College Information Links for Participating Students
A high school student's schedule is packed with extracurricular activities, studying, internships, volunteering, etc.. That is why it is important for a program like La Noche de las Estrellas to provide as much college-readiness information for our participating students.
This tool outlines all of the A-G approved courses available at our participating high schools. After clicking on the link, type in your school name, and a list of A-G approved courses for the academic year will come up.
This exam is geared towards 10th and 11th graders. One of the test's primary purposes is to act as a precursor to the SAT — essentially, as an SAT practice test. Thus, the PSAT and SAT heavily mirror each other in regard to content, structure, and even scoring.
The SAT is an entrance that colleges and universities use to make admissions decisions. SAT scores can range from 400-1600. It is broken up in the following scoring structures:
- Evidence Based Reading and Writing Section: 200-800
- Math Section: 200-800
- SAT Essay Section: 2-8
If you would like to find out more about the scoring structure of the SAT, click here.
The ACT is a standardized test designed to show colleges how prepared you are for higher education by measuring your reading comprehension, knowledge of writing conventions, and computational skills and then comparing you with the rest of the high schoolers who take it. It essentially serves as a nation-wide college admission test
The University of California (UC) Schools
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The UC requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for admissions (there are other admission pillars, not just GPA). However, this GPA is not the same as a weighted and unweighted GPA from your high school. When calculating a student's Grade Point Average (GPA), UC's look at the A-G courses students have taken from summer after 9th grade year through the end of the 11th grade. Please keep in mind that although this is how the UC calculates GPA, your 9th and 12th grade transcripts are still important.
Point System:
- A = 4
- B = 3
- C = 2
- D = 1
- F = 0
A few things to keep in mind with this point system:
- All Advanced Placement (AP) or UC Honors Level Course receive and additional point (A = 5, B = 4, C = 3)
- Your GPA can only have a maximum of 8 additional points (ONLY four (4) are allowed during 10th grade).
- Grades of D or F do not receive an additional point.
- Classes taken during the summer after 9th grade are considered 10th grade, classes taken in the summer after 10th grade year are considered 10th grade, and classes taken during the summer after 11th grade are considered 11th grade courses.
The Exams: The UC System uses the SAT and ACT exams to assess your academic preparation and achievement, but to help us determine your qualifications beyond what we see in your grades. Click here to see different guidelines the UC follows with regards to fully considering your SAT score.
The California State Universities (CSU's)
There are a total of 23 schools in the CSU system. As a system, they have four criteria for admissions.
Criteria Admissions
- A-G Courses: The CSU requires a minimum 15-unit pattern of courses for admission as a first-time freshman. Each unit is equal to a year of study in a subject area. A grade of C or better is required for each course you use to meet any subject requirement.
- Grades: The grades that you earn in High School are the most important factor in the CSU admission process. High School GPA is calculated the same way as the UC.
- Test Scores: Test scores are required for the CSU if you have a GPA below a 3.0 or if you are not a California Resident. One of the helpful tools that the CSU has is called an Eligibility Index. This tool helps you see what test score is best for admission into the CSU given your current GPA. Please also be aware that although tests are not required for eligibility at the CSU campuses (for students with a 3.0 or above GPA + CA Resident), some campuses are impacted and may ask for testing materials as supplemental information.
- HS Graduation: The final criteria for admission is graduation from an accredited high school.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is designed to improve access and retention of historically low-income and educationally disadvantaged students. The program provides admission and academic assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students. In many cases, the program also offers financial assistance to eligible students. Campuses tailor their programs to accommodate the needs of their student population.
- California State University (CSU):
- ALL of the 23 CSU campuses have an Educational Opportunity Program. Please find their contact information here.
- Process for Admission into EOP: Add supplemental information to the CSU application (when you apply for college), Submit two letters of recommendation, submit all information before the deadline (outlined in application).
- University of California (UC)
- 4 out of the 9 UC campuses have an Educational Opportunity Program
The California Colleges website features the following tools (not an exhausted list):
- A-G Courses: This website will help you navigate the required amount of course you will need to complete to be eligible for graduation as well as be competitive in the application process.
- Systems of Higher Education: This is a breakdown of the different types of high education institutions, whether it is the UC, CSU, CCC, Vocational, or Trade programs.
- Financial Aid: Learn about the different types of aid offered to you before you receive your award letters.
- Job and Life Style Match: Based on the type of lifestyle you see for yourself, the website will recommend degrees and jobs that yield the life you envision for yourself.