College Admissions

Students planning on attending a four-year college or university need to have a four-year educational plan for high school course work to ensure that they will meet the specific requirements of the colleges they are interested in; the counselors will assist in this process. The actual application process is completed during the fall semester of the senior year. It is the student’s responsibility to know the eligibility requirements for specific colleges and majors as well as the deadlines for applying; the counselors will work closely with seniors and parents to guide them through the necessary steps.

Annual National Test Dates

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is given to all underclassmen each October (see the school calendar for this year’s date). This test is a shortened form of the SAT. It helps predict the SAT score and can qualify juniors for the National Merit Scholarship Program, National Achievement Program for Outstanding Black Students, and the National Hispanic Scholarship Program. The PSAT taken in the freshman and sophomore year does not qualify a student to compete for the National Merit Scholarships, but does provide the opportunity to practice for the junior year PSAT.

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is given nationally in October, November, December, January, March, May and June. This test, for students completing junior year and starting senior year, is part of the admission requirements for most four-year colleges and universities. Students can register online at www.collegeboard.com.

The SAT Subject Test (no longer required by UC) is also given nationally in October, November, December, January, March, May, and June. Check with your specific college and major of interest to determine whether subject tests should be taken. California State Universities (CSU) do not require Subject Tests for admissions.

The ACT (with writing) is accepted by many colleges as an alternative to the SAT Reasoning. It is offered nationally in September, October, November, December, February, April, and June. UC requires the ACT with Writing. CSU does not require the writing portion of the test.

The Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations are required for all students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes. College credit may be awarded for work done in those classes along with a satisfactory score on the Advanced Placement Test. AP Testing is also available to students who are in the fourth year of foreign language study. AP exams are given in May of each school year and are listed on the school calendar.

The High School Code for St. Bernard High School for the SAT Reasoning, the SAT Subject Tests, the ACT, the AP Exams and for college and financial aid applications is 052487.

Guidance for College Financial Aid

Financial aid for college consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. There is one common application form for all of these, called the FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) https://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Students applying to private schools may also be required to file a second form called the CSS/Financial Aid Profile, (check with your individual college to determine this).  Finally, all students applying to California colleges must submit the GPA VERIFICATION FORM for California money (Cal Grants).  GPA Verification Forms will be available in the College Center in December and are to be completed by March. The counselor will assist students and parents with the financial aid process through individual and group guidance sessions, parent nights, and the school website.

Letters of Recommendation

Allow the person writing the recommendation at least fourteen days to complete the recommendation. Teachers, counselors, moderators and administrators reserve the right to decline to write a recommendation if ample notice is not given.  Let this person know if you will need more than one copy. Thank the person afterwards. Provide a stamped pre-addressed envelope for each recommendation.

Students need to complete a “Brag Sheet” (available in the College Center) and provide it to anyone writing their recommendations. The Brag Sheet includes:

1. Name, Telephone Number and E-mail Address

2. GPA and intended major

3. All clubs, activities, and teams in which you have participated and/or offices held at SBHS

4. Awards, honors, clubs, or activities outside of school, community and church involvement, or special programs in which you have participated

5. Work experience

6. Has any work or volunteer experience been of significant importance to you? Describe.

7. What has been your most stimulating intellectual experience in recent years?

8. Describe your special talents.

9. Which classes have you enjoyed most? Why?

10. What are your long-term and short-term goals?

Transcripts for Colleges

Read the requirements for each college to which you are applying and their instructions for application carefully. Some (e.g. University of California) do not request transcripts until after graduation; some do not want transcripts until after the first semester of your senior year (e.g. California State University);   and some want them to be sent when you apply. Transcripts are ordered in the main office and processed by the Studies Office. Refer to the section on Transcripts for Grades (page 16 of this handbook).

Many campuses require your transcripts three times: 1) with your college application in November; 2) 7th semester transcript in January (Mid Year Report); 3) and final transcript in July. You must fill out a new request and pay the $5.00 processing fee each time you need to send an updated transcript to the college.

UC and CSU Eligibility Requirements

Students may plan early and intelligently to meet college entrance requirements. In addition, the UC, CSU and most private and out-of-state colleges/universities require all students to take either the SAT Reasoning or the ACT with Writing. All testing MUST be completed by December of the senior year.  Students are strongly encouraged to take the SAT Reasoning Test during March, May or June of the junior year. CSU applicants must take either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT without Writing. The SAT Subject Tests may be required by a specific university or program. Students applying to private and out- of-state colleges and universities must check the specific requirements for each college.