College & Career Center

University of California (UC)

• A - G Requirements
• Admissions Information
• Personal Insight Questions

California State University (CSU)

• Cal State Apply
• Data Insights

Resources for undocumented students

• The Best Colleges Resources for Undocumented Students

Western Undergraduate Exchange Program

• NCAA Clearinghouse for Student-Athletes

TEST OPTIONAL COLLEGES

• CSU SAT/ ACT Updates

SAT REASONING & SAT SUBJECT(S) TESTS

SAT Reasoning

The SAT is one of the Standardized tests required by colleges. It measures three skill categories: critical reading, mathematics, and writing. Each section is worth 800 points, totaling 1600 points. The SAT consists of four sections, and writing is optional.

SAT Subject(s)

The SAT Subject(s) Test is required by several private colleges.  Check their websites.  It is not required by the UCs, but it is recommended if you are an engineering major. The test measures a student's knowledge in a particular subject area. Each test is worth 800 points. A student can take up to three subject tests in one sitting. The subject areas include languages, history, science, English, and mathematics.

• College Board Register

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. Juniors who take the test can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT has three sections: critical reading, math, and writing skills. It is offered once a year in October.

AP Tests

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are considered to be college-level courses that students can take while in high school. Students usually take the AP test in their course's subject matter. AP tests are administered in May.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are considered to be college-level courses that students can take while in high school. Students usually take the AP test in their course's subject matter. AP tests are administered in May, and the score ranges from 0 to 5, with 5 as the highest. Three is considered the minimum passing score.

Unlike honors courses, students may earn college credit, depending on their AP test scores and the college's requirements.

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is occasionally required by colleges for students who are (or have been) enrolled in an English Learner course in high school. In some cases, this test is dependent on a student's residency. We recommend that students check out the testing requirements of the colleges that they are interested in.

ACT

The ACT is one of the standardized tests required by colleges. It has five categories: English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing section. Each section is scored separately and combined for a composite score. The highest score a student can receive is 36

General College Information

• Best College Degree and Majors Guide Description of majors, colleges by state, and general college information.
• Nursing Career Information

• Science and Engineering Program Overview

Nursing education series

Nursing Program Overview 
LPN/LVN Degree Fundamentals 
RN Degree Fundamentals 

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Scholarships by Month
• Engineering Scholarships
• General Scholarships by State ​​​​​

• Inspire AI - Developed and taught by Stanford Alumni for high school students
• Pioneer Academics. Research opportunities during the summer.
• Questbridge College Prep Scholar, for low-income, high-achieving rising seniors.

 

Due to the number of requests we receive, if you plan to apply to a summer program that requires a letter of recommendation from your School Counselor, be sure to give at least three (3) weeks' notice.

• Summer Program Request Form

There are many different kinds of summer programs out there. We have listed and linked some that might be of interest to you, depending on your desired field/area/region/interest. Please note that these programs have not been investigated for their quality or reputation. Homestead High School does not endorse these programs; this list is simply a resource with which you can begin your search. It is important that you do additional research before choosing any program.

FINDING THE RIGHT SUMMER PROGRAM

• Consider your goals;
• Consider your budget;
• Consider your schedule;
• Don't assume attending will help you gain college admission.

Some thoughts before you begin: College representatives consistently advise us that, as far as college admissions go, summer programs are only “worth” what they are worth to the individual participant. In other words, only you determine value. Colleges are looking for students who use summers to push themselves out of their comfort zones and pursue genuine interests. There are many productive things a student can do with a summer break—there is value in travel, reading for pleasure, getting a job, volunteering, taking up a new hobby, etc. Focus in on something that is really important or interesting to you.

Many summer programs are offered by for-profit companies and can be quite expensive. While many of these programs are well run and valuable, please carefully research a company before you sign up. Not all summer programs that are held at universities are run by the university; many companies merely lease space from the university.

Please note these programs are not endorsed by Homestead. Students and parents should investigate thoroughly prior to applying or attending. Ms. Bellamy keeps a binder of Summer Programs/Jobs in the College & Career Center.  

• Bank of America Leaders Program will arrange an 8-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization and a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC to gain valuable civic, social, and business leadership skills for interested juniors or seniors.
• Chevron Summer Camp: Very selective, for rising Juniors and Seniors

• Zip Recruiter - high school jobs; must create a profile 

• Santa Clara County Parks
• Volunteer Match Sunnyvale