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od, CA 90
d, Lynwo
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6
1132
10) 886-1
Phone: (3
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Fax:
d-ap.com
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www.lyn
This publication made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Education's Advanced Placement Initiative grant program.
AG
LIFE UIDE TO
SUC LONG
FOR CES
AN STUDE S
D FA
N
MILI TS
ES
Our primary goal is to ensure that all of our students build a solid academic foundation and love of
learning that will propel them forward as they progress from elementary school, through middle school
and high school, allowing them to graduate college and be career-ready.
Success in school and life is every parent´s hope for his/her child. Success in school leads to better social
economic opportunities and an improved quality of life. By 2018, most occupations will require schooling
beyond high school, and in most cases a college degree. In the next two decades, California will need 3.2
million new college-educated workers – nurses, teachers, engineers and others - to remain competitive
in a global economy and replace the retiring “Baby Boom” generation. The demands of the 21st Century
require that tomorrow´s workforce – today´s students - are prepared as lifelong learners capable of
adapting to rapid technological advances and an unpredictable economy.
A college education is the best insurance for our children´s future success. When youth go to college,
everyone wins: our children win; our families win; and our communities win. Lynwood Unified School
District has been successfully preparing students to excel in school and graduate from college.
It is our goal to equip students with the academic skills and knowledge to succeed among college
students from all over the world. To this end, beginning in 2010, we have expanded our Advanced
Placement (AP) programs and will continue to do so through our AP is for Everyone! Program. The
purpose of LUSD´s Advanced Placement Incentive (API) is to increase the successful participation in
advanced placement courses and tests. Our API program serves students in high schools. AP is for
Everyone! promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education with the
addition of Project Lead The Way courses in both high schools.
We offer this resource guide to help Lynwood´s highschool children and their parents/guardians
understand the steps that must be taken to gain college admissions, apply for financial aid, and prepare
for careeres. Together we can build a better future for our children and our country.
Sincerely,
Paul Gothold
Superintendent
Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment
Unemployment rate in 2012 (%)
In High School...
»M
eet with your child’s teachers to discuss your
child’s academic progress.
»A
ttend school-sponsored activities regarding
college preparation.
»H
elp your child maintain a high Grade
Point Average (GPA), especially in English,
mathematics, and in science.
» E ncourage your child to participate in academic
enrichment and extracurricular activities.
» E xplore high school options that best suit your
child’s needs and interests.
»V
isit your child’s future high school and meet
with the school counselor before she/he begins
high school.
» E ncourage your child to ask questions and seek
help if he/she struggles in class.
» Take advantage of after-school tutoring if your
child needs additional help.
»B
egin exploring colleges and scholarship
options.
»M
eet often with school counselor(s) and
teachers to discuss your child’s academic
progress.
» E ncourage your child to maintain a 3.0+ GPA in
college preparatory (A-G) classes. (See Preparing
for College)
» E nsure your 9th grader enrolls in a summer
bridge program to smoothly transition into high
school.
» E xplore financial aid options and Expected
Family Contribution (EFC) by using the
FAFSA4Caster (www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov).
»A
ttend workshops to learn about financial
aid and the college- and career- preparation
process.
» E ncourage your child to participate in
enrichment and extracurricular activities (i.e.
summer programs, college classes, volunteer
opportunities, etc.).
» E ncourage your child to use College Board
– an online tool for tracking applications,
scholarships, colleges, and career exploration.
»W
ork with your child and school counselor to
identify a variety of colleges to apply to (public,
private, in- and out-of-state).
» S enior year, complete the necessary financial aid
applications (FAFSA).
»V
isit college campuses on weekends, during the
summer, and/or holiday breaks, and encourage
your child to keep all options open. Contact
admissions to schedule a guided tour.
»H
elp your child select a college that best meets
his/her interests and career goals.
Median weekly earnings in 2012 ($)
2.5
Doctoral degree
1,624
2.1
Professional degree
1,735
3.5
Master´s degree
1,300
4.5
Bachelor´s degree
1,066
6.2
Associate´s degree
785
7.7
Some college, no degree
727
8.3
High school diploma
652
12.4
Less than a high
school diploma
471
All workers: 6.8%
In Middle School...
THE FAMILY´S ROLE
DEAR STUDENTS...
Dear Students and Families:
All workers: 6.815
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey
2
3
“When a student makes the decision to take an AP
course, it tells the world that he or she has chosen
to take his/her education seriously. Advanced
Placement students understand the value AP
coursework will provide in propelling them to
achieve their college and career goals.”
—Ms. Shamell Wilson,
Assistant Principal,
Lynwood High School
1
2
3
Set high expectations
with your child. Include
college as a goal!
Monitor your child´s
progress in school.
Take steps with
your child to prepare
him/her for college.
College Planning Resources
California Colleges
www.californiacolleges.edu
KnowHow2Go
www.knowhow2gocalifornia.org
College Board
www.collegeboard.com
ASPIRA
www.aspira.org
Center for Student Opportunity
www.csopportunity.org
Black Excel: The College Help Network
www.blackexcel.org
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Mentor
www.hbcumentor.org
CHCI
www.chci.org
In Middle School...
In 11th grade...
»B
egin exploring colleges and careers. It’s never
too early to get started.
»D
evelop strong time management and study skills.
»G
et A and B grades, especially in your English,
math, and science classes.
» J oin clubs or programs that can develop your skills.
»B
uild a network of friends that support your
college-going goals.
»P
articipate in programs that enable you to visit colleges,
take college classes, and experience college life.
» I f eligible, take Algebra I with a C or better.
» E xplore a variety of high school options and
programs like AP and Pre-AP. Choose one that
suits your interests and academic needs.
»R
ead for pleasure to boost your comprehension
and vocabulary skills.
» Take the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit
Scholarship Program.
»R
egister to take the SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject
Exams and ACT+ writing exams during the
spring.
»R
efer to College Board for a list of exams,
applications, and financial aid deadlines for
senior year.
»V
isit college campuses in person and/or
virtually. Check if colleges will offer free travel
opportunities.
»C
omplete mock college applications, finalize
your admissions essay, update your resume, and
complete your Brag Sheet.
In 12th Grade...
In High School...
» S ubmit college applications during the fall
semester. Pay attention to details and deadlines.
» S ubmit a FAFSA application by March 2 of senior
year. Don’t miss deadlines!
» S ubmit a CSS profile application for private
schools requiring this document. Deadlines vary
by institution.
»B
e patient. Colleges will notify you of their
acceptance decisions in late spring.
» S elect a college that fits your wants and needs
by the May 1st commitment deadline.
» Take the PSAT exam in 10th grade.
»W
ork with your school counselor to ensure you
are taking academically challenging classes.
»R
egister for College Board, your online college/
career exploration tool.
»U
se College Quick Start to improve test scores.
» S eek academic support and tutoring to help you
maintain a 3.0 GPA or better.
»G
et involved in extracurricular activities at
school or in the community.
»P
ass the CAHSEE and all your classes with a C or
better. Repeat classes where you received (NP)
(Not proficient).
» I f eligible, take community college classes.
»R
egister for Naviance, your online college/career
exploration tool. Explore different college and career
options and update your account frequently.
»R
esearch and apply for scholarships on a
monthly basis.
»D
on’t wait until your senior year to begin
working on college essays.
“The importance of AP courses is often
overlooked by the students taking them. It
prepared me better and thanks to the help
I received from my teachers, passing the AP
test wasn’t so difficult. This turned out to be a
tremendous amount of help as I’ve been exempt
from taking several different courses here at
UCLA.”
THE STUDENT´S ROLE
THE FAMILY´S ROLE
4
» S enior year, complete the necessary financial aid
applications.
»V
isit college campuses on weekends, during the
summer, and/or holiday breaks, and encourage
your child to keep all options open. Contact
admissions to schedule a guided tour.
»H
elp your child select a college that best meets
his/her interests and career goals.
—Brenda Melendez,
Freshman at UCLA, LHS Class of ‘13
1
2
3
Set goals for college
and careers. Dream big!
Know what you
need to do to prepare
for college and careers.
Seek support
to reach your goals.
5
Colleges seek to admit students with a variety
of interests and backgrounds. The best way to
diversify and develop your talents is by getting
involved, so get active! Join a school club or
sports team, volunteer in the community, or get
involved in a local youth organization.
A-G Classes Matter!
A=4 points
B=3 points
All Alliance students take A-G classes in order to
be accepted to California’s four-year colleges.
C=2 points
NO=Not Proficient
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Subject
Requirements
2 years
History/
Social
Science
4 years
English
3 years Math:
Algebra 1,
Geometry and
Algebra 2
2 years Science with
Lab. 1 year physical
science 1 year
biological science
2 years Language
other
than Englishmust be the
same language
1 year
Visual/
Performing
Arts
1 year
College
Prep
Electives
Recomended
3 years
4 years
4 years
3 or more years
3 or more years
1 year
1 year
1
2
3
Apply early for
financial aid.
Invest in the future
by starting a savings
plan early.
Ask for financial advice from
a professional at a bank or
other financial institution.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid helps students and their families pay
for college. It may be in the form of:
» Grants: Aid from the state or federal
government that does not have to be repaid
(unless, for example, you withdraw from school).
» Scholarships:
Aid from a university or private
organization that does not have to be repaid.
»W
ork-Study: A federal program that allows
students to work a part-time job (on-campus or
off-campus) to earn money for college.
» Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid.
Student loans have low interest rates and are
paid back beginning 6 months after college
graduation. Parent loans, with slightly higher
interest rates, must be paid while students are in
school.
Exams Matter!
How Do I Get Financial Aid?
Colleges require students to take entrance exams like the SAT and ACT. To prepare for these exams,
enroll in a variety of challenging academic classes, read a wide selection of authors and themes, and
use available exam study materials.
The financial aid application process occurs
during the spring semester of 12th grade year.
The priority filing period (the best time to apply
to ensure you will receive financial aid) is between
January 1 and March 2 each year.
Contact your counselor to explore how to pay for exam fees.
Wh
?
e the Exam
ype of Exam
ld I tak
When shou
T
?
t my scores
will accep
ich colleges
California
rsity
tate Unive
S
of
University
ia
Californ
Students should apply to
scholarships throughout
middle and high school.
Important Financial Aid
Applications and Forms
» Free application for Federal student aid
(FAFSA): Fill out the FAFSA to receive federal
and state financial aid. The application provides
critical information about your ability to pay
for college (called your Estimated Family
Contribution), which determines how much and
what types of financial aid you are eligible to
receive.
» Cal
Grant GPA Verification Form: Complete
this form to qualify for California grants.
» Scholarships: Many private organizations and
colleges offer merit-based or need-based aid to
students. Research scholarship opportunities
through your high school’s college office and the
internet, and start applying as soon as possible.
» CSS Profile: Some independent colleges
encourage students to file this form to receive
additional financial support. Deadlines vary by
college.
*Students applying for Early Decision or Early
Action should inquire to see if any financial aid
paper-work should be submitted fall of senior year.
eges)
ed to coll
ot report
ores are n
(Sc
nt/
Independe es
g
e
ll
o
C
Private
4
PAY FOR COLLEGE
Students must earn a minimum grade of C or
better to earn high school credits in all of their
classes. When determining admissions, colleges
consider grades as one of the most important
factors. Do your very best to earn the highest
grades that you can.
PLANING TOGETHER TO
Extracurricular Activities Matter!
GPA Points
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
Grade Point Average Matters!
e
10th grad
m
PSAT exa
AP Exams
ended)
(Recomm
or
ning exam
SAT Reaso with Writing
ACT exam
)
(Required
6
ct exam*
SAT Subitjeh colleges for
*Check w bjects.
su
required
h
ar in whic
school ye
e
th
f
o
d
En
is taken
the class
ster)
ring seme
p
(S
e
d
ra
ester)
11th g
e (Fall sem
12th grad
h
ar in whic
school ye
e
th
f
o
d
En
is taken
the class
7
» Have attended a California high school for 3 or
more years
» Graduate from a California high school (or earn a
GED equivalent), and
» Submit a written promise – or affidavit – to
obtain legal permanent residency when eligible.
Financial Aid Resources
Scholarshare College Savings Plan
www.scholarshare.com
California Student Aid Commission
www.csac.ca.gov
Federal Student Aid Commission
www.fafsa.ed.gov
US Department of Education
http://studentaid.ed.gov/
Fast Web
www.fastweb.com
Latino College Dollars
www.latinocollegedollars.org
College Board
www.collegeboard.com
Save Me a Spot in College
www.collegecampaign.org
1
2
3
4
Take a career
or personality
assessment to find
out what occupations
match your interests.
Explore your
career interests by
participating
in activities and
workshops.
Learn about the
education
level required for
careers that interest
you.
Learn about the
different
college majors
connected to your
career of interest.
Higher Education Opportunities in California
I Can Afford College
www.icanaffordcollege.com
Futuros (AB540 Information)
www.futuros-california.org
MALDEF (AB540 Information)
www.maldef.org
Scholarships.com
www.scholarships.com
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
www.hsf.net
United Negro College Fund
www.uncf.org
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
www.thurgoodmarshallfund.net/
student/scholarshipprograms
“Being an AP teacher has allowed me to see the academic potential of many of our students here at
Lynwood High School. These are rigorous courses that promote the skills necessary to do well in a college
level course, such as critical thinking and writing. Taking an AP course is a challenge that every student
should think about.”
—Mr. Juan Barroso,
AP Government Teacher & Coordinator,
Lynwood High School
Length of
undergraduate
program (s)
offered
Community
Colleges
California
State University
Independent/
Private Colleges
2 years
4 years
4 years
2 or 4 years
Degrees
Offered
Associate’s
Degree (AA/AS)
AA/AS Transfer
Program
Certificate and
Vocational
Programs
Bachelor’s Degree
(BA/ BS)
Master´s Degree
(MA/ MS)
Bachelor’s Degree
(BA/BS)
Master’s Degree
(MA/MS)
Doctorate Degree (PhD)
Professional Degrees
(e.g. medical, dental &
law school)
Associate’s Degrees (AA)
Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS)
Master’s Degree (MA /MS)
Doctorate
Degree (PhD)
Professional Degrees (e.g.
medical, dental & law
school)
Examples
LA City College
East LA College
LA Valley College
Pierce College
Cal State
Northridge
Cal State LA
Cal State Fullerton
Cal Poly Pomona
UC Los Angeles
UC Santa Barbara
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
Loyola Marymount
Occidental College
USC
Mt. St. Mary’s
Financial Aid
Opportunities
College and Career Resources
University of California (UC System)
www.universityofcalifornia.edu
California State University (CSU System)
www.csumentor.org
California Community Colleges
www.cccapply.org
Association of Independent California
Colleges and Universities
www.aiccu.edu
8
University of
California
STUDENT´S ROLE
Allows qualified students to pay in-state tuition
regardless of family residency.
To qualify, a student must:
EXPLORING CAREERS:
PAY FOR COLLEGE
PLANING TOGETHER TO
California Legislation (AB540)
Exploring Careers from the U.S.
Bureau of Labor
www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm
Campus Tours: “Tour” Colleges Campuses
from at Home!
www.campustours.com
High School Naviance Website
Visit your Alliance high school website and
click on your “colleges” or “careers” tabs.
9
AP AND IB CLASSES
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE
If you’re planning to go to college, you should take advantage of the opportunity to take AP or IB classes
at LUSD. The successful completion of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes has
benefits during both the college application process and undergraduate life. Below are six of the biggest
perks to taking AP classes.
Classes:
AP
IB
» Impress College Admission Counselors
At nearly every college in the country, your
academic record is the most important part
of your college application. The folks in the
admissions office want to see that you’ve taken
the most challenging courses available to you.
Success in difficult courses is the surest sign
of your preparedness for college. The most
challenging courses, of course, are college-level
Advanced Placement classes.
» Develop College-Level Academic Skills
AP classes require the type of high-level
calculating and critical thinking that you’ll
encounter in your first year of college. If you can
write essays and solve problems successfully for
an AP class, you’ve mastered many of the skills
that will lead to success in college.
» Save Money
I f you take enough Advanced Placement classes,
you can potentially graduate from college a
semester or even a year early. Early graduation
isn’t always a good idea, but for a student who
isn’t receiving financial aid, it can save a lot of
money in tuition costs.
» Biology
» Calculus
» Chemistry
» English
» Environmental Science
» European History
» Government
» Human Geography
» Microeconomics
» Physics
» Psychology
» Spanish Language
» Spanish Literature
» Statistics
» Studio Art
» Studio Art - 3D
» US History
» Biology
» Chemistry
» Chinese
» English
» Environmental Science
» History of America
» Film Study
» Math
» Math Studies
» Theory of Knowledge
» Visual Arts
» Choose a Major Sooner
AP classes can help with your selection of a
major in two ways. First, each course provides
an in-depth introduction to a specific subject
area. Second, a high score on an AP exam often
fulfills one of a college’s general education
requirements. This means you’ll have more room
in your schedule to explore different academic
fields early in your undergraduate career.
» Take More Elective Classes in College
Not only do AP classes help you zero in on
a major sooner, but they also free up your
schedule so you can take more elective classes
(college classes that are not required for
graduation). For many students, a college’s
general education requirements and major
requirements leave little room for fun and
exploratory classes. If you want to take that
interesting class on glass blowing or the occult,
AP credits will make it much easier to fit the
course in your schedule.
» Add a Minor or Second Major More Easily
If you’re particularly driven and have multiple
interests, AP credits can make it more feasible
to add a minor (or two) or even a second major
to your undergraduate academic plan. With a
standard work load and no AP credits, you might
find it impossible to complete the requirements
for two majors in four years.
Take the Test!
At the end of an AP class you can choose to take the AP Exam which is administered across the country in
May. The exam is difficult, but if your AP class has been taught well and you have earned an A or B in the
class, you should be fairly well prepared to take the exam. The AP exam is what gives you a chance to earn
college credit.
The AP Exams are scored on a scale from one to five, with a score of five being the highest. Each college or
university determines if they will accept AP credit and, if so, what score you will need.
Once you’ve decided to take an AP class, it’s easy to enroll. You can schedule a meeting with an AP teacher or
the AP coordinator at your school about the course you are interested in taking. At this meeting be sure to
discuss the workload and any preparation you might need to do before the course begins.
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