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College & Career Planning

  •  

    Welcome Matadors!

     

    College season is upon us and Mira Loma already has numerous schools signed up for virtual college visits starting August 31, 2021.  In these sessions, a college admissions representative will be available to speak with students about the different opportunities each institution offers, and most importantly, giving updates to how the admissions process will be conducted this fall.

     

     The more prepared students are, the easier it will be when deciding your future path.  

     

    This year, all college visits will be held via zoom.  You can look at the list of colleges "visiting" Mira Loma on Naviance Student and register for the colleges that are of interest.  There will be no visits during school hours, so there is no need to worry about missing class.  

     

    To register for a virtual college visit: 

    Go to the Naviance Student home page and click Colleges in the top right corner.  Select COLLEGE Home then scroll down to the College Visits section and click on the Show more button. The list of colleges will show up.  Simply click on the blue button that says Register now to sign up.

    Before the meeting begins, an active virtual visit hyperlink will provide you access to the meeting room. 

    Pro-tip: Make sure you are checking the College visits section often. The College and Career Center at MLHS is receiving numerous emails per day from colleges signing up so the list will be constantly updated!  

    Please don't hesitate to contact Ms. Decker in the College and Career Center if you have any issues or questions!

    Click here to email Ms. Decker!

     

     

     Planning for High School and College

    Some easy things you can do:
    • Set up a "distraction free" study area
    • Set up a study time that is consistent
    • Check Q for grades and attendance (You can get your Q access code from the counseling office)
    • Email teachers when you have concerns about workload and your high schooler's progress
    • Check in with your high schooler and talk about upcoming school projects and tests. They can feel overwhelmed and not say a word. The standard answer is "It's fine". Ask them "What does fine mean?"
    • Make clear family expectations regarding grades with clear consequences for not meeting those expectations. Make sure your high schooler is part of making the expectations and consequences.
    • Talk about futrue career and college plans in your home
    • Visit colleges casually while on vacation or out of town or set up appointments with the college for an official visit
    • Go on the Web and research colleges "together"
    • Go on Naviance to research careers and college (Naviance is in the Student Portal)
    • Look through the Mira Loma Course Handbook for more ideas

     

    The College Application Process

    Step 1: Complete the required college preparatory courses with a C or better.

     
     
    UC/CSU A-G required courses

    A. History/Social Science, 2 years required
    B. English, 4 years required
    C. Mathematics, 3 years required, 4 years recommended
    D. Laboratory Science, 2 years required, 3 years recommended
    E. Language other than English, 2 years required, 3 years recommended
    F. Visual and Performing Arts, 1 year required
    G. College Preparatory Elective, 1 year required
     
    Mira Loma's UC Approved Courselist
    Type in "Mira Loma High School"
     
    If you intend to begin your college experience at a community college, plan to complete the UC/CSU course sequence. Doing this will help you avoid remedial community college courses that do not transfer to four year colleges.
     
    Collegiate Athletics
    NCAA Eligibility Center - information on NCAA eligibility
    NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

     Step 2: Take the appropriate entrance exams.

    All colleges and universities require either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. The University of California and some very selective independent universities also require two SAT Subject Tests.
     
    You should begin taking these exams in the spring of your junior year. All testing must be concluded by December of your senior year.
     
    You can register for these exams online at the following sites:
    SATs and the Collegeboard
    ACT

    Entrance exams are not required for community college.

    Standardized Test Information

    SAT test prep site

     
     
     
     

     

    Step 3: Research colleges to find the best school for you.
     
    Most colleges maintain websites that provide information for prospective students. These sites are easily accessed with an online search.
     
    Independent organizations also provide information on school and programs. Links to a select group of these sites follows:
     
    Naviance (Students will log on to their San Juan Student Portal and click on the Naviance Tile)

    Princeton Review

    National Center for Education

    Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities

    Assist - search for majors and information on transferring from a community college

    My College Guide

    California Colleges - Check out the tools sections for a college matching program. 

     Step 4: Apply in the fall of your senior year.   

              Colleges prefer online applications. November 30th is the deadline for the UC and the CSU system. Independent colleges set their own deadlines,     which run from November 30th to February 15th. Online applications are available at either the college's website or at the following sites:

    California Community Colleges
    CSU Application
    University of California
    Step 5: Receive your letters of admission.

    Colleges send out their letters of admission in the spring. May first is the most common deadline for students to accept one of the offers of admission.

    All admission decisions are conditional on the successful completion of your senior year. Colleges may rescind admission to students who earn low grades in college preparatory classes during their senior year. 

     

    Career Planning 

     

    Step 1: Explore your interests and aptitudes.

     
     
    It is important to choose a career that matches your interests and abilities. Aptitude tests can help you to identify career areas that are best for you.
     
    Naviance (Students log on to their San Juan Student Portal and click on the Naviance Tile)
     
    Step 2: Research careers.
    Based on what you know about yourself, look for careers in which you will excel. Find out what you need to do to enter those fields.
     
    Step 3: Prepare in high school to meet your career goals.
     
    High school courses, directly and indirectly, will help you meet your career goals. For example, if you are interested in construction, Wood Technology directly relates to your goal and Geometry indirectly relates to your goal. Meet with your counselor to select appropriate courses.
     
     
    The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) provides you the opportunity to earn high school credit for learning job skills. ROP courses range from food service to physical therapy. Contact Mrs. Tessier, the ROP coordinator at 971-7998 for details.
     
     
    Volunteer/Internships
     
     

     Step 4: Locate post high school education options.  

    Government agencies, community colleges and private organizations offer job training. Take the time to research all of your options for career education. 

    Peace Corps 

     
    AmeriCorps - a national service program which tackles community problems from disaster relief to tutoring.

    Sacramento Employment and Training Agency

    Local Jobs in the Sacramento Area

    Employment Development Department - agency of the California government

    Apprenticeship Programs

    Careers in Uniform Services 
     
Last Modified on September 20, 2021