Yes. The admission scores and grades that colleges show on their websites are averages or ranges — not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower (and higher) than the numbers shown.
Remember that colleges consider many factors to get a more complete picture of you. For example, they look at the types of classes you take, your activities, recommendation letters, your essay and your overall character. Colleges are looking for all kinds of students with different talents, abilities and backgrounds. Admission test scores and grades are just two parts of that complete picture.
Absolutely. Remember that after financial aid packages are determined, most students will pay far less than the "sticker price" listed on the college website. You don’t know if you can afford a college until after you apply and find out how much aid that college will offer you (if you’re accepted). Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible to qualify for the most aid.
Even if the aid package the college offers is not enough, you have options. Many colleges are willing to work with students they have chosen for admission to ensure that those students can afford to attend.
As the number of students wanting to attend college increases, the competition to get into the best schools also increases.
Colleges also often look at class rank and out-of-school activities (see the following question for information about test scores).
Class rank is the placement of a student's grade point average as it relates to the entire high school graduating class. Keeping your grades up keeps your class rank high and some colleges look closely at rank when determining which students will automatically be admitted; some automatically admit anyone in the top percentages of the class.
After-school or extracurricular activities (like sports, theater, band, choir, and participating in volunteer activities) can do a lot to help a school decide whether a student is one who will be involved once he or she is in college. Colleges often look at such things when determining which students to admit.
Most schools are still test optional for the SAT OR ACT. See the individual website for each school's admission requirements. Find more information about college entrance exams HERE.
Sometimes it is difficult to decide, especially for students who enjoy many different things and have the ability to do lots of things well. One thing that can help is to begin thinking about your choices early and to consider all the different aspects of a job. Do some research, find out what jobs are available, and talk to people who work in an area that you think sounds interesting. It may not be necessary to decide on a specific career immediately, but it is a good idea to narrow your choices as much as possible.
Your major in college is your specialized area of study. Beyond general college requirements, you'll also take a group of courses in a subject of your choosing such as Chemistry, Comparative Literature, or Political Science. At some schools you can even design your own major.
How important is your major?
The major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future. Many graduates find jobs that have nothing to do with what they studied in college. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average twenty-something switches jobs once every three years and the average person changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime.
If you intend to earn a professional degree (like an MD) after college, you will probably need certain courses, or prerequisites, under your belt. But many future doctors major in non-science related fields.
Typically in your sophomore or junior year in college, but the answer varies across schools and programs. Some colleges ask you to list your expected major on your college application (although "undecided" is usually an option), but don't require you to declare definitively until later.
If you are interested in a major that requires a lot of classes, or classes that are limited to students in that major, then it is better to declare early. Some majors demand a strictly regimented order of courses, and if you fall behind, you may have to extend your college stay by a semester or two.
Career Prep
Choose a major because it will prepare you for a specific career path or advanced study. Maybe you already know that you want to be a nurse, a day trader, a physical therapist, or a web developer. Before you declare, take a class or two in the relevant discipline, check out the syllabus for an advanced seminar, and talk to students in the department of your choice. Make sure you’re ready for the coursework required for the career of your dreams.
Earning Potential
Future earning potential is worth considering—college is a big investment, and while college can pay you back in many ways beyond salary, this can be a major factor for students who are paying their own way or taking out loans. According to PayScale.com, the majors that lead to the highest salaries include just about any type of engineering, actuarial mathematics, computer science, physics, statistics, government, and economics. Keep your quality of life in mind, too—that six figure salary may not be worth it if you're not happy at the office.
Subjects You Love
Some students choose a major simply because they love the subject matter. If you love what you're studying, you're more likely to fully engage with your classes and college experience, and that can mean better grades and great relationships with others in your field. If your calling is philosophy, don't write it off just because you're not sure about graduate school, or what the job market holds for philosophers. Many liberal arts majors provide students with critical thinking skills and writing abilities that are highly valued by employers.
Undecided? Explore your interests.
If you truly have no idea what you want to study, that's okay—many schools don't require students to declare a major until sophomore year. That gives you four semesters to play the field. Make the most of any required general education courses—choose ones that interest you. Talk to professors, advisors, department heads, and other students. Find an internship off campus. Exploring your interests will help you find your best fit major—and maybe even your ideal career.
Definitely. One of the most exciting aspects of college life is that it introduces you to new subjects and fosters new passions. You might enter undergrad enjoying physics but discover a burgeoning love for political science. However, keep this mind: Every major has requisite coursework. Some require you to take introductory courses before you move into the more advanced classes. Also, some classes are offered in the fall but not in the spring, or vice-versa. If you change your major late in the game, it may take more than the traditional four years to earn a degree.
If one field of study doesn't satisfy your intellectual appetite, consider a minor. A minor is similar to a major in that it's an area of academic concentration. The only difference is that a minor does not require as many classes.
Some undergrads with a love of learning and an appetite for punishment choose to pursue two majors, often in totally different subjects. A double major provides you with an understanding of two academic fields. It allows you to become familiar with two sets of values, views and vocabularies. That said, it also requires you to fulfill two sets of requirements and take twice as many required classes. You won't have as many opportunities to experiment or take classes outside those two fields.
While a minor or a double major might make you more marketable, both professionally and for graduate study, both are time—and energy—intensive. Most students find that one major is more than enough.
Need help? Browse majors and learn more about them with our college majors search tool utilizing these websites.
Find out what goes into an application and begin collecting the materials you need.
Create a organization process that works best for you. One way to get organized is to create folders for each college you are applying to. At the front of each folder, put a checklist of what you’ll need for the application and when it’s due.
Spreadsheets can be another great way to manage your college application to do list.
Five to eight colleges is the recommended number.
It’s good to apply to some colleges that are a bit of a stretch for you and some that you feel will likely admit you. But most should feel like good, realistic matches. Due to the cost of college applications, it is recommended to have a family discussion on how many college applications you can submit.
It depends. If you are sure about which college you want to attend, early decision or early action might be the best choice for you. If you’re not sure, keep in mind that some early application plans require you to commit early. You may want to keep your options open.
What's the difference between early action, restricted early action, and early decision?
Early action is a non-binding early round application. This means you are not obligated to attend if accepted Early Action. It indicates you are very interested in a school.
Restricted early action is another non-binding option where you can apply early to a school but not to any other school. It clearly indicates to the school that they are your number one choice.
Early decision is a binding early round application where you sign a contract saying that you will attend the school if you are accepted. Only use this option for a school that is a clear first choice.
What is my senior class size?
Class of 2025: 749 (as of 8/27/24)
What is my class rank?
This information can be on your transcript on Aeries or on your printed, unofficial transcript on the bottom left-side under the GPA area and the "Class of 2025"
What is my School Entry Date and Graduation Date?
Entry Date: 8/2021 and Graduation Date: 6/2025
What do I select for Beaumont High School's grading system and the grading "scale?"
A, B, C, D, F
"4" point GPA scale
Where is BHS located?
39139 Cherry Valley Blvd, Beaumont, CA 92223
How would I go about adding a counselor or teacher to my CommonApp?
In the Recommender/FERPA section under the "Colleges" tab - after you have added at least one college to your account and have entered "Beaumont High School" under the "education" tab.
What is my Counselor's title?
High School Counselor
What is BHS's term system?
For college applications, Beaumont High School is on a semester system.
Select the "semester" option on your college applications that allows you to report each of your semester grades.
How can I see my transcript?
You can access your transcript in your Aeries portal OR click here to request an unofficial BHS transcript.
Do I need to request a transcript to be sent with my college applications?
UCs/CSUs: Transcripts are not required with the submission of your application. CSUs may contact you after your submission if a transcript is required.
UCs = after May 1st.
Common Application: If your counselor was invited as a recommender to your applications, an initial transcript will automatically be uploaded.
Private Applications/Direct to the University's Application: Request a transcript to be electronically sent through BHS Parchment.
On my application, should I enter my grades as A+, A-, B+, B- etc?
No, there is no grade point value for pluses and minuses.
UC will not allow you to report + and - through the application.
How do I know which classes are A-G for the UCs and CSUs?
Where do I find my State ID #/SSID# (UC & CSU only)
This is located on your Aeries account under “student information” then go to “demographics” and the "general" tab. At the top left-side of your screen you will locate your SSID#. 2. The SSID# can also be found on your printed, unofficial transcript on the bottom left-side under the GPA area and the "Class of 2025"
Do I list classes like PE on my CSU and UC applications?
No. Only list A-G classes on your CSU and UC applications: Beaumont High School A-G List.
How do I add middle school courses to my college application? I took Integrated Math I and Spanish 1 which are considered to be high school courses, in middle school.
For CSU applications, you will be able to choose 7th or 8th grade for a qualifying math or language class. Enter this information under high school course work and select your 9th grade high school as the school.
For UC applications, visit this page for directions.
I am currently taking or have completed a College course that meets A-G requirements. If it was added on my BHS transcript, do I report the class as a BHS course or do I add the name of the College?
You must add the name of the College you attended.
Can I report all of my college classes on my applications?
Check the community college transcript to make sure the course appears. You must report the information exactly as it appears on your community college transcript.
For CSUs, list all college courses that appear on a college transcript under the college coursework section.
For UCs, list only transferable courses under college coursework. See if a course transfers here: https://assist.org/.
Non transferable courses can be added to the UC application under "other coursework" in the "activities and awards" section.
How can I figure out my CSU and UC GPA?
UC: GPA Requirement
CSU: Grades in A-G Courses & GPA Calculator
Which GPA do I report on my other college applications that are not UC/CSU?
Please review the application process for each college you are applying to as reporting requirements vary. Typically, your "total weighted GPA" from grades 9-12 (can include fall senior grades, depending on your filing date).
How do I report classes on UC and CSU applications that I failed and then took in summer school?
UCs: A student is allowed to repeat each A-G course in which a D or F grade was originally earned as many times as necessary until the first time they earn a letter grade of C or better. The new grade earned will be used in the GPA calculation. UC does not average the grades. All A-G coursework (original and repeats) must be reported on the admissions application. A non-AP college-prep course cannot be used as a repeat of a UC-approved AP level course (retaking English 11 after failing AP English Language will not count as a repeat)
CSU: If you repeated a course, enter the highest grade(s) earned for the course. Do not enter this repeated course twice.
What is an area g elective for the CSUs and UCs?
Review the Beaumont High School A-G List. Any elective that does not count towards another area of A-G can be used towards the G elective.
What if I attended high school in another country? How do I report those classes on college applications?
It is very important that you list classes on your college application as they appear on your transcript from the institution you attended. BHS evaluates your international transcript for graduation requirements, and these titles should NOT be used on your college applications. Use the title as it appears on your original transcript. Your application will likely be reviewed through a specific department at the college that has experience evaluating international transcripts. Students should be prepared to submit transcripts from each institution they have attended if requested. For detailed information please review the CSU International Application Guide and Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions.
I am applying to out of state colleges, but I am not sure if they require a letter of recommendation from my counselor?
Check the specific college website for application requirements.
It’s best if you can express everything about your qualifications and qualities in the materials requested. Colleges spend a great deal of time creating their applications to make sure they get all the information they need about each applicant. If you feel it’s absolutely necessary to send additional material, talk to your counselor about it.
Some arts programs may require portfolios or videos of performances. Check with the college to find out the best way to submit examples of your work.
Definitely. There’s no need to write a brand-new essay or personal statement for each application. Instead, devote your time to producing a great version of basic application parts.
CSU Help Center (Includes a Live Chat feature)
UC Application Center: Link for Applying as a Freshman, Phone: (800) 207-1710 (within U.S.)
Email: ucinfo@applyucsupport.net
Standard Operating Hours: Monday —Friday, 10 a.m.—6 p.m. PST
Instructions to complete the Common Black College Application (CBCA)