College/ University/ Career Information

3,760 college options. Big Future will help find the colleges and universities that are a good fit for you.

Big Future College Board website 

 

The following is from an article in "U.S. News and World Report" by Lynn O'Shaughnessy:

One of the best ways to learn more about colleges is to take a tour of the campus. They are free and are specifically designed for high school students. When you're on a college campus, my advice is to slow down and ask a lot of questions.

Ideally, you'll want to talk with more than just the admission staff. Stop a few students during your stay and ask them what they like and don't like about their school. If you can talk to a professor or two, even better.

To make the most of your college visit, here are 36 questions that I'd recommend that you ask:

Academics

• How much time do students typically spend on homework?
• How much writing and reading are expected?
• What is the average class size of introductory classes?
• How widely used are teaching assistants on your campus?
• What is the average class size of upper-division courses?

Academic Perks

• What opportunities are there for undergraduate research?
• How many students participate in undergraduate research?
• Is there a culminating senior year experience?
• Do you have an honors college?
• Do you have a learning community or other freshman experience?

Financial Aid

• What is your average financial aid package?
• What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?
• What percentage of financial need does the school typically meet?
• What is the average merit award?
• What percentage of students receive college grants?
• What is the average college debt that students leave with?
• What work-study opportunities are there?

Graduation Track Record

• What is your four-year graduation rate?
• What is your five-year graduation rate?
• What does it take to graduate in four years?
• What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?

Academic Support

• What type of tutoring program do you have?
• How do you provide academic advice to students?
• Do you have a writing center and how do I access it?
• What kind of learning disability resources do you have?

 Outside Opportunities

• How many students at the college get internships?
• What percentage of students study abroad?
• What type of career services do you have?

Student Life

• What kind of dorm choices are there?
• What percentage of student live on campus?
• How long are dorm accommodations guaranteed?
• How many students live on campus?
• Do most students go home on the weekend?
• What percentage of the study body belongs to a sorority or fraternity?
• What activities are offered to students?
• What clubs do you have on campus?

COLLEGE PLANNING: REAL QUESTIONS FOR COLLEGE TOURS

Mir Kamin is a blogger and mother who has some excellent advice on questions parents should ask while on a college tour. 

Questions while touring a college

Martha O'Connell is the executive director of CTCL.org, an organization that helps students identify colleges that could be a good match for them. She has written an article for NPR that will help you find a college that is a good fit for you.

Colleges That Change Lives

NPR Article: How To Choose A College That's Right For You

The College Navigator is a great way to find schools that may be a good fit for you.

• Refine your search with More Search Options to select additional search criteria.
• Build a list of schools using My Favoritesfor side-by-side comparisons.
• Pinpoint school locations with an interactive map.
• Export search results into a spreadsheet.

College Navigator

College Results Online (CRO) is an interactive, user-friendly Web tool designed to provide policymakers, counselors, parents, students, and others with information about college graduation rates for nearly any four-year college or university in the country.

CRO

College Majors 101

Learn about College Majors by: 

1. Exploring University profiles/videos on each subject (To see what you will ACTUALLY LEARN and DO while in College) 
2. Exploring Student/Professional Associations in each Major (To see the major at a much deeper level)
3. Reading Industry Publications (To understand the daily news of your Major) 
4. Links to Future Employers (To see the REAL professional nature of your major) 

College Majors 101

CAPPEX

College Search: Compare colleges, find tuition and admission information and discover your admission chances from more than 3,000 schools. Our school profiles include statistics and majors.

College Reviews: See what college students are saying about each school to learn more about their academics, extracurriculars and campus life. We currently feature more than 1.4 million reviews.

College Scholarships: Conduct a scholarship search to find the ones that match your strengths and skills best. Our scholarship directory has more than $11 billion.

Cappex

College Insight

College InSight puts higher education data at your fingertips. Browse and compare information about affordability, diversity, and student success.

College Insight

MyinTuition

This innovative tool provides a reliable estimate of what a family will have to pay based on just six simple questions. In three minutes, you’ll have a good idea of what an individual school will approximately cost for you to attend.

MyInTuition

• Are you planning to attend a two-or-four-year college after high school? 
• Are you planning to enlist in the military?
• Are you planning to play sports in college? 

If so, plan to attend  COLLEGE NIGHT in October.  There will be informative sessions for all college-bound students, athletes and those planning to enlist in the military or attend one of the military academies.  Please make note that COLLEGE NIGHT will be held every year.  If you start attending as a freshman, you will be able to cover all the workshops by the time you are a senior. 

Contact your counselor for more information

 

The Western Undergraduate Exchange:

• Reap steep nonresident tuition discounts—averaging $9,000/year!
• Choose from hundreds of majors at 160 two-/four-year schools in 16 Western states/U.S. territories (CNMI and Guam).
• Graduate with more options, less debt.

Westen Interstata Commission for Higher Education

The following websites have exceptional examples subitted to admissions that received acceptances.

Hamilton College Office of Admission 

Tufts University Undergraduate Admissions

Jeannie Borin is a college admissions consultant and writer for the "Huffington Post." She has written an excellent blog on writing a strong college essay, but it can also be used as a guide to help pick the right college for you.

The Inevitable College Essay Question: Why Are You a Good Match?

Effective with the class of 2003 the University of California and California State University systems agreed to adopt the same pattern of academic courses required for freshman eligibility, enabling high school students to take the same courses to prepare for admission to both institutions. Although in most instances, the CSU and UC have fully aligned their basic requirements for eligibility for admission, in some areas, CSU and UC will continue to have different admissions practices. This pattern of courses is known as the "a-g" Subject Requirements. 

The (UC) University of California system has established a comprehensive web site for all application and admission information for the UC system. It also  contains hotlinks to all UC campus websites, High School “a-g” lists as well as Junior College Transfer Agreements. You must disable your "pop-up" blocker to use the application feature

UC Freshman Admission Requirements: 

• Complete 15 UC-required college-preparatory ("a-g") courses, with 11 of those done by the end of 11th grade
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better (weighted by honors/AP bonus points) in these courses
• Take the ACT with Writing or SAT Reasoning Test. SAT Subject Tests are now be optional
• Eligibility in the Local Context status is offered to student's in the top 9 percent of their class (this does not guarantee admission to a specific campus).

The (CSU) California State University system has established a system wide homepage that provides hotlinks to all CSU campus homepages. School comparisons by region, SAT/ACT scores, major, and GPA are available.  CSU applications are also be submitted through this site! You must disable your "pop-up" blocker to use the application feature.

Cal State Apply

The UC/CSU "a-g" Subject Requirements: The academic requirements for both systems are: four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of history/social science, two years of laboratory science, two years of a language other than English, one year of visual and performing arts and one year of college preparatory electives. These are known as the "a-g" subject requirements. To view the Upland High School courses that have been "a-g" approved.

For information about the UC's Campus Admission practices

UC Campus Admission Practices
Grade point average : Effective for students seeking admission to both the UC & CSU as first-time freshmen for the fall 2004 term and beyond, the grade point average calculation will include only those grades earned in courses taken during the 10th, 11th and 12th grades of high school and used to satisfy the 15-unit college preparatory course requirement.

Honors points: Both the UC & CSU will award honors points in calculating the GPA for up to eight semesters of UC-approved honors-level courses, IB Higher Level and AP courses taken in 11th and 12th grades, including up to two UC-approved honors courses, IB Higher Level and AP courses completed in the 10th grade.

Laboratory science: Students seeking admission to both the UC & CSU as a first-time freshman will be required to satisfactorily complete two laboratory science college preparatory courses. They will require that the two years of lab science include at least one biological science and at least one physical science from the UC list of approved lab science courses. One course must be selected from area "d" (laboratory science), and the second course must be selected from area "d" or area "g" (lab science elective).

Mathematics: The UC & CSU high school requirement in mathematics (algebra, geometry and advanced/second year algebra) may be validated with higher-level college preparatory mathematics courses with "C" grades or better in such courses as trigonometry, analytic geometry and calculus. In addition, advanced/second year algebra can validate first year algebra.

Multiple sittings of SAT and ACT: The CSU will continue to use the highest partial score(s) from multiple sittings of the ACT or SAT. Continuation of current CSU practice will be different from UC practice. The University of California uses the composite score from the SAT I or ACT, although it uses the highest composite score when multiple SAT I and ACT test results are presented.

Repeating Courses: UC & CSU policy states that courses in which a student has earned a D or F grade cannot be used to satisfy the Subject Requirement. If a student has earned a D or F grade in a required subject, the deficiency may be satisfied in one of three ways: (1) by repetition, (2) by completion of advanced work (in specified subject areas only) or (3) by examination scores. If the exact course in which a D/F grade was originally earned is repeated and a grade of C or higher is earned, the original D/F grade will NOT be included in the GPA calculation and the new grade will be used. Additional policies related to repeating courses are listed below:

• Courses used to satisfy the "a-g" requirements taken in the ninth grade or earlier in which D or F grades are earned are treated as subject omissions. As with all ninth-grade courses, the grades are not included in calculating the Scholarship Requirement GPA.
• Courses used to satisfy the "a-g" requirements taken for the first time in the 10th-12th grades, in which D or F grades are earned, are treated as subject omissions and scholarship deficiencies. If the courses are not repeated, the D or F grades are used in calculating the Scholarship Requirement GPA.
• D or F grades earned in courses that are taken beyond the minimum required to satisfy the "a-g" requirements are not used in calculating the Scholarship Requirement GPA.
• Courses used to satisfy the "a-g" requirements may not be taken Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit.
• Courses used to satisfy the "a-g" requirements in which the student earns an Incomplete are treated as subject omissions.
• If a student repeats a course used to satisfy the "a-g" requirements in which he or she originally earned a grade of C or higher, the repeated grade will not be used in calculating the Scholarship Requirement GPA.

Validation of "D" grades in foreign language and math: Both the UC & CSU require that applicants have a grade of "C" or better in each term of the required "a-g" courses except that a "D" grade may be validated with a higher grade in the second semester or the next higher level course in foreign languages and mathematics. Even though the course requirement has been validated, the "D" grade will still remain in the grade point calculation.

Validation of language other than English: Both the UC & CSU can validate the requirement for two years of language other than English with a first semester college level course in that language. The college course must show that the first semester of college study is equivalent to two years of high school study. Higher levels of either high school or college level language other than English courses can also validate lower levels of the same language courses.

When campuses receive applications from more prospective freshman students than they can admit, they draw on the 14 criteria below to select among qualified applicants. This process is called comprehensive review. Keep in mind that the pool of students who apply to UC is different every year. The level of academic performance necessary for admission to a particular campus or major will vary, depending on the number of applicants and their academic qualifications, as well as the number of available spaces.

1. Academic grade point average in all completed "a-g" courses, including additional points for completed University certified honors courses.
2. Scores on the ACT Assessment plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test, and SAT Subject Tests (no longer a requirement but maybe recommended).
3. Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum "ag" requirements.
4. Number of and performance in Universityapproved honors courses and Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and transferable college courses.
5. Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 4 percent of the student's high school class at the end of his or her junior year ("eligible in the local context" or ELC).
6. Quality of the student's senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.
7. Quality of the student's academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in his or her high school.
8. Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas.
9. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.
10. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance, as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
11. Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student's promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.
12. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of the student's high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
13. Academic accomplishments in light of the student's life experiences and special circumstances.
14. Location of the student's secondary school and residence. Freshman Selection by Campus Each UC campus designs its own method for evaluating the factors considered in comprehensive review.

The personal insight questions are about getting to know you better — your life experience, interests, ambitions and inspirations.

Think of it as your interview with the admissions office. Be open. Be reflective. Find your individual voice and express it.

While this section of the application is just one part we consider when making our admission decision, it helps provide context for the rest of your application.

The personal statement has been replaced with the new personal insight questions in the fall 2017 application (for students applying in fall 2016). It's hoped this new format will give you clearer guidance and more flexibility in the kind of information you want to share with the University of California.

If you are interested in visiting any of the Universities of California (UC) please follow the links:

UC Berkeley Campus Tour

UC Davis Campus Tour

UC Irvine Campus Tour

UCLA (Los Angeles) Campus Tour

UC Merced Campus Tour

UC Riverside Campus Tour

UC San Diego Campus Tour

UC Santa Barbara Campus Tour

UC Santa Cruz Campus Tour

Chaffey College, one of the first colleges to be established in California, is a two-year public community college situated in an area of natural and tranquil beauty in Southern California. Its campus occupies 200 acres of rolling lawns and native foliage in the foothills of the majestic San Gabriel mountains. Founded in 1883 as a private college, Chaffey has been a publicly funded college since 1916 and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

Tour Chaffey College

At Mt. SAC, students can get the full college experience without the full college debt. We give our students the support and excellent education they need to succeed in new careers, gain admission into top-tier universities, or advance in their current line of work. We have more than 200 degree and certificate programs, 25 support programs, and more than 50 student clubs and athletic programs.

Tour Mt. SAC

Come experience the Harvey Mudd College campus and community firsthand! Use the links on the left to find out more about campus tours, overnights and class visits, and then be sure to make your way to our Harvey Mudd Vistor Calendar for event availability and registration.

Harvey Mudd Vistor Calendar

Visit Harvey Mudd College

USC offers a variety of tours to acquaint you with diverse aspects of the campus and the university. Our Admissions Center staff members offer group tours (lengths vary) as well as specialized tours for prospective freshmen, prospective transfer students and students who have been admitted. Those who prefer to go it alone can explore with the help of our self-tour guides. Whether you’re looking for a general tour or a focused encounter with public art, architecture, athletic facilities or hidden treasures on campus, USC will illuminate your exploration.

Visit USC

During your visit, you can:

• Take a student-guided tour
• Explore ways to get involved with student life
• Meet with a professor or athletic coach
• Discover why the University of La Verne is the place for you

If you would like a tour of the campus,  reserve your appointment. Please schedule your visit at least 24 hours in advance.  

Visit the University of LaVerne

With a backdrop of two of the highest mountains in California, orange groves, hundreds of iconic palm trees and unique architecture styles of Greek, Spanish and Modern California, the University of Redlands is a place you need to see for yourself. We also want you to experience the warmth of our community. With a variety of opportunities to visit us, we hope you will find this information helpful in planning your visit.

Tour the University of Redlands

If you are interested in visiting the University of San Francisco (USF), please log onto USF Campus Tours. This site will give you all the information you need to attend a preview day or to arrange a campus tour. 

Visit USF

The Saint Mary's College of California experience inspires learning that lasts a lifetime. For more than 150 years, the College has provided students with a rigorous education that engages their intellect and spirit, and awakens a desire to transform society. Guided by the Christian Brothers, the Catholic Church's oldest order dedicated exclusively to teaching, the College enrolls more than 4,000 students in undergraduate and graduate liberal arts and business programs. For more information visit Saint Mary's College just 23 miles east of San Francisco.

Tour St. Mary's College

The Office of Admission invites all prospective students and their families to visit our picturesque campus in Malibu, California. Through these in-person experiences, you will gain a better appreciation for the opportunities that Pepperdine has to offer.

Visit Pepperdine

This 75-minute student-led campus tour will take you through the heart of campus as you explore the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, Drumheller Fountain, Sylvan Grove and more.

Visit Univeristy of Washington

Are you interested in a school subject, but don't know what careers may be related to your interests? Then the BLS website may be for you: 

BLS

Occupational Handbook

Finding a job in a competitive job market can take months of time and effort that most job-seekers do not have. Careers.org hopes to make the process more efficient by offering a series of job listings, resources, and directories available to assist in the job search process.

Job Search

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN NURSING?

So you want to be a nurse? Take this quiz to figure out which nursing specialty you should be pursuing by answering 9 questions based on your character traits and personality.

There are over 100+ nursing specialties, find out which one is a perfect fit for YOU!

Nursing Careers

Career Coach online provides students with resources to make informed career and educational decisions.

1. Learn about different Careers
2. Link careers to instructional programs
3. Create a personalized account
4. Access to a free resume builder
5. View current job opportunities

Career Coach is made available to Upland High School through the generosity of Citrus College.

Career Coach

ExploreHealthCareers.org mission is to provide easy access to all students seeking information about health careers. First-generation, low-income and disadvantaged students are least likely to have resources available to them to inspire and motivate them to succeed.

Explore Health Careers

As students and their families make important decisions about investing their time and money in pursuing a college education, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office is making available for the first time comparative information about the earnings of recent graduates who received an award in a specific program area at California community colleges.

The Salary Surfer uses the aggregated earnings of graduates from a five year period to provide an estimate on the potential wages to be earned two years and five years after receiving a certificate or degree in certain disciplines. This tool also provides information on which colleges offer programs in those specific disciplines. The Salary Surfer does not contain information about wages earned by community college students who transfer to a four-year institution.

While it is useful to know the potential earnings after receiving a certificate or degree, other important considerations, such as personal interest and skill, should be used in selecting an educational program.

Salary Surfer

Do you have a vague area of interest, but still unsure on a specific career you want to pursue? Then the California Career Zone may be for you: 

Career Zone

The O*NET program is the nation's primary source of occupational information. Central to the project is the O*NET database, containing information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors. The database, which is available to the public at no cost, is continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. Information from this database forms the heart of O*NET OnLine, an interactive application for exploring and searching occupations. The database also provides the basis for our Career Exploration Tools, a set of valuable assessment instruments for workers and students looking to find or change careers.

O*NET

Big Future is a career and college major exploration website that is run by the CollegeBoard.

Big Future