Approximately 92% of El Toro High School students plan to attend either a 2 year or 4 year college.
Much forethought and planning ahead needs to be done.
And keep in mind the word Deadlines and Financial Cost...because these two factors
are critical to college planning.
A. SAT and ACT
The SAT is standardized test that is required for entrance into 4 year colleges.
SAT Tests have two versions:
a. SAT Reasoning Test
b. SAT Subject Tests with test two different subjects of your choice.
Check out the requirements of each college that you are planning on applying to in order to
determine if subject tests are necessary.
When in doubt, take both SAT Tests...Reasoning and Subject Tests
Point worth mentioning...All SAT scores are sent. So if you are taking your 1st set of subject tests and you already
took your SAT Reasoning Tests 2 Times already....All 3 Sets of Scores will be sent to the designated colleges.
The first 4 colleges that you request your scores to be sent are included in the price of the
test. Any additional schools will require an additional fee. Remember to provide the colleges where you want
your scores to be sent to within the required time frame because if you are late....then payment will be
required for sending test scores to colleges.
SAT Quick Link
The ACT is another company that administers standardized tests. This test can be taking by itself
or with a written test. You should strongly consider taking the written portion also...and you pay an additional fee.
ACT Scores are sent to the colleges requested. Point worth mentioning. ACT scores sent are only those
test scores taken which are requested. ACT does not send all your test scores, just one set of test scores
that you designate. The first 4 colleges that you request your scores to be sent are included in the price of the
test. Any additional schools will require an additional fee. Remember to provide the colleges where you want
your scores to be sent to within the required time frame because if you are late....then payment will be
required for sending test scores to colleges.
ACT Quick Link
There are practice tests available on both of these sites (SAT and ACT) and be sure to utilize them.
There are companies that provide classes to improve your scores (be prepared to shell out $1-2,000.00)
and there are books and CD that can be useful as well which are more affordable.
The last time a high school senior can take these tests is in December of your senior year.
So consider taking these tests during your junior year.
B. Two Year Junior Colleges If you are planning on attending a 2 year junior college, you do not need to take the SAT or ACT
Tests for most junior colleges. However, be sure to check with the junior college for specific
requirements. Be sure to check the junior college's website for admission proceedures or contact
them directly. You will be required to complete an admission application, so be sure to do
this on time. If you don't know where to begin, GOOGLE the name of the junior college, go the their
website and look for admissions procedures. More often than not, people don't know where to
begin and need some encouragement and direction to begin the process.
Quick Link for Listing of Junior Colleges
After receiving AA degrees, many junior college graduates to onto to 4 year colleges and are equally as
succesfull as those students going directly into 4 year colleges. Bonus to doing it this way...no need to take
the SAT or ACT Tests when transferring from a junior college. They will want your junior college transcript,
so make sure "A" is the most popular letter on your transcript.
C. 4 Year Colleges When you apply to 4 year colleges keep in mind deadlines, applications, application submissions, fees,
transcripts, personal essays, additional essays, recommendations and SAT or ACT Test Scores.
Believe it or not, there are companies that can assist you in completing the application process for a fee.
There are early admission options, but you need to check with each university to determine the requirements
and restrictions. When are the applications deadlines and if the early admission requires you to accept entrance
into the school regardless of other offers that might come your way.
UC Schools offer CA residences a reduced tuition rate. The UC System is highly competitive.
One of the newer UC schools as Merced, would be easier to gain entrance into.
The UC System College Applications were due the last day in November 2006 which is earlier than
most private universities which I have found to have deadlines the 2nd week in January 2007.
Bonus with UC Schools, no teacher recommendations needed.
Quick Link for a Listing of UC Colleges
CAL State Colleges had application deadlines on November 2006. No teacher recommendations required
and the academic requirements are not as tough as the UC School System.
Quick Link For a Listing of CAL State Colleges
Private Universities have application deadlines throughout the year with the latest being the 2nd week in January.
For financial consideration or scholarship consideration, deadlines may be earlier. So once again, check
with each university that you plan to apply to.
D. NCAA National Clearing House. All College Athletes must become members and complete forms.
The reason is to make sure that all college athletes are amateurs, academically eligible and follow
various guidelines involving eligibility. Please check the NCAA website for complete information.
Quick Link
E. Scholarships
Academic and Athletic Scholarships are Available. Contact each school or your high school guidance
counselor for information. College Coaches may offer you scholarshps as a means for recruitment.
However, keep in mind that athletic scholarships for water polo and swimmer are very few.
Boys' Water Polo - 4.5 Scholarships For the entire program
Boys' Swimming -
Girls' Water Polo -
Girls' Swimming -
F. Financial Aid
Contact each college for information about forms and availability.
G. Beginning the Application Process
It probaby isn't a bad idea to check out the college applications in your junior year. The applications will
change but you will have a better understanding of what you will have to do the following year.
Most college applications cost around $60-$85 per school, some will differ.
Good Luck!
