Applying to Colleges

4 Year Colleges and Universities Requirements

Academic Requirements for College Admission

In order to graduate from Woodcrest Christian High School you will meet, if not exceed the “a-g” requirements for the UC and CSU system. 

Click herefor theUniversity of California's “a-g” requirements

College Testing (SAT/ACT)

PSAT

It is recommended that students take a preliminary college test in October of their junior year.  This test is a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT I).  Here at Woodcrest Christian we offer the PSAT to all juniors for free and it is held during a school day in October. If you do well on the test as a junior you might qualify for participation in the National Merit Scholarship competition.


SAT Reasoning Test (SAT I) and SAT Subject Tests (SAT II)

The SAT Reasoning Test (SAT I) is taken during your junior or senior year. We recommend that all juniors take this test at least once.  The SAT I is made up of three sections: critical reading, mathematics, and writing.  Most colleges will require at least the SAT I test or the ACT (see below).

SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) Beginning with the class of 2012 the UC system will no longer require the SAT II subject tests for general admissions however, certain majors may still require a specific SAT II subject test (see school websites for major requirements).The SAT II subject tests should be taken at the conclusion of your junior year, the beginning of your senior year, or when you have completed a specific subject like AP U.S. History.  These tests are designed to measure knowledge, skills and application in specific subjects.  Consult college websites to determine which SAT II Subject Tests, if any, are required. 

Click here to register for SAT online

SAT Prep Course

WCHS is offering its first SAT prep course starting February 4th through March 3rd from 8:30am-12:30am.  Registration is now closed.  Click here if you have already registered for the class. 

 
ACT (American College Test) 

 Most colleges and universities require either the ACT or the SAT I test for admissions.  The ACT has four required sections: English, Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Science. The optional Writing Test measures skills in high school English classes and entry level college composition courses (find out if the schools you are applying to require the writing section).  We encourage students to take the ACT test at least once during their junior year along with the  SAT I test.

 Click here to register for ACT online     

Private Christian Colleges and Universities

"The path is not always an easy one. You would be wise to search God's word, seek advice from Christians you respect, and pray to seek his will.  This is a decision that should be given to the Lord, for he knows you best" (Thompson, 2009, p.6-7)

There are numerous reasons to attend a Christian college.  The main reason is that it will afford you the opportunity to be shaped by the worldview of both your teachers and your fellow classmates.  Each Christian school's worldview maybe slightly different but they all teach God as the Creator of the Universe and the Bible as the moral basis for daily life.  This lays the foundation for how each class is taught and for the discussions that will take place among classmates. 

There are a number of great private Christian colleges and universities nationwide.  They all differ in their denomination, location, size and programs but they have one common goal which is to equip Christian men and woman to make an impact on the world around them. To explore which Chrsitian school is right for you check out this website: www.christiancollegesnow.com.  We also encourage you to attend the National Christian College Fair which takes place every fall.  Click here for more information.

Thompson, Chant. “The Road to Choosing a Christian Education.” Christian Colleges Guide. 2009 http://www.collegeview.com/guides/Guides/2009ChristianGuide/Default.html

Private Colleges and Universities

There are hundreds of different private colleges and universities to choose from.  An advantage for going to these schools is the small class sizes and the ability to graduate in four years which is not a guarantee for state schools. 

These colleges do not receive state funding, so their "sticker price" is higher than public colleges and universities but they do offer a variety of financial aid opportunities.

Some private institutions are highly selective such as the Ivy League Schools.  Other universities are less selective in nature.  It is very important to research the individual college catalogs and web sites for specific admission information.

Check out this website for more information on California independent colleges and universities: www.aiccu.edu

UC and CSU

California State University System (CSU)

The CSU system is the largest and most diverse university system in the United States.  There are 23 different campuses to choose from. Check out the csumentor website for information on each school.

 Applications are available starting October 1^st and are due by November 30^th.
www.csumentor.com

University of California (UC)

The UC system is among the world'sgreat educational and research universities.  More than 208,000 students attend college on 10 campuses throughout California.  Programs are offered in over 150 areas of study. 

 Applications are available starting November 1^st and are due by November 30^th.
www.universityofcalifornia.edu

2011 WCHS College and University Acceptances

Community College System 
Community colleges offer lower-division courses for students who desire to live at home and later transition to a four-year institution.  Here is the official website for the community college system: www.cccco.edu 

Transferring to a Four-year institution
It is extremely important for students who are considering transferring to a four-year institution to work closely with their community college counselor and with the schools they desire to transfer to.  You don’t want to waist your time and take classes that are not needed.

Check out this website for information on articulation agreements which are forms that list what classes will transfer to specific schools:www.assist.org