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College Information & Exploration

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

A community college is a public institution of higher education that typically serves the local community. Community college are also known as junior colleges or technical colleges. They offer a variety of programs, including:

  • Associate Degrees: The most common degrees offered at community colleges, usually taking two years to complete
  • Certificates: Often can be earned in one year or less
  • Bachelor's Degrees: Some community colleges offer four-year bachelor's degrees in certain majors
  • Technical and Vocational Programs: These programs are often linked to local employers, community groups, and high schools
  • Community Programs: These programs can include resume help for job seekers or swim classes for children
  • Continuing Education Programs for adults

WHAT ARE OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES?

While students can attend any community college that meets their needs and supports their interests, these are the community colleges that Northwood students typically attend:

WHY CHOOSE A COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

  • Affordability
  • Personalized Attention and Smaller Class Sizes
  • Career and Educational Path Exploration
  • Ability to complete general education requirements before committing to a four-year college
  • Professional certificates
  • Transfer agreements or a second chance at a first-choice college
  • Honors programs
  • 116 campuses throughout the state of California

INFORMATION & RESOURCES

OVERVIEW

The California State University (CSU) system is a public university system in California, consisting of 23 campuses and 7 off-campus centers. It is teh largest four-year public university system in teh United States, serving over 460,000 students. The CSU system offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its commitment to providing access to higher education fo a diverse student population.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • COURSEWORK REQUIRED
    High school students are required to complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses (known as the "a-g" courses) with a grade of "C-" or higher. Students should work with their counselor to ensure that they are meeting all course and GPA requirements for the UC system. The a-g requirements are as follows:
    • a. History/Social Science: 2 years of history/social science, including 1 year of U.S. history or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of American government, AND 1 year of world history, cultures, and geography from the "a" subject area
    • b. English: 4 years of college-preparatory English composition/literature (including no more than 1 year of Advanced ESL/ELD)
    • c. Mathematics: 3 years of mathematics, including successful completion of Math III or Algebra II or the equivalent; 4 years are recommended 
    • d. Laboratory Science: at least 1 year of physical science and 1 year of biological science
    • e. Language Other Than English: 2 years, or the equivalent to the 2nd level high school course of the same language (American Sign Language is accepted)
    • f. Visual and Performing Arts: 1 yearlong course in visual and performing arts, or 2 one semester courses in the same discipline (Dance, Music, Theater/Drama, or Visual Arts)
    • g. College Preparatory Elective: 1 year of an elective chosen from any area on approved "a-g" course list
  • MINIMUM GPA
    The CSU system has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 for California residents and graduates of California high schools. Non-California residents typically need a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR IMPACTED MAJORS
    Some majors and campuses are considered "impacted," meaning they receive more applications than available spots. For impacted majors, campuses use additional criteria, such as:
    • Higher "a-g" GPA thresholds
    • Number of courses exceeding the minimum "a-g" requirements
    • GPA in specific subjects (e.g., Math and Science)
    • Hoursehold income
    • Extracurricular activities and leadership involvement
    • Participation in specific educational programs

RESOURCES

CSU campus map

OVERVIEW

The University of California (UC) is a public university system in California, consisting of 10 campuses and multiple research centers. It's one of the world's leading institutions for higher education and research, known for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and significant contribution to various fields.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • A-G COURSEWORK COMPLETION
    High school students are required to complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses (known as the "a-g" courses) with a grade of "C-" or higher. Students should work with their counselor to ensure that they are meeting all course and GPA requirements for the UC system. The a-g requirements are as follows:
    • a. History/Social Science: 2 years of history/social science, including 1 year of U.S. history or 1 semester of U.S. history and 1 semester of American government, AND 1 year of world history, cultures, and geography from the "a" subject area
    • b. English: 4 years of college-preparatory English composition/literature (including no more than 1 year of Advanced ESL/ELD)
    • c. Mathematics: 3 years of mathematics, including successful completion of Math III or Algebra II or the equivalent; 4 years are recommended (must include a geometry course)
    • d. Laboratory Science: 2 years including at least 2 from biology, chemistry, and physics; 3 years are recommended
    • e. Language Other Than English: 2 years, or the equivalent to the 2nd level high school course of the same language (American Sign Language is accepted); 3 years are recommended
    • f. Visual and Performing Arts: 1 yearlong course in visual and performing arts, or 2 one semester courses in the same discipline (Dance, Music, Theater/Drama, or Visual Arts)
    • g. College Preparatory Elective: 1 year of an elective chosen from any area on approved "a-g" course list
  • MINIMUM GPA in "a-g" courses: 3.0
  • COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
    The University of California utilizes a comprehensive review process in which they consider 13 different factors when reviewing applications.

RESOURCES

OVERVIEW

There are over 2,000 private and out-of-state four-year colleges in the United States. Private and out-of-state colleges may be more expensive than in-state public colleges due to teh lack of state funding and different tuition structures. However, private colleges may offer larger financial aid packages and scholarships. Public colleges often have lower tuition rates for in-state students, but out-of-state students tend to pay notably more.

However, there are ways that students can offset the cost of an out-of-state or private institution, including scholarships, financial aid, and WUE benefits.

WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE (WUE)

WUE, or the Western Undergraduate Exchange, is a program that allows students in participating western states and territories to attend public colleges and universities in other participating states at a reduced tuition rate. Instead of paying the full out-of-state tuition, WUE students typically pay no more than 150% of the institution's in-state tuition rate. This can lead to significant cost savings for students seeking to attend out-of-state schools.

  • Who is eligible? Students must be residents of a participating WICHE state or territory to be eligible for WUE. WICHE maintains a list of eligible locations. 
  • How does it work? Instead of paying the standard out-of-state tuition, which can be significantly higher, WUE students pay a maximum of 150% of the institution's in-state tuition rate. 
  • What are the benefits? WUE offers a way for students to access a wider range of college options and potentially save a substantial amount of money on tuition costs when attending an out-of-state institution. 
  • How do you participate? Students apply directly to the participating institutions, and some schools may automatically consider eligible applicants for the WUE rate, while others require a specific application for the discounted rate. 
  • Participating institutions: Over 160 public colleges and universities across the western United States participate in the WUE program.

For more information about financial aid and scholarships, please click here.

OVERVIEW

SAT or ACT scores may be required for admission to 4-year colleges and universities. While many schools are now “test optional,” some schools are again requiring exam scores as a part of the admission requirements; be sure to check with each college directly to see whether an SAT or ACT test will be required or recommended. SAT/ACT scores will not be used for admission consideration to community colleges, the University of California (UC), or California State University (CSU) schools.

Which test should I take? Students only need to take one of the tests. Colleges accept both. Click here for an SAT/ACT score comparison chart.

PREPARING FOR AN EXAM

Students often begin to study for the test in the summer following sophomore year and take the test during the spring of Junior year. These timelines are a recommendation and will vary by student. Students self-study, work with a tutor, or select a test preparation program. This is a decision for the family to make.

Should I take the test more than once? Students can retake the test to improve their scores through the fall of senior year, depending on college application deadlines.

Where do I take the test? Northwood does not host these exams on our campus. To find a testing location and to register for an exam, visit:

PRACTICE TESTING AT NHS

The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) provides the following practice test opportunities. The district will register students and all fees will be covered by IUSD. Northwood High School students will take their exams at NHS during the school day. Please check your email and your student's "Class of" Canvas page for the testing date and other important details.

  • Freshmen: PSAT 8/9
  • Sophomores: PreACT
  • Juniors: PSAT/NMSQT

OVERVIEW

AP (Advanced Placement) tests are standardized exams that assess a student's mastery of college-level coursework covered in AP classes. These exams are administered annually by the College Board in May, and a strong performance can earn students college credit or placement in corresponding college courses.

SENDING AP SCORES TO COLLEGES

Official AP scores should only be sent to the college that you plan to attend. Scores should be sent before the college's deadline, which may be as early as mid-July. Students can also send scores for free as long as they submit the request prior to the free score send deadline. While some colleges allow self-reporting of AP scores during the application process, most require official scores from the College Board after acceptance

RESOURCES

Students who want to compete in NCAA sports will need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

RESOURCES