If you plan to apply to UC schools, list your courses here... (another a-g thread)

[mirabillis]

There are so many threads on A-G requirements for entrance into UC/CSU schools. I have been scouring them. I am very nearly tearing my hair out over it all. 

 

From what I have determined, it seems I can fulfill this requirement in a number of ways, short of joining a charter that has carte blanche a-g approval status. Please confer/deny if I am mistaken.

 

1. Take A-G approved courses at online providers:
I have found many providers but very little reviews here.
Here is a link to all 73 online providers at the UCOP website: https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/institution?f=institutionTypeName%7COnline%20Publisher%3B
 

Here are the ones I have looked into/seen mentioned - many more in link above.

Silicon Valley Online High School

Florida Virtual School

BYU High School Suite

UCScout

Art of Problem Solving

ChemAdvantage (affiliated with PAHomeschoolers)

Northwestern EDU

Virtual High School

K-12 International Academy

Stanford Online High School (expensive though)

 

 

2. Take AP classes (even if non A-G approved) and get 3+ on AP Test

Thanks Quark for clarification. College Board's AP program is a-g approved, just fyi:
https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/details/4482/

 

 

3. Take SAT Subject tests on courses that were non A-G approved and achieve good scores

Thanks Quark for clarification.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/freshman/minimum-requirements/subject-requirement/

US Hist 550

World Hist 540

Literature 560

Math LVL 1 570

Math LVL 2 480

Bio 540

Chem 530

Physics 530

Span/Chin/Ital 520

German/Jap 510

French 540

Hebrew 470

Korean 500

Latin 530

**No subject tests for Visual Arts or Geometry

 

4. High SAT scores on Writing, etc can retroactively validate 4 years of English... ?

Thanks Quark again for clarification

old SAT Writing 560 = 3 yrs

new SAT W&L 31 = 3 yrs

old SAT Writing 680 = 4 yrs

new SAT W&L 36 = 4 yrs

 

 

5. Dual enrollment at CC - validates that subject for A-G?

Generally speaking, a grade of C or better in a course of 3 or more semester (4 or more quarter) units...see details 

at link below.

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/freshman/minimum-requirements/subject-requirement/

 

For DE courses at CC, search for the institution here and it will pull up a list of courses that are approved for that particular CC (note that the course is usually a 3-unit or more transferable course, and be sure to check under the current year):

https://hs-articulat...rch/institution

 

 

 

This is what I gather so far.  Thanks for the additions!

 

And if so, who has experience in any of the above A-G approved providers?

 

Perhaps we can keep this file going to help us Californians out trying for UC schools... and still maintaining our independence!

 

**Please list your specific course choices for 9, 10, 11 & 12- we can help each other out this way!!**

 

 

Edited September 11, 2016 by mirabillis

[quark]

College Board's AP program is a-g approved, just fyi:

https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/details/4482/

 

Yes, there is a score cut off but SAT subject tests work. Similarly see the Writing score cut off:

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/freshman/minimum-requirements/subject-requirement/

 

For DE courses at CC, search for the institution here and it will pull up a list of courses that are approved for that particular CC (note that the course is usually a 3-unit or more transferable course, and be sure to check under the current year):

https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/institution

Edited September 11, 2016 by quark

[Arcadia]

K12 international academy is a-g approved. While there is nothing bad about taking K12 classes if in CAVA, there are so many other alternative if you are paying as an independent.

 

Also lab science (d) and fine arts (f) under CAVA are not a-g approved. Something to think about if someone is considering CAVA as a choice of public high school at home.

http://cava.k12.com/content/dam/schools/cava/files/CAVA-A-G-ScienceandVPA-Options022316.pdf

 

Stanford Online High School single courses has been used by some WTMers. Again no lab science (d) and no fine arts (f) are a-g approved

https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/details/3799/

 

ETA:

Above is in response to "experience in any of the above A-G approved providers"

 

ETA:

Edhesive AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles are A-G approved under category G. https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/details/4679/

Edited September 11, 2016 by Arcadia

[quark]

UCs will not accept online courses for lab sciences and visual / performing arts (but online CC classes are okay -- I don't know if CA CCs offer online lab science anyway).

Re AP classes, UC doesn't require the score but if a student takes the class, UC prefers to see that the exam was taken even if the score is low.

 

This is a good resource for a lot of the common questions CA homeschoolers ask about a-g and UC:

https://askmssun.com/home/high-school-academic-preparation-for-the-ucs/

 

 

 

[quark]

The 2016 UC Quick Reference for Counselors:

• Options for Satisfying UC's “A-G†Subject Requirements for Freshman Applicants (includes use of international courses) (p. 13)
• Calculating the freshman admission GPA (p. 19)
• Validation Matrix - Math and LOTE (p.21)
• etc.

[mirabillis]

Thanks ladies! Very helpful. I have edited the original post to make it more of a comprehensive resource for current UC admission requirements.

 

Anyone care to share their current/future plans for 9th-12th grade? I'm finishing up blowing up my current 9th grade plans - so will post my revised plans shortly. I think details like what curriculum/what online provider/what route (AP, SAT II, A-G approved course) will aid others that are dealing with the same issues either currently or in the not too distant future! And for those with kids older than mine (9th) - I would love to see your past & future plans too.

 

4 years math

4 years english

chem

bio

physics

foreign language

world history

us history

visual arts

college elective

[OlgaLA]

I am trying to keep UC option open, so I keep an eye on those requirements and always keep track of these posts. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

 

Not sure if it will be helpful to anyone, but since you asked :)

 

DD13 is in 9th grade, and for this year we have the following a-g plans:

 

Fall:

Chemistry class in CC (a very beginner class, which is transferable to UC and also a prereq to many biology and chem classes. So far she loves it)

AOPS geometry online class

US History at home with an SAT II test.

 

For the spring we are considering

 AOPS Algebra B

Greek and Roman Art DE class (Art requirement, although ceramics is also in the running)

Evolution DE (science class, but without a lab component, so maybe G requirement)

 

I hesitate to plan any further in advance, just because I am very used to changes in plans :)

French she may do a test or take a class in CC at some point. Same with Russian. English she will probably have to test out via SAT I.

 

 

[Arcadia]

My oldest is only in 7th so definately future plans. He rather not write and he is not fond of bio. Test prep as needed. Engineering is his safety choice so we are looking at SAT subject test for math and physics. He wants to be a small business owner.

 

4 years math - Sat Math 2 (done), AP Calc BC (done), Linear Algebra (2017/18) and a Statistics course (ETA: and whatever DE math he wants to take)

 

4 years english - using " SAT Writing and Language (the new SAT) score of 31, satisfies the first three years of the requirement. " and english composition at CC

 

chem - SAT (June 2018), PAH AP Chemistry (2017/18)

 

bio - SAT, Miller Levine bio iBook

 

physics - SAT (done), PAH AP Physics C (2017/18)

 

foreign language (LOTE) - SAT for german or chinese, whether they take the AP is up to kids

 

world history - SAT

 

us history - SAT

 

visual arts - CC for digital photography, computer graphics, ceramics, music theory (too many to pick from)

 

college elective - Economics, AP Computer Science A (done), Business Law, Financial Accounting, Engineering Graphics (too many possible choices), APHUG

Edited March 14, 2018 by Arcadia

[quark]

I'm only listing the a-g fulfilled courses for my grade skipped 12th grader. He has about half a transcript worth of non a-g provider courses + independent studies too. We were having too much fun in 9th and 10th grade to care about the requirements! :001_smile:

 

4 years math -- fulfilled through community college classes and SAT subject test -- will also have 2 undergraduate classes

4 years english  -- 2 fulfilled through community college classes, 1 to be fulfilled through AP English Lit, and SAT Writing score fulfills all 4 years

chem  -- to be fulfilled through AP Chemistry

bio  -- to be fulfilled through community college class

physics  -- fulfilled through community college class and SAT subject test

foreign language  -- fulfilled through community college classes

world history -- not fulfilled but he has a US government class that is a-g through community college

us history  -- fulfilled through community college class

visual arts  -- fulfilled through community college class

college elective  -- fulfilled through community college class

 

He would also qualify for admission by exam as he has the SAT scores + 2 qualifying subject test scores.

 

Edited September 13, 2016 by quark

[OlgaLA]

I'm only listing the a-g fulfilled courses for my grade skipped 12th grader. He has about half a transcript worth of non a-g provider courses + independent studies too. We were having too much fun in 9th and 10th grade to care about the requirements! :001_smile:

 

 

He would also qualify for admission by exam as he has the SAT scores + 2 qualifying subject test scores.

 

Just a quick question. You listed some CC classes followed by SAT IIs. Wasn't there something about UC not counting SAT II taken after college classes?

[quark]

Just a quick question. You listed some CC classes followed by SAT IIs. Wasn't there something about UC not counting SAT II taken after college classes?

 

Yes, but if we followed that strictly then he cannot take any of the SAT subject tests because he will have had CC classes in all areas (except for W History -- he was supposed to take the WH SAT but changed his mind and I didn't want to push him to do it).

 

ETA: for UC he does not need the subject test for validation as he already has the a-g approved courses in those areas. The main reason for him to take the subject tests was for private schools. The ones he wants to apply to ask for a minimum of two so he took that bare minimum. HTH!

 

Edited September 13, 2016 by quark

[Ellie]

K12 international academy is a-g approved. While there is nothing bad about taking K12 classes if in CAVA, there are so many other alternative if you are paying as an independent.

 

 

Are you sure that K12 International Academy is the same as K12, the on-line program paid for by CAVA?

[Arcadia]

Are you sure that K12 International Academy is the same as K12, the on-line program paid for by CAVA?

Both have a-g approved courses under their own listing in UC Doorways. It is K12 curriculum people who do the paperwork anyway when CAVA had briefings on a-g certification and requirements for parents. So unless the California state has other requirements to history separate from the a-g requirements, the online curriculum would have been identical.

 

I know K12 curriculum was tweaked for 3rd-8th for the California common core state standardized tests.

 

K12 international academy

https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist/#/list/details/4247/

CAVA

https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist/#/list/details/4221/

[mirabillis]

Quark - just curious. How many courses are you taking each semester, each year? 9th grade? 10th grade? etc.

 

We plan to begin to delve into CC here beginning this Spring, 9th grade year. Any suggestions on courses we should begin with - that you felt were good first choices?

 

 

Also do you know what math competitions (like MathCounts for gr 6-8) are open to high schoolers? Your son seems quite brilliant in math...

Edited November 22, 2016 by mirabillis

[mirabillis]

Oh & here's where we are at. We're just beginning 9th grade.

 

9th grade

English - homeschooling (IEW/Lightning Lit/Vocab)

Math - WHA Alg II (not approved - hope to SAT II out of req)

AP Geography - PAH

BIO I - WTM (hope to take SAT II test spring)

Span - SVOHS (not great a-g provider just a compilation of youtube content, but organizes me to 'teach' it and is a-g approved)

2 electives - still working on it

 

10th grade

thinking...

English - homeschool (IEW/Lightning Lit)
Math - unsure what for Precalc
AP Chem - PAHomeschoolers

AP Comp Sci - PAH

Span - maybe CC

World/US - unsure

 

and that's all so far... ;-)

[quark]

Quark - just curious. What CC is your ds attending? How many courses are you taking each semester, each year? 9th grade? 10th grade? etc.

 

We plan to begin to delve into CC here in Monterey area, beginning this Spring, 9th grade year. We missed the Fall as we were out of town until Sept 1. Any suggestions on courses we should begin with - that you felt were good first choices?

 

 

Also do you know what math competitions (like MathCounts for gr 6-8) are open to high schoolers? Your son seems quite brilliant in math...

 

We live north of you. His CC is one of the top feeders to Cal/ Davis.

 

He takes about 3-4 courses a semester. Every start of the semester he treats the catalog/ schedule like a buffet. After he researches the courses and profs, and I help take a look at the assigned texts, we talk. I keep a draft transcript and during the conversation I show him what are some areas that would benefit from study as well as required box checking and we see if any of his choices would also automatically check those boxes. I also consult UC Doorways to be sure. He has taken a few courses that don't fulfill a-g but due to the sheer amount of choice that the CC catalog gives you, many of his interest-based choices do. It's not all dry, boring stuff either. His US history class is quite well thought out and is really making him think. The lit class this semester is taking him places with his love of Shakespeare. He already had an intro to Shakespeare in 9th so he has the background to delve even more deeply now and it's fabulous. I love how much he is learning.

 

So for first choices -- we went with interest. It's hard to go wrong when the student is very invested in learning something. In the past, boardies have also suggested taking an elective or a language class to get your feet wet first.

 

My son strongly dislikes competitions. His interests are in thinking/ creating/ research.

 

See this list from AoPS for contest ideas! Good luck!

 

[Arcadia]

 

Also do you know what math competitions (like MathCounts for gr 6-8) are open to high schoolers?

AMC10 and AMC12. My kids goes to Stanford for that as the math circle coordinator lets anyone whose school isn't hosting take it there. I am north of your county

Info about the contest http://www.maa.org/math-competitions/amc-1012

Search possible locations here http://www.maa.org/math-competitions/amc-8/locations

Edited March 14, 2018 by Arcadia

[Chrysalis Academy]

This has been a useful exercise.  I don't know for sure if she will apply to a UC at all, but I want to keep the option open. We have a good local JC, so it's possible she will do the 2-year-then-transfer route, which makes all of this moot, but for the sake of argument, here's what I'm thinking

 

Math - Alg 2 & Geometry at home; College Algebra or Precalc (or whatever she tests into) & Statistics at the CC - 4 credits, validated via CC class

Spanish - Spanish 1 & 2 at home, Spanish 2 at CC - 3 credits, validated via CC

Science - 2 life science w/ lab @ home, validated by SAT2, 1 physical science w/ lab at CC - 3 science w/ lab

Social Science - 3 history @ home, psychology or something else at home or at CC - this one I'm not sure how we will validate, possibly AP or SAT 2

English - 4+ at home, 2-4 @ CC - validated by CC

Arts - 1-2 theater arts @ home, 1-2 @ CC, validated by CC

Electives - 2-4 @ CC, depending on interest (might be in core subjects) - demonstrating general readiness for full college load by 12th grade

 

ETA: Aww, cripes. I keep forgetting about Civics & Economics.  Civics can go with Am Hist and Economics? That might be one we do a box-checking online class for.

Edited September 14, 2016 by Chrysalis Academy

[Roadrunner]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but based on UC page, I think the admissions by examination route is even simpler. Sure, we can qualify each class through either SAT, AP, or CC, but it seems to me that UC isn't asking for every class to be validated. They say:

"students must take either the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay (or SAT Reasoning) as well as two SAT Subject Tests, and earn a minimum UC Score calculated from their exam scores."

 

So I think three exams is enough. Am I wrong?

[quark]

So I think three exams is enough. Am I wrong?

I think you are right but that might be a minimum requirement. Cal, for example, will review the application holistically as they say but I find it hard to imagine that they will admit a student just based on the three exams. They did tell me to ensure that my student always explains the context of anything irregular/out of the box in the essays and application.

[Roadrunner]

I think you are right but that might be a minimum requirement. Cal, for example, will review the application holistically as they say but I find it hard to imagine that they will admit a student just based on the three exams. They did tell me to ensure that my student always explains the context of anything irregular/out of the box in the essays and application.

Oh, I agree, but I am thinking this gives us flexibility. I think most kids who get into UCs from public schools have a ton of APs and SAT subject exams, buuuut I think the wording means we don't need to worry about validating every single thing. If it so happens that several classes were home brewed and didn't meet a through g, it's OK as long as the rest of the application holds strong.

[quark]

Oh, I agree, but I am thinking this gives us flexibility. I think most kids who get into UCs from public schools have a ton of APs and SAT subject exams, buuuut I think the wording means we don't need to worry about validating every single thing. If it so happens that several classes were home brewed and didn't meet a through g, it's OK as long as the rest of the application holds strong.

Certainly or at least that is what everyone I know with an accepted child has told me!

[...................]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but based on UC page, I think the admissions by examination route is even simpler. Sure, we can qualify each class through either SAT, AP, or CC, but it seems to me that UC isn't asking for every class to be validated. They say:

"students must take either the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay (or SAT Reasoning) as well as two SAT Subject Tests, and earn a minimum UC Score calculated from their exam scores."

 

So I think three exams is enough. Am I wrong?

You have to test very highly.

 

If you sit down and do the math, you'll see they need, on the old SAT's, about 700s in math and English and also on the subject tests, give or take.  I am not confident my son could do that well ....but yes it is one way to do it.

[mirabillis]

This has been a useful exercise.  

 

 

 

I agree - this is imminently helpful. I thought it'd be nice to have a Grade 9-12 planning thread specifically for those of us in California who plan to apply to UC/CSU schools. With in-state tuition rates so reasonable, it makes sense to make the most of it.

 

I feel my crash course in A-G requirements (Quark - your links were sooooo helpful!) I am now heading eyes wide open into this whole new world of high school. I don't know if we'll be a slave to the A-G requirements, but we will give careful consideration to courses being on the approval list (in some fashion, AP, SAT II or A-G) before committing to do it.

 

For instance, we pulled out of WHA Hon Physics after first week, as it just didn't fulfill anything and seemed a waste. Esp as online providers are pricey anyway. It wasn't AP so no AP possibility (we even asked if it would teach him enough with added test prep, and teacher said no, as AP Physics exam had much higher math) - there was no SAT II possibility (again SAT II for physics has higher maths than we have), and of course none of their courses are A-G approved. So.... we decided to take Bio I at WTM as I've read Bio SAT II test is one of the easier science subject tests and with a high school lvl Bio course, plus test prep, he should score sufficiently. I like ending 9th grade, thinking I've scratched some things off the list.

 

Thanks for the Math competition info - I'll start researching that.

 

And quark - I think we will look into an elective and/or Span for Spring at CC. Is (1) semester Span 1 course equivalent to entire year's high school credit?

 

And any suggestions on good electives you've taken at CC?

 

Anyone else with Grade 9-12 A-G plans you want to share???? It's so helpful to us!

 

 

 

This has been a useful exercise.  

 

 

[quark]

And quark - I think we will look into an elective and/or Span for Spring at CC. Is (1) semester Span 1 course equivalent to entire year's high school credit?

 

And any suggestions on good electives you've taken at CC?

 

It might depend on the CC but my son's Japanese 1 is apparently equivalent to 2 years of high school level Japanese. I was surprised but it was an involved class and he learned a lot. I've heard that (generally for the Bay Area CCs) CC Spanish is very involved too.

 

My son has loved taking CC music classes for electives but they are non a-g. A film elective fulfilled the visual arts a-g. He has wanted to try horticulture, ceramics, graphic design and photography but chose other classes in the end.

 

I'm surprised by the WHA class not being SAT level at the least with an Honors designation. Hope your DS likes the Bio class with WTMA!

 

 

[...................]

My son is using SVOHS for history. It's basic. It's a compilation of you tube videos.

 

But, he is really enjoying it, he is actually learning. He really enjoys the break from textbooks and brain burning of all his other classes. We study together for the tests and he adds info from the videos. He gets interested and looks other stuff up on Wikipedia.

 

He was using MFW/Notgrass and that was so basic and below level that this was actually a step up so we dropped the MFW. (MFW beefs up the notgrass through some well chosen books, as a side note but it's still really easy/simple)

 

So we are happy. He's learning. He's enjoying it. He's getting his A-G credit much less painfully than studying for another subject SAT. It's only $200.00

 

And he can save the AP classes for stuff he really loves like English and English Lit, Comp Sci etc

[mirabillis]

Fabulous, Calming Tea. Which Hist is he taking - World or US?

 

Like you, we're doing the same for SVOHS - for Spanish. So far, so good. Basic but he is learning. And I don't have to expend my brain power...

 

How is he liking AP Comp Sci - I have my sites on that for 10th grade for my soon. Did he have other programming exp to begin with?

 

 

[mirabillis]

Quark - are you in the middle of applications right now? Which schools are your ds applying to?

 

Also I say your Etsy shop for custom designed transcripts and homeschool logos... I love those! I might just take you up on that when the time comes.

[quark]

Quark - are you in the middle of applications right now? Which schools are your ds applying to?

 

Thank you! I've PM-ed you.

 

[quark]

Very interesting older thread for those who can't get enough of UC discussions on the Hive. :D

[daijobu]

Thank you posting this thread.  I want to highlight that while those are the minimum SAT subject scores, it may be too low for admission to the more competitive UCs.  

 

LanguageBird is a-g approved for Spanish.  We've taken a trial class and it seems fine, but we haven't signed on.  

 

My question is can SAT subject tests be taken in May of senior year, presumably after acceptances have been mailed?  That way a low-but qualifying score in a weak subject may still qualify without hurting applications to private schools.  

 

Since mirabilis asked, here's how we're going about satisfying a-g.  

 

My dd the sophomore is a test-taker, so we're going to cover a lot of it with SAT subject tests and APs.  She also hasn't been interested in CC, so we haven't done that yet.

 

a=history: unschooled ancient history last year, this year studying renaissance with WTMA.  Probably going to take SAT subject tests in world and US history after self-studying.  No specific plans right now.

 

b=english: probably the SAT and/or ACT or maybe SAT subject test.  No plans yet.

 

c=math:  SAT subject test sophomore year, AP stat sophomore year, AP calc jr year.  Math is a strength, though ironically, she took geometry at home with me, so we will have no validation for geometry.  Except maybe reasonably good AMC scores.  Oh wells.   

 

d=science:  AP chem and SAT chemistry last year, AP bio and SAT bio this year, AP physics next year.  Undecided about sr. year science (topic for another thread).  

 

e=foreign language:  now taking a non a-g approved Spanish class by skype.  SAT subject test.  Can these be saved for May senior year or is that too late?  

f=arts:  she participates in local musical theater, and they offer a concurrent enrollment option with local cc.  I'm not sure if it's a-g, but it's as good as we're going to get.  (I just realized that f=arts looks suspiciously like farts.  That's just my juvenile humor and entirely unintentional.)  

 

g=elective:  AP computer science, 8th grade.   

 

Great thread.  Thank you for posting.  

Edited September 18, 2016 by daijobu

[daijobu]

My son is using SVOHS for history. It's basic. It's a compilation of you tube videos.

 

But, he is really enjoying it, he is actually learning. He really enjoys the break from textbooks and brain burning of all his other classes. We study together for the tests and he adds info from the videos. He gets interested and looks other stuff up on Wikipedia.

 

 

 

Is there a live human teacher for the SV history class?  Are papers assigned and what sorts of exams?   No books?  

 

(Not being judgmental, I just want to get a feel for the class.)

[daijobu]

 

Also I say your Etsy shop for custom designed transcripts and homeschool logos... I love those! I might just take you up on that when the time comes.

 

Agreed!  That stuff looks so cool.  

[quark]

 

My question is can SAT subject tests be taken in May of senior year, presumably after acceptances have been mailed?  That way a low-but qualifying score in a weak subject may still qualify without hurting applications to private schools.  

 

See here: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/

Particularly, "If you're applying for admission to the fall term, be sure to take your admissions tests no later than December of your senior year/last year prior to high school/secondary school graduation — preferably earlier â€” to ensure that your application receives prompt and full consideration. It is unlikely that scores from tests taken after our December deadline will arrive in our office in time for our review process."

 

[...]

 

c=math:  SAT subject test sophomore year, AP stat sophomore year, AP calc jr year.  Math is a strength, though ironically, she took geometry at home with me, so we will have no validation for geometry.  Except maybe reasonably good AMC scores.  Oh wells.   

See here: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/

No need for validation. Just self report geometry (taken in middle grades right?).

 

There was a handout available on this on UC's site, not able to find it atm.

 

e=foreign language:  now taking a non a-g approved Spanish class by skype.  SAT subject test.  Can these be saved for May senior year or is that too late?  Sorry, I think that would be too late for consideration. She could still take it I guess but their review process would be done by then (application decisions come back around mid-end of March usually).

 

f=arts:  she participates in local musical theater, and they offer a concurrent enrollment option with local cc.  I'm not sure if it's a-g, but it's as good as we're going to get.  (I just realized that f=arts looks suspiciously like farts.  That's just my juvenile humor and entirely unintentional.)   :thumbup:

 

 

 

Sorry I keep posting here. I'm really geek-ing out on researching UCs atm. :tongue_smilie:

 

[daijobu]

Thanks, Quark!  

[The Governess]

I have a seventh grader who is starting to do credit-worthy work. She took Algebra 1 in 6th, will review and then take Algebra 2 this year in 7th, and will take geometry in 8th. Am I correct that she doesn't need to actually take an a-g approved class if she takes geometry in 8th, but would need to if she waited until 9th? Is there no special validation that needs to happen for 8th grade geometry? Or would it be better to have her do the AoPS class just to be safe?

 

For now, I am going to assume that she will score high enough in math to meet everything but the geometry requirement. She'll probably also take the calculus AP. And hopefully score out of English. That would leave:

 

History: AP or DE classes (2)

 

Science: will probably do DE classes (3)

 

Language: Chinese AP exam

 

Art: DE class

 

Elective: another DE class or she could take the Latin SAT exam (she'll take AP also but for some reason it's not on their list...)

 

So I am looking at a max of 7 DE classes, or a min of 4. I was already going to have her take science and art at the CC. We were planning on a great books approach in high school though, and I wasn't planning on doing any AP history tests, so I will have to figure out what to do there.

 

Does this all sound right??

[quark]

Is there no special validation that needs to happen for 8th grade geometry? Or would it be better to have her do the AoPS class just to be safe?

 

[...]

 

So I am looking at a max of 7 DE classes, or a min of 4. I was already going to have her take science and art at the CC. We were planning on a great books approach in high school though, and I wasn't planning on doing any AP history tests, so I will have to figure out what to do there.

 

Does this all sound right??

 

If your DC has taken geometry, just self report the course. UC just wants to see a year-long course done. If using an AoPS class, you can explain in the application it was not year-long but complete. UC has approved AoPS classes now so you may not even need to do that. ETA: Sorry, I think this is old info. Some schools use integrated math so perhaps the usual definition of what we think of as year-long is no longer true.

 

For more ideas, see Laura's post here. She also mentions how her son did not strictly fulfill history and art requirements.

 

Now, I'm guessing that a history major might face a problem with that (but maybe not at every UC, I don't know, just thinking aloud here).

 

Each time I've called or spoken with UC folks, they've said to talk about how as homeschoolers, we made full use of the flexibility of homeschooling. Each time, they've mentioned the words "provide context" (almost like they memorized a script lol). I have decided to put the homeschooling first and the a-g as natural by-products but I won't know how successful this approach is (especially DS's DE-heavy, AP-low approach) till we hear back. Meanwhile, I soak in the wisdom of people like Laura and others who have come before me. If you have a local community you can inquire with, do ask there too!

 

Edited September 18, 2016 by quark

[The Governess]

If your DC has taken geometry, just self report the course. UC just wants to see a year-long course done. If using an AoPS class, you can explain in the application it was not year-long but complete. UC has approved AoPS classes now so you may not even need to do that. ETA: Sorry, I think this is old info. Some schools use integrated math so perhaps the usual definition of what we think of as year-long is no longer true.

 

For more ideas, see Laura's post here. She also mentions how her son did not strictly fulfill history and art requirements.

 

Now, I'm guessing that a history major might face a problem with that (but maybe not at every UC, I don't know, just thinking aloud here).

 

Each time I've called or spoken with UC folks, they've said to talk about how as homeschoolers, we made full use of the flexibility of homeschooling. Each time, they've mentioned the words "provide context" (almost like they memorized a script lol). I have decided to put the homeschooling first and the a-g as natural by-products but I won't know how successful this approach is (especially DS's DE-heavy, AP-low approach) till we hear back. Meanwhile, I soak in the wisdom of people like Laura and others who have come before me. If you have a local community you can inquire with, do ask there too!

Thanks! I do have a local community, but those that are interested in UC schools here usually plan to just apply as transfer students after CC. I don't know anyone that is trying to jump through all of these hoops!

 

The only courses that I would be doing as "extras" (not fitting into my general plan) would be the two history courses. So I guess I have to decide if I want to risk her not having by-the-book fulfillment of the requirements, or not. It sounds like for a strong student they may be will to overlook a few things.

 

And maybe the requirements will have changed again by the time we get there... ;)

[...................]

Is there a live human teacher for the SV history class? Are papers assigned and what sorts of exams? No books?

 

(Not being judgmental, I just want to get a feel for the class.)

They assign optional papers and research projects but so far they haven't seemed worthy enough to bother. The entire course is, watch videos, take quiz, x two weeks, study, (by clicking "review" on old quizzes as well as studying notes, then take test.

 

Two exams per year also

[...................]

Honestly my son really wants to do AP for other classes and though he loves history memorizing and he names and dates might be a challenge. So these are really just "fulfill the A-G and move on" classes. Then he will take a thought provoking honors or literature based course for economics and government. :)

[mirabillis]

CalmingTea - Which History is it - US or World Hist through SVOHS?

 

We took Geometry through WHA in 8th grade, so figure we'll self-report. 

 

daijobo - where are you taking the AP courses? I know we chatted elsewhere, and I'm thinking PAH? Or is it somewhere else or a mix?

 

Can't wait to see how we all fare when it comes time.... fortunately my ds is my oldest of 8, so he's my guinea pig. I hope to find success and then to repeat 7 more times - LOL!!

[Arcadia]

OP,

 

There are SAT subject test dates in August for 2017 and 2018, Aug. 26, 2017 and Aug. 25, 2018.  Good for prepping through summer and then just take the test to get it done. I plan for my kids to use those dates for the History and Biology exams.

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines

 

[daijobu]

 

daijobo - where are you taking the AP courses? I know we chatted elsewhere, and I'm thinking PAH? Or is it somewhere else or a mix?

 

 

 

AP CS- edhesive (formerly amplify)

AP chem- PAH

AP stats PAH

AP bio Stanford OHS

[Joyful]

I just read about UC's requirements in case DC are interested in applying down the road. 

Had a bunch of ??

Then I found this thread from 1 1/2 years ago.

 

Just want to say thank you!

[Jilly]

LanguageBird is a-g approved for Spanish.  We've taken a trial class and it seems fine, but we haven't signed on.  

 

 

This is an old thread but I thought I would add an update. Language Bird and other providers such as Online G3 and AoPS are no longer a-g approved as of 2018. You can see the list here of approved online providers. 

[Roadrunner]

This is an old thread but I thought I would add an update. Language Bird and other providers such as Online G3 and AoPS are no longer a-g approved as of 2018. You can see the list here of approved online providers.

😱😱😱 I wonder what happened?

[quark]

Theory is that they are trying to push UC Scout to the forefront of everyone's list of choices. :glare:

[crazyforlatin]

This is an old thread but I thought I would add an update. Language Bird and other providers such as Online G3 and AoPS are no longer a-g approved as of 2018. You can see the list here of approved online providers.

Yikes, we're actually having a trial lesson with Language Bird right now.

[Jilly]

😱😱😱 I wonder what happened?

 

Not sure the exact reasons why but many online providers that have been a-g approved for a while are losing that approval. CTY is even on the list which is actually quite shocking to me. 

[Roadrunner]

AOPS isn’t approved. CTY isn’t approved. Guess who is a through g approved? Rosetta Stone. 😤😠

Is this for real?