How to Create a College Application

How to Create a College Application

HS & First Year Students

Applying to college can be overwhelming as there is not one application for all schools. Many different schools and systems require different applications and it could be challenging to keep track of all of the details and requirements. College Unfiltered is introducing “A Guide to Creating a College Application”, to help fellow high school seniors with college applications as well as how to choose your college and major. Other information that you can find includes the personal essay questions found on the common app, tips for international students, and more information on the coalition app. 

 

For access to the full toolkit, visit College Unfiltered’s website.

All About Money – Financial Literacy During the College Application Process

All About Money – Financial Literacy During the College Application Process

HS & First Year Students

When choosing an institution to complete your higher education, there are several factors that you need to consider. One of them being the financial aid and scholarship options available to students. College Unfiltered (CU) created “Let’s Talk Money”, to help you develop your financial literacy during the college application process. Here, CU talks about several topics ranging from loans to endowment, and misconceptions of estimated family contribution (EFC).

  • Endowment: Monetary and financial asset donations from alumni and companies to colleges and universities. Most endowment money is used to  fund public research, teaching, and some is allocated to funding scholarships and grants.
  • Scholarships: Money that does not need to be repaid! You can find scholarships through your institution or outside sources.
  • FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application to receive financial aid from the federal government. FAFSA will also help you find your expected family contribution (EFC), this number determines your eligibility for certain types of financial aid. 
  • Loans & Generational Debt: Money that does need to be repaid. 

 

For access to the full toolkit, visit College Unfiltered’s website.

Choosing an institution that fits your values

Choosing an institution that fits your values

HS & First Year Students

What draws you to an institution? Is it their prestigious name, the fact that they serve first-generation college students, or how diverse their student population  is? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when deciding where to apply to college/university. College Unfiltered (CU) has put together a toolkit to help you find and choose a university that best suits you. “All About Value” discusses an important resource: College Scorecard. College Scorecard is a website created by the U.S. Department of Education and it allows applicants to compare colleges on standardized metrics. Other factors to take into consideration when choosing an institution include  whether you are a first-generation student, as well as what ethnic background and identity(s) you hold . College Unfiltered discusses all of these factors and more on their toolkit. 

 

For access to the full toolkit, visit College Unfiltered’s website.

 

Advancing College Opportunity for Justice-Impacted Students

Advancing College Opportunity for Justice-Impacted Students

College Success

Building a strong prison-to-school pipeline is necessary as we continue fighting for equal access to higher education. As more institutions begin to diversify their student populations and highlight the several student identities that tend to overlap, there is still one group that is often left out of many significant conversations — those who have been negatively affected by the carceral system. Formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students are often left feeling unwelcome in spaces of higher education because of the many barriers present for them. Barriers to college access include background checks and inadequate student services, leading to a decrease in retention rates amongst this student population. A justice-impacted student includes someone at risk of being incarcerated or who has been formerly incarcerated, someone who has been legally, economically, or familially affected in a negative way by the incarceration of a close relative; this also includes people who have been arrested, and/or convicted without incarceration.

 

While it is important to note that higher-ed institutions still have a lot to learn when it comes to serving justice-impacted students, there are current programs already in place dedicated to helping such students succeed. These programs are essential and vital to increasing retention rates amongst formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students. 

 

Here is a list of current programs available: 

 

CC Level: 

CA Community Colleges: Rising Scholars Network

To find further information on a specific Community College 

use this program directory to learn more:  

Rising Scholars Network Program Directory 

 

CSU Level: 

Currently, 14 CSU campuses have Project Rebound programs working with formerly incarcerated students. To find information on a specific college campus, scroll down to the bottom page 

Cal State University: Project Rebound

 

UC Level: 

Currently, there are 9 UC campuses that have the Underground Scholars Initiative working with formerly incarcerated scholars throughout the state. We have listed the main page to learn more about the program’s mission and history along with links to each UC chapter available across CA. 

The Underground Scholars Initiative 

 

USI UC BERKELEY:

Link to Join: https://callink.berkeley.edu/organization/usi

Facebook: facebook.com/undergroundscholars

USI UCLA:

Bruin Underground Scholars Program Website: https://undergroundscholars.ucla.edu/

Bruin Underground Scholars Program Email: undergroundscholars@saonet.ucla.edu 

USI UCLA Student Org Email:  undergroundscholars@gmail.com

USI UC IRVINE:

Email: uciundergroundscholars@gmail.com

Facebook: USIatUCI

USI UC RIVERSIDE:

Website: https://highlanderlink.ucr.edu/organization/usi-ucr

Email: undergroundscholarsucr@gmail.com

Facebook: Underground Scholars Initiative, UCR

Twitter: @undergroundSch3

USI UC SANTA BARBARA:

Email: undergroundscholars.sb.ucsb@gmail.com 

Facebook: Underground Scholars Santa Barbara 

USI UC SAN DIEGO:

Website: https://usiucsd.org/ and https://oasis.ucsd.edu/programs/USI-folder/index.html

Email: usi.ucsd@gmail.com

USI UC SANTA CRUZ:

Website: https://undergroundscholars.ucsc.edu/

USI UC DAVIS:

Email: undergrounducd@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/undergrounducd

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/undergrounducd

UC MERCED:

Intake Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pFqOamyMuhhFuHCLeOO855quhtJTypWIuQTNuuFs_a8/viewform?edit_requested=true

          Email: eramirez226@ucmerced.edu 

Edith Ramirez, Underground Scholars Program Coordinator

    DACA August 2022 Updates & Resources

    DACA August 2022 Updates & Resources

    Financial Aid For Undocumented Students

    On June 15, 2012, an executive order created Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) for immigrant youth. Individuals who meet a specific eligibility may apply to receive work authorization and protection from removal action. The program is subject to renewal every two years.

     

    Updates On Renewals

    • Renewals may now be filed online
    • First-time applications are not accepted
    • Advance parole is available

    **for more information visit InformedImmigrant.com & USCIS.GOV *

    July 6, 2022 Hearing

    • The DACA case of Texas v. The United States is still pending a final decision in a federal court in the Southern District of Texas. Arguments were heard on the case for the first time on July 6th. Legal experts believe this case will make its way to the Supreme Court. A long legal battle is still ahead for DACA!

    How Can Allies Help?

    DACA and Higher Ed

    • FACT: In CA you don’t need DACA to go to college or receive financial aid! Undocumented students can pursue a higher-ed with or without DACA in CA. 
    • Instagram Resource: @prepareweb

    Resources