Please RSVP by scanning the code with your camera then click the link that appears

​

• Receive updates about colleges that will be in attendance
• Receive emails & google sheet to prepare for the fair and keep track of who you visit
• At booths, college reps will scan your barcode for your contact info & to send you their information

Preparing for University Applications

��For University-Bound 10th & 11th Grade Students

​

PRESENTED BY: Bre Goetz, Alexxa Craton, Jose Torres

TRANSLATED BY: Jose Torres

TOPICS

• ADMISSIONS BY SCHOOL TYPE
• COMMUNITY COLLEGE BASICS
• TESTING
• FINANCIAL AID
• Part 2: Nagla Orlando
• IEC Knowledgewrx4college
• How Colleges Evaluate Applications

​

​

​

​

​

TOPICS

• ADMISSIONS BY SCHOOL TYPE

​

• EXPLORING CAMPUSES, TESTING, FINANCIAL AID

​

• LOOKING AHEAD

​

• PREPARING FOR PRIVATE UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS PART 2

Nagla Orlando

(knowledgeworx4college.com)

​

🎓UC/CSU A-G REQUIREMENTS:�A-G Subject requirements – Must have grade of C or better�First semester D’s in math or language courses are eligible for validation

• 🌎A – History: 2 years (World History, US History, Government/Civics)
• 📚B –English: 4 years
• ➗C – Math: 3 years (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 or Intg Math I, II, III)
• 🔬D – Science: 2 years (one physical and one life)
• 🌍E – Foreign Language: 2 years (2 years same language, 3 years recommended, 4 preferred)
• 🎨F – Visual/Performing arts: 1 year
• 📖 G – College Prep Elective: 1 year (extra year of a course from areas A-F)

💡 Tip:

Admission requirements for private and out-of-state universities vary. A good rule of thumb is to follow A–G requirements to keep your college options open

​

​

Eligible to Apply

≠

Competitive Applicant

WHAT UNIVERSITIES LOOK FOR:

​

​

• Number of A-G courses with grade of C or better & course selection/rigor

​

• GPA / Grades in certain courses

​

• ACT and/or SAT test scores (private/out-of-state schools only)

​

• Essays (not Cal States)

​

• Other Factors: recommendations, personal characteristics, leadership experiences, athletics, special interests, volunteer activities, extra-curricular activities, hobbies

​

​

🌴CSU California State Universities

Admission Requirements

📚 A–G Course Requirements Completed� 🎓 Minimum 2.5 CSU GPA (to apply)

​

What CSU Campuses Consider

⭐ Number of A–G Courses Beyond the Minimum� 📖 Rigor & Quality of Senior Year Classes� 📊 CSU GPA (9th grade summer – 11th grade summer)� 🎯 Intended Major� 🏫 Extracurricular Activities (less emphasized than academics)

​

​

​

​

🌴CSU California State Universities

📝 Testing

• SAT/ACT not required�

✍️ Essays & LORs

• None required�

💻 Application Features

• Enter course history & planned courses 📚�
• One app for all 23 CSU campuses 🏫�
• Admission practices are formulaic & impersonal ⚖️

​

​

🎓Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

📚 Coursework Recommendations to Max Out in Subject Areas:

• History: 2 years�
• English: 5 years (ENGL C1000 @ Cuesta)�
• Math: 5 years�
• Lab Science: 4 years�
• Foreign Language: 4 years (2 years minimum in same language)�
• Visual & Performing Arts (VPA): 2 years

🎓 GPA:

• Average of accepted students: 4.08 – 4.25 (includes 9th–11th grade A–G courses)

🏡 Local Student Advantage

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

🎓UC University of California

📚 A–G Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 GPA to apply�

✨ Factors Considered:

• UC GPA (9th summer – 11th summer) 📊�
• Number of A–G courses exceeding minimum�
• Rigor of senior year courses 🏫�
• Number of Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment courses ⭐�
• Major / demonstrated interest in major 🎯�
• Extracurriculars, leadership, honors & achievements 🏅�
• Growth in academic achievement 📈�
• Adversity & challenges overcome 💪

​

​

​

UC University of California

📝 Testing

• SAT/ACT not required�

✍️ Essays & LORs

• Choose 4 of 8 Personal Insight Questions (350 words each) ✨�
• No letters of recommendation required�

💻 Application Features

• Enter course history & planned courses 📚�
• One application for all 9 UC campuses 🏫�
• Holistic review process-Includes providing a list of activities/awards💡

​

​

​

📅Private Universities

​

📅 Application Types

• Early Action (EA): Not binding, may be required for merit aid�
• Early Decision (ED): Binding�

💻 Application Platforms

• Common App: Used by most private schools�
• Institutional App: Directly on school website if not using Common App

📝 Testing

• May be test-blind, optional, or required – check each school�
• A strong score can help your application�
• What’s strong? Search “[School Name] CDS” for Common Data Set�

​

​

​

​

​

✍️ Personal Statement & Essays

• Common App opens August 1st�
• Personal statement required for all private schools�
• Supplemental essays may also be required�

📝 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

• Typically 2 teacher LORs + 1 counselor if required�
• LOR packet available on school website�

💰 Merit Aid

• Scholarship money for strong grades�
• Check each school’s website for EA requirements, test scores, and GPA thresholds

​

Private Universities

Admission Requirements

• Follow A-G but check websites

Factors

• GPA 9th-12th 1st semester
• Number of honors, AP, DE
• Growth in academic achievement
• Demonstrated interest in their college
• Essays
• Adversity
• Letters of recommendation
• Major/demonstrated interest in major
• Extracurriculars/Leadership (outside-the-box, special focus, not “best all around”, commitment over time)
• Honors and achievements

Testing

• May be test blind, optional, or required -> check each school
• A strong score will help your application
• What is a strong score? search “[school name] CDS” for common data set averages from last freshman class

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

✨Out of State Public Universities

​

​

​

​

📚 Admission Requirements

• Typically follow A–G coursework, but check each school’s website�

✨ Factors Considered

• GPA: 9th–12th, 1st semester�
• Number of Honors, AP, Dual Enrollment courses�
• May consider:�
• Major / demonstrated interest in major �
• Extracurriculars & leadership 🏅�
• Growth in academic achievement 📈

​

📝 Testing

• May be test-blind, optional, or required – check each school�
• A strong score can help your application�
• What’s strong? Search “[School Name] CDS” for Common Data Set�

✍️ Essays & LORs

• Sometimes required (especially on the Common App) – check each school’s website�

💻 Application Features

• Institutional applications (apply directly on school website)�
• Common Application also accepted by many schools

​

🌎 Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) -Reduced Tuition

💰 Reduced Tuition for California Residents

• Some programs require minimum GPA and SAT/ACT scores�
• Certain majors may be excluded�
• Not automatically awarded – many schools limit the number of new WUE awards, so apply early!�

🗺️ WUE Member States & Territories:

• Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands�

🔗 Website: WUE Website

​

​

Beyond the UC & CSU System Presentation

WHO? WHERE? WHEN?

• Previously recorded in Spring 2020. Here is the link to the presentation

​

• Presented by Nagla Orlando: Independent Educational Consultant for Knowledge Worx 4 College

​

• Presented by Loretta Klosterman: Regional Admissions Counselor for the University of Oregon

​

WHAT?

• This presentation explains how private and out-of-state universities can be a better financial and personality fit for California students

​

• Learn about the WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) and how it can make going out of state more affordable than staying in state

​

• SAT/ACT testing advice is outdated since this was recorded during the pandemic but this is still an invaluable resource

🏫 Visiting Campuses & Research Tips

📍 Visiting Campuses

• Take guided tours: book with the admissions office or do virtual tours online 💻�
• Spring break is ideal – most schools are in session 🌸�
• Contact the department of your major for exclusive meetings with professors/advisors 👩‍🏫�
• You can visit campuses after applying or being accepted ✅�

🏛️ Private vs Public Schools

• Private schools may be more affordable for low-income or top scholar students 💰�
• Often more scholarship opportunities than public schools�

📊 Average Freshman GPA & Test Scores

• Helps gauge your likelihood of acceptance�
• Search “[School Name] CDS” for Common Data Set averages from last freshman class 📈

​

​

​

​

​

• Great college search tool
• Merit Aid Insights designed to help families see how much merit aid students should expect to receive and so much more!
• Cost analysis without need for tax return
• Award data analysis based on graduates with similar GPA’s/test scores
• Award comparison and how to know when to do an appeal

​

• Link to create your free account HERE
• Webinar coming soon to learn how it works, pay attention to Parent Square

WHAT UNIVERSITIES LOOK FOR:

​

​

• Number of A-G courses with grade of C or better & Course Selection/Rigor

​

• Consider taking a Cuesta class over the summer or during the school year
• benefits: college credit, high school credit, free, weighted grade, demonstrates college-readiness

​

​

​

​

WHAT UNIVERSITIES LOOK FOR:

• GPA

​

• UC/CSU A-G classes in 10th-11th grade
• A-G classes have a “p” in front of them on your transcript/report card
• Cal Poly exception- factor 9th grade grades into GPA

​

• Private universities look at cumulative GPA in 9^th thru 12^th 1^st semester
• All dual-enrolled and enrichment college classes are now included in the THS gpa and weighted if the course is university transferable

​

• THS has eliminated class rank but we can still speak to your unofficial class rank in a letter of recommendation. Class rank is not asked for in the CSU or UC app and is optional on all other applications. See page 5 in our registration booklet for more details.

​

​

WHAT UNIVERSITIES LOOK FOR:

• GPA

​

• UC/CSU A-G classes in 10th-11th grade
• Cal Poly exception- factor 9th grade grades into GPA

​

• Private universities look at cumulative GPA in 9^th thru 12^th 1^st semester
• All dual-enrolled and enrichment college classes are now included in the THS gpa and weighted if the course is university transferable
• Will typically recalculate GPA based on their own criteria

​

​

​

​

WHAT UNIVERSITIES LOOK FOR:

​

​

• ACT and/or SAT test scores
• The UCs and CSUs have permanently suspended the use of SAT/ACT scores.
• Only Juniors who are 100% certain they will only be applying to CSU or UC schools do not need to test. Everyone else should plan on testing because scores may be required or optional at other private and out-of-state schools.

​

• Essays
• UC schools use Personal Insight Questions (more emphasis than ever before)
• CSU schools do not have essays

​

​

​

WHAT UNIVERSITIES LOOK FOR:

​

​

• Other Factors: recommendations, personal characteristics, leadership experiences, athletics, special interests, volunteer activities, extra-curricular activities, hobbies.
• Private schools pay greater attention to personal statements and essays, teacher and counselor recommendations, and the individual talents of applicants. Some private schools may require an interview.
• Start with teachers who know you best both academically and personally. Counselors only write letters if required.
• Demonstrate interest in your declared major through course selection, activities, extra-curriculars
• Private schools often track your demonstrated interest in their campus. Call, visit, email with questions, ask to stay in the dorms or attend classes, meet with department chairs, get on their mailing lists, go on a guided tour.

​

​

🎓 SAT/ACT Testing

​

​

​

​

�

​

​

📌 UC & CSU Policy

• SAT/ACT scores permanently suspended for admissions�
• Scores may be used after admission for course placement or scholarship opportunities�

❓ Should I Test?

• Needed if applying to private or out-of-state schools�
• Always check each college’s website for requirements

*May not be needed for admission but will for some scholarships.

​

​

🗓️ When to Test

• Fall (Junior Year): PSAT & PreACT at THS (during Algebra 2)�
• Early Spring (Junior Year): First official test
• SAT on 4/2/26 $68- purchase on student web store by 3/15
• ACT on 4/23/26 $68- purchase on student web store by 4/10�
• Late Spring (Junior Year): Retake if desired�
• Senior Year (Optional): Early tests possible, but may miss Early Action deadlines

📝 Test Details

• Writing portion eliminated for both SAT & ACT�
• ACT science section optional (recommended if STEM major)

🎯 Best Scores

• Some schools consider best combined, others best sitting – varies by private/out-of-state schools

​

TESTING- SAT vs ACT

TESTING- score reports

PSAT

• SAT out of 1600 (800 Critical Reading, 800 Math)

​

• Goal: 500 Critical Reading, 550 Math demonstrates college-readiness/exempts from placement tests

​

• National Merit Scholarship Program
• Based on 11^th grade PSAT score
• Notified late September senior year if commended status or semi-finalist

​

PRE-ACT

• ACT out of 36

​

• Goal: 22 Reading, 23 Math demonstrates college-readiness/exempts from placement tests

​

TESTING- SAT vs ACT

​

​

• Use SAT/ACT conversion tables or calculators to determine which test you should focus on

​

• Here is a link to our favorite conversion website

​

​

​

TESTING- ways to prepare

SAT- KHAN ACADEMY

• Sign up for Official SAT Practice for free

satpractice.org

• Complete practice problems and diagnostic quizzes
• Download “Daily Practice for the SAT” app
• Link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts from PSAT.
• All SAT results will be sent to further customize practice on Khan Academy using actual results.

​

ACT

• Use ACT Online Prep to take practice tests, study lessons from all four areas, and create a learning path based on your results

www.actstudent.org

• Buy at least one reputable study book such as Kaplan or McGraw-Hill
• Take practice tests to master the pace of the test
• Click here for free bootcamps from Kaplan for both SAT and ACT

​

​

​

​

​

SAT:

www.sat.org/register

​

​

ACT:

www.actstudent.org

​

*Register NOW! Spaces are limited

Official SAT and ACT Offered at THS!

SAT School Day Administration: Thursday, April 2nd FULL

​

​

ACT School Day Administration: Tuesday, April 14th $68

​

Sign up on the online webstore by Friday, April 3rd

​

​

​

​

SAT:

www.sat.org/register

​

​

ACT:

www.actstudent.org

3 Main Reasons to Attend Community College

• Option 1: Complete your GE requirements (about 11) and major prep courses (varies) to TRANSFER to a university to complete your bachelor’s degree

​

• Option 2: Complete fewer GE requirements (about 9) and major courses to earn an ASSOCIATE degree

​

• Option 3: Complete a CERTIFICATE program (no GE’s required)

Why Cuesta?

• Free first TWO years -> Promise Scholarship

​

• Good back up plan for university-bound students

​

• Clean slate, transfer to the school of your dreams

​

• No high school grades
• No SAT or ACT
• less competitive to apply as a transfer student

​

​

What do I need to take to transfer to a university?

​

Check out the GE requirements for CSU and UC schools (Cal-GETC started Fall 2025)

• Must earn C’s or better in all Cal-GETC classes
• AP credit can fulfill a GE area or correlate to a specific GE course
• Used to be called IGETC, you may have rights to these requirements but Cal-GETC should require fewer.

​

To determine major prep classes:

• See if an associate degree for transfer exists for your major
• Talk to your college counselor about major prep classes
• Find required major prep classes for transfer students on university websites. CSU and UC schools use assist.org to to tell you equivalent courses at all California community colleges

​

Need 60 total units (non-GE or major prep such as DE credit, enrichment, fun transferable electives, and in some cases leftover AP credit can be used here)

​

The sooner you know your major, the more strategic you can be when choosing GE classes

Some GE’s can count as major prep classes too. This is called double-counting.

​

​

​

​

Testing- sending scores for free��

• When you sign up for the real test(s), take advantage of sending scores for free to 4 institutions. 7-9 days after the test date, you’ll have to pay to send scores. Schools will use your best scores; do not worry about them “seeing” your “bad” scores. However, you may want to avoid sending potentially “bad” scores to top-tier schools.

​

• If you list 1 CSU campus, all will have access to your score. That leaves room for 3 additional schools�

Exploring Campuses:

Helpful College Search Websites

• californiacolleges.edu college search tool here
• Cappex
• College Navigator
• College Board’s Big Future
• College Confidential
• Niche College Rankings

​

​

​

Exploring Majors:

​

​

Totally lost?

• Independent college consultants can spend more time assisting student with this
• Take “interest profiler” on californiacolleges.edu here, print results and discuss with counselor

Undeclared?

• Good option when you are really torn between different disciplines (ex: Engineering or English).
• Some universities have undeclared option within each college (ex: undeclared in the college of Letters and Sciences) which narrows it down a bit without requiring the commitment.
• Talk to your counselor if you have narrowed it down to three possible majors that are somewhat related. With some good research and discussion you can often make an informed decision and feel more confident declaring your major

Pick the major you will enjoy the best. Don’t worry about what career you want yet. Read course descriptions

• www.catalog.calpoly.edu -> programs A-Z -> see what majors, courses, & course descriptions

​

​

Financial Aid- FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Application required for Federal, State, and school-specific aid. This includes free money (grants), work study, and loans (must be repaid)
• FAFSA information is provided to the state you live in and to schools you apply to. Schools will use this information to see how much federal aid you might receive and determine if you are eligible for aid at the school level. At the same time, the state of California will use your information to see if you are eligible for Cal Grants.
• Uses tax information from two years prior
• In class support (FSA ID) and FAFSA workshops
• After acceptance offers, schools calculate your aid and display your award on your university portals.
• Timing varies. Schools notify before you have to accept your offer of admission. Call financial aid offices if you have not been notified.

​

​

Financial Aid

FAFSA Typical Timeline FAFSA.GOV

​

Apply by March 2nd

After acceptance offers, schools calculate your aid and display your award on your university portals.

• Timing varies. Schools notify before you have to accept your offer of admission. Call financial aid offices if you have not been notified. April 1^st is a common date.

​

Financial Aid

Average College Costs:

• CSU = $44,000 (on campus Cal Poly SLO)
• estimated costs by campus here
• UC = $47,000(on campus UCLA)
• estimated costs here
• Community College = $552 per semester (12 units)
• Other college costs include books, supplies, parking, food and housing.
• Cuesta offers first TWO years free tuition for THS graduates

MyinTuition- for quick calculation on costs to attend some of the nations top universities

Net Price Calculator for any college campus

​

Example:

UC Merced 26-27: $40,306 for just tuition, meal plan and housing.

Example:

UC Merced 26-27: $40,306

Financial Aid- Scholarships

​

• Most local available Jan – May
• Posted on THS website
• Universities have separate scholarship applications so check each website to learn about due dates.
• Most UC/CSU’s are due March 2nd, while private/out-of-state can be much earlier.
• CSU/UC Scholarship from State of California:
• Middle-class scholarship for CSU/UC automatic for families who make approx. less than $250,000/yr. Amounts vary depending on campus and income.

​

​

​

​

​

Quest Bridge

• Full four-year scholarships to 39 of the nation’s top universities
• Finalists selected in October. If not matched, can apply to partner schools for free during regular decision
• Quest Bridge application due September 27^th
• Looking for:
• A’s in most challenging courses, SAT score > 1310, ACT score > 28
• less than $65,000 annual income (for a typical family of four)
• qualify for free/reduced lunch
• first generation college student

Free/Reduced Lunch Benefits

• If on the list, students qualify for:
• SAT and ACT fee waivers
• Reduced AP exam cost
• Send SAT/ACT scores free
• See your counselor for assistance

​

Fill out the application today here

​

🏫Looking Ahead…

​

​

BEFORE SENIOR YEAR….

​

• ​

​

​

​

📚 Course Selection

• Align courses with your majors of interest�
• Choose an appropriate level of rigor�
• Prioritize acceptance over an “easy senior year” �

📝 Application Planning

• Make a list of schools you want to apply to �
• Know Early Action (non-binding) / Early Decision (binding) deadlines�
• Not an option for UC/CSU

🧪 Testing

• Take SAT/ACT twice before November of 12th grade (September if EA)�
• Study between tests to improve scores�

✍️ Essays & LORs

• Start Letter of Recommendation packet if applying to private/out-of-state schools – [THS Website]�
• Create CommonApp.org account after August 1st & add schools�
• Check essay prompts on CommonApp.org and UC Personal Insight Questions�
• Do NOT apply over the summer before senior meeting with counselor�

🏅 Athletes

• Register at NCAA Eligibility Center and/or NAIA if applicable

​

Preparing for College Applications

Part 2

WHO? WHERE? WHEN?

• Live presentation with opportunities to ask questions. Recording will be shared

​

• Presented by Nagla Orlando: Independent Educational Consultant for Knowledge Worx 4 College

​

WHAT?

• Part 2 goes into greater depth for the most serious university-bound students and those considering private and out-of-state schools.

​

• Get invaluable advice from an expert consultant who helps families navigate the intricacies around college admissions to private and out-of-state universities.