FAME Public Charter School

College Planning

Graduation Requirements

FAME @ Fremont offers a College Preparatory path towards graduation. Students must earn 230 academic credits in order to graduate. In addition, students must satisfy the CAHSEE requirement in order to receive a high school diploma.

Students who do not pass the CAHSEE before the end of the 12th grade, please click on the following:
Notice for Parent/Guardians and Pupils: student eligibility and assistance in preparing for the California High School Exit Exam after Grade 12. (pdf)

College Preparatory Graduation Requirements Click here for a PDF version

To view PDF documents, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat plugin. You can download the free plugin from the Adobe website by clicking on the icon.

High School Subject Area	Requirement	Courses	“a-g” Subject Area
English/Language Arts	40 Credits – 4 years	English 1 CP English 2 CP English 3 CP English 4 CP	“b” – 4 yrs of College Preparatory English
History/Social Studies	20 Credits – 2 years	World History CP US History CP	“a” – 2 yrs of History/Social Science
US Government	5 Credits – 1 semester	US Government CP	“g” – 1 yr of College Preparatory Elective
Economics	5 Credits – 1 semester	Economics CP	“g” – 1 yr of College Preparatory Elective
Mathematics	30 Credits – 3 years	Algebra 1 CP Geometry CP Algebra 2 Pre-Calculus*	“c” – 3 yrs of College Prep Mathematics 4 yrs recommended* Will also meet “g” requirement
Science	20 Credits – 2 year w/lab 1 year Life Science 1 Year Physical Science Required	Biology w/lab CP Chemistry w/lab CP	“d” – 2 yrs of lab science 3 yrs recommended
Foreign Language	20 Credits – 2 yrs	Arabic 1 Arabic 2 French 1 French 2	“e” – 2 yrs of Same Language other than English
Visual and Performing Arts	10 Credits – 1 yr	Art Appreciation CP	“f” – 1 yr of VAPA
Physical Education	20 Credits – 2 yrs	Physical Ed 1 Physical Ed 2	No “a-g” requirement
Health	5 Credits – 1 semester	Health	No “a-g” requirement
Computer Applications	5 Credits – 1 semester	Computer App	No “a-g” requirement
Electives	50 Credits
Total Minimum Credits Required for Graduation			230

For a list of the FAME UC “a-g” approved course list please click on the following link: https://pathways.ucop.edu/doorways/list/ then enter FAME Public Charter School into the School or Program Name section.

For more detailed information on the “a-g” subject requirements please click here.

Remember: Our Academic Counselor is available to review any of the above information with you and to answer any questions about your progress towards these admission requirements.

Remember: Our Academic Counselor is available to review any of the above information with you and to answer any questions about your progress towards these admission requirements.

To aid students and parents in their planning we have created a Four Year Plan worksheet that can be used to map out and the student’s coursework throughout high school. For a PDF copy click on the following link:

College Preparatory Four Year Plan PDF

College Planning

Planning for college can be a daunting task. The earlier students and their parents start planning, the better. This section of our website will provide information and links to information on applying to college and financial aid, preparing and registering for college entrance exams, along with career guidance and other resources that will help guide students as they make plans for the future.

Planning High School Course Work One of the first things a student needs to do is plan their high school course work. The graduation sequence listed above meets the University of California and California State University Admissions requirements. While meeting the "a-g” subject requirements is the most common method of admission to the California University system, other options are also available. Private universities, community colleges and trade and vocational programs have their own requirements. Students should explore those as well.

Planning High School Course Work
One of the first things a student needs to do is plan their high school course work. The graduation sequence listed above meets the University of California and California State University Admissions requirements. While meeting the "a-g” subject requirements is the most common method of admission to the California University system, other options are also available. Private universities, community colleges and trade and vocational programs have their own requirements. Students should explore those as well.

Here are links to California State University and University of California Admission Requirements:

http://www.csumentor.edu/

http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/paths_to_adm/freshman.html

Here are links to the Community College Systems of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties:

Alameda: http://www.peralta.cc.ca.us/homex.asp?Q=Homepage

Contra Costa: http://www.4cd.net/

Self Assessment Before making post high school plans, students need to have an understanding of their goals, passions, and hopes for the future. Taking career assessments, reading about different careers and talking to people about different occupations are all good ways to begin developing a plan for the future. Based on occupational goals students may find that attending a four year university isn’t the only or best option for them. Vocational and Trade schools and Community Colleges may be suitable options. See the Vocational and Career section that follows.

Self Assessment
Before making post high school plans, students need to have an understanding of their goals, passions, and hopes for the future. Taking career assessments, reading about different careers and talking to people about different occupations are all good ways to begin developing a plan for the future. Based on occupational goals students may find that attending a four year university isn’t the only or best option for them. Vocational and Trade schools and Community Colleges may be suitable options. See the Vocational and Career section that follows.

The California College System California boasts one of the finest university systems in the world. Three distinct systems combine to provide students with abundant opportunities for advanced learning and career preparation. In addition to public institutions, there are many excellent private universities as well. Together, there are several hundred schools of higher learning in California. A lot to choose from and well worth the research to determine which one is right for you.

The California College System
California boasts one of the finest university systems in the world. Three distinct systems combine to provide students with abundant opportunities for advanced learning and career preparation. In addition to public institutions, there are many excellent private universities as well. Together, there are several hundred schools of higher learning in California. A lot to choose from and well worth the research to determine which one is right for you.

California Community Colleges: www.cccco.edu
The Community Colleges provide many options to students. They offer 2 year Associates Degrees in a variety of subject areas, Technical and Vocational training, and transferable coursework to the California State University and University of California. Any person who is a high school graduate or equivalent or who is eighteen years of age or older is eligible to apply. Students may also take courses concurrently while still in high school.

California State University: www.calstate.edu Applications: www.csumentor.edu
The CSU system has 23 campuses throughout California. The system prepares students for professional positions in the workforce with specific emphasis on training teachers, nurses, social workers, and engineers.

University of California: www.ucop.edu Applications: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply
The UC system prepares students for professional positions in the workforce and conducts some of the world's best research in hundreds of disciplines at its campuses, national laboratories, medical centers and other research facilities around the state. UC provides a unique environment in which leading scholars and promising students strive together to expand fundamental knowledge of human nature, society, and the natural world.

Private Universities: www.aiccumentor.org/ Applications: See Individual School websites
Private Universities are varied in their emphasis and admission requirements. Use this website to start researching what is available.

Applying to College Good planning is essential for college bound students. Waiting until the last minute will not only cause much anxiety but may also lead to missed opportunity. Planning based on appropriate coursework and testing and admission cycles will ease the burden of a busy senior year.

Applying to College
Good planning is essential for college bound students. Waiting until the last minute will not only cause much anxiety but may also lead to missed opportunity. Planning based on appropriate coursework and testing and admission cycles will ease the burden of a busy senior year.

Here are is glimpse at a junior and senior year plan:

11th Grade Activities:

Meet with the Academic Counselor to make sure coursework is on track
Attend College Fairs and University night programs
Research universities that meet educational goals
Begin visiting college campuses on application list
Maintain high grades
In October: Take the PSAT; a practice exam for the SAT
If taking Advanced Placement courses, register to take the AP exams in the spring
Prepare for the SAT or ACT
Take the SAT or ACT in the spring or the summer; results will be available in time to determine whether retesting is required.

12th Grade Activities:

FALL

Register online for the SAT or ACT. www.collegeboard.com
Make a master calendar with test dates and application deadlines
Narrow list of colleges to between 5 and 10 and get applications and financial information for each and gather high school transcripts and recommendations
Begin the college application process
Continue to visit campuses you are most interest in and meet admission and outreach officers
Research scholarship and financial aid opportunities
Sign up for a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov to file the FAFSA online in January
Use Scholarship Search at www.collegeboard.com to research scholarship opportunities

WINTER

Submit Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible.
Talk with your counselor about getting your GPA verification for CAL Grants

SPRING

Compare acceptance letters and financial aid offers
Notify each college acceptance or rejection of offers of admission or financial aid by May 1st

Tests Most universities use the SAT or the ACT in the admission process. In addition to the SAT, the University of California also requires two SAT II subject tests; other institutions do so as well. The SAT and ACT measure student academic achievement in different ways. Students should be familiar with both exams and understand how the scores will be used in the application process. University admission websites should be consulted before students register for and take the tests.

Tests
Most universities use the SAT or the ACT in the admission process. In addition to the SAT, the University of California also requires two SAT II subject tests; other institutions do so as well. The SAT and ACT measure student academic achievement in different ways. Students should be familiar with both exams and understand how the scores will be used in the application process. University admission websites should be consulted before students register for and take the tests.

For information about both test go to the following websites:

SAT: www.collegeboard.com
ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/index.html

Financial Aid One of the biggest mistakes a student can make is to assume that they cannot afford the college of their dreams. All universities offer financial aid packages and a variety of sources exist to help students finance their educations. Some of the funds come in the form of grants and scholarships (free money); others come in the form of low cost loans or work study. It pays, literally, to know the options.

Financial Aid
One of the biggest mistakes a student can make is to assume that they cannot afford the college of their dreams. All universities offer financial aid packages and a variety of sources exist to help students finance their educations. Some of the funds come in the form of grants and scholarships (free money); others come in the form of low cost loans or work study. It pays, literally, to know the options.

Financial aid in a nutshell:

FAFSA: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
The first step in applying for Financial Aid is to fill out the FAFSA. This is the Federal Student Aid application. It can be filled out online at the website listed above. The FAFSA is filed between January 1 and March 2nd of each year. The application is fairly lengthy and is based on your (or parents) previous year’s tax return. It is the basis of the majority of financial aid awards.

CAL Grants: http://www.calgrants.org/ and http://www.csac.ca.gov/
Cal Grant awards are state funded monetary grants given to students to help pay for college expenses. The awards do not have to be paid back. They are based on financial need and GPA. There are three different Cal Grants. Students need to have filled out the FAFSA before filing for a grant. The school counselor has the Gal Grant forms and will provide the GPA verification that is required to go along with them. The filing deadline is March 2nd of each year.

Scholarships: Many organizations offer scholarships. Some scholarships are based on achievement in academics; others are based on participation and/or achievement in extracurricular activities such as sports, community involvement, leadership, or affiliation with certain clubs. There are many books and websites available to aid students in locating scholarships. Here are two: www.fastweb.org and www.finaid.org

Additional Recommended College Application Websites:

www.californiacolleges.edu : Provides information and links for applying to Community Colleges and Universities.

http://www.princetonreview.com/home.asp The Princeton Review provides information on colleges all across the country

www.petersons.com : A comprehensive resource on education and careers. The Peterson’s guide is also available in book format.

www.free-4u.com/minority.htm : information on scholarships for minority students

http://www.bayfoundation.org/page19455.cfm : information on available scholarships offered by Bay Area Community Foundation.

Vocational and Career Planning

Work Experience:
Student wishing to gain work experience while in high school can take our Employment Skills (PDF) elective. This course couples work experience with academic projects. A student under the age of 18 must have a valid Work Permit in order to work at any time. The work permit expires when a student leaves, quits, or is fired from a job. A new permit must be requested with each new job, at the beginning of each school year, or when school of attendance changes. A work permit is no longer required once a student turns 18.

The following documents may be downloaded and sent to the school as indicated:

Work Permit Application PDF
Work Permit Guidelines PDF
Work Permit Cover Letter PDF

1. Download the Work Permit Application, Work Permit Guidelines and Work Permit Cover Letter
2. Complete the section on the application entitled “For Minor to Complete”
3. Have employer complete the section entitled “For Employer to Complete”
4. Have parent complete the section entitled “For Parent to Complete”
5. Mail or fax the forms per the instructions on the cover letter

Regional Occupational Training Programs (ROP)

Students wishing to learn a trade while in high school can take our ROP elective course (PDF). Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) offer tuition-free career preparation training through various locations within a given county. ROP classes are open to anyone 16 years of age or older. Through partnerships with school districts, state and local governments, community organizations, and business and local industry, ROP provides course work in a wide array of current and emerging career fields. The classes are structured to provide classroom as well as hands on training and many provide a career development component.

http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/DSPT/DSPT_list.cfm : A Directory of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs by county

http://www.carocp.org/carocps.html : Additional resource for locating ROP programs

Career Planning Resources:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/home.htm : Students can begin learning about different careers by looking through the Career Guide to Industries. This guide lists careers by category, gives a general overview including salary, job outlook, and training requirements.

http://www.bridges.com/us/prodnserv/educareerplan_hs.html : Online career exploration program

http://www.eastbayworks.com/categories.php?id=4 : One Stop Centers in the East Bay

www.CareerVoyages.gov : a website geared towards students, parents, and counselors to explore high growth, high wage careers

www.CareerOneStop.org : a comprehensive website to identify education, financial aid, career options, and jobs

www.careersonline.com : provides interest and abilities activities, resume generator, interview preparation, advice and help in choosing a career that suits you

www.act.org/discover : features research-based career assessments and detailed information that help people make important career and education decisions.

Vocational Training Resources:

http://www.calapprenticeship.org : information on apprenticeship programs throughout California

http://www.search4college.com : Search for Vocational Schools in California

http://jobcorps.dol.gov/about.htm : Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 get a better job, make more money, and take control of their lives. At Job Corps, students enroll to learn a trade, earn a high school diploma or GED and get help finding a good job. When you join the program, you will be paid a monthly allowance; the longer you stay with the program, the more your allowance will be. Job Corps provides career counseling and transition support to its students for up to 12 months after they graduate from the program.

California Community colleges offer many vocational programs. Consult your local college for more information.

Top of page