Currently a Senior - Thinking too much about College.

Really need a serious chat about this right now cause when I start to research it I do too much of it then I began to not understand a lot regarding it and my mind gives me a big middle finger and then it's officially fried.

So.. I'm a Senior right now and for the past three years I've really been focused on the idea of going to college and really succeeding at getting the major (or a similar major) I want. My main goal in the past year has switched from a general Computer Science major to something a little more specific and that's San Jose State University's MIS program major. It's Management Information Systems and when I researched it, it blew my mind how perfect it was for what field I wanted to work in and eventually take elsewhere.

However amongst all this research I always seem to stumble upon the time frame in which I confuse myself so much that I lose any information I once retained on the subject of simply enrolling into the damn college. I'm sure it's a simple idea and process applying to go to the college of your choice, but I just simply don't get it and no amount of research gets me the answer in terms I understand, because then I start reading stuff about early decisions/actions, peoples comments on how when you get enrolled into the college that a great majority of students f'uck up by going to the school/counselor and asking them what pre-req classes they need, resulting in them just taking a bunch of classes they really didn't have to take but are stuck in and paid for already. I don't want this to happen to me, I want to take the lower divisions classes I need for the program and want to avoid the General Education classes I really don't need to take whatsoever but someone will tell me that I do need too.

Simply put, can someone explain to me the process of enrolling into a college (and all it's early decisions/actions side-routes I suppose), if you want to go out of your way or you actually have gone there, the process behind enrolling into San Jose State University?

It's like I kind of understand it, but I feel like that kind of is a big lie and I don't get it at all... If that makes sense. So my mind is a hurricane right now and I want it to stop.. haha.

I'm in an extremely complicated financial situation, so I found it to my benefit to go to community college for lower division + GE classes (It's SO cheap), and am going to use a program to transfer to UC San Diego, where I will complete my upper division stuff before moving to post-graduate.
And...San Jose State? Are you in the Bay Area?

I'm in an extremely complicated financial situation, so I found it to my benefit to go to community college for lower division + GE classes (It's SO cheap), and am going to use a program to transfer to UC San Diego, where I will complete my upper division stuff before moving to post-graduate.
And...San Jose State? Are you in the Bay Area?

The thing is I'm not going to have to take a lot of GE classes cause I passed (and hopefully will pass the rest of them) my AP exams. The lower division classes I need to take for the MIS program I believe are right here - Link (I used De Anza college as an example, the classes on the left are if you attend San Jose and want to take classes at San Jose, the classes on the right are if you are attending De Anza college and want to take classes at San Jose)

I live in San Bernardino County, Inland Empire, whatever we call it nowadays. Down south in Cali.

Step 1: Take your SAT Reasoning Tests. Take as many as you'd like until you achieve a score you want. Send scores to SJSU.

Step 2: Take your SAT II (also known as SAT Subject Test). Repeat test if you'd like. Send scores to SJSU.

Step 2.5: (If you'd like, you can take the ACT + Writing Test as an extra advantage to your admittance. Send scores to SJSU)

Step 3: Wait until January or February (depending on when you need to apply for Fall 2012 for SJSU).

Step 4: Use CSUMentor.edu and apply to San Jose State University for early admission.

Step 5: If any, take AP exams and send scores to SJSU.

I may have forgotten a few steps, but this is what I did when I applied there.

The thing is I'm not going to have to take a lot of GE classes cause I passed (and hopefully will pass the rest of them) my AP exams. The lower division classes I need to take for the MIS program I believe are right here - Link (I used De Anza college as an example, the classes on the left are if you attend San Jose and want to take classes at San Jose, the classes on the right are if you are attending De Anza college and want to take classes at San Jose)

I live in San Bernardino County, Inland Empire, whatever we call it nowadays. Down south in Cali.

Oh, I go to De Anza ;D. How coincidental. The AP classes help a ton with the GE nonsense, and I can see you're using Assist already, which is great. Did you already send in your AP scores (as in when they ask you which colleges they want you to have your scores sent to when you're filling out your info sheet minutes before the test), because if not, you should get a copy of them and take send them in (probably to admissions and records).
Are you planning on going directly or transferring? Because the classes you need to take depend entirely on that. It's easier if you go directly, but much more expensive.
As for applying, they do have that nice little "apply" option on their website. I'm assuming it shouldn't be too hard to follow with that, most college applications are fairly straightforward.
If you're unsure about anything, talk to counselors. My experience with them has been that they're all idiots, but after you've talked to enough, you start to pick up one useful pieces of information.

I took my SAT, got a 1750. Not the subject tests though. I didn't feel the need for them but eh...
So January/February is the regular admission period I assume? Because I think the early acceptance or whatever is between October and November..

---------- Post added at 09:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:21 PM ----------

I have no idea what the difference is between going directly or transferring... Where would I be transferring from?
Yeah I sent my SAT and AP scores to UCI only though because at the time I was unsure of San Jose but now I regret it cause I'm ultimately more sure of San Jose over UCI.

I had to review a few things. I'm not exactly sure when regular admission is, but a few colleges start their admission in Jan/Feb, while some start in November.

Not only that, but EOP has its own deadline (I suggest applying for EOP. I mean, it's basically free money and free guidance if you get accepted).

More info for SJSU here.

EDIT:

Transferring is transferring from a different college/university. It does not apply for High School students as they'd be going there directly.

I took my SAT, got a 1750. Not the subject tests though. I didn't feel the need for them but eh...
So January/February is the regular admission period I assume? Because I think the early acceptance or whatever is between October and November..

---------- Post added at 09:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:21 PM ----------

I have no idea what the difference is between going directly or transferring... Where would I be transferring from?
Yeah I sent my SAT and AP scores to UCI only though because at the time I was unsure of San Jose but now I regret it cause I'm ultimately more sure of San Jose over UCI.

Mkay, so from here you would get a copy of your AP scores (all of them) and somehow mail/deliver them to San Jose State. There will be a place to drop them off at (admissoins and records, placement center, a counselor), and there will probably be a lot of walking around trying to figure out where to go.
So if you were transferring, you would first go to a 2 year community college, complete your classes there, and use the IGETC program (keep a 3.0 GPA for 2 years, complete a set list of classes) to have a guaranteed transfer to San Jose State after those 2 years. If you're going to apply directly for San Jose (spend 4 years there) you would have to do so in November I think (not sure about this as I am in community college). Counselors + friends can help you with this.
And you really need to research a lot of this on your own. Important stuff here.

My friend mentioned EOP to me, the Educational Opportunity Program? What exactly does it entail?

I have no idea what the difference is between going directly or transferring... Where would I be transferring from?
Yeah I sent my SAT and AP scores to UCI only though because at the time I was unsure of San Jose but now I regret it cause I'm ultimately more sure of San Jose over UCI.

Going directly is what it sounds like

Transferring = Starting off in Community College and taking classes there until you meet the Transfer requirements, when you would apply to the college of your choice (SJSU obvs). I did this route :o Went to Chaffey Community College for two years, then transferred to CSUSB where I am now. Great stuff. A LOT cheaper. Plus, I feel like I learned more at Chaffey than I'm learning now. But thats probably just me

My friend mentioned EOP to me, the Educational Opportunity Program? What exactly does it entail?

If you qualify, free college moniez. If not, nothing. Totally worth trying.

Going directly is what it sounds like

Transferring = Starting off in Community College and taking classes there until you meet the Transfer requirements, when you would apply to the college of your choice (SJSU obvs). I did this route :o Went to Chaffey Community College for two years, then transferred to CSUSB where I am now. Great stuff. A LOT cheaper. Plus, I feel like I learned more at Chaffey than I'm learning now. But thats probably just me

I live like 5 minutes from Chaffey haha. I just can't stand the idea of going to a Community College. I know I have the potential to go all four years at a CSU/UC so I'm going to do it.

My friend mentioned EOP to me, the Educational Opportunity Program? What exactly does it entail?

Well, I'm in EOP and all it is basically is a counselor to help you along your college journey. Whether you need help selecting classes, finding an on campus job, or help with scholarships/internships, the counselors are there to help you.

Some of them may require that you meet with them once or twice a quarter/semester but otherwise, it's up to you whether or not you'd want to do that. But, they will e-mail you asking for an update.

Also, the money they give you can help pay for your books. AND KNOW THIS NOW: IF SJSU GIVES YOU A BOOK VOUCHER, IT IS NOT FREE MONEY! Essentially, they give you $(so-and-so amount) in advance and once your financial aid goes through for the next semester/quarter, they take out however much you used.

On a side note:

I live like 5 minutes from Chaffey haha. I just can't stand the idea of going to a Community College. I know I have the potential to go all four years at a CSU/UC so I'm going to do it.

This and this this this! I live like...say 10-15 mins from a community college and it's the cheapest form of education. But I feel that going there is a waste of my potential and my education. If I get accepted into a better education system, then by all means, I'd take it.

EDIT: Going back to EOP, it doesn't hurt you to not have it. It's just really useful for everyone that can get it. I have friends all the time saying they wish they had EOP because sometimes, they choose the wrong class or they have a terrible professor. The EOP grant, the counselors helping you choose your schedules, and having advice on your classes/campus/college career makes it all worthwhile.

But see doesn't your families yearly income depend on whether or not you get into the EOP? I think my mom makes far too much for me to qualify for anything regarding financial aid..

I live like 5 minutes from Chaffey haha. I just can't stand the idea of going to a Community College. I know I have the potential to go all four years at a CSU/UC so I'm going to do it.

You'd definitely be getting the college experience going all 4 years, but don't think there's any shame in transferring. I don't see why people (my best friends included) act like that. -almost went into friend rant- Anyways, Chaffey is great. If money is any issue to you, definitely consider it

---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------

AND KNOW THIS NOW: IF SJSU GIVES YOU A BOOK VOUCHER, IT IS NOT FREE MONEY! Essentially, they give you $(so-and-so amount) in advance and once your financial aid goes through for the next semester/quarter, they take out however much you used.

WHAT. I want book vouchers :[ I hate having to get my books 1-2 weeks into the freaking quarter because finaid is so stupid and slow

You'd definitely be getting the college experience going all 4 years, but don't think there's any shame in transferring. I don't see why people (my best friends included) act like that. -almost went into friend rant- Anyways, Chaffey is great. If money is any issue to you, definitely consider it

It's not some ego thing that is keeping me from going to a CC. It's just, everyone I know who went to Chaffey either dropped out or they had to stay there MUCH longer than they should had. It scares me really, and I know those are horror stories and I shouldn't base everything off them, but I genuinely want to have a full CSU/UC experience. Paying for it isn't the hugest problem, just like any California college student it's... a problem, but not my worry right now cause my parents can support me with whatever I can't support myself with (I've been busting my ass getting money for the past month now, gonna find a job very soon and not spend a god damn penny).. The problem I personally have is understanding this process and what not.

WHAT. I want book vouchers :[ I hate having to get my books 1-2 weeks into the freaking quarter because finaid is so stupid and slow

Seriously? I hate book vouchers so much though =X
I never use them...lol

But see doesn't your families yearly income depend on whether or not you get into the EOP? I think my mom makes far too much for me to qualify for anything regarding financial aid..

Q. Who is eligible for EOP consideration?

A. The following eligibility criteria are specified in the CSU Educational Opportunity Program’s Regulations and Guidelines.

An EOP student:

must have a history of low-family income
must be enrolled on full-time basis (part-time attendance requires program director’s approval).
is an undergraduate pursuing her/his first bachelor’s degree.
is a California resident, as defined by the CSU Board of trustees and/or the state of California.
needs admission assistance as an exception, or meets regular admission requirements, and will require a full range of academic support services to succeed.

Q. Will a student who does not need financial aid still qualify for EOP?

A. Probably not. However, while family income is a major consideration, the decision for admission is not made entirely on the basis of financial need. If the applicant is also academically underprepared, this and other factors will be taken into consideration.

It's not some ego thing that is keeping me from going to a CC. It's just, everyone I know who went to Chaffey either dropped out or they had to stay there MUCH longer than they should had. It scares me really.

This is a pretty....accurate situation when going to CCs. At least from what I've heard. Even from my parents.

"Early" (in general) means that you apply to a college earlier. You get to know if you got accepted to that college or not earlier (like, 1-2 months or something). Early decision means that if you've been accepted into a college, you have to go there. Early action means that even if you have been accepted, you don't need to go there. You can wait until results from other colleges come in January before you make your decision.

I live like 5 minutes from Chaffey haha. I just can't stand the idea of going to a Community College. I know I have the potential to go all four years at a CSU/UC so I'm going to do it.

-random rant may have been mentioned just had to attack this-
Going to community college is NOT a bad idea if you can't afford a 4 year university. Usually the first and second year of university, as I've been told countless times, are the same the thing that you can get at a community college without the debt. Also, there are usually really good transfer programs and chances to get your last two years at a Uni almost fully covered.

Step 1: Take your SAT Reasoning Tests. Take as many as you'd like until you achieve a score you want. Send scores to SJSU.

Step 2: Take your SAT II (also known as SAT Subject Test). Repeat test if you'd like. Send scores to SJSU.

Step 2.5: (If you'd like, you can take the ACT + Writing Test as an extra advantage to your admittance. Send scores to SJSU)

Step 3: Wait until January or February (depending on when you need to apply for Fall 2012 for SJSU).

Step 4: Use CSUMentor.edu and apply to San Jose State University for early admission.

Step 5: If any, take AP exams and send scores to SJSU.

I may have forgotten a few steps, but this is what I did when I applied there.

Pretty much this, I applied to that school too, and got accepted! but I am not going, the typical college experience doesn't seem like my cup of tea. All I did was the SAT, and got a 2 on the AP, CSUmentor does the rest.