What information do I need to be aware of when completing the Common App?

On the "Grades" section:

Bellflower High School CEEB Code: 050255

Graduating class size (approx): 375

GPA Scale Reporting: 4

Cumulative GPA: Include your weighted 9-12 Cumulative Academic GPA

GPA weighting: Indicate "Weighted"

What do I need to consider when applying to private/out-of-state schools?

• Determine which application you need to complete by referencing the colleges' websites.

  • Many colleges utilize either the Common Application (commonapp.org) or Coalition Application (coalitionforcollegeaccess.org), while others have individual applications.

• Check to see if letters of recommendation are needed from your counselor and teachers.

• Complete any essays (including supplemental essays) for colleges that require them.

  • You can create a Google Doc copy of the Common App and Coalition App prompts by going to the "4-Year College Information" section of our counseling website.

• Submit your official transcript along with your application if necessary.

  • Detailed instructions can be found on the "Transcript Requests" section of our BHS website.

• Submit your standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests).

  • Submit SAT scores via collegeboard.org and ACT scores via act.org. Please note that some schools are "test-optional", so you can choose whether or not to submit your scores

What do I need to consider when applying to community college?

• Determine which community college you are planning on applying to.

  • Local community colleges include Cerritos College, Long Beach City College (LBCC), and Cypress College. If applying to Cerritos College, it is recommended that you apply for the Cerritos Complete program to receive priority registration. If you are applying to Long Beach City College, it is recommended that you apply for the Long Beach City Viking Advantage Progam.

• Submit your official transcript by July 1st.

• Detailed information can be found on the "Community College Information" section of our counseling website.

What do I need to consider when applying to California State University (CSU) schools?

• Create and input information in your CSU Application account.

  • The window for submitting your CSU application is October 1-November 30.

• Send official standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) to CSU schools.

  • Submit SAT scores via collegeboard.org and ACT scores via act.org. Details can be found here.

What do I need to consider when applying to University of California (UC) schools?

• Create your UC Application account and start inputting your information.

  • The UC Application opens August 1, and the submission period is from November 1-30.

  • Your CA SSID number is listed as "State Student ID" on your Aeries account.

• Complete 4 out of 8 UC Personal Insight Questions.

  • You can create a Google Doc copy of the prompts by going to the "4-Year College Information" section of our BHS website.

• Submit your standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Tests)

  • Submit SAT scores via collegeboard.org and ACT scores via act.org. Detailed instructions can be found here.

Certificates

These are non-degree offerings in technical and vocational fields of study. A certificate generally leads directly to full or part-time employment in an occupational field. There are numerous certificate programs offered by the community college system. Visit the school websites for a complete listing of Degree and Certificate Program offerings. Some examples are:

• Catering Certificate Program

• Digital Photography

• Emergency Medical Technician

• Civil Computer-Aided Design

• Electrician Trainee

• Medical Laboratory Technician

• Design Model Making

• Food Service

Associate Degree (AA, AS)

Two types of Associate Degree programs are offered by the community college program. In general, the Associate Degree program takes 2 years to complete. Visit the school websites for a complete listing of Degree and Certificate Program offerings.

• Technology and Vocational Degrees: Generally completed in two years. Examples include AS Degrees in Paralegal Studies, Digital Media Technologies, Business Management.

• Transfer Degrees: Prepare students to transfer to a four year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Examples include AA degrees in Liberal Studies, European History, Political Science, etc.

Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BS)

This requires 4-5 years of study. Students must complete general education courses, courses in a major field of study, and electives.

• Bachelor of Arts degree (BA): Awarded for majors in the humanities and the arts.

• Bachelor of Science degree (BS): Awarded for majors in science, tech, engineering, and math.

Masters Degree: (MA, MS, MBA, MFA)

This degree takes about two years to complete beyond a Bachelor’s Degree and is often more focused in one area of study.

• Master of Arts degree (MA): Awarded for majors in the humanities and the arts.

• Master of Science degree (MS): Awarded for majors in science, tech, engineering and math.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Awarded for majors in business administration.

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Awarded for majors in the arts.

Doctorate Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D, DPH)

Coursework and independent research is done after completing a bachelor’s degree and culminates in a dissertation or formal presentation.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Awarded for humanities, arts and science majors.

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Awarded for education majors.

• Doctor of Public Health (DPH): Awarded for majors in public health administration.

Professional Degrees

(MD, DDS, JD, etc): Requires completion of at least several years of advanced study. Examples include:

• DC: Chiropractor

• DDS or DMD: Dentistry

• JD: Law

• MD: Medicine

• OD: Optometry

• DVM: Veterinary Medicine

• SIZE – Size of colleges range from very small (500 students) to very large (>35,000 students)

• LOCATION – Some students prefer to attend college close to home while others want to experience a new environment and would be able to adjust and function as well or better farther away.

• TYPE– Colleges are either privately or publicly funded. Private colleges may or may not be religiously affiliated which may add certain expectations for students who attend that college.

• COST – This includes tuition, fees, room and board, and travel expenses. Tuition at state-supported schools is substantially lower than that of private schools. Students who wish to attend out-of-state public schools pay out-of-state tuition fees, which in most cases equate with tuition at a private institution. However, private institutions often provide significantly more financial aid.

• ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS – In addition to presenting acceptable scores on entrance exams, some colleges require a certain number of units in high school preparatory courses, as well as essays, recommendations, or interviews.

• CURRICULUM AND DEGREES OFFERED – A sizable consideration for choosing a college should be the availability of adequate programs in the area you intend to study, as well as the requirements for achieving a degree in your major at that particular college.

• HONORS – Distinctive academic programs may be available to students who meet requirements.

• FACILITIES – Some students are interested in the quality of the facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, residence halls, etc.

• FINANCIAL AID – Along with federal and state aid, many colleges offer institutional financial aid to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the expected contribution of the family. Sme private colleges even offer financial aid that places the cost in line with that of public colleges.

• EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES – The college should offer a variety of activities which are of interest to you, e.g., student government, social organizations, athletic or intramural activities, etc.

• FAMILY TRADITION– Your family may have strong ties to a particular college.