Good news! College planning is fairly simple and the resources you need are available to you through school if you are willing to access them.
Fear of the unknown often hightens anxiety
for students and parents regarding college planning, and
many companies profit from this circumstance. However, being
mindful to follow the college-bound calendars and to attend
our college planning meetings (listed on the calendars)
should help alleviate some of the worries you might have at the moment.
This page is also a great resource to
alleviate some concerns you might have as we present answers to the common
problems students encounter in the college application process.
With a bit of perseverance, you can make
it through the process just as most of your fellow students
have in past years.
The counseling staff at school is ready
to provide assistance with uncertainties you might
have. Feel free to stop in and visit your counselor if you need further help with questions. You can see them at your convenience
during your free-time outside of class during break, lunch,
after school or before school.
College Corner - Frequently Asked Questions
Q- What is our school code number? A- 052536
Q- Do I need to take all of my “a-g” elective requirements before the senior year? A- No, the UC and CSU system will take into consideration the classes that are in progress and the planned second semester selections of grade 12 too.
Q- Can I take two years of a language other than English (LOTE) at another school and get credit towards the “e” requirement? A- Yes, you can, but the class has to be from an accredited institution. Check with your counselor or the registrar for more details.
Q- What is the Visual and Performing Art (VPA) requirement? Do I have to complete the requirement in the same school year? A- Students applying to the UC or CSU system must compete a year long VPA Course, selected from any of the four arts disciplines. A student can take the VPA at different times within the 4 years of high school. For example, in 9th grade a student completes Draw/Paint 1 and later during their junior year completes Draw/Paint 2, fulfills the VPA requirement.
Q- Only two years of math is required to graduate. Why do I need to take math all four years? A- Maintaining math proficiency is vital during a student’s high school years regardless of future college plans. Community colleges and four year institutions require level placement exams prior to matriculation; therefore, students should strive to reach their highest math potential during high school.
Q- Do the UC's and CSU's require a letter of recommendation from my high school counselor? A- No, the UC and CSU systems do not use letters of recommendation for admissions consideration.
Q- Why do I need to give my counselor and teachers two weeks notice for a letter of recommendation? A- Besides courtesy and respect, time is the main reason. You must remember, you are not the only student on campus who is probably requesting a letter. The more time you give your recommender, the better the chance it is that your letter will be done in a timely manner and with the utmost attention.
Q- How closely do the universities check what I put on my application? A- All information listed on an application has a high probability that it will be verified. That is why all of the schools will request an official transcript at the time of the application and/or a “final” transcript after graduation from high school.
Q- Do all of my test scores need to be reported to colleges? A- All test scores will be sent to colleges when requested, unless students choose the option which allows specific selected test dates reported. (this is a new policy for the SAT, as well). Four free score reports to colleges are accepted when signing up for either the ACT or SAT.
Q- What is the difference between early decision and early action? A- Early decision plans are binding. You agree to attend the college if they accept you. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges through the regular admissions process. If you are accepted by the college you requested early decision, then you must withdraw all other applications.
Early action plans are similar but are not binding. If you have been accepted at a college, you can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the spring. Under these plans, you may also apply early action to other colleges.
Q- Do I need to take the SAT/ ACT if I plan on attending a community college? A- Community colleges do not use the SAT/ACT for admission criteria.
Q- What if I get a ‘D’ or an ‘F’ in an a-g class during my senior year? A- Notify the university as soon as possible. Some schools will work out a way for you to make up the work, some schools will accept the D or F if it is not in a required a-g class, and some schools will determine that you are no longer accepted to the school. The admissions officer of the school will find out what your grade is when you send your final transcript. It is best if you notify them before they find out by way of your transcript.
Q- How do I order an official transcript? A- You may order transcripts on-line by going to rbhs.org and clicking on ‘transcripts’. This will take you to the Docufide link. Transcripts are ordered through Docufide. See the RBHS Registrar, Ms. Peterson, for special cases. Two working weeks advanced notice is required for transcripts.
Q- How do I apply for financial aid and get scholarship information? A- Every student should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) form to apply for federal student aid. Federal student aid comes in 3 forms: grants, work-study and loans. This can be done online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm A FAFSA must also be completed to apply for a Cal Grant. Cal Grants are funded by California and are a source of free money. RBHS keeps an updated scholarship list on the school website and in the Bronco Center. Check periodically throughout the year for the latest information.
Q- How do I calculate my GPA using 10th and 11th grade only? A- For each course that is on our A-G list and meets the entrance requirement for the UC/CSU system a point value is assigned (A= 4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0 or for AP classes: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=1, F=0). Once the points are assigned, add them all together and divide by the number of classes that were assigned a point value. This will give you a recalculated 10th & 11th grade GPA. (do not assign classes like PE, ASB, TA/OA, intro to computers, foods, health, etc)(There is a key on your transcript that designates which classes are considered college prep.; i.e. classes with the following codes in front of them are used: P, AP, H and when the category is blank they are not used by colleges)
