FAQ
What is the PSAT?
It is the exam usually taken in the sophomore or junior year as a warm-up for the College Board SATI.
The SAT is the exam accepted by colleges and universities as part of their admission requirements. The SATII subject exams test specific areas such as English, Math or a foreign language. You can choose which subject tests to take. The UC system requires the SATII exam.
What is the ACT (American College Testing Program)? (www.act.org)
It is one of the exams colleges and universities accept as part of their admission requirements. Please make sure the school you are applying to accepts this exam.
How can I prepare for the SAT and ACT?
ACCION recommends you do some kind of preparation for the SAT or ACT before you take it for the first time. If you know a college student who has taken the test ask them for help too. There are many web sites that offer free on-line sample tests and free test prep books…here are a few:
www.sat-preparation.co.il/
www.kaplan.com
www.studyguidezone.com
Copies of all your report cards
Diplomas and certificates presented to you
A list of awards and honors you received
A list of all school and community organization you join
A list of offices you hold in these organizations
A list of jobs you hold (volunteer or paid)
*Remember to update your file each semester.
How do I decide where to apply to college?
Start by visiting www.princetonreview.com. Search for their program called Counselor-o-matic. Take five minutes to complete their survey and it will give you a list of colleges and universities that match what you are looking for. You will need to have your SAT score and GPA to input.
What is the “Common Application”?
www.commonapp.org Close to 300 colleges and universities accept one main application titled the
“Common Application.” Instead of submitting an application to each school you are interested in, look to see if they accept the Common Application and submit one application to several schools.
What does Early Decision or Early Action mean?
Some colleges and universities offer “early” application deadlines, for students who already know where they want to apply. Early Decision is for the student who knows where they want to attend and they agree to a contract with the college or university. The contract states that should you be admitted to their college or university you will attend their campus and withdraw your applications from the other colleges and universities. Early Action is also for the student who knows where they want to attend, but it is more flexible. You do not have to commit to a contract with the college or university. You just apply early and you receive a decision earlier.
Do you need help writing your college essay?
Visit this web site created by the University of California, Berkeley to assist students in writing their college essay. http://students.berkeley.edu/apa/personalstatement/ What is the
Cal State system?
Visit www.csumentor.edu to learn about the California State University campuses. This link will guide you through the application and financial aid processes.
What is the UC system?
Visit www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/ to learn about the University of California campuses, where they are located and how to apply.
What other online resources are available to help me prepare for college?
My Road, prepared by The College Board http://apps.collegeboard.com/myroad/navigator.jsp?t=351&i=homepage
College Is Possible, American Council on Education
www.collegeispossible.org/ U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.gov/students/ Federal Student Aid
http://studentaid.ed.gov
Latino Graduate.net eMagazine www.latinograduate.net
College Center www.csocollegecenter.org/
What is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
The FAFSA is a form that is completed in the senior year of high school and in college to determine financial aid eligibility for all federal grants, jobs and loans. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to download the application.
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