College Planning
California State Universities
COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE
The 4 steps to take when planning for college
Step 1: Consider Your Interests and Goals
What fields am I most interested in, and what am I good at?
What are my academic and professional goals?
What career path do I wish to pursue?
Will I need to earn an advanced degree to achieve my goals?
Do I want to attend college away from home?
Will I need to earn money while in school?
Could an alternative to a traditional four-year university, such as an online college or community college, work for me and my goals?
Step 2: Research Different Types of Institutions
4-Year Public College or University
4-Year Private College or University
2-Year Community College
For-Profit School
Online College or University
Trade School or Technical College
Step 3: Understand the True Cost of College
CSU approximate tuition: $6,633/year
UC approximate tuition: $13,300/year
Community College approximate tuition: $1,104/year (California promise allows first 2 years at a community college FREE)
4-Year Private College or University, For-Profit, Online College/University, and Trade School/Technical College's tuition will vary.
Step 4: Plan Ahead to Meet Important Deadlines
Make sure to keep track of the following deadlines:
College Applications due dates
SAT/ACT testing dates
Financial Aid
Scholarships
A-G Requirements
You MUST have your A-G requirements met in order to attend a CSU or UC. Even if you are unsure if you want to attend college it is important to keep your options open!
Click on the category to see what classes count for that specific requirement. It is important that you keep track of your classes to ensure that you are taking courses that match the goals you want to achieve after High School.
A: History/Social Science- 2 years required
Ag Government
American Government
AP Government
AP Human Geography
AP US History
AP World History
U.S. History
World History
B: English- 4 years required
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition
English 1-4P
Dramatic Literature
EL 1-3
Pre-AP English 1
Pre AP English 2
Intro to Speech & Debate
C: Math- 3 years required, 4 recommended
Algebra 1P
Algebra II P
AP Calculus AB
AP Statistics
Calculus
Common Core Math
Geometry
Integrated Math 1-3
Pre-Calculus
Quantitative Reasoning with Advanced Mathematical Topics (QRAT)
Statistical Literacy
D: Science - 2 years required, 3 recommended
Ag Science 3
Agriculture Science 1
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics
Biology & Sustainable Ag
Biology 1
Chemistry
Earth & Space
Physics
PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Introduction to Engineering Design, and Principles of Engineering
Foundation of Science
E: Foreign Language- 2 years required, 3 recommended
American Sign Language 1&2
AP French
AP Spanish
French 1-4
Spanish 1-4
F: Visual and Performing Arts - 1 year required
Adv. Art Projects
Advanced Band
Advanced Speech & Debate
AP Music Theory
Baritone Choir
Beginning Band
Ceramics 1-3
Concert Choir
Dance
Color guard
Drama Production 1&2
Drawing 1&2
Jazz Band
Music Theory
Theater
Floral Arts
Treble Choir 1&2
Show Choir
Wind Ensemble
Wood 1
Yearbook
G: College Prep Elective- 1 year required
Ag Mechanics1
Ag Leadership
Ag Econ
AP Microeconomics
AVID 9-12
Business Entrepreneurship
Econ
Geography
Ag Design and Fabrication
Mechanical Systems in Ag
Multimedia Marketing
Naval Science 1-4
Psychology
Storytelling
Vet Science
Virtual Enterprise