Early College Outreach:

How to Become a Competitive Applicant

Aspiring Scholar Workshops (ASW)​

UCSF Fresno Doctors Academy (9th Grade)​

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• Explore Careers - What kind of education is needed?

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• Build strong study habits and academic skills.

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• Begin taking college preparatory courses (A-G)
• All DA students are required to take A-G courses
• 4-year High School Plan

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• Visit colleges or universities: DA students visit colleges each year

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• Become involved in academic programs; e.g., Doctors Academy

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9ᵗʰ Grade Preparation

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• Prepare for college entrance exams by taking SAT or ACT protests
• Beginning in 11th grade, take the standardized tests (ACT or SAT)
• Get involved with various school & community activities.
• Begin the college search - attend college fairs, visit campuses, do online research, etc.
• Find out about scholarships and grants available.

Steps to Getting Started

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Colleges look closely at the grades students earn in college-prep courses.

• A higher GPA in rigorous courses will increase your chances of admission to more selective colleges and universities.
• The minimum GPA required for admission to a 4-year college or university varies widely. (UC=3.0, CSU=2.5)
• Strive for at least a minimum “B” average or 3.0 GPA (required for DA program)

Grades and GPAs

4.28

4.57

4.62

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Most 4-year colleges require students to fulfill 4 requirements to be considered for admission:

• Complete A-G Requirements
• Complete SAT/ACT (encouraged, not required)
• Earn good grades (C’s and above)
• Complete and submit a personal statement, admission essay, or PIQ’s required by the school.

College Admission Requirements

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Cost of Attendance

vs. Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Room & Board ​

Equipment & Transportation ​

Books/Supplies

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

Grants

Scholarships

Subsidized Loans

Unsubsidized Loans

Work Study (Part-time Jobs)

What is Cost of Attendance?

COA is the amount it will cost a student to go to school

What is Financial Aid?

Money that helps students pay for college or career school.

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• 10 University of California Campuses
• Accepts High School Seniors & Community College Transfers
• Minimum 3.0 GPA to apply

University of California (UC)

• 23 California State Universities
• Accepts High School Seniors and Community College Transfers
• Minimum 2.5 GPA to apply

California State University (CSU)

UC / CSU:

College Exploration

Community Colleges

• Over 100 Community Colleges in CA
• Prepares students to transfer to a 4-year institution
• Associate’s degree (not required to transfer), Certificates
• To enroll, students have to be 18 + or have a High School Diploma
• Offers Dual Enrollment while in HS
• No GPA minimum for general admissions
• Fresno City College is the oldest community college in California

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Private Universities/Colleges:

• Over 70 Private Universities/Colleges in CA
• Vary in size, prestige, and cost
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate’s, and Professional degrees
• Accepts high school graduates and Community College Transfers
• Professional Schools-Law, Medicine, Education,  Engineering, Journalism, Social Welfare

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• As freshmen, you start with a clean slate.

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• The effort you put in now will reflect the schools you can apply to your senior year and possibly be offered admission.

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• If you have a goal to attend a certain school. then you need to research what it takes to get in, make a plan, and stick to it! Persistence is Key!!

Why Should I Start Preparing for College Applications Now?

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What Does Being a Competitive College Applicant Mean?

• Achieving high grades- All classes are important, but specifically, A-G courses will strongly affect your CSU/UC GPA
• Challenge yourself- know what your school offers
• Getting involved on and off campus
• Join clubs, program activities, sports, etc.
• Colleges like to see long-term commitment and that you pursue leadership positions
• If you don’t see a club/school program you like available, develop it

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Becoming a Competitive Applicant Continued…

• Babysitting, Working in the Fields, Yard work on your block- that is work experience
• Start documenting all your hours now (keep a log)
• Look for opportunities where you can be involved long-term

Work or volunteer experience

• Don’t burn bridges
• Engage teachers and staff. Make connections. Make sure that you’re not just talking to a teacher asking for a favors.

Creating Positive Relationships

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Am I good enough to get into my dream school?

Yes! YOU ARE!

Research is key

Get to know what is offered in your community and work with it

You can already start talking to college admissions representatives

Attend as many workshops or college preparation conferences as you can

The more informed you are, the better

DA can help give you the tools, but you must do the work

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Activity:

Doctors Academy Current

Student Panel Q&A

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Question #1: What extracurricular activities and community service opportunities have you been involved in? (This may include clubs, sports, after-school programs, etc.)

Question #2: What advice do you have for freshmen students regarding getting involved on campus?

Question #3: How did you balance school and your activities outside of the classroom?

Question #4: Looking back, what would you do differently if you got to start over in terms of preparing yourself for college applications?

Question #5: What schools did you apply to, and what made you apply to them?

Question #6: Any other advice you can give to help the freshmen DA regarding becoming a competitive college applicant?

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