About Colleges and Universities

Colleges

are generally smaller institutions offering oneor two types of degrees. The prestige of the college has nothing to do with the size, however, rather the reputation of the faculty and types of progams.

University

are larger institutions composed of several colleges and offer more types of more types of degrees. Again, the prestige of the university has more to do with program and reputation than size.

A.A.

The Associate in arts degree is a two year offered at community colleges like Mount St. Mary's and Marymount Palos Verdes.

B.A./B.S.

The Bachelor of Arts of Science degree is a four-year degree offered by public and private colleges and universities.

M.A./M.S.

The Masters of Arts of Science is a graduate degree completed after a Bachelor's degree is earned. It is usually a two or three year program.

PhD

The doctrate degree  is a three-year or more program usually offered after a Masters' degree at colleges and universities.

CALIFORNIA COLLEGES and UNIVERSITIES

73 Private Colleges, like Mount St. Mary's and USC, 8 Universities of California (UC) campuses, including UCLA, 20 Califronia State Universities (CSU), including Cal State L.A., 107 Community Colleges, including 9 in Los Angeles (e.g. L.A. Valley)

The College Search....Step by Step

Ninth Grade

• Let your counselor know that u plan to go to college and make your schedule includes classes to prepare you for college.

• Make sure you take Algebra and  a foreign language.

• If your in a year round-school, mahe sure you're in the college prep track.

• Do your best to earn A's and B's in your classes!

• Start visiting different kinds of colleges to learn more about them.

Tenth Grade

• Review your schedule with your counselor to make sure your taking the right courses to prepare you for college.

• Do your best to earn A's and B's in your classes.

• Continue to visit colleges with your family and learn more.

• Ask your counselor if you should take the PSAT this year.

• Ask your counselor to help you become part of a college prep program over the summer and school year.

Eleventh Grade

• Make sure you're still earning good grades in your classes- GRADES THIS YEAR ARE REALLY IMPORTANT!

• Take the PSAT in the FALL

• If you are taking Advance Placement (AP) courses, make sure you register to take the AP exams (strong scores of a 3 or higher can earn college credit).

• Attened college fairs and go to college presentations at your school.

The College Search.....Step by Step

• Talk with your counselor and family, make a list of colleges that interest you; visit those campuses if you can.

• take the SAT or Act college admission tests. Take them more than once if possible.

• Request information on your college by calling their offices, writing them a postcard or checking out their website. Keep a file of the applications and materials you are sent.

Senior Year

• Review your classes with your counselor to make sure you've taken the right courses to be admitted to college.

• Do your earn to best A's and B's. Many colleges ask for your senior years grades, so stay motivated!

• Visit colleges and attend presentations by the colleges you're considering.

• Make a checklist for yourself of deadlines for applications and special scholarships for the colleges on your final list.

• Take the SAT,SAT II, or ACT again and make sure you've taken the right test roe the college on your list

• make sure you ge your recommendation forms from your

• Write your  college essays and make sure they're ready on time! Make sure you type and proofread them

• Apply early, and make sure all your documents will arrive on time. Many special programs require applications in November or December; your latest application wil probably be due in febuary. Make copies of your applications before you mail them.

• Attend financial aid information sessions  at your school or local colleges. Remember to mail the FAFSA form March 2 in order to be eligible for california grant programs. Some colleges might require other forms. Check with them.

The Final Steps

Spring of Your Senior Year

• When college acceotances arrive, make sure you read all the papers and make list of the forms you need to return and their deadlines

• Try to visit all the colleges you're still considering at this time. If you're not able to visit, call the college and make sure you get your questionsanswered!

• Remember that you don't have to make a decision until May 1st. By that time, you should have recieved all of your admissions notices and your financial aid packages. If these have been delayed, go to your counselor in april to get help.

• Review acceptances and financial aid packages with your family and make th e final decision. Mail the required forms and deposits to the college you'll attend. Don't forget to notify the other colleges that you will not be attending.

• Make sure to keep your grades up in your last semester. Colleges will ask you for your final transcript.

Remember, your counselors and college admission counselors

are there to help you. Make sure you and your

familyask for help when you need it.