College Counseling

Cal State University (CSU)

CSU Mentor is a website designed to help students and their families learn about the California State University (CSU) system. The CSU is comprised of 23 excellent campuses. CSUMentor assists students in planning for college, in selecting the appropriate CSU campus to attend, in planning how to finance their education, and in applying for admission.  

University of California (UC)
The University of California's admissions website provides admission requirements for freshman applicants and is also the portal for students to begin their application.  The UC system features ten universities throughout the state.  

The National Catholic College Admission Association
The National CCAA is a non-profit organization of Catholic colleges and universities committed to promoting the value of Catholic higher education and serving students in the transition to college. 

Jesuit Colleges and Universities

The 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States are located in 19 states across the country. The institutions range from major research universities to comprehensive universities, from smaller colleges and universities that combine the liberal arts and professional studiesto one strictly liberal arts college. 

California's Independent Colleges and Universities
Also referred to as "private colleges and universities" are an excellent choice for many students. There are over 75 nonprofit, independent colleges and universities in the state. The most important criteria for selecting a college or university is how well it fits with your personality, values, and goals. Because every nonprofit, independent college and university has a unique character, there will be at least one that fits your needs. Unlike the University of California or the California State University systems, each California nonprofit, independent college and university has its own governing board. This independence allows for a diverse set of college opportunities in California.  

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Network

The ("HBCU Network") will be a stand-alone, full-time, 24/7, 365-day a year sports, edutainment and lifestyle network devoted entirely to the four HBCU Conferences (CIAA, MEAC, SIAC, SWAC) and its member and independent universities, launching Fall - 2011. 

California Community Colleges

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, with 2.6 million students attending 112 colleges. Our colleges provide students with the knowledge and background necessary to compete in today’s economy. With a wide range of educational offerings, the colleges provide workforce training, basic courses in English and math, certificate and degree programs and preparation for transfer to four-year institutions. 

Common Application

The currently Common Application provides both online and print versions of its First-year and Transfer Applications. Our membership of more than 400 institutions now represents the full range of higher education institutions in the US: public and private, large and small, highly selective and modestly selective, and East Coast, West Coast, and every region in between. We have also welcomed our first two international members. 

UC Doorways - UC & CSU Approved Courses

The  website UC Doorways allows you to see which classes at Bishop Amat are UC and CSU approved, and also which classes receive honors credit (weighted grades) for your application. Search for Bishop Amat High School from this page. 

Association of Independent College of Art and Design

The AICAD is dedicated to strengthening and connecting its member schools, and therefore provides numerous benefits to students through collaborative international exchange programs, shared resources on issues such as environmental and community sustainability, and the New York Studio Residency Program. Art school is where creative individuals find their community and connect with a network that will support them for a lifetime. Testing Websites: 

SAT and SAT Subject Tests

The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are a suite of tools designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century. This website allows you to learn about the tests, practice for the tests, and register for the tests. 

ACT

The ACT is an alternative to the SAT and is accepted by all colleges and universities. This website also allows you to learn about the test, practice for the test, and register for future tests. The Counseling Department recommends that students take both the SAT and ACT if they have the opportunity to do so. Bishop Amat High School does not host SAT/ACT exams on campus. Students must search for locations near their home. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The FAFSA, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. FAFSA helps students receive more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year. The FAFSA application becomes available on January 1st and should be completed by senior students and their parents. Parents of seniors are encouraged to do their tax returns as soon as possible as this will assist them with the completion of the FAFSA. FAFSA is FREE. You should not be paying money to apply for financial aid. 

CSS Profile
Some schools require the CSS Profile, in addition to the FAFSA. This application is mostly required by independent colleges and universities. 

Fastweb

A a free service that allows students to make an account and build a scholarship profile. The questions you answer help the service to notify you of scholarships matches. 

FinAid
Another free scholarship search tool. Students should be using both Fastweb and FinAid together to maximize their chances of being awarded a scholarship. Both of these services can be used as early as junior year to search for private scholarship sources. 

Student athletes at Bishop Amat who want to continue their involvement in athletics at a college or university need to build a NCAA Clearinghouse profile. This is done through the NCAA Eligibility Center. Some colleges and universities belong to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. 

Visit the NCAA Eligibility Center

If your preferred school is an NAIA member, you need to build your Eligibility Profile with them.

Create your NAIA Eligibility Profile 

Nursing: 

Some students choose to earn their Registered Nurse credentials from an associates degree program at a community college. These students may choose to further their education, in the form of a BSN or MSN program. Working as a registered nurse (RN) is a rewarding career with a bright future. If you love your job taking care of patients, then you’re in the right place. But if you want more professional opportunities, would like to advance your education, or need a higher salary, consider getting a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN). If you are an RN with an associate’s degree or diploma and want to go to graduate school, an RN to Master of Scence in nursing (MSN) may be a good fit. 

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), these programs are increasing rapidly because of demand. There are currently over 130 programs in the United States with at least another 30 in development. Admission is highly competitive. You need a current RN license and a good GPA from your previous training program. You may need to take prerequisite classes in such subjects as English, history, or math before applying. Some programs want a prescreening interview, an essay or personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Having a few years of nursing experience under your belt is a plus. 

All Nursing Schools is an additional resource to check out the upcoming trends in the Nursing field and also explore universities offering RN, BSN, and MSN degrees. 

Engineering:

The National Society of Professional Engineers offers scholarship opportunities and other student resources. 

Medical School: 

The Association of American Medical Colleges has a website for Aspiring Doctors. This website is designed to help students understand the different career paths within the medical field, what it takes to earn admission into a medical school, and how to pay for it. 

Law School: 

The Law School Admission Council is committed to easing the Law School admission process for prospective students.