The Edge Fall 2013

Volume 4 Issue 1 Fall 2013 Volume 4 Issue 1 Fall 2013

CLAIM YOUR COLLEGE SEAT EDITION

THE

EDgE STUDY

SCHOLARSHIPS

CLAIM YOUR SEAT EDITION HIGHER COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

DEADLINES

GRADUATION

EDUCATION

FINANCIAL AID

EXAMS Student Athletes

WIN A BRAND NEW MICROSOFT SURFACE TABLET!

see page 3

WELCOME

Hello, Class of 2014. Welcome to the year that will define the rest of your lives.

Preparing for college will take you through a range of emotional ups and downs: excitement, anticipation, uncertainty, frustration. From applying for scholarships and writing essays, to touring campuses and selecting classes, you are in for quite a ride. But it doesn’t have to be scary.

The key to enjoying the experience and not becoming overwhelmed by deadlines and due dates? Be proactive. The real world is replete with timelines, calendars, and other tools meant to maximize productivity. So the sooner you can master the habit of staying ahead of the game, the better off you’ll be.

At Orange County United Way, we’re doing what we can to help students like you stay on top of their studies and plan for life after commencement. With more than 9.5 percent of high school students dropping out each year, along with an additional 4.5 percent failing to graduate on time with their peers, we have our work cut out for us.

Through our Destination Graduation (DG) program, we help students discover what they like to do and explore how to turn their interests into fulfilling careers. It challenges them to push their emotional and intellectual boundaries, to dare to dream, and put in the effort necessary to realize their full potential.

To help you navigate the months ahead, Orange County United Way has partnered with UCI to bring you this special edition of The Edge. This issue encourages you to “Claim Your Seat” and do your part to position yourself for college success. Your parents and teachers will support your journey, but you have to take the lead and set your own course. Good luck. To learn more about DG, visit www.unitedwayoc.org/education.

Sincerely,

Max L. Gardner President and CEO Orange County United Way

CONTENTS Look Who’s Attending Community College

4

California Dreaming

10

Inside College Admissions

4

Is Taking Out a Loan Really That Scary?

11

Quick Tips

6

Blue and Gold Plan

11

College Application Comparison

6

Claim Your Financial Aid

12

Worried About Writing the Perfect Personal Statement?

7

What it Takes to Survive

13

Senior Timeline

8

Be Proactive and Get an Edge

14

Myth Busters

9

Journey of a Student Athlete

15

2

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FALL 2013

NEW RULES to Boost

Community College Success

by Elaine Lipiz Gonzalez

Dear Student, The 2013 academic year is ramping up here at UC Irvine. As in every fall quarter, excitement is in the air. New and returning students fill the halls, finding their ways both literally and figuratively, as they explore our beautiful campus and anticipate the challenges their classes will bring them.

Applying for college can be a daunting task, but having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. From practical pointers on application procedures—a timeline and quick tips—to professional advice on how to write a winning personal statement, and insight from those one step ahead of you on the same journey, The Edge can give you an insider’s perspective on the process.

We would love to welcome you in the fall to UCI, but our real hope is to help you achieve your goals and land on the campus of your choice. Our staff has worked hard to share their years of experience helping students down this path, and we hope you get as much out of this magazine as we’ve put into it. Read up, and then pass it on.

Best of luck to you.

WIN A BRAND NEW MICROSOFT SURFACE TABLET! We’d love to know what you think about The Edge!

Go online and fill out a quick 2 minute survey and you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing

Sincerely,

to win several prizes, including the grand prize,

Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D.

a brand new Microsoft

Director, Center for Educational Partnerships University of California, Irvine

Surface Tablet!

Think going to a community college means you can cruise through to graduation?

Better think again!

In light of significant budget cuts and the rising numbers of students who want to enroll, the California Community College system is revamping many policies that will have a direct impact on you and your ability to maintain financial aid. It’s called the Student Success Initiative. It establishes enrollment priority and financial aid policies that will affect you if you plan to attend a community college.

So, what does this mean for you? It means you’ll need to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in order to keep your place in line to enroll for classes and continue your financial aid. Losing enrollment priority means you will have to move to

the back of the line and risk not being able to add the classes you need when it’s your turn to enroll. With so many students competing for classes that are in high demand, it’s important to do everything you can to enroll as quickly as possible each semester.

You will also be required to make adequate academic progress. For example, students who withdraw from too many classes after the semester begins will be penalized by losing their enrollment priority. Additionally, students who fail a particular class too many times will not be allowed to take the class again within that same community college district.

And finally, students will be expected to reach their educational goals, such as transferring, in a timely manner.

Students who earn too many units, – 100 or more – without reaching

www.cfep.uci.edu/theedge/2013/survey

As a high school senior, you are poised to take at seat at the table of your college education. Where you sit will be up to you. Don’t wait for an invitation; take the initiative and “Claim Your Seat”. This issue of The Edge will give you the information you need to help you do just that.

their educational goals will lose their enrollment priority.

Starting in fall 2014 (and for some colleges even sooner), all California community colleges will implement the Student Success Initiative. It’s your job to educate yourself about it to maintain your enrollment priority, keep your financial aid, and ultimately reach your goals. Remember, the community college transfer route to a bachelor’s degree is a great option, as long as you focus on doing your best in school, seek out resources to help you along the way, and educate yourself early about how to transfer to a university. For more information about the Student Success Initiative and how to attend a community college, contact or visit your local college’s Transfer Center, Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) office, or Counseling Center.

UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships

www.cfep.uci.edu

3

Look Who’s Attending a

COMMUNITY COLLEGE from the 2012 Accountability Reporting for the California Community Colleges

112,000+

students transferred to four-year institutions (public, private, in-state, and out-of-state) in 2010-2011.

Inside College

ADMISSIONS Ever wonder what universities are looking for when they read college applications? Here’s your chance to learn the inside scoop to some of the most popular questions.

Q. How important are A.

4

officer in club activities. Even tutoring, church involvement, and babysitting are all great activities that show leadership. Nothing is too small to list, as long as you participated while in high school.

Many universities don’t want to know about activities prior to high school. If you run out of room to list everything, please add the rest in an additional comments section.

extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular activities can be HUGE – if you list them correctly.

If a university offers a section on its application to list extracurricular activities, see this as an amazing opportunity to shine. This is not the time to be humble. Brag about everything you did in each activity.

List the years you were involved and any leadership positions held. Leadership experience is anything from being a captain or MVP in sporting activities, to serving as a vice-president or

THE EDgE

FALL 2013

by Tiana Otubuah Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools, UC Irvine

Q: My grades are lower in one year A.

of high school than other years.

What should I do?

If you had a significant drop, such as a semester or year of poor grades, from a 3.4 to a 2.4 GPA for example, please discuss in either an additional comments box or a personal statement to explain what happened. Maybe you had an illness, or you had to start working to assist the family.

Give explanations, not excuses.

Remember to take responsibility for your actions, and explain what you did to improve the situation.

Q: Is it true if I apply to “easier” A.

majors, then I’ll have a better chance of getting in?

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, select the major that is your first choice. At many colleges, it is becoming increasingly difficult to change or transfer into a different major once you enroll.

If you start in your desired major as a freshman, this can help you graduate faster, as well as teach you all you need to know in that major. Playing the “major game” does not work in the admissions process. What does work is applying to the major you truly want and picking alternate areas that interest you, if given that option.

23.6% of all 20 to 24-year-olds in California were enrolled in the California Community College system in 2010-2011.

52.5%

of all students who earned a BA/BS from a CSU campus in 2010-2011 transferred from a community college.

Q. My friend lost her admission A.

after she was admitted. How did this happen?

Just because you are admitted in the spring doesn’t mean that you will attend in the fall. Please be aware that most college admissions are conditional. This means that if you don’t follow the steps for enrollment, your admission can be withdrawn.

Conditions can include anything from maintaining a certain GPA, or submitting all of your documents and financial information on time. For instance, at California public universities (Cal States and UCs), all official documents, such as test scores and transcripts, are required by July 1. Also, look out for any deadlines for placement exams, financial aid, orientation and housing. All of these factors

5,869

associates degrees in nursing granted in 2010-2011, made nursing the most popular community college program.

can affect your enrollment in the fall.

Q. Do grades earned in my senior A.

year matter?

YES. Please note that all of your hard work in high school can be for naught, if you receive poor grades in your senior year.

Many universities, including the UC, offer admission based on conditions that students must agree to meet. These can include anything from maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA during senior year, to not receiving anything lower than a “D” grade in any class, and meeting A-G requirements.

Be sure to follow the specific admission conditions of the university you’ve selected to attend, after you’ve been admitted.

UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships

www.cfep.uci.edu

5

QUICKto Combat TIPS Senioritis

by Adrienne Grayson

#1

SET Y OUR O WN DEAD PERSONAL LINES Just b ecaus

et UC an d CS he deadline U for Nov. 3 applica 0 t wait t doesn’t mea ions is ill n your a that date to you should pplicat submit ion deadlin e befo . Set your o wn re tha same t. st financ rategy to sc Apply the ial aid h deadlin olarship and es.

#2

E ACTIV Y A T ear, S nior y

our r se of you e a lot on y ll a f In the oing to hav at? it g wh you’re nd guess er you subm A t f . y plate n’t stop a ions. Sta t g uld It sho ege applica re countin ll a o c le your Peop itted. comm ! on you

APPLICATION Comparison

College

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

CAL STATE UNIVERSITY

COMMON APPLICATION

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

www.csumentor.com

www.commonapp.org

http://home.cccapply.org

$55.00 per campus (fee waivers available)

Varies by college

Free

APPLICATION 1 application for all campuses (9 campuses open to Freshmen)

1 application for EACH campus (23 campuses open to Freshmen)

1 application for EACH campus (400+ campuses open to Freshmen)

1 application for EACH campus (112 campuses)

APPLICATION November 1st-November 30th PERIOD

October 1st-November 30th

Varies by college

You may submit an application at any time (deadlines for enrollment in the upcoming term varies by college).

FEE WAIVERS 4 campuses (if eligible, apply online)

4 campuses (if eligible, apply online)

School specific (if eligible, apply online)

Not applicable

SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT

Varies by college (report highest individual scores per section)

No exam needed for admission.

However, you must take placement tests in English, Math and Reading in order to enroll in classes.

Not required (self-reported grades)

Not required (self-reported grades)

Not required

Not required

Short answer and personal essay on your topic of choice

Not required

Not required

Varies by college (supplemental forms available on the application)

Not required

Colleges want to learn about your honors and awards, volunteer work/ community service, extracurricular activities, educational preparation programs, and employment. (may also attach a resume)

Not required

Separate link on CSUMentor application

Separate application; check each individual school

Separate application with the EOPS program at each college

2.0 minimum in A-G courses (taken during 10th-11th grades)

Varies by college

No GPA requirement. You must be 18 years or older or have one of the following: a high school diploma, GED, or have passed the California High School Exit Exam.

WEBSITE www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply COST $70.00 per campus (fee waivers available)

ENTRANCE EXAMS SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Plus Writing (REQUIRED) AND 2 SAT Subject Tests from 2 different disciplines (RECOMMENDED) All tests must be taken by December TRANSCRIPTS Not required (self-reported grades) PERSONAL 2 prompts (see personal statement STATEMENT article on page 7) RECOMMENDATIONS Not required (may need to provide depending on major)

ACTIVITIES AND UC wants to learn about your Not required AWARDS honors and awards, volunteer work/ community service, extracurricular activities, coursework other than A-G, educational preparation programs, and employment EOP Included on the application GPA MINIMUM 3.0 in A-G courses (must finish 11/15 courses by the end of 11th grade)

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FALL 2013

#3

CREATE

A COLLE

GE PORT

Meeting FOLIO de organize adlines means s d. Crea taying te a bind virtual f er or olde Google D r (through Drop b rive, etc .) dedica ox, to keepin ted g all of t he inform you will n ation eed as y ou apply prepare to and for colleg ea as schola rship app dmission, such lic of recom mendatio ations, letters n, essay scores, s, test FAFSA docs, et c.

#5

#4

OGINS F ALL L O K C A R KEEP T D PASSWORDS AN in and

g f your lo own all o secure location Write d a d info in llege portfolio). passwor co r u o y to is s in you apply in (perhap t a h t e log lleg Each co e you separate ing. s iv g f o n t o et c u et going it can g d og n f a in , t s step ortan p im is h tt Don’t le ce. yberspa c in lost

KEEP T

RAC

K OF D No one’s EADLIN expect ES the dea ing you to d a char lines in your h keep all to ea campus f what’s due, d. Create to wha or agen t having c a list w y, and when. ill be he Just remem lpfu be look at r, you have to l, but th c through e list and the ontinually n follow with it to mak e it wor k.

more t

ips on p

age 14

Worried About Writing the

PERFECT PERSONAL STATEMENT?

by Viviana Ramos

Many students stress over writing the perfect personal statement. The truth is, there is no one perfect statement, but there is one that’s perfect for YOU. Your ideal personal statement is one that speaks about who you are and who you want to be. It is an opportunity to provide additional insight to an admissions and/or scholarship reader about yourself, your inspirations, your accomplishments, and your goals. Be personal and be reflective. When writing your essay, make sure to read the prompts, follow directions, and answer accordingly.

Here are a few tips on writing a personal statement:

TIP #1: If asked about dreams and aspirations, make

sure to write about them. If asked about a specific talent, accomplishment or strength, provide examples that describe what you are most proud of related to this talent, accomplishment, or strength.

TIP #2: Remember, the personal statement is your chance

to describe you. Do not get caught up in explaining a situation or event; instead, describe the impact a situation has had on your life and your goals.

TIP #3: Give yourself adequate time to write your statement, obtain feedback, and revise as many times as necessary. Writing is a process. Sometimes it takes several tries to get it just right.

TIP #4: Focus on writing one personal statement that you can then tailor and revise to use for different college and scholarship applications. This will save you time and

alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed when trying to write the perfect statement for every application.

A few things to consider when applying to a UC. The application will give only two prompts, and it asks applicants to respond to both using a maximum of 1,000 words. All of the campuses to which you apply will see the same application, and the same personal statements; be sure the content will work for all campuses.

Lastly, always remember that your personal statement is just one aspect of your college and/or scholarship application. It will be considered along with the other materials you submit: school info, GPA, test scores, extracurricular and volunteer activities, etc. Think about the total package. Give yourself adequate time and the chance to submit a thorough application that is the best possible reflection of who you are and why you should be considered for admission or for that great scholarship opportunity.

UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships

www.cfep.uci.edu

7

Senior

TIME LINE

October

OCTOBER

✃

1

START

NOVEMBER

Oct. 1-Nov. 30

Filing Period for CSU Application

Nov. 1-30

Oct. 3, Thursday

Filing Period for UC Application

Last day to register for the November SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Test (taking 2 subject tests is recommended if you plan to apply to a UC, private, or out-of-state university).

Nov. 2, Saturday SAT test date

Oct. 5, Saturday

Nov. 8, Friday

SAT test date

Last day to register for the December ACT (don’t forget to add the Writing section).

Oct. 26, Saturday ACT test date

Last day to register for the December SAT Reasoning and Subject Test.

DECEMBER

Nov. 30, Saturday

LAST day to complete and submit your UC/CSU application!

Dec. 7, Saturday

JANUARY

Last SAT test date for seniors!

Dec. 14, Saturday

Last ACT test date for seniors!

Jan. 1, Sunday

Create FAFSA PINs for you and your parents.

Start filling out the FAFSA, California Dream Act Application, to apply for financial aid.

FEBRUARY

Ask your counselor about the GPA Verification Form for Cal Grants.

Reminder: FAFSA and California Dream Act Application filing period.

Continue to search and apply for scholarships as well as other types of financial aid.

Visit colleges in person so you’re ready to make a decision when acceptance letters start coming in.

MARCH

APRIL

Mar. 1-Apr. 20

Expect to hear from all of the campuses you applied to.

Check your emails and postal mail and BE PATIENT.

Apr. 1-30

Mar. 2, Sunday

Make final decisions about which campus you will attend. If you visit during your spring break, you’ll get a feel for the campus when it’s in session!

FAFSA, California Dream Act Application, and GPA Verification Form DEADLINE!

Attend college open houses and fairs, like Celebrate UCI on April 19th.

MAY

Keep your grades up since you must pass all courses with a “C” or better.

May 1, Thursday

Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) DEADLINE for most UC campuses. LAST CHANCE to submit your final selection to attend one campus.

JUNE

Though Housing deadlines vary, most UC deadlines are May 1. Apply ASAP!

Graduation!

May 10, Saturday

Make sure that you pass all of your courses with a “C” or better.

Analytical Writing Placement Exam (AWPE) test date for all UC incoming freshmen.

Go see your high school registrar to request your official transcript be sent to the university in which you plan to enroll in the fall.

Reminder: AP exams

Make sure that you take all the AP exams you listed on your college applications.

JULY July 1, Tuesday

Fill out the CSU Application online at www.csumentor.edu Fill out the UC Application online at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply

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FALL 2013

FINISH

✃

8

UC DEADLINE to submit your official transcript to the campus in which you plan to enroll.

MYTH BUSTERS

by Tony Hwang

Loans, interest rates, and credit – OH MY! Is paying for college really that complicated?

It is often said that a college education is an investment in one’s future, but does that mean every student must go into debt in order to earn a college degree? Since higher education can be expensive no matter where you go, more than likely, you’ll have to take out a student loan. Yet being smart and learning to separate myths from facts is the first step to ensuring your future college success. Let’s bust some of the common myths about student loans.

MYTH: My parents don’t want me to

take out loans to pay for college, because they don’t want it to ruin their credit score, or be stuck with another loan they will have to pay back.

BUSTED:

There are two types of education loans: ones where the student is the borrower and others where the parent is the borrower. Most of the time when you take out a loan, it’ll be a student loan, which is 100 percent yours.

A student loan has very little to do with your parents. It is taken out under your name, so you will be completely responsible for paying it back. Your parents are not stuck paying for the loan, and it will in no way affect their credit.

Now, if they take out a parent loan, then the opposite is true.

MYTH: I don’t want to take out a loan, because it will ruin my credit when I get out of college.

BUSTED: The best way to build your credit is to make your payments on time. Whether that’s a credit card,

car loan, or school loan. By taking out a school loan and making regular payments, you can start to build credit.

This may not sound important to you right now, but if you think you’ll want to buy a home someday, having good credit will come in handy.

MYTH: I don’t want to take out loans because the interest rates are high.

My parents have credit cards and a car payment, and they always complain about high interest rates.

BUSTED: There are different types of loans, with varying interest rates. Comparing interest rates between the different types of loans is a like comparing apples to oranges. Student loans tend to be the best type for three important reasons. You don’t have to start paying back your loan until you finish college, and even then, not until six months later. The interest rate tends to be lower and is capped. This means there is a limit to how much the rates can be increased.

MYTH: All colleges and universities are pretty much the same. Why should I choose a college where I might have to take out loans?

BUSTED...SORT OF: Okay, this one is tricky, because there is some truth to this statement. Take, for example, a bachelor’s degree in biology.

No matter where you go to earn this degree, it will mean the same thing. A bachelor’s degree in biology from UC San Diego is the same as one from Cal State Long Beach, Chapman University, USC, etc. The only difference is the experience you will have at each place and the resources each campus will be able to offer. So, your experience at UCSD will likely be very different than if you attend USC. Every college has its own feel and flavor. When deciding what college to attend, don’t let cost be the only determining factor.

UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships

www.cfep.uci.edu

9

CALIFORNIA DREAMING: AB130 and AB131

by Cristina Flores

California Dreamers have a long history of advocating for their rights to pursue a higher education. With

increasing college costs, affordability has also become an issue for students.

In 2011, the California Dream Act, composed of two parts: Assembly Bill 130 and Assembly Bill 131, was passed by state legislators to assist AB540 undocumented students with rising tuition costs. AB540 was passed several years ago; it allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they meet certain criteria. AB130 and AB131 take it a step further.

AB130 allows students who meet AB540 criteria to receive privately funded scholarships offered

by California public colleges and universities. This includes scholarships funded through private donors, alumni contributions and individual departmental efforts. Students interested in applying for scholarships should contact their college’s Financial Aid Office.

AB131 allows AB540 students to receive institutional grants, the Board of Governors (BOG) fee waiver and state funding. Institutional grants can come from the college or university you plan to attend, the Educational Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS), and other support services programs. At the community college

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level, students will be able to apply for the BOG fee waiver to cover tuition costs.

Finally, AB540 students are also eligible to apply for Cal Grants. All state and institutional grants do not have to be repaid and are awarded to students based on financial need.

In order to determine the financial need of AB540 students who are not eligible to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Student Aid Commission has created the CA Dream Act application.

This application is very similar to the FAFSA; however, the CA Dream Act application is specifically for eligible AB540 students who plan to attend a college or university in California. In order to complete the CA Dream Act application, students will need: • Their parents’ tax information from the previous year • Their family’s financial information (bank statements, etc.)

• Social Security Number (if you have one) Additionally, all male applicants must register for Selective Services in order to receive financial aid. The form can be found at your local U.S. Post Office and at www.dream.csac.ca.gov. Lastly, visit your high school counseling office to complete a GPA Verification Form, which is required for Cal Grants.

Some schools submit GPAs electronically, while others require individual students to submit the form.

The application deadline for all these forms is March 2 of your senior year.

If you received a Social Security Number through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you should still complete the CA Dream Act application and not the FAFSA. The Social Security Numbers obtained through DACA do not make undocumented students eligible for federal student aid. Consequently, undocumented students do not qualify for Federal Work Study or Federal Loans. Financial and immigration status information reported through the CA Dream Act application will only be shared with colleges and universities indicated by students.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact the CA Student Aid Commission, http://www.csac. ca.gov/dream_act.asp, where you can also find additional instructions and helpful worksheets. To follow up on the status of your application, visit www.

WebGrants4Students.org The lack of information can ruin your dreams of attending college. Become an advocate for yourself. With the right information, a plan, and follow through, you can turn your dreams into reality.

Is Taking Out a Loan

REALLY THAT SCARY?

by Raven Burrell

Finally! I broke the barrier: I was the first in my family to graduate from

a four-year university. Recieveing my B.S. in Public Health from UC Irvine was unbelievable because four years had passed as fast as the snap of a finger. Without my financial aid, which included grants, scholarships, and student loans, I would not have been successful. But with it, I was able to financially support myself without my parent’s assistance. I was more independent and self-driven, which encouraged me to work even harder.

I did not grow up in a wealthy household. All I knew was that I wanted to attend college to become a doctor, and nothing could stop me. I wanted to get the full college experience by living on campus.

I wanted to see almost everything that we see on television about college life. I wanted to concentrate on being a student and having fun, not struggling financially, so I decided to take out loans each year to cover living and personal expenses. I tried to be smart about it and created a budget. Before I accepted my financial aid package each year, I would add up my tuition and all my expenses for room and board, books, groceries, my car, and anything else I needed to factor in. I then figured in the money I would earn from working a part-time job. After all of this was added up, I selected the amount of student loans I thought I would need for that year. The university may offer you a certain amount in loans, but you ultimately decide if you want to accept the full amount or just a portion.

By using this technique and staying on my budget, I ended up with an average of $4,500 in loans each year. This is pretty good because each year my expenses came to about $24,000. But over four years, I was able to obtain about $78,000 in free aid (scholarships and grants), which was a huge help.

Think about it like this, you spend so much money on shoes, clothes, electronics, etc. And all of these things are temporary — they’ll need to be fixed or replaced within a couple of years. But your college degree has a lifetime warranty. It will never expire or become damaged. Its value will only appreciate over time. Student loans are an investment in your future. And you will eventually pay them off once you get your dream job, thanks to your college education.

GET THE MONEY YOU NEED The Blue and

Gold Opportunity Plan by Adrienne Grayson Don’t let money stand in your way of applying to the University of California.

UC’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will cover your systemwide fees if you are a California resident whose family earns less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid.

Currently, the estimated yearly fee for attending a UC campus is $12,192.

Imagine not having to pay that out of your pocket. That’s the beauty of the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan!

Even better, there’s no separate application to qualify for Blue and Gold. Simply file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application, and submit a GPA Verification Form

by March 2 of your senior year in high school. You will automatically receive the benefits of Blue and Gold, if you qualify. Many students qualify for even more grant aid to help reduce the cost of attending a UC campus.

To learn more about the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, go to www. universityofcalifornia.edu/blueandgold.

UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships

www.cfep.uci.edu

11

Claim Your

FINANCIAL AID

by Chau Dao, Director of Financial Aid at Mt. San Antonio College, and Ben Shaver, Associate Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UC Irvine

Q: Many high school students refuse to consider taking out loans because they are afraid of being in debt after they graduate. Do you think this is something they should be concerned about?

to complete. Moreover, students who maintain a steady part-time job may learn to better manage their expenses while living on a student budget.

Student loans can be helpful, but it pays to be smart about borrowing. Get advice from two financial aid experts at two different higher education institutions.

UCI: Consider student loans as an investment in your future. A college degree usually leads to a higher salary and lower chance of unemployment.

You should not be afraid to take out student loans, but you should be smart about it.

Q: Do you think “high” or “low” federal interest rates on student loans should impact whether or not students accept loans to cover the cost of going to the college of their choice? Or does it make more sense for students to apply to colleges they can afford without loans?

MT. SAC: First, you should always apply to a college that fits your academic goals. Having said that, with regards to financial aid, it is very important for students to sit down with their families to study the costs of each school and compare the financial aid they are offered. In some instances, families may be surprised that higher cost institutions are able to offer more aid to meet the family’s financial need. At other times, it may make more sense to enroll at a lower cost school.

UCI: Whenever the subject of loans

comes up, there is a tendency to fixate on interest rates. However, there are some benefits that federal student loans offer when compared to other options you

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may consider to pay for college: • The interest rate is almost always lower than that on private loans and much lower than that on a credit card.

• You don’t typically need a credit check or a co-signer to get the loan.

• You don’t have to begin repayment until after you leave college or drop below half-time status.

• If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify to have the government pay your interest while you are in school.

• Flexible repayment plans and options are available to postpone your loan payments if you’re having trouble making them.

• If you work in certain jobs, you may be eligible to have a portion of your federal student loans forgiven if you meet the conditions.

Q:

Finding a part time job is sometimes necessary for a college student, but too often a job can interfere with academics. How can a student use both working and financial aid to manage the cost of attending college?

MT. SAC: Studies show that students who work part time while attending college not only gain work skills through their job, but they also develop time management skills that make them successful students. They learn to juggle their schedules and become focused on the tasks they need

Q: What general advice or tips can you give to students about how to manage their loans?

UCI AND MT. SAC:

• Borrow only what you need to get through school; remember you are a student on a student budget. You will be glad you lived modestly once you start receiving those loan repayment notices.

• The more savvy students are about their finances, the better student loan consumers they will be. Many schools offer financial literacy programs. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about managing finances, including student loans.

• Do not use your student loan to buy a new or used car, or help pay family bills. When students are in this situation, they tend to get into further debt and are under pressure to start working more than the recommended part-time hours for a student, which can lead to trouble with their academic progress.

• Keep copies of loan documents!

• Become an informed consumer; learn all you can about financial aid.

If you are unclear about anything, don’t be afraid to seek help from the financial aid office at your campus.

WHAT IT TAKES STUDENT TO SURVIVE as a Student-Athlete

ATHLETES

From the NCAA® Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report (1981 – 2011)

by Carmen Eggert

I was the same way. However, as I found out, there is much more to being a student-athlete.

155,513

198,103

The immense level of hard work, dedication and focus it takes to succeed is not always at the forefront of people’s minds when they envision a collegiate studentathletic experience, but for the most part, it is the reality. As I came to understand, it is only through hard work that the glamorous moments high school student-athletes dream about can be realized. Those are the moments that make playing your sport worth all the extra effort.

women

96,469

At college, my water polo practices were far more time consuming, as well as mentally and physically demanding. The

academics also required much more individual effort outside of the classroom than I expected. With these intense commitments, I also discovered a new, exciting and tempting social scene that other non-student-athletes had time to enjoy. All of these aspects played a part in my initial struggles in college. It took time, but I finally realized that if I wanted to succeed and thrive as a student-athlete, I needed to grow as a person and take responsibility for my life.

2x more 74,239

I had never been an outstanding student in high school, but I had felt I was adequately prepared academically for college. But, I was unprepared for the commitment it takes to succeed as a collegiate student-athlete. Once I entered college, I discovered a newfound freedom. It was now up to me to decide if I should go to class, study for tests and seek help when I needed it. Because of my lack of initiative, I ended up ineligible for water polo during the first half of my freshman season at the University of California, Davis.

And as one of the top recruits that year, I let a lot of important people down, including myself.

450,000+

As a high school studentathlete, one typically has dreams of earning a college scholarship, playing under the lights in front of a stadium full of fans, and proudly wearing the colors of the school you worked so hard to get into.

The number of NCAA studentathletes participating in intercollegiate athletics in 2011-12 — an all-time high.

1981-82

1991-92

2001-02

2011-12

The number of females participating in women’s collegiate sports has more than doubled over 30 years.

UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships

www.cfep.uci.edu

13

QUICK TIPS to Combat Senioritis continued

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photo: Steve Zylius

photo: Steve Zylius

Be Proactive and Are you an aspiring athlete who dreams about competing at your ideal college or for a professional sports team?

Are you waiting for your coach to give you more information on what you need to do to compete in college sports or receive an athletic scholarship?

No matter how great you perceive your own potential to be, don’t become the student who never got the opportunity to compete because you waited on someone else to dictate your future. What you do now will determine your opportunities in college. There are things you should do to be proactive in becoming a collegiate athlete.

The term “student-athlete” implies student first and athlete second. What you do on the court or field AND in the classroom will impact whether you will be considered for a sports team. No

14

THE EDgE

FALL 2013

GET AN EDGE as a Student-Athlete coach likes a lazy athlete. Sports require a large amount of time and hard work.

Making sure that you are academically eligible through NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) or NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) is your first step to a successful career. Although NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA have a set of academic requirements, following the A-G requirements will help you get on the right path. Find out the exact requirements and create an account at www.eligibilitycenter. org. Remember that high school and college coaches are not miracle workers.

If you don’t take — and pass — the right classes, achieve a qualifying GPA, and take the right entrance exams (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Test) needed to gain admission into the university, you will not play on the team.

Another way you can take ownership of your future is to put together a marketing plan for yourself. First, create an athletic resume with contact

photo: Hoang Xuan Pham

by Sabrina Johnson information, academic information, athletic accomplishments and a picture.

Make it concise and easy to read. Send it to all potential coaches at the universities you are interested in. Don’t wait on your high school coach to send an introductory email. Many colleges have athletic interest questionnaires that you can also fill out.

Second, create a highlight video of your best athletic moments to send to recruiting coordinators and head coaches.

You can ask your coach for help in this process if you don’t have the resources needed. Consider posting your video on an Internet site like YouTube for greater exposure.

Next, be honest with yourself about your potential to compete at the college level. One of the most important aspects of evaluating your college options is assessing your own interests and abilities.

Understand the odds of both being recruited on full scholarship and becoming a professional athlete. According to the NCAA, approximately two percent of

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Journey of a

photo: Theon Carrier

photo: Theon Carrier

high school students receive full athletic scholarships, and even fewer go on to become professional athletes. This does not lessen your chances of competing on the collegiate level. You may still be recruited or try out as a walk-on.

The reality is that you may wind up paying for college with general financial aid, including academic scholarships.

Remember to complete your FAFSA by March 2 during your senior year to find out about your financial aid options.

There is no exact science to becoming a student-athlete. Find schools that match your skills, both athletically and academically. Fully prepare for the process and be okay with trying out for the team as a walk-on. Most importantly, don’t rely on coaches or others to walk you through the process. If you are waiting to be discovered, you may be passed over for more aggressive candidates. Take a proactive approach and get an edge over other athletes. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the process.

STUDENT ATHLETE My road to college was one of triumph and stress, but the hard work and long hours I put in during high school turned out to be extremely beneficial.

I am a senior at the University of California, Davis, majoring in sociology, and I play football.

Raised in Compton, CA, I graduated from Mayfair High School in 2009. In high school, I learned that in order to progress to the next level, you must seek out information about college requirements and criteria — don’t expect it to find you.

Applying to a UC can be challenging for anyone, but especially for student athletes because the competition is fierce.

As an athlete, I had to focus on making myself stand out.

When I was in high school, I thought of sports,

by Andre Allen

extracurricular activities and my GPA as resume builders; assets that would make me unique. Not only did I take care of duties and responsibilities while sharpening my best talents, I also never failed to work at my weaknesses in both academics and athletics.

You are not just a current high school student — you are a future college student. Get used to seeking out resources and guidance while you can. Take advantage of all that is offered to you. There are plenty of staff members, on your campus and in outreach programs, who can help you get into college. I promise you won’t regret it in the long run! Most student athletes are young, ambitious, and motivated individuals.

Take it from me, the journey to college can be just as memorable as getting there.

Best of Luck!

UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships

www.cfep.uci.edu

15

The Edge Volume 4 | Issue 1 |Fall 2013 PROJECT DIRECTOR: Tony Hwang, Director, Upward Bound, UC Irvine EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Adrienne Grayson, Director, Early Academic Outreach Program, UC Irvine

Helpful Internet Resources www.cfep.uci.edu/theedge/2013/online-resources

CONTRIBUTORS: Andre Allen, UC Davis student, Sociology Raven Burrell, UC Irvine alumna, B.S. Public Health Sciences Chau Dao, Director, Financial Aid, Mt. San Antonio College Carmen Eggert, member of the USA Women’s Water Polo Senior National Team Cristina Flores, Regional Coordinator, Early Academic Outreach Program, UC Irvine Sabrina Johnson, Regional Coordinator, Early Academic Outreach Program, UC Irvine Elaine Lipiz Gonzalez, Director, SAGE Scholars Program, UC Irvine Tiana Otubuah, Admissions Counselor, Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools, UC Irvine Viviana Ramos, Assistant Director, Upward Bound, UC Irvine Ben Shaver, Associate Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships, UC Irvine Editing: Lori Brandt Design: m2design group University of California, Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships Thomas Parham, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs Brent W. Yunek, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Enrollment Services Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Ph.D., Director Santana Ruiz, Associate Director