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College Preparation Programs

Many high schools have special programs for aspiring college students. Some programs are available at your high school while others are offered through colleges, universities, or community organizations. Check with your local high school for special programs available to you. College-prep programs include:

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP programs provide incentives for public comprehensive high schools in California to provide access to rigorous, college-level courses, while still in secondary school and receive college credit, for advanced academic standing, or both.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

AVID is a middle through senior high school program to prepare students in the middle achievement level with the potential to succeed in rigorous secondary curriculum and achieve four-year college eligibility. While AVID is a national program, it is administered at the local level so contact your school for more information.

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)

MESA engages educationally disadvantaged students so they can excel in math and science and graduate with math-based degrees.

U.S. Army March 2 Success

March 2 Success is an online test preparation course that provides help with standardized testing as well as improving math, language arts, and science skills.

Upward Bound

Upward Bound is an academic college preparation and retention program. Upward Bound is designed to assist ninth through twelfth grade students in developing the skills necessary to ensure high school graduation and future success in college.