New Feature: Ask An Admissions Counselor!

I've decided to start a new feature on the blog where I share with you some of the interesting questions I get.   If you have a question you might like to ask an admissions counselor,  send me an email at jballi@csuchico.edu.   Let's start with this email I received just a few days ago:

Hi,  I am a freshman at University X.  I applied to Chico last fall and was accepted last year,  but attended University X instead.  I am reconsidering my decision after my first quarter here.  Do I have any options at Chico for transferring?  Sincerely,  "Reconsidering"

 

This is a great question.  It's really a challenge to choose the right university, isn't it?  Many times excitement and momentum lead us to make decisions that after some time has passed, we're not really happy with.  

 

This student asked what the options were for transferring to Chico and unfortunately, this student can't come to Chico right away.  Once you attend a four year university or college after high school, you are considered a lower division transfer student.   Due to enrollment pressures, Chico State is not accepting students until they are upper division transfers.  Students have to come to Chico State ready to start their junior year with 90 quarter units or 60 semester units, college level English, math, critical thinking and speech courses completed, along with a strong GPA.

 That means, "Reconsidering" has to stay at University X at least another year to finish the transfer admission requirements or attend the local community college until he or she is ready to transfer to Chico State.  There are a few CSU campuses that accommodate lower division transfers and you can read about them here.     

 

So, what's the take way lesson here?  There are transfer options that are accessible to students, but they are not immediate.  I think "Reconsidering" should talk to someone about their doubts about University X and give it at least one more quarter.  It would also be smart to pick up the four core classes required for Chico admission just in case nothing changes.   Students have to apply to transfer a year in advance, so it would be important for "Reconsidering" to be mindful of deadlines. 

 Becoming a college student is a huge adjustment.  Going away to university is exciting, but it's also full of social, academic and emotional changes that may impact how comfortable you may feel in a new place.  That's why you might want to hang in there a little while longer.  Give the university you picked a fighting chance and then, if you're still unhappy, definitely use the options available to you.  

Everything You Wanted To Know After Submitting Your Admission Application But Were Afraid to Ask Part II

 

Let's jump right into part two and answer some more questions you may have. 

 

6.  I really want to go to Chico, but I don't think I can afford it.  What should I do?  Check for scholarships in your local community.  Many times scholarships go unclaimed for lack of applicants.  Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid beginning January 1, 2013 by the March 2nd priority filing deadline.  With financial aid, the early bird sometimes gets the worm.  It its OK to estimate income amounts-don't wait!

 

6a.  I just realized I made a mistake on my application!  What should I do?  Send an email to info@csuchico.edu with your name, date of birth and if you have it, your Chico State ID number.  Just explain what the mistake was and we'll make the correction for you.   If it is sensitive information, like a social security number, call our office with the change. 

 

7.  I'm doing really badly in a class.  Can I drop it?  It depends.  If you're a high school student and you need the course to complete your A-G requirements or you're a community college student who needs the course as part of the "Golden Four" core classes or to meet the admission unit quota, then dropping the course could effect your application.  It's best to call our office to check. 

 

8.  I know I'm going to fail a course I need for admission.  What can I do?  Again, it's important to call our office to see what your options are.  Both high school and transfer students have until the end of the spring semester to make up any kind of deficiencies for admission.  Summer course work isn't allowed to meet admission requirements.

 

9.  What if my friend gets admitted before I do?  What should I do?  Don't panic.  Processing applications is a long and involved undertaking.  Our staff goes through your file with a  fine tooth comb and that process can't be rushed.  Make sure you're checking both your portal and your Wildcat email because it could be that we're missing information from you to make a final decision and you haven't responded to our request. 

 

10.  After I'm admitted to Chico State I don't have to worry about anything else right?  I'm all set?  Actually, all admission decisions are conditional, that means they aren't permanent and can still be taken back if students fail to meet admission requirements.  Your admission decision is permanent once we get your final transcript with your final grades on it.  If you're a high school student, your graduation date should on your official transcript as well.  Once you're admitted you'll receive a What's Next flyer with a month by month check list of everything you'll still need to do, like taking placement tests and applying for housing.

 

 That's all for now!  Perhaps you'll be walking our hallowed halls this time next year!  Good luck!



Everything You Wanted To Know After Submitting Your Admission Application But Were Afraid To Ask Part I

Congratulations! You've submitted your fall 2013 application for admission and you probably have a ton of questions about your next step, or maybe you don't exactly know what your next step is! I wanted to answer some questions that may be going through your head right now.

1. My friend/sister/neighbor missed the November 30th application deadline!  Is it too late to apply for fall?   Yes!   You can find a list of other CSU campuses still accepting applications here: http://www.csumentor.edu/.  Just click on "Is your campus still accepting applications?" in the lower right-hand corner.

2.  When is the next time they can apply?  The next potential application period will be for the spring 2014 semester.  We're not entirely sure at this point what the spring application status will be and we won't know until late summer.  Students should check back with us then to get a final status on spring.  If the application does open, it will be available beginning August 1, 2013 and will close on August 31, 2013.  The spring semester will begin in January 2014.

3.  When will I hear if I've been admitted? Admissions decisions go out on an on-going, rolling basis, so you could potentially learn if you've been admitted as early as January and or as late as April.  It's best to check your CSU Chico portal account and Wildcat email account regularly to get the most up to date information about your application status. Your portal account is the first place where you can find out if you've been admitted.

4.  You said check my portal account. What is that?  Your CSU Chico portal account gives you access to your Student Center.  The Student Center is where you can check your admission status, your hold and to-do list and everything you'll need as a student at Chico State.  The portal can be accessed via our main page, www.csuchico.edu.  Once you create your portal you also create your Chico State email account which you  also need to check regularly. 

5.  Should I send my transcripts now?  Unless the Admissions Office contacts you directly via your Chico State Wildcat email asking for a transcript, no.  Final transcripts will be due on July 15th. 

Stay tuned for part two of this series where I'll tackle some more questions applicants may have!

Do's and Don’ts for Filling Out an Admissions Application

With just 22 days left in the fall 2013 application period we're been getting lots of phone calls with questions about how to apply.  I've collected some of the most common questions and answered them here to help others who might encounter the same issues.

1.  Where is the CSU Application located?  The CSU general application is located at csumentor.edu.  You can submit all your CSU applications via one site. 


Where to find the Admission Application.

 

2.   I want to apply for fall 2013.  Where do I go?  Applications have to be submitted a year in advance.  To attend Chico State for fall 2013, you actually have to apply in the fall 2012.  See the screen shot below.  The fall 2013 application deadline is November 30th.  

 

Make sure to select the right application period.



 3.  If I'm a transfer student, what's my entry status?  We're not accepting lower division transfer students currently, so if you list that you have less than 60 units you will not be able to submit your application.  Indicate that you will have 60 transferable units or more by the time of entry or reentry into CSU Chico.  You can include units that are in progress and planned.

 

Transfer students and first-time freshmen have different entry statuses.

3a.  I'm a high school student, what's my entry status?  High school students are either "graduating seniors with no college credit" or "graduating seniors with college credit" (including AP, IB).  Never indicate that you are a transfer student, even if you'll have an associates degree when you graduate high school.  Note that you can save your application and come back to it later if you save it before you log off. 

 



If you do not fall into any of the independent categories you are a dependent student.  

4.  I'm over 18.  Can I consider myself an independent student?  Technically-students are not considered independent until they are:

A graduate student

Married or registered with the California Secretary of State as a domestic partner

Have dependents other than a spouse

A foster youth, orphan, or ward of the court

A veteran or active duty member of the U.S. armed services

If you don't fall into any of these categories then you are a dependent student and should report your parent's income information on the application.  This information will be used to determine if you are eligible for the fee waiver.

No scores yet?  Indicate when you plan to take them.

5.  I'm a high school student and I won't have my test scores before November 30th.  What should I put on the application?  If you don't have SAT or ACT Tests before the November 30th submission deadline, just indicate  the month and year you intend to take the test.  Remember December 2012 is the last month to test for admission. 


               Red messages mean something is wrong.

6.  I keep getting these red messages and I can't move on in the application.  What's going on?  Red messages are triggered when information has been entered incorrectly or information is missing.  If you're sure you've entered information correctly and the red message is still appearing, just check the red box and move forward to the next section of the application or call the Office of Admissions for help.

Transfer students must list their GPA and all previous institutions attended.

7. I'm a transfer student and I'm not sure about my GPA.  Can I leave that area blank?  No, GPA must be listed.  The application won't submit with your transfer GPA.  Also make sure to include all the previous colleges you attended.



Transfer students must include their "Golden Four" courses. 

8. If I'm a transfer student do I have to list all the classes I took in high school?  No, the only high school information we require is the name of your high school and the date of your high school graduation.  The only coursework we need to see is what you're currently enrolled in or plan to take in spring.  However, it is super important to list your "Golden Four" courses for admission.

 

9.  I'm a high school student and I re-took a class.  Do I have to list the bad grade that I made up? No, high school students can list their new and improved grade.

 

10.  How do I make sure I submitted my application?  Students have to sign the application and indicate how they are going to pay the $55 dollar application fee if they are not eligible for the fee waiver.

 

Ready to submit? Click the link!



The CSU application submission page.



Once you sign the application and indicate your payment method, you can submit the application at the bottom of the page.  If you have truly submitted your application, you'll see it in the application manager. 



If you submitted your application it will show up here.





 If you don't see an application on file, something went wrong and you'll need to go back and resubmit.  You'll also be issued a confirmation document immediately after submission that you should print out and keep for your records. 

 

I hope that was helpful for you! The CSU Mentor website has a helpful tutorial available and written instructions for both Freshmen and Transfer applicants.  They have also provided technical support pages and contact information if you need further help.  Good luck and remember the last day to apply is November 30th!  Don't wait till the last minute!

Ready, Set, Fall 2013!

While it may still feel like summer outside, the fact is that fall is just around the corner and that means the fall 2013 application period is about to begin.  The CSU Mentor application will open on October 1, 2012 and will close on November 30, 2012 for both first-time freshman and transfer applicants.

So what can freshmen do to prepare?

• Sign up now to take an SAT or ACT test by December.  December is the last test date our office will accept.  Students should try to test more than once if they can.   Studies show that students generally do better on tests the second time around.   I recommend taking both the SAT and the ACT.  It's always wise to maximize your chances of doing well.

• Make sure your A-G requirements  will be complete by the end of the senior year.  If you need to make up courses make sure you talk to your high school counselor as soon as possible to discuss what your options are.  Students aren't allowed to make up courses the summer after high school graduation for admission purposes.

• Visit Chico State on October 20th for Chico Preview Day.  Campus is open to the public and it's a great time to check out our beautiful location, explore our housing facilities and talk to faculty about majors.  We have tours available every day, but Preview Day is pretty amazing.  Register here.

• After the regular admission application has been submitted, you can fill out the Educational Opportunity Program application by November 30th. Our scholarship application will also open in October and will close on December 15th. 

What can transfer students do to prepare?

• Talk to your transfer counselor to make sure you will have 60 transferable units or 90 quarter units completed by the end of the spring semester.  No summer course work is allowed to meet your unit quota.

• Have you completed the "Golden Four" admission requirement?  College level Math, English, Critical Thinking and Speech courses must be done by the end of the spring semester.  Unless you're an engineering major, there are no exceptions to this requirement.

• Transfer students should also visit campus on October 2oth for Chico Preview day.  We have transfer student focused panels and our financial aid and housing offices will be on hand to answer all your questions.  Register here.

• After the regular admission appliction has been submitted, you can fill out  Educational Opportunity Program application by November 30th.  Our scholarship application will also open in October and will close on December 15th. 

 Remember that waiting till the last minute to do anything is a bad idea.  Be smart about preparing and your fall application period will go so much more smoothly!    I hope to see you at Chico Preview Day!

Educational Opportunity Program: A Family Away From Home

The best mentor group ever!  Top row, left to right: Lorenzo, Fidel, and Marivel.
 Front row: Diana, Carolina, Houa, and Rebecca.

Universities can sometimes feel like big, impersonal places, and  it's easy to get lost in the crowd when you're one of many students.  Just as great majors and amazing professors are a part of a quality education, great friendships and lots of support ensures that your first year at university will be off to a strong start. 

One way Chico State tries to help its new students thrive is though it's Educational Opportunity Program.  EOP has a lot of really practical ways of helping students adjust to university life.   For example, there's the Summer Bridge residential program.  Summer Bridge is held a few weeks before the beginning of classes.  Students come to Chico State early and get a jump start on making friends, meeting faculty and staff, all while taking workshops that teach them how to be an on-point college student.  Students can access a lot of other services throughout the year as well. Tutoring, workshops and socials are all part of the EOP experiance.   Best of all, EOP staff genuinely care about you as an individual and work hard to support you through the beginning, middle and end of your college experience.

How do can you become an EOP student? You have to apply!  Students must submit the regular fall application for admission during the October 1st- November 30th period. Then students must fill out the EOP application. This absolutely has to be done by the November 30th deadline!   If you don't turn in both applications you won't be considered as a candidate for EOP.   In order to qualify for EOP, students have to meet specific criteria and submit two letters of recommendation and an autobiographical essay.
 

Building a strong foundation.  Bottom row, left to right Jasmin, Fidel, Marivel and Lorenzo.  Top row: Rebecca, Carolina and Houa. 

 It's definitely a lot more work to become an EOP student, but the skills you learn and relationships you build are so worth the extra effort!  For many students EOP has become a central part of their college experience and their "family" away from home.  Do you want to be on the fast track to amazing friendships and success?  Explore the Educational Opportunity Program at Chico State! 

What's Happening Spring 2013?

We now have the final word on the spring 2013 application for admission.  We will accept applications during the filling period of August 1-31, 2012 from students who satisfy one or more of the following criteria: 1.  Applicants who complete an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T), made possible by the passing of Senate Bill 1440.  This special degree program is available for a select group of majors deemed similar at community colleges throughout California.  Degrees must be verified by October 15, 2012 by the participating community college. OR 2.  Applicants who are fully eligible, upper division transfer students with 30 or more units from one or more of the following local community colleges:  Butte, Feather River, Lassen, Shasta, Siskiyous and/or Yuba.  (Additional criteria must be met.)   For complete application filing details and criteria, please visit our website.