Home
Welcome to the College Resources Home Page!
Follow the menu options on the Right of this screen to find out everything you need to know about the College Application Process, from meeting A-G requirements, to Placement Tests, to picking your Major, and everything else you need to know in order to be truly College-Ready!
Bienvenido a la Pagina de Recursos Universitarios!
Busca las opciones de menú en la parte derecha de la pantalla para encontrar todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el proceso de solicitud de universidad , del cumplimiento de los requisitos A-G , para examenes de colocacion, para pruebas de como elegir sus estudios en la universidad, y todo lo que necesita saber para poder ser verdaderamente preparados para la universidad!
College Checklist
Gertz-Ressler High School
Junior Year Calendar
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: Strive for Good Grades, Continue to do extracurricular activities (both on and off campus), Apply for scholarships
| SEPTEMBER
Ø Start looking through college reference books in the College Center or college websites. ØAttend college presentations at Gertz-Ressler High School. ØPlan on how you will get involved with volunteer opportunities over the next two years. | OCTOBER
Ø Take the PSAT to be eligible for National Merit Scholarship competition – Oct __th ØBecome familiar with your school resources that can help you get to college (teacher, counselor) ØReview you 5th week report card ØGo to tutoring if needed ØGet involved in extracurricular activities | NOVEMBER
Ø Begin to research specific colleges that interest you. ØReview your 10th week report cards! ØMeet with you teachers if you have any grade clarifications ØStart relating your college options to careers and begin career research ØContinue to go to tutoring | DECEMBER
Ø Receive and review your results of your PSAT/NMSQT with college counselor ØBegin to Register for SAT I, SAT II and ACT ØReview your 15th week report card. ØBegin to prepare for ACT, SAT I, SAT II ØContinue to relate your college options to careers ØHave a Happy Holidays and prepare for reaming fall semester.
| JANUARY
Ø Prepare for finals Ø Be sure to meet with your teachers to clarify your grades. Ø Meet with your counselor to make sure that you are on track to graduate and see if alternative courses/actions are needed. ØPrepare for finals ØSign up for SAT, SAT II, ACT ØSubmit your Junior Portfolio |
| FEBRAURY
Ø Review your final grades fall semester report card and speak to counselor if you become credit deficient. ØGo to college tours Ø Begin to narrow your school college options. ØTake Community College Courses to advance yourself in your classes. Ø Begin planning your senior program
| MARCH
ØSign up for any SAT, SAT II, ACT if you have not done so ØTake your SAT I Exam – March __th ØResearch Job Opportunity, Internships, or Volunteer opportunities offered during the summer. ØReview you 5th week report card ØGo to college tours ØSign-up for any SAT I Fulfillment fund workshops. | APRIL
Ø Take your ACT –April __ ØResearch Job Opportunity, Internships, or Volunteer opportunities offered during the summer. ØReview your 10th week report cards. Speak with you teacher/counselor regarding your grades ØGo to college tours ØReevaluate your college goals with your fall semester grades and with you 10th week report cards ØSubmit your Brag sheet and Resume to your college counselor – April __rd
| MAY
Ø Take your SAT II tests. – May __ ØResearch Job Opportunity, Internships, or Volunteer opportunities offered during the summer. ØReview your 15th week report cards. Speak with you teacher/counselor regarding your grades ØGo to college tours ØTake your AP Examinations | JUNE
ØTake your SAT I or SAT II, if have not done so. – June __th ØTake your ACT, if have not done so – June __th ØResearch Job Opportunity, Internships, or Volunteer opportunities offered during the summer. ØVisit colleges/universities ØSubmit your Junior Portfolio
SUMMER!!!!!!! Ø Create summer brag sheet. ØMeet with the college counselor to start talking about college. |
FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL MS. ROMERO, COLLEGE COUNSELOR, @ (213) 745-8141 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Senior Year Calendar
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: Strive for Good Grades, Continue to do extracurricular activities (both on and off campus), Apply for scholarships
| SEPTEMBER
Ø Start thinking about teachers whom you can request letters of recommendations. Ø Register for ACT, SAT I, SAT II Standardized Test: Sept __ Ø Meet with your college counselor (be sure to submit your college brag sheet, parent information sheet to your counselor prior to meeting with counselor). Ø Begin to finalize what college you want to apply too! ØIf you are applying for early decision, begin applying for them Ø Attend college fairs, college visits | OCTOBER
Ø Take Standardized Tests – Oct __ (SAT) & Oct __ (ACT) Ø Work on College Essays Ø Work on College Applications. (UC,CSU, Private) Ø Ask for letter of Recommendations Ø Attend college fairs, college visits Ø Review your 5th week report card. ØCSU GRHS Application Deadline: October __th ØAttend college workshops | NOVEMBER
Ø Take Standardized Tests – Nov ___(SAT) Ø Attend college fairs, college visits Ø Work on UC college applications (Submission deadline: 11/___) ØContinue working on additional college applications Ø Work on college applications Ø Ask for letter of recommendations from teachers Ø Follow up with teachers, counselors, and others, to make sure that letter of recommendations are mailed out. Ø Attend college workshops | DECEMBER
Ø Take Standardized Tests – Dec __th (SAT) & Dec __th (ACT) Ø Finalize and submit remaining applications – Dec __th / USC Dec __th Ø Review your 10th week report cards Ø Start filling out the paper worksheet of the FAFSA. Do not submit FAFSA Application before January 1. Ø APPLY for a Pin Number for FAFSA ØIf you applied for early decision look out for letters in the mail Ø Follow up with teachers, counselors, about letter of recommendations ØApply for CSS Profile – jan 15th | JANUARY
Ø Meet with counselor to discuss spring course work Ø File previous year’s tax forms as soon as possible. Ø Attend financial aid workshops Ø Submit FAFSA application – Jan __th (must be submitted by March 2) Ø Submit midyear grades/transcripts/progress reports/recommendations to colleges/universities requesting information Ø Follow up with universities to make sure they have received your test scores ØWork on GPA Verification Forms |
| FEBRAURY
Ø Meet with counselor to discuss spring course work if you have not done so Ø Pay attention to your mailbox- admissions letters will be sent out Ø Follow up with universities regarding midyear reports Ø Submit FAFSA application (must be submitted by March 2) if you have not do so ØWork on GPA Verification Forms Ø Review you final 20 week report card.
| MARCH
ØPay attention to your mailbox- admissions letters will be sent out Ø Submit FAFSA application (Submission Deadline: 3/__) if you have not completed it. ØGPA Verification Due (Submissions Deadline: 3/__) Ø Review Student Aid Report, ØVisit colleges/universities that admitted you Ø Call universities for follow-up on admissions decisions. Ø Review your 5th week report card | APRIL
Ø Pay attention to your mail- admissions letters will be sent out Ø Follow up with colleges who have yet informed you of their admissions decisions Ø Visit colleges/universities that admitted you to see if it is a good fit for you. Ø If appealing any admissions decisions, prepare your materials and send materials Ø Start preparing for your AP Ø Review your 10th week report card ØCompare your financial award letters | MAY
Ø Finalize and choose your college/university if you have not done so! - (Remember: you may only select one college to attend to) – May 1st Ø Take you AP Examinations Ø Thank your teachers, counselor for working with you during the application process Ø Make sure that all requested information for your financial aid package or award letter are submitted to the financial aid office. Ø Review your 15th week report card
| JUNE
Ø Request for your final transcripts to be sent to your college. ØGRADUATION!
SUMMER!!!!!!! Ø Look in the mailbox for any information regarding the college your selected Ø Take placement exams for college courses GERTZ-RESSLER HS
WISHES YOU THE BEST OF LUCK!!!! |
FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL MS. ROMERO, COLLEGE COUNSELOR, @ (213) 745-8141 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
College Guide
There are 4 Systems of Higher Education in the state of California. Click the link below for more details on any of the requirements regarding the 4 systems.
Career Guide
Career Personality
There are many paths towards a successful career. It very important that you investigate all of your options either though literature, online, volunteer options, and internships. You will have the rest of your life to work. The goal is to find a career that will continue to challenge you and make you feel proud of what you do for a living. Check out the people in your community and family and investigate careers that you have direct access to. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember the more you explore, the more options and opportunities you have at your disposal.
The Career Key– Measures how similar you are to six personality types and how these relate to different jobs. You are then encouraged to explore them using the Occupational Outlook Handbook. It is fun, free, and may help you figure out the direction you should take.
Also login to your Naviance account for more Career Exploration
Tests
SAT Reasoning/Subject Test Dates
- SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests are given on the same day. You can only select one of the exams to take on a given exam date.
- SAT Subject Test – Must select 2-3 subjects to take (Seniors: It is recommended to take the November test date).
- SAT Reasoning cost: $52.50 per exam; free if student is eligible for a fee waiver. (Seniors: It is recommended to take the October & December test dates)
- SAT Subject Test cost: $24.00 plus $13.00 per subject (Total cost between $29-$58).
- Student can obtain up to two fee waivers for SAT Reasoning and two fee waivers for SAT Subject.
Visit the SAT website for test dates, practice tests, etc.
ACT Exam Dates
- ACT exam – Must include Writing (Seniors: It is recommended to take the October & December test date).
- ACT exam with Writing cost: $54.50 per exam; free if student is eligible for a fee waiver.
- Student can obtain up to two fee waivers for the ACT exam.
Visit the ACT website for test dates, practice tests, etc.
Testing Information
Most universities will require some form of standardized testing for admission. Listed below are the major standardized tests that you will need to take. The good news is through early preparation you can actually increase your score!!!!
SAT Reasoning
- The SAT is a three-hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills
- The SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800 (for math and verbal)
- The test is administered several times a year
SAT Subject
Subject Tests, one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests, measure how much students know about a particular academic subject and how well they can apply that knowledge.
- Exams Vary
- Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the Subject Tests for admission or placement.
PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It’s a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT I: Reasoning Test and SAT II: Writing Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
The PSAT/NMSQT measures:
* verbal reasoning skills
* critical reading skills
* math problem-solving skills
* writing skills
You should definitely take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year. Many students benefit from also taking it earlier, typically in their sophomore year. If you take it earlier, recognize that the PSAT/NMSQT is a junior-level test, so don’t get discouraged if your score is low. Your score will usually increase as your years of study increase.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement courses can change your life. Through college-level AP courses, you enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school; through AP Exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. You have an opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
For more information regarding registration dates for the SAT, PSAT, and advance Placement got to http://www.collegeboard.com/.
Test Preparation
The College Board Online At this site, you can try your luck at the Test Question of the Day (and sign up to have the Question of the Day delivered to your e-mail), print and take a free practice test, and review directions, approaches and practice SAT questions.
Number 2 This site offers free SAT and ACT test prep online.
FREE SAT and ACT Online Test Prep
http://www.uccp.org/ ( Highly recommended )
http://www.freevocabulary.com/
Kaplan Test Prep
A well known commercial test prep company that has classes all over the country for the ACT, SAT, and many other tests. They also have a parent newsletter that has tips for the entire college admissions/financial aid process. You can sign up for it here.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/practice.html
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Don’t let the high cost of college discourage you. Numerous sources of financial aid can help you afford even the most expensive schools. In fact, nearly half of all college students receive some financial aid. The key is to start saving and researching now.
Save Early: Consider the types of college you might attend (public, private, urban, rural), the requirements of your potential major (books, supplies), and living costs (housing, transportation, food). Estimate your financial needs, and begin saving money each month. Many banks offer special college savings accounts.
Explore Your Options: You can apply for several types of aid from federal and state agencies, private foundations, and colleges. The federal government alone provides nearly $50 billion in student aid to U.S. citizens annually. Delve into the topics below for more information.
Financial aid is based on the amount a family is expected to pay for college, called the Expected Family Contribution or EFC. Therefore, although the costs of colleges vary widely, the dollar amount a family is expected to contribute to a student’s college education will not. If the family’s EFC is calculated at $5,000 and a school’s total cost is $15,000, the family’s need is $10,000. If the school’s cost is $40,000, the same family’s need is $35,000. Not all colleges guarantee to meet the family’s full need, but many do. There are numerous instances where students end up paying less to go to a school that costs $40,000 than they do at a UC because private colleges often have more money available for aid. In addition, the amount students have to borrow from a private college may be less. We encourage almost all families to apply for financial aid since you may be eligible for more aid than you think. In addition, in case there is a family emergency that affects income, your forms will be on file and you will be able to discuss contingencies with the college financial aid office. To get an idea of what your EFC is, go to www.collegeboard.com and click on “Pay for College” and then “Calculators.”
Financial Aid Calculators – The most popular calculators are the College Cost Projector, Savings Plan Designer, Financial Aid Estimation Calculator and Loan Payment Calculator.
MOST IMPORTANT – CHECK WITH EACH COLLEGE WHERE THE STUDENT IS APPLYING TO DETERMINE THE PRIORITY DEADLINES FOR APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID. THE DEADLINE FOR THE UC’S, CAL STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES IS MARCH 2ND, BUT THE DEADLINE FOR MANY PRIVATE SCHOOLS IS EARLIER. ALSO CHECK TO FIND OUT WHICH FORMS ARE REQUIRED.
The Student Guide – This government publication is one of the best, most concise and well-organized explanations of the financial aid process anywhere. Check it out to discover the answers to all your financial aid questions! http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/funding.jsp
Need Based Aid
Need based aid is based on a family’s income and assets. Colleges assess a family’s need by evaluating one or more forms provided by the family.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Required by all colleges.
- File as soon as possible after January 1, but no later than the earliest deadline for colleges to which you are applying. Start working on your applications early so that you have time to get together all of the requested information. Don’t wait until the last minute!
- Fill out the form either online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or use the downloadable paper application. We strongly recommend the online application because there is less possibility of error and the colleges receive your information much more quickly.
- For online submissions, two PIN numbers are required – one for the student and one for a parent. The PIN number is your electronic signature. These can be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov. Request your PIN numbers as soon as possible as it could take up to 3-4 days to obtain them.
- Use your name exactly as it appears on your social security card or the FAFSA may be rejected.
- You can start filling out the 2009-2010 FAFSA online beginning January 1, even if you have not received your PIN numbers. Do NOT use the 2008-2009 forms.
- There is no charge for filling out and submitting the FAFSA.
FAFSA On the Web They promise quicker turnaround time if you fill out the FAFSA on the web. It’s a good idea to pick up a hard copy of the FAFSA in the counseling center so you know ahead of time what information they are going to require.
FAFSA PIN – Before you can apply for financial aid online, you need to register for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for you and your parents. This serves as you electronic signature when you fill out the FAFSA online
Title IV School Codes – You’ll need these school codes when you fill out the FAFSA. Very quick way to the code numbers!
FAFSA Help – Here you will find all the answers to your questions about filling out the FAFSA. There are even photos of the form with very exact instructions on completing the questions.
CSS Profile
- Required by many private colleges. Not required by the UC’s, Cal State Universities or community colleges.
- Completing the Profile is a two step process. First, the student must register, then fill out the Profile itself. The Profile can only be filled out online at www.collegeboard.com.
- The Profile costs $25 for the first college, plus $16 for additional school to which you want the information sent. There are a limited number of fee waivers available for low income students. They are awarded automatically online and cover the costs of sending the information to six colleges.
CSS Financial Aid Profile https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp
Individual College Forms
Some colleges require additional forms provided by their school. It is very important to check with each school to determine their requirements and deadlines. Some colleges will also require a copy of your completed tax forms.
Merit Aid
There are many schools that offer merit aid, usually in the form of scholarships or grants that do not need to be repaid. Aid is based on the student’s grades in high school and/or test scores, as well as special talents. A student does not have to have all “A’s” on his/her transcript in order to receive merit aid. Many less-known but excellent educational institutions offer this type of aid in order to encourage successful students to attend. We can recommend colleges that do offer merit aid, so please encourage your student to meet with one of us to discuss this possibility.
Encourage your student to apply to a wide variety of schools that meet their needs. If they are applying to schools that are more selective in admissions, urge them to include some less selective ones as well. Similarly, if students are interested in very expensive schools, encourage them to apply as long as they also apply to some less expensive ones. Although the cost of private schools may look too high, many private schools have more resources than public ones.
Private Scholarships
There are many private scholarships available. We have numerous applications in the College Center. You can also sign up at www.fastweb.com to get information on scholarships. Check with your employer or union, if you belong to one. There are varying deadlines, so it is important to keep track of them.
DO NOT PAY MONEY TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS. THERE ARE MANY SCAMS. IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE CHECK WITH MS. ROMERO!
Don’t Fall for Scholarship Scams: Applying for financial aid is free! You will only need to fill out the FAFSA application and the CSS Profile. Be weary of companies offering to find scholarships for you for a fee. Go to this website: http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml to learn more about scholarship scams. You can actually search for free online or go to your local library for a list of scholarships. Check out other scholarship search services on this website: http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/other.phtml
Some students may feel that it takes too much time to apply for these scholarships. Remember that financial aid packages are generally made up of scholarships or grants that do not have to be repaid, loans that do have to be repaid, and work-study. Private scholarships can be used in place of loans. Consider how long it will take to earn $2,000 to pay back a loan when a student is earning $20 an hour or less after graduation. Then consider how long it takes to fill out an application for a scholarship and you will realize that the time is well spent.
If you have further questions, please visit Ms. Romero in the College Center or contact Ms. Romero at mromero@laalliance.org
Scholarships
Private Scholarships
There are many private scholarships available. We have numerous applications in the College Center. You can also sign up at www.fastweb.com to get information on scholarships. Check with your employer or union, if you belong to one. There are varying deadlines, so it is important to keep track of them.
Scholarship Information:
The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/
Loans and Scholarships Site
Princeton Review
http://www.princetonreview.com/scholarships-financial-aid.aspx
Super College
FREE Guide to all Government Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Student Aid on the Web
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp
Scholarships for Minority Students
http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/minority.phtml
Scholarship Searches:
Fast Web Scholarship Search
College Board Scholarship Search
http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp
Black Excel College Help Network
http://www.blackexcel.org/ (African American students)
African-American Scholarship
http://www.littleafrica.com/resources/scholarships.htm
Free Scholarship Searches
http://www.college-scholarships.com/free_scholarship_searches.htm
Hispanic Scholarships
http://www.scholarshipsforhispanics.org/
Peterson’s Scholarship Central
http://www.petersons.com/finaid/landing.asp?id=806&path=ug.pfs.scholarships
College Connection Scholarships
http://www.collegescholarships.com/
Dale E. Fridell Memorial Scholarship
http://www.straightforwardmedia.com/fridell/
Scholarships:
McDonald House Charities National Scholarship Program
http://www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com/RMHC_Scholarship_Application_2008.pdf
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
MLE Scholarship (by Toyota)
http://tfsinthecommunity.com/our-programs/scholarships/
Guaranteed Scholarships (Depends on College)
http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com/
Poster Contest for High School Students
http://www.christophers.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=274&srcid=271
Ayn Rand Essay Contest
http://www.aynrand.org/contests
Black Excel Nursing Scholarships
http://www.blackexcel.org/nursing-scholarships.html (nursing scholarships)
Elks National Foundation
http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm
Tylenol Scholarship Program
http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subptyschol.inc
Scholarships for Orphan Students
http://orphan.org/index.php?id=30 (orphan students)
American Fire Sprinkler Association
http://www.afsascholarship.org/
Horatio Alger Scholarship Program
http://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/program_national.cfm
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
http://www.prudential.com/spirit
Minority Scholarships in Science:
American Chemical Society Scholarships
http://www.cnetweb.org/american_chemical_society_scholarships.htm
APS Physics Scholarship for Minority Scholarships
http://www.aps.org/programs/minorities/honors/scholarship/index.cfm
Hispanic Scholarships:
State Farm Insurance Hispanic Scholarship Fund
http://www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/grants/hispanic.asp
Latino College Dollars
http://www.latinocollegedollars.org
African-American Scholarships:
Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Jackie Robinson Foundation
http://www.jackierobinson.org/
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/
Asian/Oriental Scholarships:
Asian American Future Achievers
http://www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com/?page_id=99
Asian American Journalists Association
http://www.aaja.org/features/articles/2008_07_25_01/
Native American Scholarships:
Gurgaon Community Portal
http://www.gurgaonscoop.com/story/2005/3/14/195141/137
Once in College
Paralegal Scholarships
http://www.paralegals.org/associations/2270/files/Scholarship_Application.pdf
NAACP Scholarship
http://www.naacp.org/youth/scholarships/information/naacp/index.htm
The Christophers Video Contest for College Students
http://www.christophers.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=273&srcid=274
Collegiate Inventors Competition
http://www.invent.org/collegiate/
U.S. Air Force In-College Scholarships
http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/incolschol/incolProgram.php
American Institute of CPAs Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
http://www.aicpa.org/members/div/career/mini/smas.htm
American Chemical Society Scholarships
http://www.cnetweb.org/american_chemical_society_scholarships.htm
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
http://www.astronautscholarship.org/
ELA Foundation Scholarships
http://www.ela.org/scholarships/scholarships.html
Campus Career Center
http://www.campuscareercenter.com/scholarships/scholarships.asp
The Roothbert Fund Scholarship Program
http://www.roothbertfund.org/scholarships.php
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Program
http://www.akaeaf.org/programsandinitiatives/
Scholarships Grants Fellowships for Students
http://scholarships.fatomei.com/
Princeton Review
http://www.princetonreview.com/careers-after-college.aspx?uidbadge=%07
AAUW Fellowships and Grants
http://www.aauw.org/education/fga//fellowships_grants/index.cfm
Engineering School Scholarships
http://www.engineeringedu.com/scholars.html
Microsoft Careers
http://www.microsoft.com/college/ss_reqs.mspx
Fellowships Office Policy and Global Affairs
http://www7.nationalacademies.org/fellowships/
UCLA Scholarship Resource Center
http://www.ugeducation.ucla.edu/src/
DO NOT PAY MONEY TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS. THERE ARE MANY SCAMS. IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE CHECK WITH MS. ROMERO.
Don’t Fall for Scholarship Scams: Applying for financial aid is free!! You will only need to fill out the FAFSA application and the CSS Profile. Be weary of companies offering to find scholarships for you for a fee. Go to http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml to learn more about scholarship scams. You can actually search for free online or go to your local library for a list of scholarships. Check out other scholarship search services on this website.
http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/other.phtml
Some students may feel that it takes too much time to apply for these scholarships. Remember that financial aid packages are generally made up of scholarships or grants which do not have to be repaid, loans which do have to be repaid and work study. Private scholarships can be used to take the place of loans. Consider how long it will take to earn $2,000 to pay back a loan when a student is earning $20 an hour or less after graduation. Then consider how long it takes to fill out an application for a scholarship and you will realize that the time is well spent.
If you have further questions, please visit Ms.Romero in the College Center or contact Ms. Romero at mromero@laalliance.org
Summer Programs
Summer enrichment programs are a fantastic opportunity for students to travel, learn, experience new things, and meet new people. Many summer programs provide complete or partial financial aid. Students are encouraged to submit summer enrichment program applications as well as any required summer program financial aid applications as soon as possible.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Do you have what it takes to be a Bank of America Student Leader?
If you are a student with a passion for improving your community, we would like to help you turn that passion into action. We are looking for leaders who are high school juniors and seniors in the United States. As a Student Leader, you will participate in:
- An eight-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization
- A week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC (July, 2010) to gain valuable civic, social and business leadership skills
http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation/index.cfm?template=fd_studentleaders
Center for Community College Partnerships Scholars Program
The goal of the program is to motivate, inform and prepare students to transfer from a California community college to selective Top Tier Research institutions such as UCLA. If selected, students in the program have access to our summer and year-long academic preparatory transfer programs which guide students through the community college experience, the application and admissions process, research and pre-graduate opportunities and career exploration.
http://www.cccp.ucla.edu/cccp_scholarsprogram.html
COSMOS
COSMOS is a four-week residential program for talented and motivated students completing grades 8-12. Students work side-by-side with outstanding university researchers and faculty to explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics using curriculum that is hands-on and lab intensive.
Priority will be given to 9th-11th graders. Application deadline is usually in March.
INNERSPARK
INNERSPARK offers instruction in the field of Animation, Music, Dance, Film and Video, Theater, Creative Writing, and the Visual Arts. For the students accepted, INNERSPARK is a unique opportunity to spend four weeks studying and working with professional artists, writers, and performers of national stature. The talented teenagers who successfully complete the program will receive three units of CSU extended education credit.
Loyola University Chicago Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars
In this six-week summer program, you will challenge yourself and learn alongside college students. Choose from two college-level courses and gain an interdisciplinary appreciation of two distinct subjects.
Applicants must be a current sophomore or junior in high school.
http://www.luc.edu/summerscholars/
The Scripps College Academy
The Scripps College Academy (SCA) is an innovative outreach program consisting of an intensive summer residential experience and a complementary year-round support program. Their mission is to provide academically ambitious young women from racially diverse and economically under-served communities with the opportunity to experience the academic rigor and residential life at private liberal arts college.
Applicants must have completed 9th or 10th grade by the start of the program. Application deadline is in the Spring.
http://www.scrippscollege.edu/students/academy/index.php
UC Davis Young Scholars Program
The major goal of the UCD – Young Scholars Program is to expose and engage forty high achieving and high potential high school students in a variety of research experiences within the fields of the biological, agricultural, environmental and natural sciences.
Applicants must be currently enrolled as a sophomore or junior in high school. Application deadline is in March.
http://ysp.ucdavis.edu/program-description
USC Summer Seminar
USC gives high school students the opportunity to participate in a four week, residential program in one of 20 seminars taught by USC instructors. Successful completion of the seminar grants the student 3 university elective credits. An active, on-campus social life, recreational field-trips, and access to the USC campus facilities complete this memorable experience.
Applicants must have completed 9th grade and are 15 years old by August. Application deadline is in May.
Campus Visit Programs
Dartmouth Bound
Each year Dartmouth’s admissions office selects a distinguished group of college-bound rising seniors from across the nation for an extended campus stay. Students are selected for Dartmouth Bound inclusion on the basis of their academic achievement, personal character, and potential for college success. The Dartmouth Bound program provides opportunities for students to visit our campus and learn about life at the College, as well as our admissions and financial aid process.
Applicants must be rising seniors in high school. Application deadline is in May.
http://www.dartmouth.edu/admissions/bound/apply.html
Discover Swarthmore
Swarthmore College, one of the premier liberal arts and engineering colleges in the United States, hosts a special free overnight weekend program for Asian, Black, Latino/a, and Native American high school seniors.
Applicants must be rising seniors in high school.
http://www.swarthmore.edu/x6252.xml
George Washington University Multicultural Open House
Each spring, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions welcomes high school juniors from around the country to GW’s campus for Colonial Insight.
The event kicks off with a cultural festival dinner Thursday evening hosted by the Dean’s Council for Multicultural Recruitment. Friday events allow our visiting students to experience campus life through the eyes of current GW students and provide great opportunities to connect with student organizations and the Multicultural Student Services Center.
http://www.gwu.edu/apply/undergraduateadmissions/visitgw/openhousesevents/multiculturalopenhouses
Wesleyan University Travel Assistance Program
The Travel Assistance Program provides round trip transportation to Connecticut as well as housing and meals for a select group of high school seniors. While the Open House Program is open to all, the number of participants to be subsidized is limited and a timely response will be considered along with background and interest in Wesleyan.
http://www.wesleyan.edu/admission/visiting_campus/travel_assistance.html
Whitman Visit Scholarship Program
Whitman College seeks to bring students whose backgrounds and experiences offer varying perspectives on living and learning in a multicultural world to our campus. In order to accomplish this, we offer two programs to help encourage students to visit, apply, and enroll at Whitman College.
Community Service
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to complete your community service hours outside of school? Take advantage of these opportunities to get involved in your community while exploring job fields that might interest you. It will look great on your resume!
The Science Center Must be 16 years old and feel comfortable talking to people. Youth Volunteer Application available at
https://californiasciencecenter.org/support/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities
Any questions you can contact the Volunteer Office: Phone: (213) 744-2124
VolunteerDept@cscmail.org
Natural History Museum Must be 16 years old.
Application available at
https://nhm.org/site/join-us/volunteers-docents/apply
Contact info: volunteer@nhm.org
Check Your Local Animal Shelter Must be 16 years old.
Los Angeles Animal Services Must be at least 16 years of age. Application available at
http://www.laanimalservices.com/volunteer/
Los Angeles Children’s Hospital Must be 15 years old. More info available at
https://www.chla.org/volunteering-our-hospital
Chandler Regional Medical Center Must be over the age of 14. More info available available by calling their volunteer services at 480.728.3308
Day Care Center Visit your local elementary school and ask about day care services. Many times after completing a certain amount of hours you can even be asked to work there.
Heal the Bay Requirements vary for different opportunities. Please visit www.healthebay.org/volunteer for information.
American Red Cross Different opportunities available for high school students 9-12th grade. Applications available at http://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles/volunteer/youth-services
If none of these opportunities interest you, you can find many more opportunities using the following websites:
Volunteer Match www.volunteermatch.org
LA Youth http://www.layouth.com/volunteering/
LA Works https://www.laworks.com/
Don’t miss the opportunity to start developing your great potential! Get involved NOW!
Important Links
Important Links
College Information Searches:
Are you interested in applying to private colleges? Almost 300 private colleges use this common application: www.commonapp.org
www.campustours.com – Take virtual campus tours through this site, which also connects you to home pages of public and private colleges and universities.
Princeton Review – Princeton Review, multipurpose site. Go to “Counselor O’matic”
www.xap.com – Multipurpose site to plan, explore, apply
www.petersons.com – Multipurpose Site
www.californiacolleges.edu/ – Guide to all colleges in California
www.gocollege.com – Go College: General college information and college search, application and information
www.collegeview.com – Multipurpose Site
www.makingitcount.com – Multi-purpose college search, applying, questions to ask college representatives.
www.fihe.org – This independent higher education network links you to 630 private colleges and universities in the United States.
www.aiccu.edu – Guide for California Independent Colleges and Universities.
US News – Multipurpose site for financial aid, search for colleges, choosing a college, scholarship search, career interests, etc.
www.myroad.com – The most popular personal information, major search and college search site. There is a membership fee involved.
Applications and Information:
www.csumentor.edu – This is your internet connection to the entire California State University system.
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/students/welcome.html – Portal to the UC system.
www.commonapp.org – Source for common application form for independent Colleges.
www.ucop.edu/pathways – Your connection to the University of California
SAT/ACT Information:
www.collegeboard.com: SAT registration online. Practice real test questions.
www.act.org and www.actstudent.org: Register for the ACT test.
Financial Aid and Scholarship websites:
www.finaid.org or www.fafsa.ed.gov: Financial aid information, PIN, family contribution calculators, 4 free scholarship search programs.
www.collegeboard.com: Financial aid information, family contribution calculators (EFC) “Fund Finder”
www.salliemae.com: Excellent information about education loans, financial aid information.
www.fastweb.com: A free scholarship search program and much more.
Career Search:
www.mymajor.com – Look up information on possible majors.
www.careermosaic.com – Career Mosaic allows you to use the J.O.B. database to search among thousands of available jobs.
www.sss.gov – This site will answer questions regarding registering for the draft; direct draft registration; open for age 17 and up.
Gertz-Ressler Alumni (Transcripts)
College Center/Counseling Office
La oficina de Consejeria está localizado en el segundo piso del edificio de la Escuela Secundaria, al lado de la biblioteca, a través de la Oficina de All-STars. Ofrecemos una amplia variedad de recursos para ayudar a los estudiantes a graduarse de Gertz, así como explorar diferentes tipos de universidades y carreras. También ofrecemos recursos para servicios fuera de Gertz, como a quién llamar cuando un miembro de la familia pierde su trabajo, a quién llamar cuando una familia pierde la vivienda, etc.
Academic Counseling
Social/Emotional Counseling
Gertz-Ressler High ofrece apoyo social-emocional para nuestros estudiantes. Este año, Gertz-Ressler está en colaboración con South Central Training Consortium, una agencia que le ofrece a nuestros estudiantes servicios gratuitos de terapia/consejeria. Nuestros estudiantes son libres de referirse a estos servicios, pero también estamos abriertos a referencias de maestros y familias. Si está interesado en estos servicios, póngase en contacto con la Srta Leal.
Peer Counselors
- A-G Requirements
- Academic Counseling
- The College Application Process
- Financial Aid Applications
Graduation Requirements
A-G Requirements
“A” – History/Social Science (30 credits/3 years)
“B” – English (40 credits/ 4 years required)
“C” – Mathematics (30 credits/3 years *4 Recommended)
“D” – Science (30 credits/3 years required * 4 Recommended)
“E” – Language other then English (20 credits/2 years required *3 Recommended)
“F” – Visual/Performing Arts (10 credits/1 year)
“G” – College Preparatory Elective (10 credits/1 year)