college bound requirements

1. A-G Requirements

To attend a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) school, you must complete the A-G requirements with a C grade or better. These are fifteen courses that you must complete during your high school career, and they are highly specific. You should make sure to take these classes in high school so that you stay on track for college admissions. It is also a good idea to talk to your counselor about your coursework plans.

2. Test Scores

Test scores are a key part of your college application. While your high school grades, courses and extracurricular activities give admissions officers an idea of who you are as a student, test scores help them measure your strengths and weaknesses. If you have weak test scores, it is best to retake the tests rather than submit them to schools.

Many students take the SAT or ACT in the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. If you feel that you will do better on one test over another, focus on that test first before taking it again. Most colleges accept either SAT or ACT results so don’t worry about which test to take first.

3. Letters of recommendation

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4. Admissions Test

Admission requirements vary from college to college, so it’s important to check the requirements for your school or schools of interest. Regardless of where you apply, however, you should register for and take the appropriate admissions test.

The SAT or ACT is required by most colleges and universities in order to get an admission decision. These tests are used as a measurement tool by institutions to compare applicants. While there are other factors that weigh into the admission process (GPA, extracurriculars, etc.), standardized test scores can be an effective way to level the playing field among students from different high schools with different grading scales and challenging courses.

In addition to preparing for classes each year, you should use some time to prepare for your admissions tests (SAT/ACT) since these can have a big impact on which colleges accept you and what type of financial aid you may receive as well.

5. Writing samples

Writing samples are required for most, but not all, UC campuses. At certain schools, these essays may be optional. For example, at UCLA, UCSB, and UCR they are not required; at UCSD and UCI they are minimally required; at UC Davis they may be optional or minimally required; and at UC Santa Cruz and Berkeley they are highly recommended.

At CSU campuses and private universities writing samples are usually required for admission. Typically you will need to write two to three essays of around 250 words each on the following topics: your academic interests (choosing a major), how you have contributed to others in your community (community service), what you have done to overcome adversity in your life (challenges you have faced), why the school is a good fit for you (why this particular college).

6. Application fees (Varies from $50 to $100)

On top of the SAT and ACT fees, you’ll have to pay application fees for each college or university you apply to. Application fees range from $50-$100 on average, but some are as low as $25 and others are as high as $90. Some schools may charge more for early decision applications.

You’ll be able to pay your application fee by credit card or debit card (a withdrawal from a checking account) when you apply online. If you need to send in your payment via mail, colleges will either accept checks or money orders made out to the school’s name.

If paying an application fee is a hardship for your family, ask your school counselor if they will write a letter of support for an application fee waiver form. You can then include this letter with any applications that require a fee.

7. Transcripts from high school and any previous colleges

Transcripts from all high schools and previous colleges are required, even if you did not graduate from a school or received no credit for courses taken. This is to ensure that all students enter the university on equal standing, with a basic understanding of the areas that the class will cover.

You can request transcripts from your high school or previous college or university. A transcript is a record of all the classes you have taken, and the grades you received in them. It also includes any extra-curricular activities like sports teams or clubs that you were involved in. Your high school should provide these upon request; however if they do not then please contact us at [email protected]

Submit all the paperwork you have, plus a personal statement about your goals and interests

After you have collected your high school transcripts, you need to complete the application. You will need to provide basic information such as your name and address, but you will also have to write a personal statement about your goals and interests. Many colleges are looking for students who show that they have carefully considered their choice of major, but others may only require a general statement that demonstrates good writing skills and an enthusiasm for learning. Colleges also want students who can balance their academic life with extracurricular activities, so the personal statement is often a good time to mention any clubs or sports in which you participated during high school. After you have completed these steps, submit the application along with:

• Application fees
• A list of previous colleges attended
• High school transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Test scores