Preparation for Higher Education
Nearly all Mesrobian graduates go on to attend colleges or universities. Of those who enroll in a university directly after high school, most attend campuses of the University of California and the California State University or local private colleges and universities.
In preparing for higher education, students are encouraged to gather as much information as possible about schools that they wish to attend. This process includes reading about the various schools in The College Handbook, college and university catalogues, or other publications available in the Academic Advisor’s office. Books and other publications about scholarships and financial aid are also available in the Academic Advisor’s office. The Academic Advisor is available each day to discuss college plans and financial aid with students.
When students enter the 9th grade, they receive a Getting Ready for College packet that includes information about course requirements, g.p.a. requirements, and standardized test requirements for the U.C. system, the C.S.U. system, and representative private colleges and universities. Students and parents should review this information to insure that, during their senior year, students are qualified to apply to the college or university of their choice.
Those who plan to enroll at a campus of the University of California, the California State University, or a private four-year institution directly after high school must fulfill certain course requirements. The following courses, certified to the University of California, meet these requirements:
- English I – IV
- Armenian I – IV
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra 2
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- U.S. History
- Armenian History
- American Government
- World History I – II
Subject Requirements for U.C.
To be eligible for admission to the U.C., students must complete the courses listed below with a grade of C or better. Only the certified classes indicated above satisfy Subject Requirements.
a. History/Social Science–2 years (including l year of U.S. History/Government)
b. English–4 years
c. Mathematics–3 years (4 recommended)
d. Laboratory Science–2 years (3 recommended)
e. Language Other Than English–2 years (3 recommended)
f. College Preparatory Electives–2 years (any certified courses not used for “a-e”)
Subject Requirements for C.S.U.
To be eligible for admission to C.S.U., students must complete courses listed below with a grade of C or better. Except for Visual/Performing Arts, only the U.C. certified classes satisfy Subject Requirements.
a. U.S. History/Government–1 year
b. English–4 years
c. Mathematics–3 years
d. Laboratory Science–1 year
e. Language Other Than English–2 years
f. College Preparatory Electives–3 years (any certified courses not used for “a-e”)
g. Visual/Performing Arts–1 year (may include Art, Armenian Drama, Drama)
Subject Requirements for private colleges and universities
Subject Requirements for private colleges and universities generally conform to those of the University of California. Nevertheless, since various schools have a broad range of admission standards and policies, students should consult with the Academic Advisor, who can assist them in using college catalogs or The College Handbook for specific information about a particular school.
Transcripts
After they have applied to colleges or universities, students should complete a Transcript Request Form and give it to the Academic Advisor. Official transcripts usually are mailed at the end of the first semester unless a student is applying for an early decision, in which case the student must request transcripts to be mailed earlier.
Every effort is made to mail transcripts and other documents in a timely manner. Students and their parents are responsible for confirming that admissions offices and scholarship programs have received all required documents.
School Reports and Letters of Recommendation
Teachers and administrators are happy to help students with the college and university application process. Part of this assistance may include completing school reports and writing letters of recommendation that provide an honest account of students’ strengths and potential. Students should bear in mind that many admissions offices request information regarding an applicant’s character and integrity. Their conduct, academic integrity, and their honesty should be such that a good recommendation is possible.
Students who need school reports from the Academic Advisor or letters of recommend-ation from teachers or administrators should provide necessary forms and make their requests as early as possible.