College & Career Planning
Your Guidance Counselor and the College and Career Advisor are here to help you plan for college. Getting into a college is like approaching any other goal in life that’s important: it takes hard work, commitment and attention to dates and details. The resources on this page are designed to help students navigate their post high school options, with information on college admissions testing, the college application process, choosing a college and possible major, career research, alternative post high school options and more.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COMMUNITY COLLEGEs
Community College is a great option for students who are unsure at what they want to study. Our local community colleges include:
- De Anza College
- Foothill College
- West Valley College
- Mission College
- San Jose City College
- Other California Community Colleges
TRANSFERING
- UC TAG PROGRAM
- CSU Transfer
- Articulation Agreements: Set pathways from one community college to a university
Four Year College Information
CSU/UC
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Students must meet eligibility requirements according to the CSU Eligibility Index. The CSU system currently consists of 23 campuses. Students must complete the 15 subject requirements and meet the Eligibility Index Table (GPA and SAT/ACT) to be considered for admission to the CSU's. Minimum GPA is 2.0 to apply
Application Window: October 1 - November 30. The CSU application will open October 1 students can begin submitting at this time
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Students must meet minimum UC requirements in order to be eligible for admissions. Out of the ten UC campuses, nine are open to undergraduate students. Requirements include meeting the A-G requirements (15 academic subjects), SAT 1 or ACT with writing, as well as meeting the eligibility index table criteria. Minimum GPA required to apply is 3.0
Application Window: November 1-30. The UC application will open August 1. Students can begin submitting on Nov. 1.
Private Colleges and Universities
PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Private colleges and universities typically require an application, essays, test score reports, teacher recommendations, secondary school and/or mid-year reports, and possibly more. Since requirements may vary, please visit the school's website for more detailed information.
- Common Application - a uniform college application used to make the process much easier without having to complete individual college application forms
- Common App Schools - check the website to see the colleges that accept the Common Application
- Common Application Requirements Grid Sheet - lists out what is required for each Common App school
- AICCU - Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
- The Guide - AICCU handbook
- Western Undergraduate Exchange Program - a program in which students who are residents of WICHE states may enroll at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of their home state at a reduced tuition rate.
SUPPLEMENTS (FORMS, PORTFOLIOS, AUDITIONS, ETC.)
Deadlines and Types of Applications
Deadlines
The deadlines for applications will vary amongst colleges. Some will offer early application options (with deadlines as early as October, but often in November), but most of the regular deadlines will be in January and February. Please refer to the Common App and the University website to confirm deadlines for all schools and programs.
Please note that some programs such as art, music, theater and film may have earlier "regular" deadlines as they often require a portfolio or audition.
TYPES OF APPLICATIONS
EARLY ACTION (EA) - Students apply to college earlier (Oct/Nov) and hear back earlier (Dec/Jan). They do not have to commit to a school until the national deadline of May 1. This is a non-binding agreement, which allows students to see and compare decisions and financial aid from all other schools.
EARLY DECISION (ED) - Students apply early (Oct/Nov) and sign a binding agreement saying that if they get in, they will withdraw all other applications and attend this university.
RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION (REA) - Students may only apply to this college early and cannot apply for Early Action, Early Decision or other early notifications unless specified by college.
REGULAR DECISION (RD) - Students apply in the regular pool of applicants (Jan/Feb) and hear back later (March/April). This is a non-binding agreement, which allows students to see and compare decisions and financial aid from all other schools.
ROLLING - Students may submit their application at any point during a large window of time. Students receive their admissions decision within a few weeks of sending in the application.
Testing
PSAT/NSMQT
PSAT - PRELIMINARY Sat
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
The NMSQT portion uses the scores from the math, verbal reasoning, and writing to find the top 1% of the nation's juniors for eligibility in participating in Merit and Achievement programs.
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
- To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
- To see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
- To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11).
- To help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
- To receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service.
The PSAT is administered on the FUHSD campuses once a year in October. Talk to your guidance counselor or Ms. Parfet to find out how to sign up for the test. For more information about the PSAT/National Merit, click the links below.
ACT
ACT - AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST
These are four, 35-60 minute tests in academic areas of English, mathematics, social studies, reading and science reasoning. Scores range from 1 to 36 for each of the four tests and the Composite. The Composite score is the average of the four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. There is an optional writing assessment which is required by certain colleges; check the ACT website or the college website to determine if you will need this section.
For more information about the ACT and how to register, click on the link below.
SAT & SAT Subject Tests
SAT
The SAT is a college admissions test comprised of a verbal, math and writing section. The SAT assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college—skills that students learned in high school. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in and outside of the classroom—including how they think, solve problems, and communicate.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice questions and the essay. It is administered seven times a year at various sites off campus. Students can register though The College Board.
For more information about the SAT and how to register, click the link below.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
SAT Subject tests are no longer available from College Board. College Board Statement
AP
AP - ADVANCED PLACEMENT
AP tests are placement tests taken after completing a college level course. These are high school examinations based on college level courses. AP exams are given once a year in May. The scores are primarily used for college placement, credit or advanced standing. The most highly selective colleges may also consider AP scores as part of the admission decision. Universities grant either advanced placement and/or credit with qualifying score. Tests are administered in May to students completing appropriate courses.
Unlike honors courses, students may earn college credit, depending on their AP test scores and the colleges' requirements. To find out more about AP tests, click HERE.
TOEFL
TOEFL
TOEFL is a college admission/placement test to evaluate English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. It's generally required of undergraduates seeking a first degree and graduate students seeking an advanced degree. The TOEFL is offered at over 300 test centers around the world and the computer-based test may be scheduled at the convenience of the student.
To learn more about the TOEFL test and how to register for the test, visit the following TOEFL website
Free Testing Resources
Khan Academy
Creates a tailored practice plan for you based on a diagnostic or your SAT or PSAT/NMSQT® scores. 8 full-length, real practice tests and content created in partnership with College Board. Thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and hints plus study and test-taking tips and strategies. Get constant feedback and progress so you know where you stand
Princeton Review
Free online and in person practice tests offered at local libraries in Santa Clara and Los Gatos. Free score report is given after it is graded to highlight area of improvement.
Kaplan
Learn what to expect and how you’d score on the exam with the free practice test. Plus, get a breakdown of where you need improvement and how to score higher next time. They also offer 20 minute "SAT Workouts"- test your knowledge of the SAT material and get complete explanations of every question in 20 minutes.
Varsity tutors
Everyone should have the tools and opportunity to earn their very best score. Give your student that chance with our free SAT and ACT live online classes. They’ll get deep insights and learn key techniques for understanding and mastering each section.
College Representative Visits
FUHSD has adopted a virtual district wide College Rep Visit model this year. Seniors will have the opportunity to hear from and speak to various college admissions representatives come to Monta Vista and speak to students about their campus. Students can ask the representative questions and get a better idea of whether or not that school should be on their application list.
MVHS College Rep Policies
1. You are representing yourself, your school and our community. Please be respectful during the presentations
2. Most of these presentations have a limited number of spots, please do not share the links with non FUHSD seniors
3. If the event is during 7th period, attending rep visits is not an excusable absence. Feel free to email the rep with any questions before/after if you cannot make it for any reason.
4. At least 1 FUHSD College/Career Advisor will be present at each presentation.
Scheduling a Visit
Please email the College and Career Advisor at rogelio_calderon@fuhsd.org to schedule.