THE ROAD TO COLLEGE�The Conversation Starts Today!�

California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP)

www.calsoapsandiego.org �

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Resources

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Virtual CMIH Workbook: http://tiny.cc/CMIHBook3222

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CMIH App: downloadable for iPhone and Android from your App Store

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San Diego and Imperial Counties California Student Opportunity and Access Program

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Follow Cal-SOAP on social

• Twitter:@sandiegocalsoap
• Facebook: @sandiegocalsoap
• Instagram: @calsoapsandiego

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What words do you think of when you hear “college”?

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What is college?

School that you can attend to prepare for future jobs/careers. You choose your classes and major.

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What is a major?

Specific subject in which you take the most college classes while working on an undergraduate degree.

Sample majors: Engineering, Business, Biology, English, Psychology, Linguistics, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, History, Communication, Computer Science, Visual & Performing Arts, Education

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Average Lifetime Earnings

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College Can Be Fun! You Will Learn and Grow�

• Sports (play and/or attend games)
• Study Abroad (travel to another country)
• Friendship and Connections
• Participate in Clubs, Leadership, and Community Service
• Jobs/Internships
• Find Mentors
• Access Student Health, Career Services, Centers (BSU, MEChA, Asian/PI, LGBTQ, etc.), special discounts to movies, restaurants, shows, technology like Apple, etc.

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Ikigai: Japanese word

Iki = Life

Gai = Worth

What is your life’s purpose? What reasons do you have for getting out of bed each day?

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I know what I love, but…

How do I know what careers are out there? How did I figure out how much education I need for which career?

CA Career Zone website

www.cacareerzone.org

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Sample Careers

1. Engineers (Software, Biomedical)
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Average Salary: $60,000-$120,000

2. Postsecondary Teachers

• Education: Doctoral Degree (Ph.D) for university professors
• Average Salary: $60,000-$100,000
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm

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3. K-12 Teachers

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree+Teaching Credential
• Average Salary: $40,000-$70,000

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Note: All information gathered from collegeboard.com and bls.gov/k12/index.htm (Occupational Outlook Handbook)

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Sample Careers

4. Accountant

• Education: Bachelor’s, additional for CPA
• Average Salary: $40,000-$90,000

5. Registered Nurse

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
• Average Salary: $40,000-$80,000

6. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselors and Social Workers

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Average Salary: $30,000-$60,000

7. Physical Therapist

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree and a Physical Therapy Degree
• Average Salary: $50,000-$90,000

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Sample Careers

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8. Physician/Surgeon

• Education: Medical Doctorate Degree (M.D.)
• Average Salary: $100,000-$200,000

9. Lawyer

• Education: Juris Doctor Degree (J.D. from Law School)
• Average Salary: $60,000-$130,000 (varies depending on type of practice)
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree

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Note: All information gathered from collegeboard.com and bls.gov/k12/index.htm (Occupational Outlook Handbook)

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Priority Sectors - San Diego Workforce Partnership

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workforce.org/my-next-move

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What Should You Know To Prepare for �College ���

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What can students do now?

• Crack the books. Study hard. Do your best in school. Do more than the minimum. Fall in love with reading.
• Be an active participant. Ask questions. Seek help.
• Be your own advocate. Ask questions about college.
• Surround yourself with people who are invested in your success (friends, teachers, parents).
• Look ahead. Focus on your future.
• Plan which classes you want in high school.

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Parents: have College Talks– “When you go to college…..”

• Questions you should ask yearly:
• Where do you want to go to college (possible campuses, cities, states)? Why?
• What careers are you interested in?
• What are your strongest and weakest subjects in school?

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Know college readiness � lingo/language

• GPA- Grade Point Average (0-4.0+)
• Colleges will ask for either the student’s weighted (extra points for honors/AP courses) or unweighted GPA
• AP- Advanced Placement—Optional “college level” classes offered in high schools that indicate students can handle college-level rigor
• If students pass an AP examination in May (score of 3,4,5), most colleges will award college credit/units.
• A grade of A, B or C in an AP course gives students an extra +1 point in the high school GPA
• “A-G”—pattern of classes that are looked at as prepared for college
• A curriculum of University of California (UC) approved general education courses, listed A-G, that must be completed in high school for college entrance at UCs and CSUs
• SAT and/or ACT: College Admissions Tests
• Used to be required by nearly all universities, but most universities have adopted SAT/ACT-blind or SAT/ACT-optional admissions policies

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Which GPA do colleges use?

• Varies college to college
• Might be weighted or unweighted
• For UCs and CSUs
• Based only on classes taken in grades 10+11
• Is weighted (extra points for approved Honors and AP classes)
• Does not include PE
• Based only on a-g courses
• Ds and Fs disqualify you

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Wait, can I just slack off in Grades 9 and 12?

• Any Ds and Fs in a-g courses in grades 9-12 will disqualify you from being admitted to most universities
• Straight Cs your freshman year…might be OK if you got all As and Bs in sophomore/junior year
• However, if you’re accepted but your GPA takes a dive senior year, your acceptance can be rescinded.

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Check Student’s Transcript�Track the notorious “A-G”

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• In order to find a unique list of A-G courses approved for your high school, check with high school or visit: ucop.edu/agguide

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GPA and A-G: two different factors

• Based on grades earned in courses taken sophomore and junior year
• Might cap the number of honors/AP points considered

• Based on all approved classes in Grades 9-12
• Even looks at middle school classes for Math and Language Other Than English
• Can show a student takes advantage of rigor and challenge
• Is balanced by how many courses your high school offers

GPA

A-G

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DISCLAIMER: The times, they �are a-changin’

• The most important tip of all for students and parents:
• Do your research and remain up-to-date with college requirements.
• Go to college workshops each year.
• Campus Tours
• Recent changes have affected/will affect:
• The impaction of majors at selective campuses
• San Diego Community College and The College Promise Initiative
• SAT/ACT policy changes during and post-pandemic
• Financial Aid (FAFSA/CADAA-changes are coming!)
• Disclaimer: All requirements discussed today, apply only today. It is your responsibility to remain aware.

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Automotive Repair, Administrative Assistant

Dental Hygienist, Paralegal, Accounting

Engineer, Marketing Manager

School Counselor, Occupational Therapist, K-12 Teaching Credential

Medical Doctor, Veterinarian, Medical School 4 years + Internship and Residency

Undergraduate

Graduate

Law School, 3 years, Juris Doctor degree

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Bachelor’s Degree

2+ years at community college,

2+ years at a university

4+ years at a university

Private\ Vocational Colleges

California Colleges! Slide courtesy of SDCCD

Early

Commitment

To College!

Start College Exploration NOW

• Community Colleges
• California State University
• University of California
• Privates/Independent
• Vocational Schools
• Out-of-state (public or private)

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Factors Considered for College Admission

• Community Colleges:
• Be 18 or have hs diploma or GED

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• 4- Year Universities:
• Strong Academic Grades (GPA) and Coursework: “a-g” coursework and Advance Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Honors Classes
• Additional factors some universities consider:
• SAT/ACT
• Extracurricular Activities
• Community Service
• Leadership
• Essay(s) or PIQ(s)

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California Community College

• Stats:
• 110+ campuses
• Transfer, Associate’s Degree, vocational, and certificate programs available
• $46.00/unit (about $1200/year) all inclusive annual college cost is about $15,000.
• College Promise Initiative
• EOPS and First Year Experience
• Basic admission requirements:
• High school diploma or GED or 18 years old
• Placement Test or Course Placement analysis
• (Note: High school students can enroll in community college classes with principal approval.)

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California Community Colleges

• Benefits:
• Close to home; easier commute
• Admissions process not competitive; free application
• Extremely affordable for CA Residents; free tuition with Promise Scholarship
• Same/similar general education as a university
• Flexibility (many evening classes)
• Can start at a CCC for freshmen/sophomore year and transfer to a university to finish junior/senior year
• Limitations:
• Highest degree is often an Associate’s
• Can’t live on campus (no dorms)

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Community College Programs

• Fire Academies: San Diego Miramar College, Southwestern College, Palomar College (firefighter/EMT)
• Associate’s Degree in Nursing: San Diego City College
• Nurse Assistant Certification: San Diego College of Continuing Education
• Personal Training/Fitness Specialist Certificate of Achievement: City and Miramar
• Phlebotomy Certificate: San Diego Mesa College

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Community College Programs

• Cosmetology: San Diego City College
• Culinary Arts: San Diego Mesa College and San Diego College of Continuing Education
• Veterinary Tech: San Diego Mesa College
• Respiratory Therapist: Grossmont College
• Music/Audio Production/Digital Music Technology: City College

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California State University

• Stats:
• 23 campuses
• Traditional university setting
• Approximately $25,000 per year for total cost of attendance, about $7,000 of which is Tuition & Fees
• Basic admission requirements:
• A-G coursework
• 2.5+ GPA in a-g classes
• No longer consider SAT/ACT
• Most CSUs admit by major
• Transfer Agreement Guarantee or Transfer Pathways for CA Community College students

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California State Universities

• Benefits:
• 23 campuses, relatively close to home
• Designed to select top 1/3 of CA high school graduates
• Priority admission often granted to students within the local service area
• Public and comparatively affordable (CA Resident get in-state tuition)
• Offers bachelor’s degrees and higher
• Option to live on campus
• Limitations:
• Impacted majors
• More expensive that CCC

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University of California

• Stats:
• 10 campuses
• Research-based
• Approximately $33,000 per year for total cost of attendance
• Tuition & Fees = $14,000
• Basic admission requirements:
• A-G coursework (AP, IB, and Honors)
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• SAT/ACT NOT considered for admissions decisions
• “Comprehensive Review”
• Other factors that are considered: extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, Personal Insight Questions, etc.
• Some UCs offer Transfer Agreement Guarantee (TAG) and/or Transfer Pathways for CA Community College students

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University of California

• Benefits:
• Designed to select top 12% of CA high school graduates
• Public and a good value compared to private universities (CA Resident get in-state tuition)
• Offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees
• Option to live on campus
• Limitations:
• Capped majors
• More expensive that CCC and CSU

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Private Colleges

• Many, many campuses (University of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, National University, Alliant International, Stanford, USC, etc.)
• Campus settings/focuses vary widely as does cost
• Basic admission requirements
• Vary, but most like high school courses covered by the “a-g” curriculum
• GPA varies, but generally selective and some are highly selective
• Most private universities have adopted SAT/ACT-blind or SAT/ACT-optional admissions policies
• Many private universities use the Common Application: www.commonapp.org
• Transfer requirements and programs vary
• Generally practice Holistic Review
• Extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service considered

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Private Colleges

• Benefits:
• Typically do not charge out-of-state tuition. Tuition is the same for every student
• Offer bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees
• Option to live on campus
• Tend to be smaller, smaller class sizes, some tend to be very specialized or have a particular emphasis
• Tend to have large financial aid packages
• Limitations:
• Admissions can be extremely competitive
• More expensive that CCC, CSU, and UC

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Vocational/Technical Institutions

• Stats:
• Many campuses, depending on field of study (FIDM, Paul Mitchell School, Concorde Career Institute)
• Degrees and/or certificates available
• Costs vary widely; usually much higher than community college
• Institutions of this type usually cannot be used for Transfer.
• Check out funding and jobs at end of program.
• Basic admission requirements:
• Admission requirements vary widely. Research application procedures at each program of interest.
• (Note: Many vocational programs are available at community colleges for a much lesser cost.)

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Vocational/Technical

• Benefits:
• Admissions is often not competitive
• Students can often earn certificates or degrees in a relatively short amount of time
• Some are tailored to be flexible around student work schedule
• Some offer excellent job placement/internship opportunities
• Limitations:
• Can be pricey
• Might offer the same program offered at a community college, but more expensive
• “Associate Degree” might not transfer to a university

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For-Profit Colleges

• Many vocational/technical colleges are for-profit
• Be very cautious! Many of these colleges are not allowed to use Cal Grants because they have low graduation rates and high student loan default rates. Example: Argosy University.
• For-profit colleges in San Diego that have abruptly closed include the Art Institute, Brightwood College, Coleman University, and ITT Tech.

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Out of State Colleges

• Hundreds of campuses to choose from
• Campus settings/focuses vary widely as does cost
• Out-of-state private schools will probably have the same Cost of Attendance for all students. Example: Harvard
• Out-of-state public schools mostly charge out-of-state tuition, at least for the first few years, which is on average 60-70% higher than in-state tuition. Example: Arizona State University
• Basic admission requirements
• Vary, but most like high school courses covered by the “a-g” curriculum
• GPA selectivity varies
• Might or might not require, or consider, SAT/ACT
• Many private universities use the Common Application: www.commonapp.org.
• Some require the CSS/Profile in addition to FAFSA. Examples: MIT, NYU, Harvard, Stanford, Cal Tech, USC.
• Transfer requirements and programs vary

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How much does college cost?

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CSU

$5,72

UC

$12,570

Privat

$40,000+

COMPARING ESTIMATED COLLEGE TUITION COSTS per year

$1,400

$8,000

$15,000

How Colleges Calculate COA (cost of attendance)

How would we pay for college?

The real question is not how much does college cost…

It is, how much financial aid can I expect to receive and what would we have to pay out of pocket?

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Scholarship Resources

Cal-SOAP San Diego Website: https://www.calsoapsandiego.org/scholarship-information

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Cal-SOAP Virtual Classroom: https://www.calsoapvirtualclassroom.com/scholarship-search.html

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EFC will be renamed SAI soon!

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EFC/SAI vs. COA

EFC (Expected Family Contribution) will be renamed SAI (Student Aid Index.) EFC/SAI does NOT vary. It is the same dollar amount regardless of which college you attend (community college, CSU, UC, private, etc.) The lower your EFC/SAI, the more need-based aid a student receives.

COA (Cost of Attendance) varies from college to college, mostly because of the difference in tuition/fees from institution to institution.

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What is FAFSA/CADAA?

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Student has no social security number; AB 540

WHICH APPLICATION?

Student is US Citizen or Permanent Resident

FAFSA

CA Dream Application

Fill out FAFSA or CADAA in Grade 12 (March 2 deadline)

And re-submit once a year while student attends college

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Aid Package

What can we do right now to plan for college expenses?

• Save (example: 529 Saving Plan)
• Go to https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/ to estimate what your future aid package might look like
• Students: research careers, majors and colleges. Decide what you ultimately want to study, how much education you need for your chosen job/career, which type of degree(s) you will need.
• Parents: file taxes each year and know your TIN; make sure you have an email address
• Become familiar with scholarships and merit-based aid
• Get ready to fill out the FAFSA or CA Dream Act once student is a high school senior

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How do scholarships work?

• If aid from the federal government, state government, and your college do not cover your entire Cost of Attendance, scholarships are a great way to make up the difference.
• Most scholarships are due in Grade 12, although some scholarships and contests are open to younger students.
• Scholarships VARY. Depending on who’s giving the $. Some are based on financial need, some on student achievement, some on both, or whatever other factors the donor requests. Deadlines and amount also vary.
• Most scholarships are paid directly to the student’s college financial aid office and then disbursed to the student.
• Some are renewable annually, some are not.
• You can accept and use multiple different scholarships simultaneously.
• Most colleges will allow aid (scholarships, grants, etc.) to cover up to the COA, but not exceed that amount.

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Are there scholarships for younger students?

The State of California is proud to announce the launch of the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS). CalKIDS gives children in California a jump start on saving for college or career training. All participants receive a seed deposit in a CalKIDS account to help pay for future education after high school. To be eligible for CalKIDS, participants must be:

1. Born in California on or after July 1, 2022; or
2. An eligible low-income public school student in grades 1-12 in California.

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Are there scholarships for younger students?

• Big Future Scholarships (grades 10, 11, 12)
• Contests (Essay, Art, Videos, Breakthrough Junior Challenge ages 13-18)
• FastWeb

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How do loans work? Should we take out a loan for college?

• College Loan: borrowing money for college
• If you are offered one, you can always DECLINE
• College loans from government tend to be low-interest. One does not need to begin making monthly payments until 6 months after finishing college.
• PLUS: Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
• Recommendation: use all grants, work study, scholarships, and savings before considering a loan.
• If you take a loan, choose the one with the lowest interest (whether through FAFSA or a credit union)
• If your future career is not lucrative, consider starting at community college or attending whatever college is most affordable for you (least out of pocket)

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What will we do senior year?

• Parent and student must each get an FSA ID before filling out FAFSA or CADAA. You can get this as early as junior year. *Parent must have an email address!
• Student and parent must fill out FAFSA or CADAA by March 2 of s12th grade. Have tax records and financial documents ready. Contact Cal-SOAP for one-on-one help with the FAFSA/CADAA. (Some private universities also need CSS/Profile)
• Students: apply to universities/colleges (November 30 deadline for most 4-year universities)
• Wait to see where you’ve been accepted (December-March is typical)
• Review the financial aid award letter from each college. Decide which has the best deal for you.
• File Statement of Intent to Register (usually by May 1 of senior year) plus $ deposit

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Final Tips…

• Always try to visit your campus choices.
• Don’t rely on name recognition. Find your best fit!
• Don’t accept generalizations about colleges (i.e. “hard to get into,” “party school,” “too expensive”). Do your own research.
• Reach, Match, Safety. Don’t be afraid to apply to “reach schools.” But, always have a few back-up plans.
• Don’t pick campuses just because your friends are going there. Make your own decisions!
• Don’t rule out colleges only because of cost. There is financial aid available. Analyze which college would make you pay the least out of pocket. And, remember, college is an investment in your future.
• Talk with your family, friends, teachers, and counselors about your choices.

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Helpful Resources

• calsoapsandiego.org
• calsoapvirtualclassroom.com
• cacareerzone.org
• californiacolleges.edu
• workforce.org (San Diego career info)
• bigfuture.collegeboard.org (college, career, scholarships)
• calkids.org (scholarship for low-income)
• mymajors.com (search college majors)

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Follow Cal-SOAP on social

• Twitter:@sandiegocalsoap
• Facebook: @sandiegocalsoap
• Instagram: @calsoapsandiego

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The road to college…�starts here, today

• calsoapsandiego.org

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