Exploring Colleges
It can be very overwhelming to figure out where you want to go to college. Here's some things to consider when looking for the right fit:
It can be very overwhelming to figure out where you want to go to college. Here's some things to consider when looking for the right fit:
- Does the school have you major?
- Are you comfortable with the weather?
- What size classes do you prefer? 30-ish people or large lecture with 300?
- What is the cost of living around the college? Can you afford to live off campus eventually?
- How often would you like to come home? Traveling from further away costs more money...
Types of Colleges
Types of Colleges
There are three types of colleges that have different benefits for different students.
There are three types of colleges that have different benefits for different students.
They include:
They include:
- 4 year public colleges (UC Davis, Sacramento State)
- 4 year private colleges (Stanford, St. Mary's)
- 2 year Community or Junior Colleges (Solano, DVC)
4 year public will have minimum GPA requirements and A-G requirements that freshman applicants have to meet. For an outline of A-G requirements, see right. Application deadlines are in the Fall and are very firm. Exceptions are very rarely ever made. See UC admissions requirements here and CSU here.
4 year public will have minimum GPA requirements and A-G requirements that freshman applicants have to meet. For an outline of A-G requirements, see right. Application deadlines are in the Fall and are very firm. Exceptions are very rarely ever made. See UC admissions requirements here and CSU here.
4 year private schools also have GPA and A-G requirements and many have application deadlines in the Spring. They can be quite pricey depending on location, but don't let that cost scare you away! Private schools offer students two different types of aid, academic and need based. Academic aid is based on your GPA and need based is determined by your financial circumstances. If you're in a lower income bracket and have good grades, you can end up paying less to go to private school than public!
4 year private schools also have GPA and A-G requirements and many have application deadlines in the Spring. They can be quite pricey depending on location, but don't let that cost scare you away! Private schools offer students two different types of aid, academic and need based. Academic aid is based on your GPA and need based is determined by your financial circumstances. If you're in a lower income bracket and have good grades, you can end up paying less to go to private school than public!
Click here for the BHS Catalog which has more detailed information about A-G classes offered at BHS.
Click here for the BHS Catalog which has more detailed information about A-G classes offered at BHS.
2 year Community Colleges offer diverse programs that are a good fit for everyone. There are no GPA or A-G requirements that students have to meet. Students can complete their two years of general education at the community college level, then transfer to complete their Bachelor's Degree. They can also obtain an Associates Degree and head straight into the working world. There are also many trade programs that train students in vital skills to enter the job market. See the Community College tab for more details.
2 year Community Colleges offer diverse programs that are a good fit for everyone. There are no GPA or A-G requirements that students have to meet. Students can complete their two years of general education at the community college level, then transfer to complete their Bachelor's Degree. They can also obtain an Associates Degree and head straight into the working world. There are also many trade programs that train students in vital skills to enter the job market. See the Community College tab for more details.
Search for Colleges Nationwide
Search for Colleges Nationwide
CaliforniaColleges.edu is a fantastic website to search for colleges by region, major, size of college, size of town, sports and much more. Click the link to start your search.
CaliforniaColleges.edu is a fantastic website to search for colleges by region, major, size of college, size of town, sports and much more. Click the link to start your search.
HBCU-Historically Black Colleges & Universities
HBCU-Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have an important role in the African American community as schools that first gave black students the opportunity to obtain higher education when virtually no other colleges would. Today, HBCUs are still an integral part of the black higher education experience in the United States, and this guide takes a look at the importance of these colleges both in the past and present, as well as where they’re headed in the future. For a full list of HBCUs, click here.
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have an important role in the African American community as schools that first gave black students the opportunity to obtain higher education when virtually no other colleges would. Today, HBCUs are still an integral part of the black higher education experience in the United States, and this guide takes a look at the importance of these colleges both in the past and present, as well as where they’re headed in the future. For a full list of HBCUs, click here.
Undocumented Students
Undocumented Students
Undocumented students don't have to worry that applying to college is going to get them deported. Just like BHS, colleges you're applying to protect your immigration status.
Undocumented students don't have to worry that applying to college is going to get them deported. Just like BHS, colleges you're applying to protect your immigration status.
Every UC and CSU has undocumented student support centers on their campuses.
Every UC and CSU has undocumented student support centers on their campuses.
If you have questions or concerns about applying to college and your immigration status, please contact Mrs. Marwick for help. Your status will be kept confidential.
If you have questions or concerns about applying to college and your immigration status, please contact Mrs. Marwick for help. Your status will be kept confidential.
College Field Trips
College Field Trips
Mrs. Marwick takes students out on field trips to local colleges 4 times per year and all grade levels are welcome! Students must be in good academic and behavioral standing. Spots are on a first come, first served basis and trips can fill up quickly. More information is posted in the Counseling Google Classrooms when permission slips are available.
Mrs. Marwick takes students out on field trips to local colleges 4 times per year and all grade levels are welcome! Students must be in good academic and behavioral standing. Spots are on a first come, first served basis and trips can fill up quickly. More information is posted in the Counseling Google Classrooms when permission slips are available.
Past trips have included: St. Mary's, UC Berkeley, Sacramento State, UC Davis, San Jose State, Santa Clara University, Sonoma State, Cal Maritime, Solano Community College, Cal State East Bay, Diablo Valley College, and Napa Valley College.
Past trips have included: St. Mary's, UC Berkeley, Sacramento State, UC Davis, San Jose State, Santa Clara University, Sonoma State, Cal Maritime, Solano Community College, Cal State East Bay, Diablo Valley College, and Napa Valley College.
Virtual Tours
Virtual Tours
Virtual tours are often available on individual college websites, click here for a list of college virtual tours. Don't see a college you're interested in on this list, email Mrs. Marwick and let her know!
Virtual tours are often available on individual college websites, click here for a list of college virtual tours. Don't see a college you're interested in on this list, email Mrs. Marwick and let her know!
Things to think about when visiting colleges:
Things to think about when visiting colleges:
- Do they have the major(s) you're interested in?
- Size of campus, both number of students and area. Is the campus walkable, have good public transit? Would a bike work or do you need a car?
- Size of classes
- How do you feel on the campus? Excited, overwhelmed (too busy)?
- Look at an activities board or ask the guide. Are there events that you find interesting?
- How often do you plan on coming home? Going to school that requires a plane ticket to get home makes it so you can't come home often.
- Are you okay with the weather?
- How much does it cost to live off-campus?