Student/Parent FAQ
Standardized Testing
How to sign up for the SAT
Here is the link to CollegeBoard to sign up.
The cost of the SAT can vary over years, but currently it is $46 without the essay, and $60 with the essay. (Fee Waivers are available for those in low-income situations)
The essay is required for UC schools and isn't for CSU schools. The essay does help for admission in nearly every case, and is recommended for some impacted CSU's.
How to sign up for the SAT Subject Tests
SAT subject tests are on the same day as the regular SAT, BUT they are not available on the March test date.
Register Here.
These tests are available:
Math Level 1
Math Level 2
Biology (Ecological)
Biology (Molecular)
Chemistry
Physics
Literature
US History
World History
Foreign Language tests are also available.
For more info including available languages as well as links to example questions, go
here.
How to sign up for the ACT
Here is the link to register.
It costs $46 without essay and $62.50 with essay.
The ACT has English and Math sections just like the SAT, but it also has a Science portion.
What are the differences between the ACT and SAT
The ACT has English and Math sections just like the SAT, but it also has a Science portion.
There are a few other differences that you should consider:
For Math:
SAT Math provides major formulas while ACT does not.
ACT allows a calculator on all problems, while SAT has a "no calculator" portion.
For English:
SAT English provides line numbers when citing a part of a passage, while the ACT doesn't.
SAT English also has questions that ask justification for your previous answer, while the ACT doesn't.
For more specifics on their differences, look
here.
College Admissions
How to apply for any UC
This link is to the UC application itself for if you would like to apply.
Required Courses to apply are:
History -- 2 years
English -- 4 years
Mathematics -- 3 years
Lab Science -- 2 years
Foreign Language -- 2 years
Visual/Performing Arts -- 1 year
College Preparatory Elective -- 1 year
Grades for these years must be at least C's and GPA must be at least 3.0
--- If you cannot meet these yearly requirements or GPA requirements, ---
--- good standardized test scores can fulfill the requirements, see here ---
(make a graphic showing information form
here)
Taking an ACT with Essay or SAT with Essay is required.
Follow
this link to see admission requirements for UC schools in more detail.
How to apply for any CSU
Follow this link to the CSU application to apply.
Required Courses to apply are:
History -- 2 years
English -- 4 years
Mathematics -- 3 years
Lab Science -- 2 years
Foreign Language -- 2 years
Visual/Performing Arts -- 1 year
College Preparatory Elective -- 1 year
For regular admission, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA to apply. If you have a GPA of 3.0 or more, you may apply regardless of SAT/ACT score. If you have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0, go
here to see the required test scores.
How to apply for private/other college
In this case for any other college, you must go to their individual websites. To apply, many use the Common App, you can access the Common App here.
How to be competitive
We can talk to teachers like Mrs. Gobel and Coughran et al. to get their advice.
