This material can be used to answer questions you might receive from your student. Use it as a starting point for your discussion. The material is written from the perspective of the student and the information may be duplicated in your area.

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Q1: Why is college important?

Q2: What can I do to prepare for high school and college requirements now that I am in middle school?

Q3: What do colleges offer?

Q4: What are the most important requirements for going to college?

Q5: What are the different admission requirements for CSU, UC, Community College, and/or Private Independent College?

Q6: How can I find out what college students have to say about their experiences?

Q7: What colleges and universities offer each major?

Q8: What are the various college-preparation programs currently available for middle school students? What do they do and what are their eligibility requirements?

Q9: What should I do if I need help with homework?

Q10: Where can I get help with test preparation?

Q11: Where can I get help to deal with school problems?

Q1: Why is college important?

Extending your formal education beyond high school is important for many reasons. Check out the top 10 reasons why you should consider going to college.

Q2: What can I do to prepare for high school and college requirements now that I am in middle school?

Study, work hard, and do your best to get good grades. Your academic performance in middle school can play an important role in helping you get to college.

Q3: What do colleges offer?

Colleges are more than just bigger middle schools or high schools. Colleges offer great opportunities to learn more about the things that interest you. You also get to meet new people, make new friends, and attend fun activities. Take a look at all of the cool things colleges offer...

Q4: What are the most important requirements for going to college?

So you say you want to go to college. Well, to accomplish that goal you will have to convince college admissions officers (they are the people who decide who attends college) that you have taken all of the right courses, received good grades in those courses, and are involved in activities outside of school. Read on to learn more about specific college entrance requirements.

Q5: What are the different admission requirements for CSU, UC, Community College, and/or Private Independent College?

California has four different college systems. Each one has slightly different requirements that you must meet before you can attend. Take a look at each of the college systems and their entrance requirements now.

Q6: How can I find out what college students have to say about their experiences?

Do you have an older brother or sister, cousin, or family friend who currently attends college? If so, ask them why they chose to attend college. If you don't know any college students, consider these other options...

Q7: What colleges and universities offer each major?

Are you thinking about becoming a doctor? A lawyer? Or a teacher? If so, you should research colleges that offer all of the classes that your dream job requires. All the classes that are offered in a specific subject area make up what is called a major. Take a look at some of the majors offered at each of the California college systems.

Q8: What are the various college-preparation programs currently available for middle school students? What do they do and what are their eligibility requirements?

Do you need help with your homework? Are you interested in learning more about what college is all about or has to offer? If so, check to see if there are any special programs at your school that may help you answer these questions and many more.

Q9: What should I do if I need help with homework?

Your homework is not always easy...it may take you several hours to complete an assignment. Do not give up! There are a lot of things you can do to get help.

Q10: Where can I get help with test preparation?

What happens to you when your teacher announces that there will be a test at the end of the week or that you have to spend the next three days taking a test? Do your hands get sweaty? Do you get a major headache? Do not panic. You are not alone. A lot of people get nervous when it comes time to take a test. Take a deep breath, and look at all the help that is around you...

Q11: Where can I get help to deal with school problems?

Everyone gets stressed out. You just have to learn how to deal with that stress. When times get rough and it seems that everything is hard to deal with, keep these suggestions in mind.