Use the information on this page to ensure you have
the information needed for completing college applications. In
addition, tips are provided to help you successfully complete college
applications.
Information Needed for Completing Applications
Having the following information on hand before you start your application will definitely make the process go faster.
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A copy of your transcript for each high school and college you attended and a copy of SCHS’ UC and CSU approved course list. Don’t enter classes and grades from memory; misreporting your academic record can jeopardize your application.
When completing applications, report only approved UC/CSU courses taken
and grades received. If they have been pre-approved, the courses will
show up on the pull down menus. For out of state schools, you will have
to type courses in under “other” in the pull down menu. REPEATING
CLASSES: Both university systems allow the repeating of a grade below
“C.” UC wants you to report the “D” or “F” and the repeated grade (their
admission staff will recalculate the GPA using the repeated grade
only); CSU wants you to show the repeated grade only on the application
(this allows their built-in GPA calculation system to function properly
in your favor).
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Name, dates attended, address and CEEB or School Code # for all schools attended (check UC Pathways or CSU Mentor on-line for high schools in California). SCHS’s Code # is 053-297. In case you need them, Cabrillo’s College Code # is 4084 and UC’s College Code is 4860.
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Parent Information: Name, address, estimated annual income
for each parent. Read each application’s information regarding how to
handle this information if your parents are separated, divorced,
out-of-home but financially supporting you, etc.
Tips for Completing College Applications
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Be sure to spell your name exactly the same on all
documents. For example: Your name should be the same on your Social
Security card, your transcript, your registration for SAT and ACT
testing, etc. Some universities will provide a reference to A.K.A. (Also
Known As) or Alias, if applicable. If your test scores are listed by a
different spelling, it is recommended that you email each campus to
which you are applying to be sure that they know that test reports for
“J. R. Smith” are really for “James Robert Smith.”
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Complete the application on-line if you can. Both CSU and UC
prefer that you apply on-line. In fact, UC is not providing a printed
version this year—though one can be downloaded. You will need a current
Web Browser on your computer— one can be downloaded from CSU Mentor or
UC’s Pathways site. Also you must disable pop-up blockers, as
much of the application relies on you viewing pop-up information (you
can look for a message at the top of the window to see if content is
being blocked and temporarily allow blocked content). Viewing their
application virtual tours or movies will answer many questions and
likely prevent errors that could delay your application or cause you to
be denied.
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Be thorough and honest regarding all aspects of your college applications.
These are legal documents and once submitted, it is your responsibility
to inform them (in writing by email or letter) of any changes or
corrections to the original application. For instance, if you drop a
class that you listed on your application, you must let the campuses to
which you applied know. Otherwise, when the college you want to attend
receives your final transcript and realizes that your transcript is
different from your application, it could be grounds for them to rescind
your acceptance.
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All universities are looking to make sure that the senior year is academically challenging. If your senior year lacks rigor, add something for 2nd semester.
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Apply broadly: “86% of students who applied to 4 campuses
were admitted to one of their choices” Whether you apply to UCs, CSUs
or private universities, apply to a couple campuses that would be a real
stretch (likely won’t get in), 2-3 campuses where you have a good
chance of getting in and a couple campuses where you know you will get
in (safety schools).
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MAKE A COPY FOR YOUR FILES BEFORE YOU SUBMIT, MAIL OR E-MAIL ANYTHING!!