Campus Pathway

Facts about admissions at UC schools

Now that applications are in for the current high school senior class students that aspire to attend one of the UCs next year, let's review some of the statistics associated with the most recent class of applicants. This can shed some light on what the current group of applicants can expect this coming April, when the letters of acceptance are sent out by the universities.

For this fall of college freshman, the class of 2012, the number of applicants to the UC system was 95,611. Of those applicants, 76,842 students were accepted, about 5,000 over the previous year. Of those, 37,763 Californians said that they would be enrolling.

Here are the academic statistics of the incoming class this year (class of 2012) and last (2011):

2007    GPA: 3.78    SAT: 1768    ACT: 24.9
2008    GPA: 3.79    SAT: 1769    ACT: 25.2

The high acceptance rates can be misleading. Looking at specific schools reveals some important distinctions for the fall 2008 applicants (class of 2012):

Berkeley: 49,504 applied, 10,478 admitted (21.6%), 4.18 GPA, SAT CR 665, M 696, W 674 averages
San Diego: 47,410 applied, 19,044 admitted (40.2%), 4.07 GPA, SAT CR 630, M 671, W 642 averages
Los Angeles: 55,441 applied, 12,709 admitted (22.9%), 4.15 GPA, SAT CR 653, M 686, W 664 averages

The UC system is very good at producing statistics each year. You can get all the information sliced nearly any way you want it at this site:

UC StatFinder - Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment, Persistence, and Graduation Statistics

Some tables that are sure to be of interest are:

Table 16-2007. Fall applicants, fall admits, fall enrollees, admit rate and fall applicant yield rate: first-time freshmen, by high school GPA, universitywide and by campus: Fall 2007

and,

Fall 2008 California Freshman Admit Profile

So, if you are stressing over your chances for getting into a UC campus, these statistics can help get a picture of your chances. But as many families are finding each year, acceptances can appear random at some campuses, with some students with high academic profiles missing out while some with lower profiles are admitted.

This makes a strategy of selecting strong private schools that match your needs and preferences all the more important.

College Honors Programs

A college honors program provides highly motivated students the opportunity to work closely with professors and other motivated students in advanced levels of critical thinking, analysis, research, writing, communication, and collaborative learning initiatives. Honors programs vary with the school, but there are some common benefits of a college honors program.

Criteria for Acceptance

Each honors program has its own entrance requirements. Some criteria for acceptance by the colleges include:

• High GPA (usually 3.5 or higher)
• High standardized test scores (this is relative to the school - some have only a combined score of 1200 or higher on the SAT or 26 or higher on the ACT)
• Strong high school curriculum
• Top ten percent (or better) of high school graduation class
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Powerful essay
• Good interview

Some programs will only have one or two requirements, while other programs will have more. The college's coordinator of the honors program is the person to contact for the specific entrance requirements - go straight to the person who knows.

Applying

If you meet the entrance requirements for the honors program at certain schools you may be automatically accepted into the program - if you want it. Other schools may require an application in addition to meeting the main criteria. With schools that require an application there may be a deadline for submission. 

Benefits of Joining

The benefits of joining a college honors program are significant for many but vary with the colleges and are appreciated differently by students. Some benefits include:

Small classes. Small class sizes enable students to have closer relationships with their professors and with other students because they allow for more interaction and discussion - student engagement is often enhanced. Often honors classes have no more than 25 students.

Graduate school preparation. At many schools, the class regimen of an undergraduate honors class is similar to that of a graduate class. Many honors classes place a great deal of emphasis on continuing education through graduate school.

Special activities. Students who participate in an honors program often get to participate in honors retreats, cultural events at theaters and museums, campus-wide recognition banquets, dinners with faculty members, etc.

Networking with exceptional students. Since this is a relatively elite group of academic achievers, it sets the bar higher for associations, friendships and future professional contacts. Since you may be going through a more rigorous curriculum, the bonding and relationship-buidling can provide benefits for years to come.

Scholarship opportunities. At some schools, students who participate in the honors program may also qualify for certain scholarships. Each school's honors program is different, so you must check carefully to not miss any good opportunities.

Priority registration. Some programs allow priority scheduling for students in the honors program. This can help that honors students to complete their individualized academic programs in a timely manner.

Honors degree. Students who graduate in the honors program will have that notation recorded on their diplomas and permanent records. This can look good on your resume. But many college graduates from honors programs say it has little real impact when searching for a job.

There are many people who feel that the honors programs provide little benefit after college. But during the college years, some of the benefits listed above can be very meaningful to certain students. The purpose of most honors programs is to provide an enhanced educational experience for students, providing a higher level of academic rigor and stimulation. As always, you must decide for yourself.

Some California Honors programs include:

UCLA Honors Program

UC Irvine Honors Program

UC Davis Honors Program

UC Berkeley Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences Honors Program

UC Riverside Honors Program

UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science Honors Program

UC San Diego Warren College Honors Program UC San Diego John Muir College Honors Program

UC Santa Barbara College of Letters & Science Honors Program

Being Smart Not Enough for College Admissions

I just stumbled across a good audio piece from the the National Public Radio (NPR). The subject is one that I speak to frequently with parents: the most selective colleges are flooded with applicants and the decision process is becoming more and more subjective.

The issue is this: with the number of high school graduates peaking this year or next (estimates vary) at 2.9 million students, the acceptance rates at the elite colleges (note that I did not say, "best colleges") is at all-time lows. This sellers' market is causing all kinds of 2nd and 3rd order effects, such as students applying for 20 or more schools. That in turn causes the school admissions officers to look beyond the  numbers and the resume to such things as demonstrated leadership, cultural development and extraordinary accomplishments.

This NPR audio file is a little over 4 minutes long. It's well worth the time. Enjoy. And send me your comments.

Being Smart Not Enough for College Admissions

Myths and Truths about Standardized Tests

Here are some truths and myths taken from the book, The Truth About Getting In, by Katherine Cohen:

MYTH: A straight-A student should have no trouble getting a 1600 on the SAT I.

TRUTH: Your classroom ability does not necessarily correlate to your standardized test-taking ability. It is helpful to prepare for the SAT I by taking practice tests eight to ten times prior to the actual test date.

MYTH: You should keep preparing for and keep tracking the SAT I until you are happy with your score.

TRUTH: Studies have shown that a student's SAT I scores tend to plateau after the third time, so there is little reason to go beyond that. In addition, too many attempts at the SAT I will look desperate to an admissions board.

MYTH: A high score on the SAT I guarantees you a spot in one of the nation's top colleges.

TRUTH: There are no guarantees when it comes to college admissions; and a high SAT I score is NOT your ticket in. Your transcript is more important than your SAT I score. The truth is, your application is comprised of both your academic and personal records, and your SAT I score is just one piece of the whole pie.

MYTH: Even if a school does not require the SAT I, you should take it anyway, as a sign that you are committed to learning

TRUTH: If a school doesn't require the SAT I, only send your scores if they are excellent and/or better than the grades on your transcript would predict.

MYTH: Take as many SAT II exams as possible-it's the quantity of your test results that counts.

TRUTH: Take the required SAT II exams and then only take any extra exams in those areas in which you excel. In addition, you should take the SAT II's right after you've completed course work in that subject. You can repeat these tests using score choice, and choose your best score in these subjects to send to the colleges of our choice.

Senioritis is it Really Dangerous?

It is important to mention the danger of Senioritis as we approach the final semester of the senior year.  Many students think they can neglect their studies as their high school years come to an end and they start to embark on their college years.

It is important to note that colleges may make admission dependent on continued academic performance. Many look at senior-year course loads and grades to be sure the student is capable of performing college level work. For some ideas of how to combat senioritis take a look at this interesting article in Time Magazine on the subject.

Tests, Tests, Tests and more Tests

These are the five major tests you will encounter, all administered by the College Board:  PSAT, SAT I, SAT II-Subject Tests, ACT and AP exams.

PSAT

PSAT is a test administered in October to prepare you for the SAT I. You should have received a copy of your answers along with the correct answers and difficulty level of each question. This is an excellent source to use as your prepare for the SAT I.

SAT I

The SAT I is a three-hour exam that consists of three parts, verbal, math and writing.  Each section is scored on a scale from 200 to 800.  Prep course are offered to help you prepare.  Most sources feel that practice tests are the best form of preparation.  You should plan on giving yourself three opportunities to take the SAT I exam.  The best test dates are believed to be March and May of the junior year and October of the senior year.  Since your score and percentile ranking are determined in relation to all the other students that are testing that day, it is to your advantage to take it when the most students are testing.  The best test day overall seems to be in March.  The most difficult test day seems to be in January.  This is due to the fact that most students taking the test in January tend to be the students who are the most prepared, have their acts together early and are planning on apply early to one of the more selective colleges.  It is recommended that you only take the SAT I up to three times.  When you send your test scores to the colleges you are applying to, collegeboard.com sends all of your scores.  Most colleges will take the highest verbal or math score, even if they occur on different dates.  The writing section score is currently not being used by most colleges.  Students should be preparing intensively from January until the May test date.

SAT II Subject Tests

These are one-hour exams in specific subject areas that test a student’s knowledge of a particular field of study.  Test scores range from 200 to 800 for each test.  You should look at the websites of schools you are interested in applying to and determine what their SAT II requirements are.  For instance the UC system requires two SAT II Subject Tests in two different subject areas.  You can review their requirements at on the UC website You need to plan ahead, not all subject tests are available on each testing date and you can only take up to three SAT II tests on any given day.

ACT

The ACT is a single-format test in the areas of English, reading, math and natural science.  You will receive sub-score on each of these four sections, graded on a scale of 1 to 36 as well as an overall composite score.  The ACT is accepted at all colleges.  The ACT is a shorter test and students that are strong in math and science tend to score higher and find it easier.  Students are encouraged to take the ACT since there is really no disadvantage in doing so.  Students will only be required to send their highest score in either the SAT I or the ACT.  You can see the SAT and ACT score comparisons on the college board website

Advance Placement Tests

Advance Placement Tests are not required for college admission but they do demonstrate the ability to perform work at a college level and in-depth knowledge of a particular field of study.  They are offered in 33 different curricular areas.  If you do well on these exams you can earn 3, 4 or 5 units of college credit based on your score.

Frequently Asked Questions on the FAFSA

1. Where can I get a copy of the FAFSA?

You can ask your guidance counselor for a copy. You can also get the FAFSA from the financial aid office at a local college, your local public library, or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. The online version of the form is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov , which is the general site, and specifically located at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov/docs/en-colorPDF_FAFSA_20071818.pdf.

2. Are photocopies of the FAFSA acceptable?

No. Only the original FAFSA form produced by the US Department of Education is acceptable. Photocopies, reproductions, facsimiles and electronic versions are all not acceptable.

3. How soon after January 1 should the FAFSA form be sent in? Is it better to wait until the income tax forms have been completed?

Send in the form as soon as possible after January 1. Do not wait until your taxes are done. Although it is better to do your taxes early, it is ok to use estimates of your income, so long as they aren't very far off from the actual values. You will have an opportunity to correct any errors later on the Student Aid Report. If you wait too long, you might miss the deadline for state aid. Most states require the FAFSA to be submitted by March 1, and some even as early as early or mid-February.

4. My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA?

If your parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA.
The custodial parent is the parent with whom you lived the most during the past 12 months. Note that this is not necessarily the same as the parent who has legal custody. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, the parent who provided you with the most financial support during the past twelve months should fill out the FAFSA. This is probably the parent who claimed you as a dependent on their tax return. If you have not received any support from either parent during the past 12 months, use the most recent calendar year for which you received some support from a parent. Note, however, that any child support and/or alimony received from the non-custodial parent must be included on the FAFSA.

5. My parents are divorced, and the parent I'm living with has remarried. Does my step-parent have to report his or her income and assets on the FAFSA?

Yes, provided that the parent you're living with is the one filling out the FAFSA (your custodial parent). If the step-parent is married to your custodial parent at the time you fill out the FAFSA, they must report their income and assets, even if they weren't married to them in the previous year.

6. My custodial parent remarried and signed a prenuptial agreement that absolves the step-parent from financial responsibility for my education. Why does my step-parent have to provide financial information on the FAFSA?

Prenuptial agreements are ignored by the federal need analysis process. After all, two individuals (parent and step-parent) cannot make an agreement between them that is binding on a third party (the federal government). The federal government considers the step-parent a source of support regardless of any prenuptial agreements to the contrary. If a step-parent marries the parent, he or she is considered responsible for supporting the parent and children, even if he or she is unwilling to do so.

The FAFSA - the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Few understand the importance of this form. It's a simple form, only 11 pages in print, much of it informational, and about 24 pages online. It is an easy form to complete, if you have your financial information ready. It takes a skilled and experienced professional 40 minutes to complete the form. But, it can take a few weeks to properly prepare the family's financial accounts for the effort to produce the best outcome for the family.

After all, the whole point is to maximize both need and merit-based financial aid.

The 2008-2009 FAFSA PDF can be downloaded for review, printing and use if you are so inclined.

The FAFSA has worksheets A, B an C that help you calculate your expected family contribution (EFC).

You need a PIN to file the FAFSA. This is a identification number much like your bank ID that allows you to enter your financial data on the Department of Education website for the FAFSA. Along with your full name (both student and one parent), your birthdays (in MMDDYYYY format), and your PIN, you can enter your financial data and send the FAFSA to the schools to which you have applied.

You can obtain a PIN from the Department of Education website, located at:

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before004.htm

With the PIN, you can complete the FAFSA and submit it to all of the schools to which you are applying, 6 at a time. Be sure to do this BEFORE the priority deadline for each school as described on their websites!

What is the Cal Grant?

The Cal Grant is a financial aid program administrated by the California Student Aid Program in California that provides aid to California undergraduates, students at vocational schools and those in teacher certification programs. Cal Grants are the largest source of California state aid. It provides funds to students who meet grade point average and parent income requirements. Qualifying for the Cal Grant requires families to file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for the grant.

To refresh your memory, grants are the best - they are gifts or scholarships that do not have to be repaid. Do you fully appreciate that? They DO NOT have to be repaid. It is FREE money.

The Cal Grant was established for California students attending California colleges. There are three components in determining Cal Grant eligibility: parent income, assets and the academic achievement of the student.

I highlighted the eligibility requirements for the upcoming 2008-2009 college year recently in this post:
Determine your eligibility for the Cal Grant.

In order to qualify for the Cal Grant A, which is the maximum award, the family's income must not exceed the ceiling. The income ceiling varies with the size of the family. The income calculation is based on the parents' adjusted gross income (AGI) plus any untaxed income such as 401-k contributions or child support (minus several credits for a limited number of families). In FAFSA form terms, this equates to AGI plus "Worksheet A" plus "Worksheet B" minus "Worksheet C."

The new asset ceiling is set at $59,100. The asset calculation does not include the home equity of your primary residence, retirement accounts or annuities. It does include cash, checking, savings, CDs, money market funds, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, investment real estate, 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.

These are the same accounts that are counted in the Federal financial aid process, and very close to those of the CSS/PROFILE, used by the private colleges.

The student must have a 3.0 GPA according to the California Student Aid Commission's (CSAC) GPA Verification Form. Some high schools automatically transmit electronically every senior's GPA Verification Form to the CSAC, so it is important to understand the high school's method. Most often the student must personally request the signed form from the guidance department and then mail it no later than March 2.

The FAFSA form is also due at California schools March 2.

The Cal Grant program is one of the most generous state grants in the nation. For private schools, the Cal Grant A is just under $10,000 annually. For UC schools, the award is just under $7,000 and for CSU, just under $3,000.

Coming Clean on College Costs

Whoa, this is pretty cool. Juniata College is a private college that is putting its cash where its mouth is, so to speak. In an effort to combat the notion that private colleges are way more expensive than public colleges, the school is "guaranteeing our students the ability to graduate in four years, or the fifth year is on us".

This is clearly an effort to increase demand by the school in competition with all the other choices for students graduating from high school and headed to college. That's OK by me! I like their attitude.

Aside from their guarantee, they give out a good bunch of financial aid in an attempt to lure families to their school. Again, this is terrific. It's part of the whole "enrollment management" program that colleges use to maximize attendance and get the profile they want in the student body. They have to look good in the rankings, after all. Like the US News and World Report College Rankings, for example.

You can read more about this at Inside Higher Ed in an article by Thomas Kepple, Coming Clean on College Costs.

Speaking of that publication, Kepple mentions that the U.S. News & World Report noted in the November 5 issue: “Since it is now taking the average public university student more than six years to graduate, the cost of a public college degree is now more than $90,000, about 25 percent more than it was for the freshmen of five years ago.”

Whoa. More on this issue as we go...