Understanding High School Requirements & Financial Aid

Moving through high school...

Credits for promotion:

Grade 10 55 credits

Grade 11 110 credits

Grade 12 170 credits

To graduate from high school...

• Credits required: 230 credits

• Pass all required classes.

• Pass all areas of the High School Exit Exam.

High School Graduation vs College Admissions Requirements

High School Graduationa-History - 30 credits (3 years)b-English 40 credits (4 years)c-Math - 20 credits (2 years)d-Lab Science - 20 credits (2

yrs)e-Foreign Language - nonef-Visual/Performing Arts -

10 credits (1 year)g-Electives - 70 credits

College Admissionsa-History - 2 yearsb-English 4 yearsc-Math - 3 yearsd-Lab Science - 2 yearse-Foreign Language - 2

yearsf-Visual/Performing Arts -

1 yearg-Electives - 1 year

Grade requirements

High School

Grades must be “D”

or higher to pass.

4-year College

Grades must be “C”

or higher to enter.

High School Exit Exam

The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE):

English language arts– Reading and Writing sections– Multiple Choice and Writing task– Covers state standards through grade 10

Mathematics– All Multiple Choice– Covers math concepts and skills through Algebra I

High School Exit Exam

Taken once in 10th grade If one or both parts not passed, may take two

more times in 11th grade and three times in 12th grade

Once a part is passed, no need to take again English language arts

– Passing score - 350 (450 possible) Mathematics

– Passing score - 350 (450 possible)

High School Exit Exam

What if a student doesn’t pass?

Students who complete all graduation requirements have one more chance to pass exam in summer after senior year

Can complete diploma in Adult School When 18, can take the GED and/or enroll in

community college

What else do colleges consider?

College entrance tests (SAT or ACT) Honors and Advanced Placement classes Additional academic classes Special talents or skills

UC’s and Private Colleges Extra curricular activities Community service Obstacles overcome Essay (writing skills)

How to get ready for college NOW!

• Read as much as possible.

• Get involved in school activities.

• Take challenging classes.

• Make up “D’s” or “Fails” as soon as possible.

• Take advantage of opportunities.

• Develop strong study skills.

Four California College Systems Community

Colleges California

State University

University of California

Independent Colleges & Universities

Degrees Available

AA BA/BS MA/MS

PhD

BA/BS MA/MS

PhD

BA/BS MA/MS

PhD

Entrance Require-

ments

HS diploma 18 years of age

15 classes SAT Reasoning

15 classes • SAT Reasoning • 2 - SAT Subjects

varies

Number of

campuses

109

23

10

Over 75

Items considered for Financial Aid

• Total family income

• Number of people in family

• Value of family assets

• Student’s grade point average

Depending on your family’s total income, you might receive…

Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational

Opportunity Grant Federal Work-Study (part-time job) Federal Perkins Loan Federal Stafford Loan California Grant

Depending on your GPA, you might receive a …

Cal Grant A (full tuition at CA public school)– 3.0+– Middle to low income family

Cal Grant B (full tuition + $1,550/year)– 2.0+– Lower income family

Cal Grant C (vocation/occupational schools)– No GPA requirement!

What Can Students do NOW?

Get GOOD GRADES! Good grades turn into MONEY! A Cal Grant is based on 4

semesters of work in 10th and 11th Grade.

A Cal Grant can pay for tuition at a California college.

What should you do NOW?You have a challenge and

a promise.

Go for it!