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Prepare for College

 

Select your courses, take the SAT/ACT & get involved!

 

1.  Select the appropriate courses & WORK HARD!

 

The California State Universities (CSUs) and Universities of California (UCs) require students to take the following courses, known as the “A-G” requirements: 

A full list of Gahr’s “A-G” courses can be found here. 

 

Students must earn a grade of “C” or above in each course, otherwise, they must re-take the course during summer school.  If you have questions about re-taking a course, please talk to your counselor as soon as possible.   

 

The “A-G” courses typically fulfill the course requirements for private universities. However, as this varies by campus, be sure to check each university’s website to ensure you are fulfilling all course requirements.  

 

2.  Take the SAT or ACT!

 

Most universities require students to take either the SAT or ACT, which are two different college entrance exams.  Some students may choose to take both to see which test they do better on.

 

Register for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org
Register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org

 

It is recommended that students take the test once during the spring of their Junior year, and then again in the fall of their Senior year.

 

The last exam date that will count towards college applications is the December test date of the Senior year.  However, some universities may require you to take it earlier. 

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3.  Get involved!

 

Join a club, volunteer, and spend your free time pursuing something you are passionate about and enjoy!  Gain leadership experience and step out and make a difference in the world!

 

Test Prep

 

SAT

ACT

 

SAT/ACT Office Test Info

The ACT and SAT are different tests that measure similar but distinct constructs. The ACT measures achievement related to high school curricula, while the SAT measures general verbal and quantitative reasoning.

  • Official SAT website: register for SAT tests, view scores, practice tests.

  • Official ACT website: register, test preparation, college planning info

 

More Information

 

PSAT

PSAT:  Pre-SAT and Qualifying Exam for National Merit Scholarship

 

The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is designed for high school juniors as a practice SAT examination and as the National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship qualifying exam. The PSAT is offered once a year at Gahr in October. Taking the PSAT will give students some idea of the way in which they may perform on the SAT. Detailed information accompanies the score report, so students may determine the best way in which to prepare for a subsequent SAT testing. PSAT results are mailed to students in December.

 

Qualifying Exam for National Merit Scholarships: In order to be eligible for National Merit Scholarships, juniors who plan to graduate in June must take the PSAT in October.

Test Prep
College Placement Tests

College Placement Tests

Tests required prior to college enrollment

 

CSUs

Before enrolling in a CSU, you must demonstrate college readiness in both English and Math.  You must do so by completing the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) and the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam.  

 

Click here to sign up.

For EPT practice and example questions, go to: http://www.csuenglishsuccess.org/exam_prep_esw

For ELM practice and example questions, go to: http://www.csumathsuccess.org/exam_prep

 

Kindly note that these are placement tests and have no bearing on your admission.  Depending on your results, you will be placed in either college-level or remedial classes.

 

It is possible that you may be exempt from taking one or both of these tests.  Please click here to review the following exemptions and determine whether or not you are required to take the tests.

 

UCs

Before enrolling in a UC, you must demonstrate command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement.  You must do so by taking the UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam.  You will receive an email/letter in early April notifying you of your assigned testing location.   

After you receive your email/letter, click here to confirm registration and pay for the exam.

 

It is possible that you may be exempt from taking the exam.  Click here to review the following ways you can fulfill the requirement and confirm whether or not you are required to take the exam.

 

Community Colleges

Before enrolling in a community college, you must demonstrate proficiency in English and Math.  You can take these tests at the respective college you intend to enroll in.  Check out the below links for placement test information for the community colleges closest to Gahr.

 

Cerritos College: http://cms.cerritos.edu/assessment-center/

Cypress College: http://www.cypresscollege.edu/admissions/gettingStarted/assessment

Long Beach City College: http://www.lbcc.edu/Assessment/

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