The A-G / College Entrance Requirements are a sequence of high school courses that students must complete (with a grade of C or better) to be minimally eligible for admissions to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU). They represent the basic level of academic preparation that high school students should achieve to undertake university work.

A-G Requirements

Letters of Recommendation:

PLEASE NOTE: Our Letter of Recommendation Packet is now DIGITAL! You will find your specific packet linked next to your counselor in the table below.

Most private university and scholarship applications will require that students submit secondary school reports and letter(s) of recommendation. Please Note: California public universities (Cal States and UCs) do not require or accept letters of recommendation. DO NOT complete this packet if these are the only types of colleges to which you are applying

Refer to the table below for the El Toro Counselor who will be responsible for writing your counselor letter of recommendation.

NEW ALPHA CUTS

For Teacher Letter of Recommendation Form, please contact your teacher directly.

Students currently enrolled in High School may be eligible to concurrently enroll at a community college.  This program is designed to enhance, not replace, the regular school experience.  The student may enroll in courses that help prepare for their future goals or help alleviate schedule conflicts.  Students are allowed to concurrently take courses at the community college only for high school elective credit and not for any of the high school required core classes.  Students can visit the specific community college for the permission form and instructions.  Student will also need complete the SVUSD Concurrent Enrollment Application in addition to the college’s form.  Both forms require a parent signature and must be submitted back to the counselor for signatures.  Please allow 24 hours for the forms to be processed.

Saddleback Enrollment Instructions

Career Exploration through General Education 

Community Colleges

Students have several options around Orange County to consider for community colleges.  Most students attend Saddleback College, followed by Irvine Valley College, and then several others. 

Community College Educational Goal Options:

OPTION 1: Certificate Program
A specific occupational program is selected and courses are completed from the list in the college catalog
for that skill area. Examples include automotive technology at Saddleback College, administration of justice
at Irvine Valley College, culinary arts at Orange Coast College, etc. General education courses are not
required; the focus is earning a certificate to prove proficiency in your occupational area. The certificate
programs range from 18-30 units.
OPTION 2: Associate Degree Program
The Associate Degree is granted upon completion of 60 college units, general education courses, a major and a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Each Community College has a list of required general education
courses for the AA and AS degrees.
OPTION 3: Transfer Program
Lower division university course requirements can be completed at a California Community College.
Students may then enter a four-year college as a junior to complete their bachelor’s degree. There are two
general education transfer patterns- CSU and IGETC – that students must meet, have 60 transferable units,
and maintain a required GPA, as well as meet prerequisite coursework for their major.
OPTION 4: Associate Degrees for Transfer
Senate Bill 1440 required California Community Colleges to develop associate degrees for Transfer (AA-T
or AS-T) in collaboration with CSU. Students are given guaranteed admission into a CSU upon granting of
an associate degree and meeting specified general education and major requirements. This is in place for
certain majors at each school campus.

Refer to Pages 16-17 of the High School Educational Planning Guide for more details

California State University (CSU) System:

• CSU Website: CSU Freshman Application
• Cal State Apply - overview of CSU application
• Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center - tutorials for completing each section of the CSU application

University of California (UC) System: 

• UC Admissions Website
• Presenting Yourself on the UC Application - guide for completing the UC application
• UC Application Tutorial - YouTube video provided by UC Santa Barbara
• UC Freshman Admission Data

Private and Out of State Universities

Private & Out of State Universities eligibility requirements vary for each institution.  Check individual websites for specific information regarding how to apply, deadlines, and requirements.

The Common Application (Common App)

• Over 800 colleges - one application! (Note: UC/CSU Campuses do not use this service.  For UC and CSU applications and information, refer to our UC/CSU Information link.)
• Common App - Apply
• Common App Toolkit - Helpful Videos

Need help with the Common App? Collegewise (in Partnership with Reach Higher) has created a great guide to help simplify the process: How to Make Your Common App a Lot Less Stressful

Coalition for College

• A diverse group of more than 140 distinguished colleges and universities across the U.S. that is committed to making college a reality for all high school students through its set of free, online college planning tools that helps them learn about, prepare for, and apply to all member colleges.  Coalition for College Access

• NACAC Virtual College Fairs
• Out-Of-State College Fair
• UCSB Admission Counselor Workshops

COLLEGE VISITS

• College Visits schedule coming soon!

MILITARY VISITS

• Military Visits schedule coming soon!

VIRTUAL COLLEGE VISITS - additional information

• Baylor University
• Boston University
• California Baptist University
• Chapman University
• Concordia University
• GCU
• Northwestern
• NYU
• TCU

• Student-Athlete Resources
• NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
• Approved Core Courses

The Promise Program at community college provides one or two years of free tuition (enrollment fees) for first-time, full-time students.  Along with a free first year or two free years, some colleges will also provide bookstore vouchers.

How to qualify for the Promise Program at our local community colleges:

Saddleback College – Student must complete FAFSA or Dream Act application.  Saddleback offers a Counseling 100 class to seniors during the spring semester.  It is not required to qualify for the Promise Program.   Saddleback College Promise Program

Irvine Valley College – Provides one year of free tuition and voucher for books for full time students.  Students will also receive a bookstore voucher.  Students must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act.  IVC Promise Program

Orange Coast College – Eligible students can receive two years of free tuition and textbook support.  Eligibility includes applying to OCC, completing the FAFSA or Dream Act application, and enrolling in 12 units.  OCC Pirates Promise Program

Rancho Santiago Community Colleges – Provides one year of free tuition and voucher for books for full time students who maintain a 2.0 GPA.  Students will also receive a bookstore voucher.  Student must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act application. 

• Santiago Canyon College Promise Program
• Santa Ana College Promise Program

If a student is interested in a different community college, simply look on the college’s website for Promise Program requirements.

SVUSD High School Educational Planning Guide - English

SVUSD High School Educational Planning Guide - Spanish
 

This resource provides a wealth of information including:

• Graduation Requirements
• Post-High School Options
  • Trade/Technical Schools
  • Community Colleges
  • 4-Year colleges (CSU, UC, Private, etc...)
  • Military Options
• College Admission Testing
• Ideas for Career Preparation

Our Saddleback College Counselor, Ms. Jimenez, will be on campus on Thursday’s from 9 am - 1 pm.  She will be available during snack for questions and information in the lower and upper quads.  Students can also make a one-on-one appointment with her.  Please note the student must have a teacher signed approval form in order to attend any one-on-one meeting.   Any questions, please see Ms. Jimenez in the quad on Thursday’s or email her at vjimenez20@saddleback.edu. She is available to meet with any student in grades 9 - 12 regarding questions pertaining to community college.  Topics include (but not limited to):

• Concurrent Enrollment - taking a college class during high school (grades 9 - 12).
• Freshman Advantage/Promise Program - Admissions process for current seniors.
• Counseling 100 (College Success) - Spring semester elective for seniors.
• Information on different educational goals (certificate, associate degree, transfer).

The College Board has provided our students with this great resource, covering very important topics. We hope you get a chance to take a look at this great resource with your student.

• You Know Your Child Best
• Talking About Careers Makes It Real
• Yes, You Can Afford College
• Six Ways to Help Your Child Be College Ready
• Encourage Your Child to Reach High
• What You Need to Know About College Admission Tests
• A College for Your Child
• What To Do When—Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior Year

• Family Guide to Making College a Reality - English
• Family Guide to Making College a Reality - Español

• Big Future (CollegeBoard) College Search
• CaliforniaColleges.Edu
• Cal State Pre-Admissions Webinar - hosted by CSUF
• California State University Application Information:
  • Cal State Pre-Admissions Webinar
  • Admissions Application Overview
  • Fall 2021 First-Time Freshman Guide
  • Freshman Application Guide
  • NACAC Fee Waiver
• Collegexpress
• eCampus Tours
• Fair Opportunity Project
• RACC Virtual College Series
• Virtual Campus Visits - hosted by RACC 
• YOUniversity TV