Some families talk early about college. Most high school counselors have a daunting workload, and can’t do much by way of individual attention. If you’re one of the many without a clear idea of what you want to do after high school, that’s fine. There are ways of checking the facts, checking the options, and letting the decisions emerge.

So here are some facts. The University of California system is available, but only for 2010 or later. In the California State University system, it is too late for freshmen, but admission is still open to upper division students transferring in at junior year If you want to go into either system as a freshman, you might work for a year after high school, and apply for 2010. It’s called taking a Gap Year and I wrote about it in the last newsletter.

For any CSU, if you have a high school grade point average better than 3.0, you’re all set. If not, you’ll need a respectable score on the ACT or the SAT. It’s safest to find out about both tests, decide which will give you your best shot, and go for it. Both websites offer practice tests and a lot of other information that is useful and worth spending time on.

The ACT tests English, math, reading, and science, and has an optional writing test. If you choose this one, don’t omit the writing test: you’re trying to impress an admissions officer, and a good essay will do that. The ACT issues a composite score, so go to www.act.org and read up on their scoring until you understand it. ACT registration deadlines are January 6, February 27, and May 8, for tests on February 7, April 4, and June13, respectively.

If you choose the SAT, consider opting to offer a subject test as well. The most likely to impress are the test in math and the test in writing. Neither is particularly daunting so don’t be afraid to try. The math is only first year algebra and geometry. The writing test has a grammar section which you’ll need to bone up on; but otherwise, it’s not beyond anyone who can write a decent class paper. SAT registration deadlines are December 26, February 10, March 31, and May 5, for tests on January 24, March 14, May 12, and June 6 respectively. See www.collegeboard.com.

To get to be one of those upper-division transfer students, your best bet is the California two-year college system. You’ll save money; and your access to four-year colleges will be expedited. Go to www.ccsf.edu and check out the programs they offer.

Then select Admissions. It’s a five-step process. You apply online, and the application is good for any two-year college in the state. Take the required placement test: your goal here is to avoid being put in a remedial class, so make a good impression. Then attend a New Student Orientation: it brings in important details, so maybe take notes. Then meet with a Counselor/Advisor. This is the most important part: prepare for it. Take charge and say what you want from the college and ask how you’re going to get it. The last step is to register for classes. This is not easy. Required classes fill up fast; so make friends and ask for help.

Once you’re in, congratulate yourself: you’ve bypassed the ACT and the SAT; you’re getting basic college requirements without your family going broke. You’ll be able to transfer easily into the four-year system; and you’ve even made some new friends. Pretty good going for being the new kid!