Getting to College

LASGS Senior Seminar Class

Reason #1: More money!

In 1999, average annual earnings ranged from $18,900 for high school dropouts to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,400 for college graduates and $99,300 for the holders of professional degrees (doctors, lawyers, etc.)

Over an adult's working life, high school graduates can expect, on average, to earn $1.2 million; those with a bachelor's degree, $2.1 million; and people with a master's degree, $2.5 million. Those with professional degrees do best at $4.4 million.

Reason #2: College is really fun!

Majors Classes ExperiencesChicano Studies,

Black Studies, Women’s Studies,

Engineering, Astronomy,

Religion, Philosophy,

Spanish, French, Business, Music,

History, Computer Science…

History of Hip-Hop

(UC Berkeley)

Living in a dorm room

The Art of Africa

(Northwestern U.)

Studying in another country

History of Diseases

(Carleton College)

Making amazing friends

Border Studies

(University of

New Mexico)

Finding subjects you never knew you were interested in!

Reason #3: It is very possible for you to get

there!As long as you complete certain tasks, you will qualify for admission to a great school!

These tasks are:a. Completion of A-G requirements

with an excellent grade point average

b. Scoring well on the SATc. Participation in extra-curricular

activitiesLet’s learn a little bit more about the “A-G’s”…

The A-G RequirementsA History/Social Science

(2 years)

World History, U.S. History, Government or Economics

B English (4 years)

English 9 (Genre Studies), English 10 (World Literature), English 11 (American Literature) and English 12 (British Literature)

C Mathematics(3 years)

Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry or Calculus

D Laboratory Science (2 years)

Biology, Chemistry or Physics

E Language other than English (2 years)

Spanish, Native Spanish or French (two years of same language must be taken consecutively)

F Visual and Performing Arts (1 year)

Dance, drama, theatre, visual arts or music

G Elective (1 year) Advanced visual or performing arts, history, social studies, English, math, lab science or language

End Day 1

Tips for Finding a College Match

Characteristics You Should Consider

How can you find colleges that match your needs? First, you should identify your priorities. Second, you should carefully research the characteristics

of a range of schools. Third, match the two. Here are some college

characteristics to consider.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html

Size of the Student Body

Size will affect many of your opportunities and experiences, including: Range of academic majors offered Extracurricular possibilities Amount of personal attention you will receive Number of books in the library

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html

Location

Do you want to visit home frequently?

Perhaps you would like an urban environment with access to museums, ethnic food, or major league ball games.

Or maybe you hopes for easy access to the outdoors or the serenity of a small town.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html

Academic Programs

If you know what you wants to study: You can research reputations of academic

departments If you are undecided:

may want to relax and pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of majors and programs.

Students normally don't pick a major until the end of their sophomore year

Most colleges offer counseling to help students find a focus.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html

Campus Life

It's important for students to maintain a balance between academics, activities, and social life. What extracurricular activities, athletics, and special interest

groups are available? Does the community around the college offer interesting

outlets for students? Are students welcomed by the community? Is there an ethnic or religious group in which to take part? How do fraternities and sororities influence campus life? Is housing guaranteed? How are dorms assigned?

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html

Cost

Today's college price tag makes cost an important consideration for most students. Virtually all colleges work to ensure that

academically qualified students from every economic circumstance can find financial aid

Look beyond the price tag to the assistance available.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html

Diversity

You should explore what might be gained from a diverse student body. The geographic, ethnic, racial, and religious diversity

of the students can be a means of learning more about the world.

Investigate what kinds of student organizations, or other groups with ethnic or religious foundations, are active and visible on campus.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html

Retention and Graduation Rates

One of the best ways to measure a school's quality and the satisfaction of its students. learn the percentage of students who return after

the first year learn the percentage of entering students who

remain to graduate.

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/csearch/find-right-college/21174.html