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Steps to go to College

We are joined by many people from our community, colleges, and your school who believe in you.

We believe in your choice of a career that will provide you fulfillment.

We believe in your choice of an educational plan that will both enlighten you as well as prepare you for a career and employment.

We believe in your determination and hard work to define and achieve your own idea of success.

This guide is for you, when you’re ready to make the informed choices that determine your future. It is one of many resources that may help you. Feel free to call on any of us, your counselors, college staff, or family. We will be happy to answer your questions.

Your success is our goal!

Step 1: Know what you want

Before you apply to college, you need to know what you want out of college.

I. Know yourself – these questions you must answer for yourself.

  • What are the most important things in my life?
  • What do I like doing that may lead to job satisfaction?
  • What special talents and skills do I like using and like developing?
  • Where do I perform/work comfortably and to my fullest potential?
  • Do I prefer working with people, data or things?
  • Is there a combination of those three that I prefer?
  • What experiences do I have that I would like to build on?
  • What are my strengths and abilities now?
  • What level of responsibility and salary do I want?

II. People who graduate from college earn more money. In 2021, a person with a bachelor’s degree earned 62% more than a person with a high school diploma. A master’s degree provided even more earning power with a difference of about to 90%. (Source: Cuellar Mejia, M., Alesi Perez, C., Hsieh, V., & Johnson, H. (2023, March). Is College Worth It? Public Policy Institute of California. Retrieved October 30, 2024, from https://www.ppic.org/publication/is-college-worth-it/)

  • What careers are open to me and meet my interests and values?
  • What training/education is required for my career choice?
  • What is recommended for advancement in this field?
  • What does the job market predict for the years following my graduation?
  • Who do I know that is in this field, that could show me the day-to-day operations and answer a few questions?
  • What steps do I take to be “on track” with the training required?
  • What is a plan of action to reach my career?

III. Know the facts

  • You will eventually have to work.
  • People who graduate from college earn more money. In 2005, a person with a bachelor’s degree earned 37 percent more than a person with a high school diploma. A master’s degree provided even more earning power—almost double the earning power of a high school diploma alone. (Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Survey 2004 Annual Social & Economic Supplement, March 2005.)
  • If you want to be part of a dynamic new economy, you’ll need college. Government projections say that jobs requiring an associate’s degree or more will make up 76 percent of the fastest growing occupations between 2004-2014. (Source U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

Print this out and check when it is completed.

__ 1. Collect information on as many colleges and careers as might interest you. Read college guides and request college catalogs. Talk to college representatives, counselors, college alumni, teachers, recruiters.

__ 2. Check your resources with yourself, family, friends, and counselors. Consider your ability to pay for tuition and living expenses. Should you live at home? Can you get scholarships? (Many colleges offer scholarships and loans for those who need them. See Step VI, financial aid).

__ 3. Assess your academic record. Analyze your transcript with a counselor or college representative. Check to see if you have fulfilled all the college requirements.

__ 4. List several colleges you will seriously consider. In picking these colleges consider the factors mentioned in 1-3. Select those colleges that fit your needs, academic achievement, and budget.

__ 5. Find out what you need to do before applying. Check on the tests you need to take and other documents you need to have.

__ 6. Write out your plan of action for the next year.

__ 7. Share your choices with family and friends. See what they think.

 

How to find out about colleges

  1. Visit your public library. Ask to see college guides such as Barron’s Guide to Colleges.
  2. Search the Internet. Most colleges and universities have home pages on the Internet. You can find out about entrance requirements, cost, financial aid, scholarships, housing, geographic location, size, majors, student life, and you can even apply to college via the Web.
  3. Email or write to colleges to ask for college catalogs, pamphlets, and applications.
  4. Listen to school announcements for college recruiter visits. Attend recruiting meetings and talk individually with recruiter.
  5. Talk to your school counselor.
  6. Ask adults about the colleges they went to. They can provide good personal views about different colleges.
  7. Call the college alumni associations to see if you can talk to an alumni living near your area.
  8. If possible, visit the college campuses.

Download List

Choosing a college or university is an important and complicated decision. A great many factors contribute to the process, but the important thing is to find a place where you are both comfortable and stimulated toward doing your best. Several factors you should consider about a school’s atmosphere and suitability are:

A. Program

  1. Does the college offer a good program in your area of interest?
  2. Is the faculty qualified, friendly and concerned?
  3. Does it offer an alternative program which would interest you?

B. Geographic Location

  1. How is the climate? Is it located in an urban or rural area?
  2. How far is it from home? Will travel costs present a problem?
  3. What is the local community like?

C. Type and Size

  1. Is it coeducational or a men’s or women’s college?
  2. Is it church-related? Does this matter to you?
  3. How big is the college? What is the size of the freshman class?
  4. How large are the classes?
  5. What is the ethnic breakdown and male/female ratio of the student population?
  6. Are you comfortable in this environment?
  7. What is the student/faculty ratio?

D. Admission Requirements

  1. What specific high school subjects, grade point average, and entrance tests are required?
  2. What are the application deadlines?
  3. Educational Opportunity Program availability?

E. Costs and Financial Aid

  1. How much does the institution cost per year? (tuition, fees, campus housing, books and supplies, transportation, etc.)
  2. Is financial aid available? The more expensive schools usually offer the greater amount of financial aid.

F. Housing

  1. Does the campus provide residence facilities and what is the deadline to apply?
  2. Are there restrictions on off-campus housing for freshmen?
  3. What is dorm life like? Is it coeducational?
  4. Are there different types of meal plans available and what are the dining services like? (ie. how’s the food?)

Visit the campuses you are interested in. If you plan in advance, you can receive a campus tour, talk to faculty, staff and students, sit in on a class, and maybe even stay in a dorm. Explore all options, listen to the information and suggestions of others, and remember, YOU know best what is important to YOU in this decision. Don’t forget! most colleges have a WEB page on the Internet.

(This step can be completed via letters and emails by the end of your junior year)

After you decide on the colleges you want to seriously consider, you should write to them to request information, application forms and mention specific questions or concerns. Most of the information needed is on colleges’ websites, but if you would like any additional information in paper, request it via e-mail or letters. NOTE: You may want to contact universities and colleges via email in order to get a quicker response.

Below is a sample email to request information.

To: admissions@csueastbay.edu

Subject: Info Request

My name is Carmen Rodriguez. I am highly interested in applying to CSUEB as an undergraduate with an intended major in Sociology. I would like to be directed to or receive information in regards to your undergraduate admissions process, EOP, Housing as well as Sociology Department. Any information is useful and will be appreciated.

Thank you,
Carmen Rodriguez
2490 Maple St.
Oakland, CA 94618
carmen@yahoo.com

Financial Aid Office
Mills College
Oakland, CA 94613

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a sophomore at Laney College and am very interested in transferring to Mills College in the fall of _____. I will need financial assistance.

Please send me any information you feel will be helpful and all grants, workstudy and loans.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely yours,
Carmen S. Rodriguez
2490 E. Maple St.
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 666-1111
carmen@yahoo.com

  1. Allow yourself sufficient time to fill out the application form. A “rush job” results in careless errors. Work in a quiet place alone, where you can give the job the consideration it deserves.
  2. Read all directions carefully, before you start, and follow them accurately.
  3. Research any essay questions on the school’s website so you can think about your answers before writing.
  4. Use an online platform like Google Docs to start drafting your essay responses. Also think of 2-3 trusted inviduals to proofread and provide feedback on your responses.
  5. Make your answers truthful, specific and concise. Make sure to answer the question.
  6.  
  7. Answer all questions. Do not leave blank spaces. If a question does not apply to you, place a dash (-), N/A (not applicable) or zero (0) in the blank (regarding to financial questions).
  8. Make sure you keep track of your test scores. You are responsible for making sure that the testing agencies (College Board or ACT) report your test scores directly to the Admissions Office at each college to which you apply.
  9. If an application fee is required, be prepared to pay online or by check via mail. Write your name and social security number on your check or money order. If you cannot afford the fee, find out if the college accepts fee waivers. You may obtain fee waivers from your counselor. See your counselor well ahead of the deadline.
  10. Make photocopies of all applications and obtain a “Certificate of Mailing” from the post office, get a receipt with the date on which you mailed the application. Affix adequate postage to the envelope. Do not use certified or registered mail or an overnight express delivery service to send your application. This will delay processing of your application. Keep the copies and certificate receipts all in one safe place, in a folder or file.
  11. Submit your applications as early as possible during the appropriate filing period.
  12. Upon submission of your application, you should receive acknowledgement that your application form and fees were received. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, call the admissions office and follow-up with your application.
  13. If admitted, most colleges will require a final, official high school transcript (showing your date of graduation). You must arrange to have it sent to the Admissions Office where you plan to enroll. Be sure to request your transcript at least three weeks before it is due.

The following information was taken from the Fund Your Future Workbook.

A Look at the Basics

While most colleges expect you (and your family) to contribute toward your education, financial aid can help close the gap between your resources and your college costs. Most financial aid is awarded based on your financial need, which is also known as your financial aid eligibility. This is the difference between your college costs and your expected family contribution, the amount the government calculates you could reasonably contribute toward your education for the school year based on the information you provide on your FAFSA.

Your college costs – Your expected family contribution = Your financial need

Financial aid is available from the federal government, states, colleges and private sources. There are four major types:

  • Grants, usually based on financial need, are money you don’t have to pay back.
  • Scholarships are also free money for college, usually based on your area of study or merit, such as good grades, special talents, heritage or community service.
  • Work-study programs let you earn money for college in a job on or off campus.
  • Loans are money you borrow that must be repaid with interest.

Start With the FAFSA

You apply for most financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA asks for information about you, your family, your finances and your college plans. The fastest and easiest way to complete it is by using FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov, but there’s also a paper FAFSA that you can get from your school or by calling toll free 800.4FED.AID. Both versions are available in English and Spanish. Be sure to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible between January 1 and March 2 of your senior year in high school. You’ll need to submit the FAFSA each year while in college to continue receiving financial aid.

Many colleges use the FAFSA as well as additional applications, such as the College Board’s CSS/Financial Aid Profile, to award their private dollars. Be sure to ask the financial aid office of each college you’re considering what forms are required to apply for its private student aid money and the deadlines. To apply for a Cal Grant, you must submit your verified Cal Grant grade point average as well as the FAFSA (check with your high school counselor about your GPA Verification – he/she may submit this electronically for you). Some other California state aid programs also require their own applications in addition to the FAFSA.

Your College Costs

Each college has its own cost of attendance or student budget, which includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses for the school year. It may also include money for a computer. Your cost of attendance will vary depending on where you live (with your parents, on or off campus) and the college you attend. If you have a disability, let your college know about any expenses that aren’t already covered by insurance or other sources.

Your Expected Family Contribution

After submitting the FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report, known as the SAR. The SAR contains a summary of your FAFSA information and lists your expected family contribution, or EFC—the amount of money the government believes you and your family could reasonably contribute toward your education for the year. Your EFC determines the types and amounts of federal and state aid you receive. Whether you go to an expensive college or one with lower costs, your EFC will stay the same. However, you may be eligible for different types and amounts of aid at different colleges. That’s because colleges have different costs of attendance and limited financial aid funds. Also, some colleges have their own private money to award. Each college you list on your FAFSA will receive your SAR information. In addition, the California Student Aid Commission will receive a copy to determine your eligibility for a Cal Grant and other California state aid. To award their private aid dollars, often colleges calculate a second EFC using additional information about your finances.

Your Financial Need

Each college you listed on your FAFSA and are accepted to will determine your eligibility for financial aid, also known as your financial need. The college’s financial aid office will subtract your EFC from the college’s cost of attendance for the school year—the difference will be your financial need. Your financial need will vary from college to college because each college has its own costs of attendance. Each college will then put together a financial aid offer. To estimate your financial aid eligibility, use the calculators at www.finaid.org or www.collegeboard.com/pay.

Your Financial Aid Offer

The financial aid office at each college you’ve been accepted to will provide you with an evaluation of your eligibility for financial aid, either by letter or e-mail. If your college asks for additional information, be sure to respond promptly. Your offer will usually list your college costs for the year, the amount that will be covered by a mix of grants, scholarships, work-study, loans or other aid, and the amount you’ll have to contribute. In addition, it should explain the terms and conditions you must meet to receive the aid and the deadline for accepting or declining the aid.

There are four main sources of financial assistance: the federal government, state, colleges/institutions, and private sources. Each source may offer different and many types of aid (ie. grants, scholarships, work-study, or loans)

The Federal Government

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are the largest source of free money for college from the government. These need-based grants of between $400 and $4,050 a year are awarded to every undergraduate who qualifies and hasn’t already earned a bachelor’s degree. Pell Grants can be used to pay for tuition, fees and living expenses at any qualifying college, including a California Community College.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), if you’re eligible for a federal Pell Grant, are a U.S. citizen and successfully complete a “rigorous” high school program, you may qualify for an Academic Competitiveness Grant of up to $750 for your first year and up to $1,300 for the second year, in addition to your Pell Grant.

National SMART Grant

National SMART Grant provides up to $4,000 for your junior and senior years of college if you’re eligible for a Pell Grant, are a U.S. citizen and are majoring in physical, life or computer sciences, math, technology or engineering, or in certain foreign languages.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, between $100 and $4,000 a year. Priority is given to students receiving a Pell Grant. They don’t need to be paid back. Unlike federal Pell Grants, funds for these grants are limited, so there’s no guarantee you’ll receive one. Also, keep in mind not all colleges offer them.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study allows you to earn a portion of your financial aid package through work. Your college will assist you in locating a part-time job on or off campus, usually related to your studies or career plans, or in community service. You’ll earn at least the federal minimum wage.

Federal Perkins Loans

Federal Perkins Loans are low-interest loans for students with exceptional financial need. These loans are made by colleges using mostly federal funds and have 0 percent interest during school. You’ll have up to nine months after school before you must start repaying your loan at 5 percent interest. Depending on when you apply, your financial need and available funds, you can borrow up to $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study and up to $6,000 a year if you’re a graduate or professional student. Funding is limited, however, and not all colleges offer these loans.

Federal Stafford Loans

Federal Stafford Loans are the most common source of student loan funds and are for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, and professional students at all types of colleges. There are two types of Stafford loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Your FAFSA will establish your eligibility for both. You may receive both types of loans at the same time. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent for the life of your loan. After you graduate, leave school or enroll less than half time, you’ll have a six-month grace period before your first loan payment is due. Typically, you’ll have up to 10 years to repay, depending on the amount borrowed. If you’ll be going on to graduate school, you may request an in-school deferment and postpone repayment until you finish graduate school or drop below half-time enrollment.

Subsidized Stafford Loans

Subsidized Stafford Loans are based solely on financial need. The federal government pays the interest while you’re in college and during the six-month grace period after you graduate, leave school or enroll less than half time—you’ll make no loan payments until your grace period ends. To qualify, you must meet all the requirements for federal aid and have your eligibility for a Pell Grant determined.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are for all eligible students, regardless of income or assets. You must meet the same requirements as those for the subsidized Stafford loan, except for demonstrating financial need. You’re responsible for paying all the interest on the loan, but you can defer interest payments while in school. If you do, the interest will be added to the amount you borrowed when repayment begins and future interest will be based on the higher loan amount. It’s to your advantage to pay the interest while you’re in college because you’ll pay less interest in the long run. To learn more, go to www.studentaid.ed.gov

Federal PLUS Loans (for Parents of dependent students or Graduate Students)

Federal PLUS Loans (for Parents of dependent students or Graduate Students): Federal Parent PLUS loans enable your parents or stepparents to borrow up to the total cost of your undergraduate study, minus any other aid you may receive. These loans aren’t based on your family’s income or assets. If you’re a graduate or professional student, you can take out a Federal Graduate PLUS loan to borrow up to the total cost of your education, less any other aid you receive, including any federal Stafford loans. To apply for a PLUS loan, you must submit the FAFSA, meet credit eligibility requirements and complete a PLUS loan application. The interest rate for PLUS loans is fixed at 7.9 percent or 8.5 percent, depending on the college. Interest accrues from the date loan funds are first disbursed until the loan is repaid in full. You may also have to pay an origination fee and a federal default fee. For more information, contact your college’s financial aid office.

There are many other types of financial assistance available from the Federal Government such as aid for Veterans and/or their dependents, loan forgiveness programs, and national service programs like Americorp. To learn more, visit: www.studentaid.ed.gov

The California State Government

Cal Grants are free money for college that you don’t have to pay back. There are three basic Cal Grants: A, B and C. You can use your Cal Grant at any qualifying college in California. Depending on the Cal Grant you receive, the money can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food and even transportation costs to and from classes. Your Cal Grant award is available for up to four years and may be extended an additional year if you’re getting a teaching credential or are attending another mandatory five-year program. In addition, you may use your Cal Grant to study abroad if the program is officially recognized by a California campus. Cal Grant award amounts are based on full-time attendance. If you attend less than full time, your award may be reduced. To receive your award, you must be enrolled at least half time—at least six semester units or the equivalent.

To be eligible for a Cal Grant, you must:

  • submit the FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline
  • be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen (your parents don’t need to be citizens or eligible noncitizens)
  • be a California resident when you graduated from high school
  • have a Social Security number
  • attend a qualifying California college
  • not have a bachelor’s or professional degree (except for Cal Grant A and B extended awards)
  • have financial need based on your college costs
  • have family income and assets below the established ceilings
  • meet any minimum GPA requirements
  • be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
  • be enrolled at least half time
  • have registered with U.S. Selective Service (most males)
  • not owe a refund on a state or federal grant, or be in default on a student loan

Cal Grant A Entitlement Award

Cal Grant A Entitlement Award helps pay for tuition and fees at California’s four-year colleges (public and private) and selected private career colleges. Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 3.0 GPA, meets the financial and academic requirements, and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant A Entitlement award.

Cal Grant B Entitlement Award

Cal Grant B Entitlement Award provides a living allowance in addition to the tuition and fee assistance in the same amounts as those for Cal Grant A. Most first-year students receive the living allowance only, which may be used to pay living expenses, books, supplies and transportation, as well as tuition and fees. When renewed or awarded beyond your first year, you’ll receive the living allowance as well as a tuition and fee award. Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the financial and eligibility requirements and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award.

Cal Grant A and B Competitive Award

Cal Grant A and B Competitive Award: These awards are the same as Cal Grant Entitlement awards except that they are not guaranteed and only a limited number of Competitive awards are available—half are set aside for students who meet the March 2 deadline, and the other half are for California Community College students who meet the September 2 deadline. Eligibility is geared toward nontraditional students and takes into account not only GPA, but also time out of high school, family’s income, parents’ educational levels, high school performance standards and other factors, such as whether the student comes from a single-parent household or was a foster youth.

Community College Reserve Grant

Community College Reserve Grant: If you receive a Cal Grant A or B, but attend a California Community College first, your award will be reserved for up to three years until you transfer to a four-year college, if you continue to qualify. If you list a California Community College before a four-year California college on your FAFSA, it will be assumed the community college is your first choice. When you transfer, be sure to let your school know you have a reserve grant, as well as the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

Cal Grant C

Cal Grant C provides money for books, tools and equipment for a technical or career education for up to two years. If you plan to attend a school other than a California Community College, you may also receive a grant to help pay for part of your tuition (your fees will be waived if you attend a California Community College). If you qualify, you’ll receive a Cal Grant C Supplement form. Supplements are scored with an emphasis on educational background, vocational or occupational experience, aptitude and the endorsement from a professional. Even though there’s no GPA required, you’re still encouraged to submit your verified Cal Grant GPA because your GPA can earn you additional points. A counselor’s review of your completed Supplement is recommended.

Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Awards

Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Awards: If you plan to attend a California Community College after graduating from high school and before heading to a qualifying four-year college, and you didn’t receive a Cal Grant within a year of high school graduation, this Cal Grant is for you. You’re guaranteed to receive a Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement award if you meet all the requirements (including financial need), have at least a 2.4 community college GPA and meet the admissions requirements for a four-year college. You must also have graduated from a California high school after June 30, 2000, and have been a California resident at the time. To apply, you must submit your FAFSA and verified Cal Grant GPA from your community college between January 1 and March 2 of the year you plan to transfer. If you’ll be taking advantage of this award, be sure to keep in contact with your community college’s transfer center staff or financial aid office.

Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

Chafee Grant for Foster Youth: If you are or were in foster care, up to $5,000 a year may be available for job training or college in addition to any other financial aid you receive. Along with the FAFSA, you must submit the California Chafee Grant Application, which is available online at www.csac.ca.gov (select “Commission Programs”) or by calling toll free 888.224.7268. You don’t need to have a Social Security number to apply. To learn more, contact your school, caseworker, Independent Living Program coordinator or One-Stop Center.

There are many other types of financial assistance available from the California State Government such as aid for pursuing a child development permit, Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, Law Enforcement Dependents Grant, GEAR UP Awards, California’s Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE), the State Nursing Assumption Program of Loans for Education (SNAPLE), and extended Cal Grant benefits. To learn more, visit: www.csac.ca.gov

In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students (AB 540)

If you’re an undocumented or under-documented immigrant, you may qualify for lower “in-state” tuition rates at the University of California, California State University and California Community College campuses and save thousands of dollars. To qualify, you must have completed at least three years of high school in California and graduated from a California high school or received your GED in California. You must also sign an affidavit promising to legalize your residency as soon as you’re eligible to do so. (The affidavit will be kept by the college and remain confidential.)

For more information, ask your college’s admissions or registrar’s office about in-state tuition rates for “AB 540” students and potential financial aid opportunities. If you filed an application for permanent residency one year before enrolling in college, you may already be eligible for in-state tuition rates and to receive California state aid. To find out, contact your college’s admissions office. If you have a valid student visa (V or K visa), you may qualify for in-state tuition if you’ve lived in California for more than one year and you meet the requirements for residency.

If you’re a citizen of Micronesia or the Marshall Islands, you may qualify for in-state rates if you’ve lived in California for more than one year. If you’re an older student who has completed at least three years of adult school or if you completed your GED through an adult school, you may also qualify for lower fees at a California Community College. You should also look into private scholarships. Start with those listed at www.maldef.org (select “Scholarships, Lista de Becas” on the right).

College/Institution Based Aid

Not all financial aid is provided by the state or federal government. Many colleges have their own grant and scholarship programs, and therefore, separate applications and deadlines. For more information, check with the financial aid office at each college you’re considering.In addition, the following state-funded programs are available at California’s public colleges and universities:

California Community Colleges (CCC)

California Community Colleges Fee Waiver (BOG)

You won’t pay any enrollment fees at a California Community College if you’re a California resident and are eligible for a Cal Grant or any other type of need-based financial aid, if you receive CalWORKs/TANF, SSI or General Assistance payments (or if you’re a dependent student and one of your parents receives this assistance), or if your total family income is within the income standards. For more information on the Board of Governors’ Enrollment Fee Waiver (known as the BOG Fee Waiver) or the income standards, go to www.icanaffordcollege.com.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) provide grants, counseling and tutorial services to low-income, educationally disadvantaged students. To learn more, contact your college’s EOPS or financial aid office.

In addition, California Community Colleges have other support programs that assist with counseling, transportation, textbooks and supplies, job placement, and child care available for single parent students and those receiving welfare or CalWORKs benefits.

California Community Colleges (CCC)

California State University campuses offer the State University Grant to California residents with financial need. The amount of the award varies according to the priorities of each campus, but it generally covers at least a portion of the systemwide State University Fee. For the neediest students who don’t have a Cal Grant, the State University Grant covers at least the full State University Fee. To learn more, go to www.csumentor.edu or www.calstate.edu.

Educational Opportunity Program at CSU campuses provides grants of up to $2,000 a year, counseling and tutorial services to low-income and educationally disadvantaged undergraduates. There’s even a summer program to strengthen your math, reading or other skills. To learn more, contact your college’s EOP or financial aid office.

University of California (UC)

More University of California students receive grant funding through the University Student Aid Program than through any other state or federal program. Undergraduate awards are given to financially eligible students who are unable to cover the full costs of attending a UC campus through a combination of a parent contribution (if applicable), grants from federal or state sources, and a reasonable level of student earnings and borrowing.

Educational Opportunity Program at UC campuses provides grants, counseling and tutorial services to low-income and educationally disadvantaged undergraduates. To learn more, contact your college’s EOP or financial aid office.

Private Individuals, Corporations, Foundations

  • Many private organizations such as clubs, your parents’ employers, labor unions, corporations, religious institutions, and private individuals do award scholarships and loans. Check with your counselor and parents for such opportunities.
  • Use scholarship search engines on the internet, but beware of scholarship scams and fraud!
  • Private Loans: If you still fall short after exhausting all your own resources, federal loans and other financial aid, you may want to consider a private loan. Private loans may carry higher interest rates and have fewer benefits than federal loans. At a growing number of schools, private loans have been filling an important need in their financial aid offers. Contact your college’s financial aid office for more information.

Additional Financial Aid Tips:

  • It’s never too early to explore all financial aid options from federal, state, school and private sources.
  • Some scholarships are for specific grade levels as young as elementary or middle school. Go to libraries, counselors, teachers and other adults to inquire about such scholarships.
  • During the college admissions application process, find out what each school requires to apply for financial aid. Even at similar colleges in California, requirements, forms, and deadlines are not the same. Schools outside the state will have their own financial aid application process.
  • If mailing important letters or forms, ask the post office for a certificate of mailing. Print your name and ID number at the top of each document and keep copies of everything!
  • Be prepared to supply additional materials, such as your family’s income tax returns (IRS Form 1040), directly to the college or university. For more information please check the Fund Your Future Workbook published by the California Student Aid Commission and EdFund, from which the information in this resource guide was extracted.

What does it mean to accept a student loan?

Accepting a loan means accepting the responsibility of repaying the money you borrow. Before you borrow, ask:

Is the college or program a good investment?

You have the right to be fully informed about the college’s tuition and refund policies, academic and training programs, financial aid programs, faculty and facilities, and its graduates’ success rate in finding jobs. You also have the right to ask how many students complete their degrees at the college and how many of them transfer out. Choose the college that’s best for you. Remember, even if you don’t graduate, can’t find a job or aren’t happy with the education, you still must repay your loan.

Does my loan make good financial sense?

Are there jobs in my chosen field and how well do they pay? Some jobs and careers are more stable or higher paying than others. Learn more about hundreds of jobs, including required training, prospects and earnings, in the federal Occupational Outlook Handbook available in libraries or online at www.bls.gov/oco. In addition, you’ll find starting salaries for hundreds of jobs at www.edwise.org.

Are there other options?

Check out all scholarships, grants and employment opportunities first. Also, look into AmeriCorps, military and veteran benefits, cooperative education and other options. What are the true costs of my loan? It usually costs money to borrow money. Don’t graduate with sticker shock—make sure you know the true costs of your loan. Keep track of how much you borrow and how much you owe, including interest costs and fees. If you don’t make your loan payments on time, you may be hit with late fees and collection costs.

Can I repay it?

Before applying for a loan, determine how much you’ll be able to afford to repay. Estimate how much money you’ll need, what your monthly payments and other expenses will be, and what you can expect to earn after graduation. Borrow only what you need and will be able to pay back. Also, keep in mind that the longer you take to pay off your loan, the more interest you’ll pay over the life of your loan.

What are my rights and responsibilities?

When you accept a loan, you accept legal and financial responsibilities that last until the loan is repaid. You’ll sign a promissory note, which is a legal contract between you and your lender. It’s a promise to repay the amount you borrow and an agreement to the terms and conditions of your loan. Before signing, be sure you understand all of your responsibilities and rights.

KEEP YOUR TYPED ESSAY TO LESS THAN TWO PAGES DOUBLE SPACED.

CHOOSE ONE ASPECT OF YOURSELF AS THE MAIN THEME OR FOCUS OF YOUR ESSAY. For example, you may choose to focus on one of the questions below while giving mention to each of the other relevant topics.

LET A PARENT, TEACHER, OR COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE READ YOUR ESSAY TO GIVE YOU SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE IT. This way, a trusted adult can tell you whether you should include more information or delete unnecessary ones. Ask them to proofread for grammar. Grammar and spelling mistakes do serious damage to the impression you make.

Below is a list of suggested topics about yourself that you should include in your essay.

What are your goals? Why do you choose these goals? i.e. If you want to be an engineer, what experiences inspired you to want to be an engineer? Why do you choose to apply to this college? i.e. You may apply to UC Berkeley because they have the best engineering program in the country.

What are your values and philosophy about education? What are the basis for these values? i.e. Do you value education as a way to expose yourself to many experiences? to improve yourself? to gain a skill? to establish a good career?

Is there one or two accomplishment(s), either in school or outside of school that you are particularly proud of? What have you learned from these experience(s)? i.e. sports activities, student government, class projects, work experience, community work, etc.

Have you a system of organization and time-management so that you can succeed both academically and socially? i.e. Have you trained yourself to schedule your time well so that you have time for studying as well as social and recreational activities?

What difficulties or disadvantages have you faced in your life and how have you overcome them? i.e. Are you from a low income family and you had to work? Are you an immigrant and had to overcome language difficulties?

What is one area in which you are weak and how have you or do you plan to overcome that weakness? Do not dwell on this point: keep it very brief.

If you are applying for the educational Opportunity Program (EOP), tell whether you need financial aid and whether either of your parents graduated from college.

Suggested Format

NAME DATE

TITLE

INTRODUCTION: Avoid meaningless intros. Get right to the point. Start off immediately to talk about your goals and reasons you want to attend the college.

1ST BODY PARAGRAPH: Should contain the most important idea you want to convey. Should state the main reason that the college should accept you.

2ND BODY PARAGRAPH: Should have smooth transitions between paragraphs. Transitions should tie ideas in each paragraph together into one coherent essay.

3RD BODY PARAGRAPH: After outlining your more important ideas in your previous paragraphs, this is a good place to start putting in relevant details that you have not yet mentioned.

4TH PARAGRAPH: Should tie up loose ends. This is where you should include details necessary to apply for EOP and financial aid.

CONCLUSION: Sum up the main reasons you mentioned of why you should be accepted.

YOUR SIGNATURE

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