricular activities. Counselors are also asked to input information about your GPA and class rank, the rigor of your course selections, any disciplinary issues, etc. Because each ECHS counselor oversees more than 600 students, it is important for students to take the initiative to meet with their counselors, at least several times each year, email them with questions, drop by to “check in” with them about how things are going with their courses and the application process. When it comes time for them to write a counselor recommendation, students are asked to complete a Senior Profile (a
template can be found in this handbook or from their counselor). The Senior Profile asks the
student to elaborate on activities they have been involved in, give words that describe their character and personality, offer examples of academic successes, and descriptions of obstacles they have faced. The more detail you provide, the easier it will be for your counselor to compose a detailed
recommendation. If you are applying Early Action or Early Decision, it is suggested that seniors turn in their Senior Profile by mid-September and for Regular or Rolling Admission, by the beginning of October.
Ø IMPORTANT: Students must turn in their Senior Profiles and invite their counselor to submit a Counselor Recommendation on their behalf with ample lead-time. All requests for recommendations should be submitted well before the winter break!
Helpful Tip: Try to complete your Senior Profile the summer before senior year begins. Having the
time to think about thoughtful and thorough responses will result in a more complete and comprehensive product for your counselor. Copies of the Senior Profile can be found in this
handbook, in the ECHS College and Career Center, from your counselor and on the ECHS website. If you have questions as to how to use or complete the Common Application, go to the
www.commonapp.org website, where you can search the “Help” section or view one of the video tutorials. Your counselor and the ECHS College and Career Center are also available to you for assistance with the application process.
CALIFORNIA PRIVATE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
This is a selected list of private (or independent) California colleges and universities. Visit the websites for the schools you are interested in and learn more about California private colleges and at www.aiccu.edu.• American Jewish University, Los Angeles • Antioch University Los Angeles
• Art Center College of Design, Pasadena • Biola University, La Mirada
• California College of the Arts, Oakland
• California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech), Pasadena • California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts), Valencia • California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks • Chapman University, Orange
• Claremont McKenna College, Claremont * • Dominican University of California, San Rafael • Harvey Mudd College, Claremont*
• Holy Names University, Oakland
• Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Beach • Loma Linda University, Loma Linda
• Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
• Marymount California University, Rancho Palos Verdes • Menlo College, Atherton
• Mills College, Oakland
• Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles • Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont • Occidental College, Los Angeles
• Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles • Pepperdine University, Malibu
• Pitzer College, Claremont* • Pomona College, Claremont*
• Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga • San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco
• San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco • Santa Clara University, Santa Clara
• Scripps College, Claremont* • Stanford University, Palo Alto • University of Redlands, Redlands • University of San Diego, San Diego • University of San Francisco, San Francisco • University of Southern California, Los Angeles • University of the Pacific, Stockton
• Westmont College, Santa Barbara • Whittier College, Whittier
**Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona and Scripps are part of the Claremont College Five-College Consortium in Claremont, CA.
DECISION PLANS:
Breaking Down the Various Application Decision Plan Options
Students not only have to decide which colleges they will apply to but they also have to consider what type of decision plan they wish to pursue. There are basically five types of admission: Regular, Rolling, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action and Early Decision. Each of the plans will bediscussed below but make sure to check the specific admissions options at each of the colleges on your list, as details can vary from year to year.
Regular Decision (RD): This is what most students think about when applying to college and most
students apply through this path. Students submit their application materials sometime in late winter and usually hear a decision by late-March or early-April. Remember to check EACH school’s application instructions and make note of specific due-dates. There are three possible outcomes for RD: acceptance, denial, or waitlist. If accepted, students have until the May 1st National Candidates Reply Date to make their decisions. If waitlisted, students should check the waitlist policy for each school and carefully follow the instructions. Often if a student wants to remain on the waitlist, they have to notify the school directly.
Unless you have a compelling reason to apply under a school’s “early” plan, RD is the application path you will follow.
Rolling Admission (RA): Colleges offering rolling admission use RA exclusively. This means there is
no set deadline to apply. As soon as the application for a particular year is available, schools using RA begin accepting applications. Typically, the colleges review applications as they arrive and either notify students within a few weeks or at specifically prescribed dates. Applications continue to be accepted until all the spaces are filled. A possible advantage to applying on the earlier side at an RA school is there may be more options to access scholarships, financial aid, housing or special academic programs. There are two outcomes for RA applicants: acceptance or denial. Occasionally, an RA school may defer your decision until your mid-year grade reports become available.
Early Action (EA): Under this plan, students apply by an early deadline (often in November) and
hear a response by an early notification date (often in early winter). EA plans are nonbinding and students may also apply to the other schools on their list. Always check the websites of each school on your list to make note of any specific requirements. With EA, students have until the May 1st National Candidates Reply deadline to make their final decision. There are three possible outcomes with EA: acceptance, denial and sometimes deferral. With acceptance, students have the benefit of having a college choice early in the application process—this takes some of the pressure off just knowing that you have “gotten in” to a school. With denial, you are no longer in the application pool of the school. With deferral, your application moves to the regular application pool and you will have to wait until the spring notification date as to your status. If deferred, you will want to send the college updated information including first semester grades, updated test scores (if available) and any additional achievements (academic or extra-curricular).
Some schools offer more than one round of EA—again check college websites for specifics.
Restrictive Early Action (REA): Although this is a nonbinding plan, there are restrictions in this
type of application process. As in EA, students apply early to a first-choice school, receive an early – decision, and have until May 1st National Candidates Reply date to decide. NOTE: it is very important to read the fine print of the REA school to which you are applying. Some allow you to apply early to another
school, only if it is not a similar type (private or public) and some ask students not to apply early anywhere else. There are three outcomes for REA: acceptance, denial and deferral. If accepted, the student has until May 1st to decide. If deferred, the student’s application is moved to the regular decision group for later decision. If deferred, you should make sure to send in updated transcripts (fall grades), updated test scores (if available), and any updates in academics or extra-curricular activities. If denied, you may not reapply for regular decision.
Early Decision (ED): This approach involves careful thought and consideration by students. ED is
a binding contract between the student applicant and the ED school to which they are applying. If you apply ED, you are saying that a particular school is your first choice and if accepted you agree to A) attend that school and B) withdraw all applications to all other schools which were on your list. You must be positive that the school is where you want to enroll and which is the right fit for you. There are three outcomes in ED: acceptance, denial or deferral. If accepted, you must agree to enroll at that school and immediately withdraw all other applications. If deferred, your application will roll into the regular decision pool and you will find out in early spring. If you are denied, your application will not be reconsidered.
An ED path is a great path for students who know, without a doubt, that a particular school is their first choice option. If accepted, you will know in the early winter, have your decision made, and you can relax and enjoy the remainder of your senior year without any further application worries. The problem lies with the fact that many teens do not know definitively what they may truly want in a college, and often students change their minds several times during the course of their senior year. For example, some who thought they wanted a big school in California change their minds mid-year to wanting a smaller school on the east coast.
Another possible issue with ED is that since it is a binding contract, you have little recourse if the school comes back with a less-than-satisfactory financial aid package.
Note: During the 2014 and 2015 application cycles, there was a rising trend towards applying early to colleges and many colleges accepted higher percentages of students in the ED or EA pools than in the RD cycles. Whether that trend continues remains to be seen. If you are considering an ED, REA or EA plan, make sure that the colleges are realistic options for you and that you are academically qualified because you will be compared with a smaller applicant pool.
What to do if you are Wait-Listed:
• Carefully read the details of the college’s wait-list policy. You may need to let the college know if you want to remain on the waitlist by checking a box or submitting a letter of commitment.
• If not clearly stated in your wait-list letter, ask the admissions office if there is anything you can do to improve your chances of being accepted from the wait-list. Can you write a letter, submit an additional recommendation, or send a list of updated grades and achievements? • Reevaluate your “accepted” options and decide which of these schools is the best fit for you.
Put a deposit down at this school to secure your spot for the fall. It is important to note that colleges often do not look at the wait-list until after the May 1st National Candidates Reply Date. Should you be accepted from the wait-list and you still want to attend that school, you will lose your deposit at the school you committed to. You should also make sure that housing and financial aid options are adequately available to you at the wait-listed school.
TESTING: COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS
Many colleges require college admission tests as part of the application process. They are often used in financial aid and scholarship decisions. These tests are seen as helpful to the admissions committee in demonstrating aptitude in academic areas and may give a guide as to how well a student might succeed at a particular institution. It is important to remember that standardized tests are only one part of the application. Your transcript, GPA, the rigor of your high school course selections, extra-curricular activities, recommendations, and your personal statement are all extremely important components in the application process. It is advised that students check the testing requirements for each school to which they plan to apply as changes happen regularly. A growing number of colleges do not require any tests and some schools offer testing as an option. Go to www.fairtest.org for more information.
How many times should I take the SAT or ACT? Many students take either the SAT or the
ACT twice. It is suggested that students take either the SAT or the ACT once during their junior year. This way, they can gauge how they do on the test and assess where they may need to spend time studying to improve for the next test date. SAT Subject Tests should be taken after a student has completed a related course (see SAT Subject Test section below).
Ø
IMPORTANT!! SAT CHANGES---MARCH 2016!!
The SAT is undergoing significant changes in format, scoring and content beginning with the March 2016 test date. Go to www.collegeboard.org to learn more about the new test format and new practice test questions. Because very little information has been released about the new test, students in the Class of 2017 will have to decide if they want to try the new test or opt to take the ACT (which does not change).
GENERAL TEST INFORMATION:
• The school code (CEEB) for El Cerrito High is: 050815. You will need this for test registration.
• You may register online at www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org. Both sites have information about registering, setting up a free account, letting you know what to bring to the tests, when your scores will be available online, how to send your scores to colleges, as well as offering free test prep and tools to succeed. These sites also offer tools to research various colleges and list schools that require Subject Tests.
• Remember to register with the professional email you have established for all of your college-related documents: testing, financial aid, and applications. Be consistent.
• The above websites also list the dates each test is offered. ECHS is a testing site so if you register early enough, you can opt to take the test at ECHS.
• You cannot take the SAT and SAT Subject tests on the same day, but you may take up to three SAT Subject Tests at one time.
• You are responsible for having your ACT or SAT scores sent to colleges you are applying to. • The PSAT does not require students to register individually as it is offered for free, once per
year, at ECHS in the fall (usually in October) of sophomore and junior years.
• You will need to bring a valid picture ID on the day of the test and make sure the name on your ID matches exactly with the name you registered under for the test. Bring two or more #2 pencils and you may bring a calculator for math and some science tests. No cell phones are allowed in the testing area. Also, make sure to bring a snack and drink.
• If you require testing accommodations, make sure to speak with your special education teacher at least three months prior to the tests regular registration deadline!
