COLLEGE AWARENESS

This term refers to the list of courses that are necessary for eligibility for admission to the University of California (UC) and many California State University (CSU) campuses. Each high school should have a list of UC Eligible courses available to students.

If you are in college but don't have a degree yet, you are an undergraduate.

A degree or certificate awarded upon satisfactory completion of a two-year course of study at a community college.

A degree awarded by a college or university upon satisfactory completion of a four-year course of study in the humanities, social sciences, and related studies.

A degree awarded by a college or university upon satisfactory completion of a four-year course of study in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, etc.

You can get one of these if you go to vocational or technical school to prepare for a job that doesn't require a degree. Most programs last 6 to 12 months.

Educational Opportunity Program - A program designed to assist low income and/or educationally disadvantaged students with admissions, academic support services, and financial aid at the University of California, California State University, and Community Colleges (EOPS). Eligibility criteria differs between campuses. Contact the campus of your choice for specific information.

Grade Point Average - an average of all letter grades earned in high school subjects, except physical education and ROTC.

The term applies to a degree program which, because of heavy enrollment may be temporarily closed to new students or may require supplementary screening or earlier application filing deadlines.

"After high school." You can get postsecondary education at all kinds of schools, such as a college or university, a community college, a technical college, trade school or other off-campus courses.

Field of study in which a student pursues specialized study.

This is the second course of study you choose for college. Most programs require that you choose a major and a minor in college, but you can change your mind. (You'll just have to make sure you take the right classes to get a degree in the field you want)

A complete record of the student's high school grades in all subjects taken from grades 9 through 12.

Colleges charge tuition for teaching you. Tuition also can cover the cost of school facilities, such as libraries.

American College Testing Program - "The ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay." Tests can range in length from 30-60 minutes.
http://www.act.org/aap/

Educational Testing Service - The ETS is responsible for administering and scoring approximately 50 tests yearly. These tests include (but are not limited to) the TOEFL and TOEIC tests, the GRE General and Subject Tests and The Praxis Series assessments. Essentially, they are the central hub in the world of standardized testing in the United States.
http://www.ets.org

National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test - This test is offered to juniors and is used as the basis for some scholarships from a wide range of sources. Some private colleges use it as an additional item of information in considering admissions. NMSQT semifinalists must take the SAT I by the following October to compete for the finalist eligibility. http://www.nationalmerit.org/entering.php

Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test - The PSAT may be taken by sophomores and juniors who are interested in preparing for the SAT I. The PSAT is given just once a year in October on a Saturday. The test results are officially sent to colleges and are NOT used in the final admissions process. The PSAT also determines NMSQT finalists.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

Scholastic Assessment Test I: Reasoning Test - The SAT I is one of the two most widely used tests in the college admissions field. It is a three hour test, primarily multiple-choice, that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. The SAT I is given several times a year. The SAT I is a measure that allows admission officers to compare applicants and help make predictions about a student's performance in college. http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html

The Scholastic Assessment Test II: Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests that measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge. Some colleges require one or more of these tests for admission or placement purposes. Check the requirements of the colleges you are considering applying to before deciding which test to take. UC requires three SAT II Subject Tests, including the Writing Test, the Mathematics Level I or IIC, and one test in one of the following areas: English literature, foreign language, science or social studies. On one test date a maximum of three SAT II subject tests may be taken.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html

It's money that will help you pay for college. it includes scholarships, grants, student loans and work-study programs. You have to apply for financial aid. Some financial aid, like student loans, must be paid back.

This is the amount you and your family are expected to pay toward your college education. The amount of your financial aid award depends on whether:

* You're a full-time or part-time student
* You attend school for a full academic year or less
* You believe you have special circumstances such as unusual medical or dental expenses


Federal Student Aid will be paid to you through your school. The school will notify you by sending you a SAR followed by an award letter.

Have you already filled out the FAFSA and received your Student Aid Report (SAR)? The SAR contains the information you reported on your FAFSA. Here's a description of the SAR and how it's used. Your SAR must be complete and correct before you can receive federal student aid. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm

Cal Grant A assists with tuition and fees at public and independent colleges, and some occupational and career colleges. At the University of California and the California State University, the award covers up to full system-wide fees. Your coursework must be for at least two academic years.

Cal Grant B provides a living allowance and tuition and fee assistance for low-income students. Awards for most first-year students are limited to an allowance for books and living expenses. When renewed or awarded beyond the freshman year, the award also helps pay for tuition and fees. The awards for tuition and fees are the same as those for Cal Grant A. For Cal Grant B, your coursework must be for at least one academic year.

Cal Grant C awards assist with tuition and training costs at occupational or vocational programs. The award includes an amount for books, tools and equipment. If you’re planning to attend a school other than a California Community College, you also may receive a tuition award. Funding is available for up to two years, depending on the length of the program. To qualify, you must enroll in a vocational program at a California community or independent college or vocational school that is at least four months long. If eligible for the award, you’ll receive a Cal Grant C Supplement application in mid-April, which must be completed and returned by May 15. Supplements are scored based on your work experience, educational history and vocational aptitude.
http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=20

Financial Aid Form - The financial aid application required by most out-of-state schools. Check the schools you are applying to regarding the type of form required.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid- The financial aid form required by California schools. Complete between January 1 and March 2. The FAFSA is then processed and your financial need is determined in the form of an eligibility index.
www.fafsa.ed.gov/

"Stafford Loans are federal student loans made available to college and university students to supplement personal and family resources, scholarships, grants, and work-study. Nearly all students are eligible to receive Stafford loans regardless of credit. Stafford loans may be subsidized by the U.S. Government or unsubsidized depending on the student's need."
http://www.staffordloan.com/stafford-loan-info/

"The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain post-baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student's expected family contribution (EFC) (see below); the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less."
http://www.ed.gov/programs/fpg/index.html

Parents can borrow a PLUS Loan to help pay your education expenses if you are a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school. PLUS Loans are available through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Your parents can get either loan, but not both, for you during the same enrollment period. http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/parentloans.jsp?tab=funding

Your FAFSA PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records. You should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place. You can use the same PIN in the future to apply electronically for student aid and to access your U.S. Department of Education records. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2005-2006/english/general-pin.htm

If you make excellent grades, achieve something special or have a special or particular skill you may be able to get this kind of financial aid for college. Scholarships usually don't have to be paid back.

The main difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan is that a subsidized loan doesn't accrue interest whereas an unsubsidized loan does accrue interest.

You may be able to get a job on your college campus to earn money to help pay for college.