HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY GETTING to COLLEGE - A NO-NONSENSE GUIDE for 8TH-GRADERS - Path to College

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Aran

No-nonsense guide for 8th-graders on getting ready for college, centered on Humboldt State University’s “Path to College.” It explains how to build strong “a-g” course preparation for CSU and UC, including required subject years and completing requirements with a C or better. It emphasizes study habits, academic focus, extracurricular involvement, planning a four-year high school path, and seeking help from counselors, teachers, mentors, and tools like a career interest survey. It highlights traits such as grit, resilience, and a growth mindset, and offers guidance on finances and scholarships.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Path to College

"A-G" Requirements

College Readiness Traits (Grit, Resilience, Growth Mindset)

8th Grade Checklist

9th Grade Checklist

Plan Ahead

HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY GETTING to COLLEGE GCTTINGTOCOLLeGe.humboldt.edu A NO-NONSENSE GUIDE for 8TH-GRADERS HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY Tours at 10 a.m.and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday and Noon on Saturday # Path to College Do your best in school—take challenging courses,studyhard,develop good study habits # "A-G"REQUIREMENTS To apply to California State University and University of California campuses,these must be completed with a C or better.CSU's and UC's also want you to havea high school diploma and will consider grade point average(GPA)and test scores. | SUBJECT AREA | YEARS REQUIRED | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | A HISTORY | 2 | | | | | | | B ENGLISH | 4 | | | | | | | C MATHEMATICS | 3(4 Recommende | d) | | | | | | D LABORATORY SCIENCE | 2(3Recommende | d) | | | | | | E FOREIGN LANGUAGE | 2(3 Recommende | d) | | | | | | F VISUAL&PERFORMING ARTS | 1 | | | | | | | G COLLEGE PREPELECTIVE | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 0F JOBS aRen'T POSTeD PUBLICL9-More education leads toTHey′Re FILLeD THROUGH ConneCTIOnS.greater lifetime earnings S106K S8BK Average yearly earnings $74K COLLeGe GRaDS RePORT $49K $52K $43K BeING HeaLTHIeR THan OTHeRS- THeS′Re mORe LIKeL9 TO Say THeIR HeaLTH IS VeRy Master's Doctoral Less than High school Some college,Associates Bachelor's "A-G"COMPLETION=YOU can aPPLY TO a FOUR-yeaR CSU OR UC GOOD OR eXCeLLeNT,LeSS degree degree degree high school diploma no degree degree LIKeLY TO DRINKHeaVIL9, 2.1% 4.6% 3.5% &mORe LIKeL TO exeRCISe. 6% 6% Create your four-year high schoolplan early to ensure you cancomplete your “a-g”requirements. 0 data from 2016 9% Unemployment rate GeTTIMGTOCOLLeGe.humboldt.edu the STICK UAIM dISWeRS You have lots of questions.Take charge of getting answers! There are some important traits we canall improve with effort. Isn't it too early to think about college? What if nobody else in my family wentto college? Not at all.Focusing on school,getting involved inextracurricular activities,and planning ahead nowBe the first!Set an example that others in your familywill ive you more options later.could follow.And remember you're not alone-atAn ability to try and try again,keeping up the effortWhat ifI'm not smart enough for college?HSU,54%of students are the first in their family totoward long-term goals.Overcoming obstacles togo to college. Obviously,most 8th-graders aren't ready for college yet.conquer a big challenge.As you get ready for high school,it's upto you to workhard togain the knowledge and skill you need.KeepMaybe.You might be able to get a job with decent payyour options open!after high school.Oryou can invest in yourself to havemore career options with better pay later.THaT'S GRITMore than two-thirds of college students get some type offinancial aid.There is state and federal financial aid that canhelp cover the cost,and there are also scholarships,campusMany students start college without knowing exactlyjobs,and loans that you pay back after college.CollegesAn ability to bounce back from failures and challenges,what they want to do as far as a career.Many othersexpect you and your family to pay as you′re able,butchange their mind during college.It's a time to exploreand to take healthy risks.Being curious and brave,andother financial aid can help make up the difference.and discover new options.pushing beyond your comfort zone. Shouldn't I just get a job after high school? What ifmyfamily can't pay for college? Why go to college ifl don't know whatI want to do? Get advice from others ParentsSchool counselorsFamily membersCoachesTeachersNeighborsTHaT'S ReSILIeICe"It's hard to get a good job straight afterYou aren't just "born with it."Abilities andhigh school.You really do need thatdegree.I want to set an example forintelligence can be improved with

FAQs

What are the “A-G” requirements and when must they be completed?

To apply to CSU and UC campuses, “a-g” requirements must be completed with a C or better. The guide advises creating a four-year high school plan early so you can finish these requirements.

How can 8th-graders build study habits and stay on track for college?

The guide recommends doing your best in school, taking challenging courses, studying smart, focusing extra time on math and English, setting aside daily quiet study time, and meeting with a school counselor to map a 4-year plan.

What should students do if they worry about paying for college?

The guide notes that more than two-thirds of college students receive financial aid, including state and federal aid and scholarships. It also encourages looking into jobs, campus jobs and loans that can be paid back after college.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Aran