HS & First Year Students |
A webinar by EdSource’s Lary Gordon and Anna Vasquez along with a panel of college admissions experts breaks down what higher education admission looks like during the pandemic. The college admissions process has had some drastic changes affecting students and administrators. Students have had to adjust the way they approach applying to colleges and universities, just as much as administrators have had to change the way they review applications.
Perhaps the greatest change sweeping college admissions is standardized testing. Traditionally, testing was a big deciding factor in student admission. Many would argue standardized testing is outdated and since standardized testing has been dropped many more students have taken their chances at highly selective colleges than ever before. With more students applying to traditionally more selective institutions, college acceptance rates have actually lowered and students are left with few options for higher education. On the other hand, others argue test scores were simply data, some colleges have accommodated and considered various other factors which help determine their admission ranging from GPA, prompt excerpts, geographical location, extracurriculars, among other factors.
There is another factor to consider when analyzing grades for admission. Since the elimination of standardized testing, more emphasis has been placed on grades during the college admission process. Students have felt the pressure to have excellent grades. AB 104 allows students to change their grades to a pass or fail to account for any students whose grades may have suffered because of the pandemic. This has led to somewhat of grade inflation, however, colleges will also take into account how challenging the classes they are taking are and how well they excelled in those classes. Students shouldn’t feel bad about choosing a pass or fail class because the bill would put in place to aid students not harm them.
Over the course of the past few years, college admissions have been under fire at various institutions. Even the most prestigious colleges like Stanford and USC have been no strangers to scandals. After students and colleges got exposed for allowing students to buy their way into college, the admissions for these institutions lost their integrity when considering students. Ironically, the scandal made students more inclined to apply to these colleges once they saw the lengths privileged wealthy people were willing to go to in order to gain admission. Through transparency, college admissions hope they can earn back the trust of applicants. Not only do they hope to restore the integrity within these institutions but some colleges even hope to bridge the gap of inequality created by these scandals.
Experts suggest students share their stories in order to stand out! They also urge students to explore many colleges to find the college that may be the best fit for them. Overall the admissions process is constantly evolving. Students should share their experiences and excel in school to the best of their ability.
To watch the roundtable discussion with college admission experts and learn more click here.
College Success |
Students who attend public colleges and universities are protected against disability discrimination by Title II under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many campuses are equipped with offices and services for college students with disabilities. The goal of these offices and services is to address accessibility, accommodation, and assistive technology for a diverse range of needs.
To begin receiving accommodations you must first register as a student with disabilities, this is done with the disabilities service office in your school. Disabilities offices have instructions for how to register for services on their website. Remember the name of the office does not necessarily need to have the word “disability” in its name, you can also look for words such as access, equity, or accommodations. You also need to provide evidence of a disability to get accommodations but remember that disclosing your disability to your school is completely optional.
Examples of disabilities are, but are not limited to:
- Neurological conditions
- Sense organ impairments
- Musculoskeletal impairments
- Emotional or mental illness
- Respiratory conditions
- Digestive ailments
- Learning disabilities
- Organic brain syndrome
However, you will need to disclose this information if you wish to receive academic adjustments. All colleges receiving federal funding must ensure equal access to students with disabilities, meaning they have to provide “reasonable” accommodations.
Here are some typical academic adjustments institutions provide:
- Sound amplification aids
- Speech to text software
- Accessible testing locations
- Note-taking services
- Priority class registration
- Sign language interpretation
- Course substitutions
Sources:
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/students-with-disabilities/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/college-planning-with-learning-disabilities/
https://www.understood.org/articles/en/7-things-to-know-about-college-disability-services
College Success |
In college, there are programs that provide additional assistance if you or anyone you may know is a current or former foster youth. Programs such as NextUP and Guardian Scholars can offer personalized support throughout your college journey. Being in a community of students and dedicated staff can ensure you get the help that you need. Here’s a breakdown of the programs and how to apply:
What is CAFYES?
- CAFYES(Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support) is now known as NextUP. NextUp is a program offered to community college students to provide support services. These services include resources for financial support, transportation, textbooks, supplies, food, and emergency housing.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Former or current foster youth students that attend a California community college may apply if:
- You are a California resident
- You were established or continued as a dependent in court on or after your 16th birthday
- Proof of written verification of foster status(i.e. Court dependency letter)
- Under the age of 26 years old
Where should I apply?
- Students who are interested in applying for this program should visit their local EOPS office for more details.
Guardian Scholars Program
What is the Guardian Scholars Program?
- Guardian Scholars is another program that also caters to foster youth but on a larger scale. This program is available to students who attend community college, a CSU, UC campus or a private university. Services include individualized counseling, housing assistance, financial resources, and community-building workshops/events! The name of this program may vary by campus, but please contact your student services department to point you in the right direction.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Identify as a current or former foster youth that has been in the foster care system or has a status as an Independent, homeless or emancipated
- Able to provide a status verification letter
- Under the age of 26 years old
- Maintain a good academic standing
Where should I apply?
If you are interested in applying, you can visit your campus website and type “Guardian Scholars” in the search bar, or you can contact your Student Affairs department for more details.
NextUP and Guardian Scholars have helped thousands of students across California on their pathway through higher education. Although each campus offers its own particular services, their ultimate goal is to support the personal and academic goals of current or former foster youth students. Find out more information through the links below!
For community college students, click here
For CSU students, click here
For UC students, click here
For private universities, visit the campus website for their eligibility and selection process.
Here are a few examples of program benefits:
LMU Guardian Scholars
Trojan Guardian Scholars
Torero Renaissance Scholars
College Success |
As a college student, you may feel completely fine one day. The next day, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to calculating various college costs and fees. Fortunately, there are statewide programs that can help students like yourself with course materials, textbooks, and much more. Student success programs such as EOP, EOPS, and TRIO were developed to streamline a supportive pathway with additional resources. Here’s a breakdown of the programs and the services they provide:
What is EOP?
The Educational Opportunity Program was created to assist students, in order for them to receive support services to ensure academic success. Support services include but are not limited to tutoring, financial assistance, personal counseling, academic advising, graduate school prep, and more.
Who is eligible for EOP?
Undergraduate students who are:
- A California resident
- A First-generation college student(Neither of your parents has received a bachelor’s degree)
- Academically disadvantaged and/or come from a low-income background
- Enrolled full-time(Part-time students need to request approval)
Why is EOP important?
- EOP provides grants to students who participate
- Access to extensive workshops for academic and personal success
- Networking opportunities for community events
What is EOPS?
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services is a support program that is offered to community college students to encourage college completion. EOPS offers similar benefits to EOP, such as tutoring, individualized counseling, and financial support.
Who is eligible for EOPS?
Community college students who are:
- A California resident
- Eligible for California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver
- Enrolled full-time (12 units of more)
- Have completed less than 70 degree-applicable units
- Academically disadvantaged
- Pursuing an Associate’s degree
Why is EOPS important?
- EOPS provides financial assistance for textbooks, reduced student bus pass/parking permits and meal vouchers
- Participants receive priority registration for classes
- Opportunities for professional development and networking
What is TRIO?
TRIO is also a statewide program that aims to directly support students throughout college. This program was created to promote social, academic, personal and professional development.
Who is eligible for TRIO?
An undergraduate student that is:
- A US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or a U.S National
- A first-generation college student
- Able to provide proof of physical or learning disability
- Low-income
Why is TRIO important?
- TRIO can offer graduate school advising and exam prep, career counseling, and professional development skills
- Students are able to receive priority registration
- Students also have the opportunity to receive a peer mentor for navigating student life on campus
These programs collectively provide various ways for students to be successful throughout college. To apply for the TRIO program in any college system, you can contact the student services department at your campus for program eligibility, forms, and deadlines. If you or a colleague is interested in applying for EOP, click the following links below.
To apply for a EOPS at a community college, click here
To apply for CSU EOP, click here
To apply for UC EOP, click here
HS & First Year Students |
Community college (CC) is an excellent choice for continuing your education! There are tons of benefits that make attending a CC a viable option. Below are some common questions about community college.
Q: Who can apply to community college?
A: Anyone with a high school degree or equivalent (i.e., a GED) can apply to community college. That is the only requirement besides being able to pay for your classes, which may be free. No extra-curricular activities, volunteer experience, high school grades or anything extra is needed for your admission. As long as you have that diploma, you’re in!
Q: When can I apply to community college?
A: Whenever! Literally, whenever feels right for you. Before the beginning of every semester, community colleges will accept applications for priority enrollment. Besides a priority deadline, however, most community colleges take applications on a rolling-basis. This means there are no deadlines that truly restrict you from joining. You can join in the middle of an academic year, such as spring semester, instead of having to wait for the beginning of a new academic year in the fall. Check out the community college you’re interested in attending for any important dates to be aware of.
Q: Where can I go to community college?
A: Anywhere in California! California community colleges are open to all California residents. You don’t even have to live in the same county that a CC is in; however, you should choose a CC based on what will benefit you most. For example, you may be interested in attending a CC close to home so that your commute is short; maybe you want to attend a CC with a pool because you want to try swimming as a sport. There are 116 community colleges in California to pick from. Visit this website to help you narrow your choices!
Q: I’m ready to go to community college, what are my next steps?
A: Congratulations on your decision! Follow these steps:
- Pick a community college you wish to attend.
- Visit the community college website to see their application materials.
- Submit your application.
- Meet with a counselor to ensure you’re enrolled in the right courses.
- Start school!
