College Planning

Research Schools

Gather as much information as you can about the schools, and visit all you can. Use multiple resources to read about them, and (most important) go to each school's website. You can also register with several web resources to research schools. We highly recommend these: 

• Naviance  
  • Naviance delivers an organized, easy to access experience to students' fingertips with familiar and intuitive tools that personalize and simplify the college and career planning process. Log-In Email: Use your BCCHS email
• California Colleges
  • Search colleges by major and location as well as Careers.
• Big Future
  • Students can explore colleges, careers, and even create personal roadmaps. 
• College Data
  • Students can explore colleges and financial aid opportunities. 
• My College Options
  • Students can explore colleges and find college matches based on the student's profile. 
• Colleges That Change Lives
  • Students can explore colleges and their profiles, as well as scholarship opportunities. 
• Cappex
  • Students can explore colleges and find college matches based on majors, test scores, and student's profile.

Creating a College List

Where should you apply?

How many colleges should you have on your college list?  

Between 8-13: 

• 4 CSU
• 4 UC
• 4 Private
• 1 Community College

APPLY BROADLY!

3 Safety Colleges       5 Match Colleges     4 Reach Colleges

What is a "Safety" College?

Your GPA & test scores are above the average  of admitted students and you have a HIGH chance of being admitted

• CSU:  Local Area CSU (CSUN) / Non-impacted CSUs
• UC: those with higher admission rates (Merced, Riverside, Santa Cruz)
• Private: Those with higher admission rates

What is a "Match" College?

Schools known as a "perfect fit.  Not hard for you to get into, but you're not guaranteed admission.  Your GPA and test scores should match those of admitted students.   

What is a "Reach" College?

Colleges that have a 15% OR LESS admission rate, regardless of your GPA and test scores.  

Do my GPA + Test Scores determine my admission to college?

NOT EXACTLY.  GPA is an important Factor but not the only one.   Don't get discouraged if your dream college is a "reach" and don't be a snob and look down on "safety" & "match" colleges.  What's most important is to find the right fit for you.  

• Location/Setting
• Campus LIfe (dorms, Greek life, activities/organizations, student life, sports, etc.)
• Size of school (large v small class size)
• Support services
• Programs / Majors
• Cost / Financial Aid

California Public Universities

There are two types of 4-year public institutions in California: California State University (CSU) campuses and University of California (UC) campuses. Both systems are 4-year public institutions that offer an array of majors, careers, and degrees, including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Masters and Doctoral programs. Each campus is different and offers different opportunities for students. 

COLLEGE	Examples	Minimum Requirements
Community College	Pierce College , Valley College, Mission College, Santa Monica	Graduate High School or Older than 18 years of Age.
California State University (CSU)	Cal State Northridge (CSUN); Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI); San Diego State University (SDSU)	A-G Requirements (Grade of C or better) Minimum GPA of 2.0  SAT Reasoning Exam or ACT  You can see your CSU Eligibility here.
University of California (UC)	UC Los Angeles (UCLA); UC Santa Barbara (UCSB); UC Berkely (UCB); UC Irvine (UCI)	A-G Requirements (Grade of C or better) Minimum GPA of 3.0  SAT Reasoning + Essay or ACT + Writing  SAT Subject Exams (Optional) 4 of 8 Personal Insight Questions Extracurricular Activities
Private Colleges	USC, Loyola Marymount, Occidental, Pepperdine,	Varies by College  Similar to UC requirements.

What Factors Do Colleges Consider In Making Their Decisions?

School Records	GPA  What courses have you taken? How demanding? Standing in class: How do you look relative to your peers?
Test Scores	SAT Reasoning and/or ACT Plus Writing SAT Subject Tests Advanced Placement Tests
Outside Interests and Activities, Special Talents	How have you spent your time outside of class, apart from studying? How have you spent your summers? Athletic Involvement. Long-term interests and affiliations. Community service. Leadership Roles.
Essay or Personal Statement	This is your opportunity to speak for yourself. Explain what is not clear from your records and scores. Be original. Be honest. Be noticed.
Recommendations	Choose people who know you well (non-relatives) and like you. Request references early. Encourage anecdotal references.  Provide adequate information to recommenders.
Interviews and Meeting College Representatives	Make the appointment early. Gather as much information as you can about the interview process. Learn as much as you can about the school, and be prepared with questions. Show genuine interest in the school (and the interviewer).