College & Career
During college season Mira Loma has numerous schools signed up for virtual college visits. In these sessions, a college admissions representative will be available to speak with students about the different opportunities each institution offers, and most importantly, to give updates regarding the admissions process this fall.
The more prepared students are, the easier it will be when deciding your future path.
You can look at the list of colleges "visiting" Mira Loma on Naviance Student and register for the colleges that are of interest. There will be no visits during school hours, so there is no need to worry about missing class.
To register for a virtual college visit:
Go to the Naviance Student home page and click Colleges in the top right corner. Select COLLEGE Home then scroll down to the College Visits section and click on the Show more button. The list of colleges will show up. Simply click on the blue button that says Register now to sign up.
Before the meeting begins, an active virtual visit hyperlink will provide you access to the meeting room.
Pro-tip: Make sure you are checking the College visits section often. The College and Career Center at MLHS is receiving numerous emails per day from colleges signing up so the list will be constantly updated!
Please don't hesitate to contact Ms. Lentz in the College and Career Center if you have any issues or questions!
Click here to email Ms. Lentz!
Planning for High School and College
Some easy things you can do:
- Set up a "distraction free" study area
- Set up a study time that is consistent
- Check Q for grades and attendance (You can get your Q access code from the counseling office)
- Email teachers when you have concerns about workload and your high schooler's progress
- Check in with your high schooler and talk about upcoming school projects and tests. They can feel overwhelmed and not say a word. The standard answer is "It's fine". Ask them "What does fine mean?"
- Make clear family expectations regarding grades with clear consequences for not meeting those expectations. Make sure your high schooler is part of making the expectations and consequences.
- Talk about futrue career and college plans in your home
- Visit colleges casually while on vacation or out of town or set up appointments with the college for an official visit
- Go on the Web and research colleges "together"
- Go on Naviance to research careers and college (Naviance is in the Student Portal)
The College Application Process
Step 1: Complete the required college preparatory courses with a C or better.
UC/CSU A-G required courses
A. History/Social Science, 2 years required
B. English, 4 years required
C. Mathematics, 3 years required, 4 years recommended (through Integrated Math 3)
D. Laboratory Science, 2 years required, 3 years recommended (1 Life and 1 Physical)
E. Language other than English, 2 years required, 3 years recommended (Same language)
F. Visual and Performing Arts, 1 year required
G. College Preparatory Elective, 1 year required
For more specifics on the A-G Requirements go to: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/subject-requirement-a-g.html
Mira Loma's UC Approved Courselist
Type in "Mira Loma High School"
If you intend to begin your college experience at a community college, plan to complete the UC/CSU course sequence. Doing this will help you avoid remedial community college courses that do not transfer to four year colleges.
Collegiate Athletics
NCAA Eligibility Center - information on NCAA eligibility
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
Step 2: Take the appropriate entrance exams.
Some colleges and universities require either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT.
The University of California and California State University Systems DO NOT require SAT or ACT scores any longer.
If you choose to take the SAT or ACT, you can register for these exams online at the following sites:
Entrance exams are NOT required for community college.
Standardized Test Information
Free SAT, ACT, GRE test preparation and vocabulary builder
Free online practice tests for the SAT and ACT
Strategies for college testing; FAQ about testing
Step 3: Research colleges to find the best school for you.
Most colleges maintain websites that provide information for prospective students. These sites are easily accessed with an online search.
Check out Naviance College Search or College SuperMatch
Independent organizations also provide information on school and programs. Links to a select group of these sites follows:
Naviance (Students will log on to their San Juan Student Portal and click on the Naviance Tile)
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
Assist - search for majors and information on transferring from a community college
California Colleges - Check out the tools sections for a college matching program.
Step 4: Apply in the fall of your senior year.
You will apply for colleges online starting October 1. Online applications are available at either the college's website or at the following sites:
California Community Colleges
CSU Application
University of California
Common Black College Application
Step 5: Receive your letters of admission.
Colleges send out their letters of admission in the winter. May 1, is the most common deadline for students to accept one of the offers of admission.
All admission decisions are conditional on the successful completion of your senior year. Colleges may rescind admission to students who earn low grades in college preparatory classes during their senior year.
Career Planning
Step 1: Explore your interests and aptitudes.
It is important to choose a career that matches your interests and abilities. Aptitude tests can help you to identify career areas that are best for you.
Naviance (Students log on to their San Juan Student Portal and click on the Naviance Tile)
Step 2: Research careers.
Based on what you know about yourself, look for careers in which you will excel. Find out what you need to do to enter those fields.
Step 3: Prepare in high school to meet your career goals.
High school courses, directly and indirectly, will help you meet your career goals. For example, if you are interested in construction, Wood Technology directly relates to your goal and Geometry indirectly relates to your goal. Meet with your counselor to select appropriate courses.
Career Technical Education (CTE) provides you the opportunity to earn high school credit for learning job skills. See your counselor for more information on CTE opportunities at Mira Loma and in the San Juan Unified School District.
Step 4: Locate post high school opportunities in addition to college.
Government agencies, community colleges and private organizations offer job training. Take the time to research all of your options for career education.
AmeriCorps - a national service program which tackles community problems from disaster relief to tutoring.
Sacramento Employment and Training Agency
Local Jobs in the Sacramento Area
Employment Development Department - agency of the California government