High School

SAT/ACT

The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and merit-based scholarships. They cover material that the student should have learned during high school.

Learn about the SAT
Learn about the ACT

Dual Enrollment

To earn college credit, high school students can enroll in courses at postsecondary institutions. City College of San Francisco (CCSF) and San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) have partnered to offer SFUSD high school students who have achieved 120 high school credits (entering 11th grade and above).

According to CCSF's Dual Enrollment program, students should participate in order to:

  • Get a taste of college and learn college behaviors
  • Enter college with credit already accumulated
  • Save money
  • Explore career areas

Other benefits include:

  • Dual enrollment looks great on college applications
  • Most courses are CSU and/or UC transferable
  • Many courses can be applied towards a certificate program
Apply to CCSF

College Search

Questions to ask yourself when choosing a college:

  • What are my goals & interests, short and long-term?
  • What sort of campus activities do I want to experience?
  • What student population do I want to experience?
  • What type of location do I prefer living in?

What are my options?

Community College
2-year College
  • Associate’s Degree
  • Certificate Programs
  • Vocational & Technical Instruction
  • General Education (for transfer students)
Read about CCSF
California State University
4-year College
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Doctorate/Master’s Degrees
  • Undergraduate instruction in liberal arts & science
  • Career preparation
Read about CSU
University of California
4-year College
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Graduate/Professional Degrees (e.g. Master’s, Ph.D.)
  • Focus on research and methods
  • Over 400 different majors
Read about UC
Private/Independent Colleges
4-year College
  • Wide range of degree programs
  • Different admission requirements
  • May target specific interest or student population
  • Rely on tuition, fees and private funding
Read about AICCU

Source: College Board, SFUSD College and Career Readiness Department

Counseling Services

Seeking support from a counselor can be highly beneficial. Counselors offer advice, college guidance, and other supports; they can provide opportunities and connections to advance your academic and career goals. If you or your parent/guardian have a primary language other than English, translation services are available.

Connect with SFUSD Counseling Department
Connect with Translation Services

College

Application Process

Applying for College
Where can I start?

  • Research colleges, create a college list
  • Meet with your high school counselor to make sure you are on track for graduation and college
  • Write your college essays and personal statement
  • Organize yourself: keep a spreadsheet of notes, usernames & passwords
  • Check college portals frequently for deadlines, messages, and documents
  • Accept, reduce, or decline your financial aid offer
  • Sign up for your college’s orientation!
Common App UC Admissions

Source: SFUSD College and Career Readiness Department

Financial Aid

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable.

October: Fill out your Financial Aid Application (FAFSA or CA Dream Act) and apply for scholarships

March: Priority deadline for submission of financial aid application (important for 4-year universities)

Types of Financial Aid

Gift Aid
  • Grants: Cal Grant (state), Pell Grant (federal)
  • Scholarships: Kindergarten to College (local)
Loans
  • Federal
  • State

How do I apply?

  • Make sure you are eligible to receive finanical aid by talking to your counselor and parent(s)/guardian(s)
  • Gather all relevant information: ID, tax records, etc.

Where can I apply?