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Your Handy Dandy College Notebook.

Created by Ms. Lopez

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Last updated: 1/04/2021

If you enter “Presentation” mode, you can use the colored tabs on the right or your arrow keys to navigate between pages.

USC College Advising Corps.

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Welcome!

Welcome to your College Notebook, Matadors! 💫

We are so excited to support you all through your college application journey this year.

This notebook has a ton of information about college and answers to some questions you may have now or in the next few months.

Read on!

  • Ms. Lopez & Ms. Santander, your College Advisers

Tip: Use the arrow keys to advance to the next page!

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Hello There!

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How to Reach your Adviser

See below for a list of places we post information and info on how you can contact us.

  1. Email me at lopez_janae@ausd.us
  2. Book an individual appointment with me here: lopezsg.youcanbook.me
  3. Book an appointment with Ms. Santander here: santandera.youcanbook.me

Reminders, announcements, and events are posted on:

  • Class of 2021 Google Classroom
  • @SGHSCCC on Instagram
  • College & Career Center Website

If you have questions about any of this, please send me an email.

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Email me!

lopez_janae@ausd.us

To book an appointment, go to lopezsg.youcanbook.me

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Appointments

I am available for one-on-one or small group appointments on weekdays from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. All appointments are held via Zoom.

You can book an appointment with me at any time by going to lopezsg.youcanbook.me

Book an appointment with Ms. Santander by going to santandera.youcanbook.me

Each appointment slot is 30 min and you can make follow-up appointments as necessary.

You can make an appointment for anything related to college or life after high school

*If you have any questions about your appointment or need to cancel, please email me.

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THE BASICS

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The Basics

This section contains:

Use the arrows to advance to the next pages or click on one of the rectangles above to go straight to the topic you’re interested in.

Use the tabs on the side to visit different sections of the notebook.

User tip:

  1. Senior Year Timeline

2. Important Dates & Deadlines

3. Is college for me?

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4. Choosing a Major

5. Finding a College that’s right for you

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Senior Timeline

As a senior, there are a few exciting things coming up that you should start thinking about!

  1. Deciding who you want to be and understanding how to get there
  2. Applying to College
  3. Applying for financial aid
  4. Transitioning to college

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Dates and Deadlines

August 1st - UC Application opens

October 1st - FAFSA & Dream Act open

October 1st - Cal State Application opens

December 4th - UC Application deadline

December 15th - Cal State App deadline

March 2nd - FAFSA & Dream Act deadline

May 1st - Deadline to commit to a 4-year university!

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Is college for me?

As time goes on, more and more jobs require you to have a college or advanced degree. More than that, college is a place for you to discover what you’re passionate about, who you are, and who you want to be.

If you choose not to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, you can still receive training and certificates from community colleges for things like: home health, basic fire academy, cybersecurity, PC repair, autotech, etc. (for more examples, see here)

If you want to talk more about your career and life goals and how college fits into those, please make an appointment with me!

Short answer: YES!

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Choosing a Major

When you apply to college, you will be asked to select a major. While you can ALWAYS change this selection when you get to college, it is important to consider this now!

Which subjects do you like most? What do you excel in? What kind of things would you most like to spend more time learning about for the next few years?

Click here to watch a full recorded presentation about college majors.

Personality tests can also help you identify your skills and strengths.

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Match & Fit

All students and all colleges are different, so it is important that you do your research and apply to schools that are best suited to your interests and well-being

You should create a balanced list of schools to apply to. This means your list should include likely, match, and reach schools.

No matter where a school falls on this spectrum, you should make sure it is a good “fit” for you and meets all your needs. Consider things like:

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  • Location
  • School Culture
  • Academic Specialties
  • School Size

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The College Search

When building a balanced college list, make sure that the schools that you’re applying to are good fits for you. For example, make sure that the schools that you’re applying to actually have the major you want or that they’re in cities that you won’t mind spending time in.

Use this College Search website to find schools that meet all your needs and requirements!

  • You can filter for things like location, size, available clubs, etc.

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CAL STATES

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Cal States

The Cal State (CSU) application is open now! Click here to access it!.

CSU Application Deadline: December 15

What are the requirements to apply?

  • Complete all A-G courses with a C or better (pass/credit scores are accepted)
  • Earn a CSU GPA of 2.5 or higher*

If you are interested in a CSU, but not sure if you qualify please reach out to Ms. Lopez or your Counselor!

SAT/ACT scores will NOT be used for admission

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2.0 - 2.5 GPA

If you have a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5, you may still be considered for admission based on other factors as long as you are A-G eligible. These factors include things like:

  • Work experience
  • Math GPA
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • First-gen status
  • Extra A-G classes taken
  • Low-income status

If you are unsure if you should apply to Cal State schools, please reach out to Ms. Lopez or your counselor.

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CSU Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available through the CSU application. The system determines if you are eligible for fee waivers based on your family size and income.

If you are eligible: You can apply to 4 CSU campuses for free. The waiver will be applied to your account automatically.

If you are not eligible: You will need to pay $70 per campus that you apply to.

Please reach out if you have questions about your fee waiver eligibility! :)

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Starting your Application

When starting, make sure your are applying for the FALL 2021 term & fill out the “Extended Profile” portion accurately!

  1. Degree Goal: First Bachelor’s Degree
  2. Educational Status: Graduating High School Senior
  3. Community Credits: Answer “Yes” if you have taken dual-enrollment or other community college courses. Answer “No” if you have not
  4. Returning to CSU: Answer “No”

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Application Sections

The CSU Application contains the following sections:

  • Personal info: contact info, parent info, citizenship status, etc.
  • Academic History: Input grade history & test scores (if applicable)
  • Supporting Info: extracurricular & work experience, EOP application (optional)
  • Program materials: Choose campuses & majors

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Academic History Section

When adding a high school, select SGHS from the drop down menu. If you attended multiple high schools, add them all.

Term type: Semester

After this, you will be taken to the HS coursework section. Please read the directions before starting this section!!

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High School Coursework

You will need to list all your A-G classes from 9th - 11th grade along with the grades you received in them.

You must also list your 12th grade classes. Instead of grades, list your 1st semester classes as “In Progress” and your 2nd semester grades as “Planned.” This can be tricky.

Use your PowerSchool portal for this. Start typing the name of a class and select the correct option from the drop down menu. Add your grades and click the green checkmark to add the next class.

Click here to watch a video tutorial where I show you how to do it! :)

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Yikes this page has a lot of info. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. We got dis. Text me or make an appointment so I can help!

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Reporting GFSF

Don’t forget to include Get Focused Stay Focused in your College Applications! Explore wheel is NOT an A-G class & will not be reported on your application.

If you signed up to receive ELAC/Dual Enrollment credit when you took GFSF, you must report this class separately!

If you took GFSF in the fall it will look like this:

  1. Add ELAC to Colleges Attended
  2. Add EDUC 001 under College Coursework
  3. Report your grade

See next page for demonstration!

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Reporting GFSF

College Attended: East Los Angeles College

Course Code: EDUC1 - Intro to Teaching

Subject: Education

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EOP Application

EOP stands for Educational Opportunity Program. It is a program open to first-generation, low-income students at Cal States.

Benefits: summer bridge program, academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, additional financial assistance, etc.

In order to be considered for EOP, you must complete the EOP application which consists of:

For more information about the EOP application, click here.

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A Note

The Cal State Application can be especially tricky to deal with. Do not submit without having your application reviewed!!

When you have trouble or a question to ask, please don’t wait to get help! You can:

I did a live application introduction and tutorial of the CSU application. Watch the full recording of it by clicking here.

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Tips for Starting

  • Do your research on the various CSU campuses and major offerings
  • Apply for EOP if you are low-income and/or first-gen
    • Ask for feedback on your EOP question responses!
  • Fill out the “academic history” section very carefully and have it checked by your Adviser or Counselor before you submit
  • Understand CSU Impaction & apply to a variety of schools
  • Remember that you’re not in this alone. You always have us to lean on and answer your questions about this process! 💖 😊

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After you Submit

  • CHECK YOUR EMAIL!! You’ve applied to college, you’re grown now! Get in the habit of checking your personal email at least once a week.
  • APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
  • You must set up a portal for each school you applied to.
    • Get in the habit of checking this portal. If they need any additional documents from you, they will post that info here.
  • If you miss any document deadlines or announcements, your application COULD BE RESCINDED (not good)
  • If you get an email you don’t understand, please let us know! :)

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Decisions?!?!?

  • Most admission decisions will come out in or around March. Your admission decision will be emailed to you and/or posted to your applicant portal.
  • Friendly reminder: Admission decisions are not a reflection of your value or worth. <3

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UCs

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UCs

The UC application is open now! Click here for the UC application!

UC Application Deadline: December 4th

What are the requirements to apply?

  • Complete all A-G courses with a C or better (pass/credit scores are accepted)
  • Earn a UC GPA of 3.0 or higher

If you are interested in a UC, but not sure if you qualify please reach out to Ms. Lopez or your Counselor!

SAT/ACT Scores will NOT be used for admission.

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UC Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available through the UC application. The system determines if you are eligible for fee waivers based on your family size and income.

If you are eligible: You can apply to 4 UC campuses for free. The waiver will be applied to your account automatically.

If you are not eligible: You will need to pay $70 per campus that you apply to.

Please reach out if you have questions about your fee waiver eligibility! :)

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Application Sections

Term & Level: You will be applying for Fall 2021 as a Freshman

The UC application contains the following seven sections

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List ALL the A-G classes you’ve taken in HS and the grades you received

You must also list your Senior Year classes

  • 1st Semester = In Progress
  • 2nd Semester = Planned

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Reporting GFSF

Don’t forget to include Get Focused Stay Focused in your College Applications! Explore wheel is NOT an A-G class & will not be reported on your application.

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If you took GFSF in the fall it will look like this:

In the 9th grade College Prep Elective Category

If you signed up to receive ELAC/Dual Enrollment credit when you took GFSF, you must report this class separately!

  1. Add ELAC to Colleges Attended
  2. Add EDUC 001 under College Coursework
  3. Report your grade

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Reporting GFSF

College Attended: East Los Angeles College

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*If you did not sign up for the ELAC/Dual Enrollment credit, you do not have to complete this step!

Subject: Education, Subject Area: Elective Interdisciplinary

Course: Intro to Teaching

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Tips for Starting

Tips for starting your UC application:

  • Research campuses and majors
    • All UC campuses are a little different and don’t have the same programs, clubs, or majors
      • Make sure you are picking campuses that are a good fit for you
    • They also vary in level of competitiveness. Check out who got accepted last year to see where you stand.
  • Accurately report your grades
    • Use a transcript or PowerSchool when reporting your Academic History
  • Start your PIQs early
    • See next page
  • Take the Activities & Awards section as seriously as you take your PIQs
  • Reach out when you get stuck or have questions!

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PIQs

Instead of essays, the UC asks that you respond to 4 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) so that they can learn more about you as a person.

There are 8 questions, pick 4 to respond to. Each response should be 250-350 words. Click here to view the list of all the question options.

Remember: PIQs are not essays and should not sound like one. Use your own voice and be yourself. “I” and “my” statements should be used throughout.

Click here to view Ms. Lopez’s full PIQ presentation

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PIQs

  • No PIQ questions are “better” than others. Pick the questions that you’d be able to answer the best based on your experiences
  • Draft your PIQs on a Google Doc so you can easily save and share them
  • If you’re having trouble brainstorming or outlining your answers, please make an appointment with me! I am super happy to help!

I am available to read and edit your PIQs! Please send me an email with a link to your Google Doc if you’d like me to look them over :)

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After you Submit

Congrats!!!! You really did that.

You should receive emails from each of the schools that you applied to. Get in the habit of checking your email at LEAST once a week. If they need any additional documents or information from you, they will send an email about it.

If you do not respond to these requests, your application could be rescinded (not good).

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Decisions?!?!?!

UC admission decisions are released around the second or third week of March. Each school releases on different days.

Friendly reminder: Admission decisions are not a reflection of your worth <3

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COMMUNITY COLLEGES

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Community Colleges

Community College applications are now open for Summer/Fall 2021!

There is no deadline for community college applications, but there are several benefits to completing your application early such as: meeting with a counselor early, joining academic programs, priority registration, free summer bridge programs, etc.

There are over 100 community colleges in California. The closest ones to us are:

  • ELAC
  • Rio Hondo
  • PCC

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Community College Benefits

Community Colleges offer:

  • 2 years tuition free!!! (CA College Promise)
  • Vocational/CTE training and certificate programs
    • Autotech, cosmetology, HVAC, PC repair, etc.
  • Transfer pathways for students looking to transfer to a 4-year University

You can apply to any CA Community College by going to cccapply.org

All community college applications are FREE!

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Steps to Apply

  1. Go to cccapply.org and select your school of choice from the drop down menu and click “APPLY”

2. Create an OpenCCC account (or log in to your account if you already have one). Make sure to write down your username and password!

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Steps to Apply

  • Once you create your account, click on “Start a New Application”

Enrollment Information

  • Term: Summer/Fall 2021
  • Educational Goal: Varies (if you are going to a community college & hope to transfer to a 4 year university, select “Obtain an associate degree and transfer to a 4 year institution”)

Note: The application will ask you if you’ve graduated and when. Answer these questions as if you already have.

Example: Have or will graduate > With HS Diploma > in May 2021

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Application Sections

After creating your OpenCCC account, the rest of the application is a breeze and can typically be completed in under 30 minutes.

The application consists of the remaining 8 sections:

Coming Soon: Click here to watch a live tutorial for completing the application.

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After you apply

xxx

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COMMON APP

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The Common App

The Common App is now open and you can access it by clicking here!

The Common App is used to apply to private schools across the country. USC, Stanford, and University of Redlands are some examples of schools that use the Common App.

While many schools use the Common App, each of them have their own application deadlines, requirements, and writing supplements. If you’ll be applying to private schools, make sure to start early and keep track of all these differences!

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Application Sections

After selecting the colleges you’re applying to, the Common App contains the following six sections:

If you have questions or need support on any section of the common app, please reach out!

Put in ALL your A-G classes and grades!

Personal Essay and individual writing supplements

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Personal Essay

Most schools on the Common App require you to complete the personal essay. Your response cannot go over 650 words.

Unlike PIQs, this response IS a formal essay and should be formatted as one. Break your response up into paragraphs, revise it for grammar and structure, and ask teachers or your Adviser to revise it with you.

There are 8 prompts for the common app personal essay. You must select one to respond to. Click here to view this year’s common app prompts

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Letters of Recommendation

Private Schools may ask for Letters of Recommendation from your teachers and/or counselor as part of the application. Make sure you ask your recommenders EARLY and make the process easy on them.

If your teacher asks for a “brag sheet,” you can receive a template by emailing me at lopez_janae@ausd.us

If you need your Counselor to write you a letter of recommendation, you must fill out their request form at least 3 weeks in advance. Click here to access it.

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FINANCIAL AID

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Financial Aid

Financial aid is financial assistance ($$$) that you receive from the government to help pay for college. This assistance can help you cover college expenses like:

  • Tuition and fees (classes)
  • Room and board (housing/rent and food)
  • Books and supplies

There are several types of financial aid including:

  • Gift Aid - grants and scholarships
    • This is money you don’t have to pay back
  • Work Study
    • This is money you earn by working
  • Loans
    • This is money you pay back

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Financial Aid

No matter what kind of college you plan to attend next year, you should 100% apply for financial aid. There are two financial aid applications, but you will only complete one of them.

  • If you are a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident card (green card), you will apply for aid using the FAFSA
  • If you are Undocumented or have a U visa, you will apply for aid using the CA Dream Act Application

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FAFSA

The FAFSA is now open and you can start your application by clicking here

Deadline to complete FAFSA: March 2nd*

In order to complete your FAFSA, you will need:

  • To Create an FSA ID
  • Student Social Security Number
  • Parent/Guardian’s 2019 tax returns (1040 form)
  • Parent/Guardians’ W-2 forms
  • Parent Marital Status
  • Parents’ SSN (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (child support, Calworks, etc.)

*Private schools may have earlier deadline

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CA Dream Act Application

The Dream Act is now open and you can apply by clicking here!

Deadline to complete CADAA: March 2nd

In order to complete your Dream Act Application, you will need:

  • Student ITIN number (if applicable)
  • Parent/Guardian’s 2019 tax returns (1040 form)
  • Parent/Guardians’ W-2 forms
  • Parent Marital Status
  • Parents’ SSN (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income

All male students who are filling out the Dream Act must also register for the Selective Service by mail

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CSS Profile

Some private schools may require you to fill out the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA or Dream Act. Each school sets their own deadline for this application.

To complete a CSS profile, you will need similar documents as the FAFSA, along with additional information like your parents’ investment accounts, assets, bank statements, etc.

If you are NOT applying to private schools, this does NOT apply to you!

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Scholarships

Outside cholarships are a private sources of financial aid offered by organizations or companies other than colleges.

Most require an application and essays to apply. Deadlines vary. Scholarships are an excellent supplemental source of aid (especially if financial aid is not covering everything).

Check out our 2021 Scholarship bulletin for a list of scholarships that are open rn.

Click here for more scholarship tips!

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CONTACT ME

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Contact Me

I know this information may feel overwhelming, but you are NOT going through this alone. I am here and so so happy to support you through this exciting and stressful time.

Email me: lopez_janae@ausd.us

Book an appointment: lopezsg.youcanbook.me

Text me: (626) 513-4388

Whatever you need, I will be here for you! Just reach out and I will do everything I can to make sure we are ready for life after high school.

Let’s get it. 🙌

  • Ms. Lopez

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Upcoming Events

Links to register can be found in the Class of 2021 Google Classroom. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Lopez

10/9, 10/16, 10/23: College Advising Office Hours (12:30 - 1:30 PM)

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Janae Lopez,

USC College Advising Corps

San Gabriel High School College & Career Center

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