COUNSELOR CONNECTION
La Canada High School
DAILY LCHS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Can't hear the PA Announcements in class? Did you know that all of the announcements are posted on the school website? Just go to the Student Portal on the upper left corner of the website, then "PA Announcements" on the right gold bar. (Or, you can click here for the link.) Stay informed and never miss an announcement again!
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
LCHS Peer Tutoring Interest Survey
LCHS student leaders Patrick Witteman, Lauren Christensen, and Arjun Aron are working with counseling advisors this year to design and establish on-campus peer tutoring opportunities. In order to determine student participation, students are being asked to complete an Interest Survey this week via e-mail and STEP announcements. If your child has not completed this survey yet, please encourage them to access the survey here: Peer Tutoring Interest Survey. ONLY STUDENTS SHOULD COMPLETE SURVEY THROUGH GMAIL (mylcusd) ACCOUNTS.
UCLA Open House
Come and learn more about UCLA! You will have an opportunity to tour the campus, learn about applying for admission and financial aid, and hear about academic programs and student life at UCLA. Event takes place on October 8th. Click here for more information and to register: UCLA Open House Information
ASB News This Week:
- Are you interested in joining a club here on campus? Do you want to get involved at school? Check out the LCHS Clubs available this school year: LCHS Clubs 2016-2017
- Homecoming tickets went on sale. They are for sale at lunch in the ASB room. You must present your ID card (and your date’s if applicable), and if you want the $5 discount, bring the number you got when you voted for homecoming court. Tickets this week are $25 w/ ASB, $30 w/o. They will increase $5 each week ending up to the dance on October 15th.
- Homecoming Spirit Week: Monday (October 10th) is Muscle Monday (workout clothes); Tuesday (October 11th) is Camo Tuesday; Wednesday (October 12th) is Woodstock Wednesday; Thursday (October 13th) is Pajama Day!
Local Community Service Opportunity
The Stewardship Leaders Volunteer Docent Program is starting in mid-October. Participants will attend five weekend training sessions (about 4 hours each time) to become qualified to lead tours in special natural areas and parks in eastern LA County. The parks are part of the Emerald Necklace, an inter-connected network of multi-benefit trails, parks, and greenways based on LA County's waterways. These places are being restored and revived with the goal of improving habitat for wildlife and native plants, providing healthy spaces for recreation, and preserving and enhancing water conservation and storm water management. Click here for more info: Stewardship Leaders and Stewardship Leaders Volunteer Docent Program
Math Tutoring Available
Math support is available on campus every Wednesday after school by Ms. DiFiore in Room 213. (2:45-4:00). Tutoring is open for all math levels.
SAT/ACT Testing Dates
Click below for important SAT and ACT dates and deadlines.
2016-2017 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
2016-2017 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
ACT, SAT, and College Application Fee Waivers
The college application process can quickly become expensive, but fee waivers for the ACT, SAT, Common Application, and NCAA are available for students who qualify.
General eligibility information can be found at the following links: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/fees/fee-waivers
http://www.lcusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=455497&type=d&pREC_ID=985769
If eligible, your counselor can provide you specific information about each waiver.
Freshman Forum
Follow Link Crew this year!
Instagram: @LCHSlinkcrew / Snapchat: LClinkcrew / Twitter: LCLinkcrew
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcouns to 81010 to join the Freshman Forum Remind 101.
SOPHOMORE SCENE
ATTENTION SOPHOMORES:
The HOBY Youth Leadership Organization is looking for student leaders to attend their annual State Leadership Seminars, held on June 23-25th at Cal Poly Pomona. The HOBY State Leadership Seminars have been an important tradition for La Canada High School students. It is an honor to be selected to represent our school and develop important leadership skills that you can bring back to our campus the following year.
To be considered for selection you must complete the application included below.
Since we have many natural student leaders at LCHS and and a high interest in participation for the HOBY Leadership Seminar, this year we are requesting that you complete the attached application and submit your application to the counseling office by the deadline stated below. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 2:45. The application entails 2 short paragraphs related to your leadership traits and a short essay addressing the writing prompt “Describe the most rewarding and most challenging aspect of being a leader in your school and community.” (75-150 words). Applications will be read by a small committee to select the top four students that will represent La Canada High School. Please read more details here: HOBY Leadership Conference Information // HOBY Youth Leadership Application
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 by 2:45 pm (no late applications will be accepted). HOBY Youth Leadership Application
SELECTED STUDENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY NOVEMBER 4TH
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcoun to 81010 to join the Sophomore Scene Remind 101.
JUNIOR JUNCTION
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @juniorjun to 81010 to join the Junior Junction Remind 101.
SENIOR STOP
STEP College Advisory Topic For This Week: College Essays
Whether you are just starting your essays or you are putting on the final touches, join us for a STEP workshop on college essays! Sign-up is on Naviance → College Tab → College Visits → then select the STEP workshop and sign-up! Make sure to bring your essay with you, as there will be time to work on it and get feedback during STEP. Remember, when writing your essays, the best thing to do is to be yourself! Let the admissions office get to know you. Remember, you did not have to save the world from disaster to stand out in an essay! Sometimes it’s the seemingly mundane things that can really stand out. Look at yourself introspectively and focus on the things that personify who you are and what you are passionate about.
“8 Tips for Crafting Your Best College Essay”
Retrieved from: Big Future by The College Board
(Adapted from The College Application Essay by Sarah Myers McGinty)
1. Get started by brainstorming
Starting the essay can be the hardest part. Brainstorming about your personality traits and defining your strengths is a good place to begin.
2. Let your first draft flow
After you've gathered your notes, create an outline to organize your essay and decide where you want examples to appear. Now you're ready to write your first draft. Don't worry about making it perfect. Just get your ideas flowing and your thoughts down on paper. You'll fix mistakes and improve the writing in later drafts.
3. Develop three essay parts
Introduction: One paragraph that introduces your essay.
Body: Several paragraphs explaining the main idea with examples.
Conclusion: One paragraph that summarizes and ends the essay.
4. Be specific
Give your essay focus by figuring out how the question relates to your personal qualities and then taking a specific angle. Make sure everything you write supports that viewpoint.
5. Find a creative angle
Katherine, a college freshman, had to describe why she would make a good Reed College student for that school's essay. "I am a huge fan of Beat Generation writers, and many of the West Coast Beat writers attended Reed," she says. "So I related my love for writing and the Beats to why I would be a great fit for the school."
6. Be honest
The essay question might ask you about your best quality, an experience that shaped you or the reason you want to attend a certain college. Don't be tempted to write what you think the admission officers want to hear; answer the question honestly.
7. Get feedback
Show your draft to family, friends or teachers. Ask if it makes sense and sounds like you. Consider their feedback and make changes, but keep your voice. High school senior Dana warns, "Make sure the essay is in your own voice. If at some point you read over your essay and you hear your mother's voice, something is wrong."
8. Proofread and make corrections
Read your essay over carefully to check for typos and spelling and grammar errors. It's best to ask someone who hasn't seen it yet to take a look as well. They're likely to see mistakes you won't catch.
For more thoughts on college essays, please see the following articles/videos:
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/tip-sheet-essay/?_r=0
http://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/college-essay
http://college.usatoday.com/2014/10/23/9-essay-writing-tips-to-wow-college-admissions-officers/
http://wiselikeus.com/collegewise/2011/10/a-college-essay-checklist.html
What is the difference between Early Decision vs. Early Action?
Early Decision is a binding application contract. If you are admitted under Early Decision, you are agreeing to attend that school no matter what. It is important to think carefully about this decision. Before applying ED, you should have fully researched all aspects of the school, including their financial aid information. If after all of that, you have no doubt that College A is your #1 choice over Colleges B-Z, then Early Decision might be right for you. Applying ED should be a family decision. An ED contract is required. If, like the great majority of students, you have a top choice school but cannot seem to rule out wanting to attend other schools on your list, then it may be better to look at Early Action or Regular Decision options as you continue with your college research. Deadlines for ED and EA are earlier than Regular Decision deadlines, often occurring in November (but sometimes October, so check your dates carefully!).
Please see the following handouts/articles for more information:
“Should I Apply Early Decision?” From Tufts University
“Should You Apply Early Action vs Early Decision?” From Princeton Review
Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
Oct. 1: FAFSA application available online
October 5, 6: "Essay Writing Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
Oct. 8: UCLA Open House Information
October 12: "Common App Support" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
Oct. 12: "Financial Aid" Night 6 pm LCHS Auditorium (see more information below)
October 13: "UC Application Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
Oct. 15 & 29: CSU Channel Islands Preview Days
October 19: "CSU Application/CSU Mentor Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
Oct.22: Performing and Visual Arts Colleges Fair at UCLA 1:00-3:30 p.m. Click here for more information and Click here to register.
October 26, 27: "Open Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab. Use this time to work on any aspect of your application. Counselors will be available for questions.
November 2, 3: "Scholarships and Financial Aid" student workshop during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
Nov. 30: UC Applications Due -->Access the application starting NOW
Nov. 30: CSU Applications Due
Dec. 1: USC Scholarship Deadline
Upcoming College Visits*:
Southwestern University 10.4
The University of Georgia 10.4
University of Richmond 10.4
Harvey Mudd College 10.4
University of Redlands 10/5
Franklin University in Switzerland 10/5
Johns Hopkins 10/5
California College of the Arts 10/5
University of Michigan 10/7
New York University 10/7
Wagner College 10/7
UC Santa Barbara 10/10
Butler University 10/10
Lasell College 10/10
Villanova University 10/10
*For the extended list of visits, please log-in to your Naviance account. Visit sign-ups will take place through Naviance. Please remember to ask your teacher in advance, prior to the visit. When you sign up on Naviance you will be prompted to print a permission slip. You MUST bring the signed permission slip with you to the visit in order for it to be an excused absence.
College Application Support
There are many steps in the application process, but don't fret! Counselors will be hosting a variety of workshops during STEP and/or lunch. STEP College Advisory Workshops began on September 21st in the IRC and will continue until November. See specific dates and topics below. You must sign up in Naviance under "College Visits."
October 5, 6: "Essay Writing Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
October 12: "Common App Support" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
October 13: "UC Application Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
October 19: "CSU Application/CSU Mentor Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
October 26, 27: "Open Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab. Use this time to work on any aspect of your application. Counselors will be available for questions.
November 2, 3: "Scholarships and Financial Aid" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
Financial Aid Night at LCHS
The La Canada High School Counseling Department is pleased to offer a parent information presentation on financial aid here on our campus. "Financial Aid Night" is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12th at 6:00 p.m. in the LCHS Auditorium. We have a special guest presenter. Leslie Husa from the University of Southern California Financial Aid office will be presenting information on the following topics:
FAFSA
CSS Profile
Types of Financial Aid Eligibility
Determining Financial Aid Eligibility
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Common Scholarship Application Errors to Avoid
Financial Aid-Changes to the FAFSA Process for 2017–18:
SUBMIT A FAFSA EARLIER: Students will be able to submit a 2017–18 FAFSA as early as Oct. 1, 2016, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2017. The earlier submission date will be a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit their FAFSAs as early as October 1 every year. Be on the lookout for "Financial Aid Night" hosted at LCHS in October- Date and Time TBD.
USE EARLIER INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION: Beginning with the 2017–18 FAFSA, students will be required to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2017–18 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) will report their 2015 income and tax information, rather than their 2016 income and tax information. For more details and to sign up for a FAFSA ID number: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
College Board Webinar
Beginning in October, College Board will host monthly webinars to engage parents in topics about College Board programs and the college planning process. Each webinar will feature a College Board representative and other members and partners.
Upcoming Event:
College Applications 101 for Parents,
Oct. 12, 7–8 p.m. ET
Glendale Community College is coming to LCHS!
Please stop by to meet Mrs. Chil-Gevorkyan, Coordinator of Student Outreach Services, who will be available to discuss programs available for LCHS students. We encourage students to learn more about GCC’s Jump Start program, Dual Enrollment opportunities and information for prospective students. Mrs. Chil-Gevorkyan will be visiting LCHS on the following dates during lunch: October 14th, October 28th, November 4th, November 18th.
UC Preview Days and CSU Preview Days
Applying to a UC or Cal State? A great way to get to know these campuses is to visit! Please use links below to get information on tours, open houses and preview days. Some preview days are scheduled as early as October 8th, so don't wait!
Past Presentations and Handouts:
Facing the College Application Process.
Facing the College Application Process Parent Presentation.
Instructions for Completing Naviance for Counselor Letters of Rec
Instructions for Completing Naviance for CSU/UC/Community College/Non Letter of Rec Schools Only
Official Transcripts
The counselors explained the transcript request process as part of the "Facing the College Application Process" presentation. This form can be accessed via Naviance or in the front office at Mr. Erickson's desk. It is also available for you HERE. Official transcripts are $5 each, payable by cash or check. Students must obtain the counselor's signature prior to submitting the form and related fees to Mrs. Waas, Registrar.
College Meetings
We continue to see all students on a walk-in basis during non-class hours or via appointment sign-ups using the clipboards in the front office. Seniors were instructed on how to use "Signup Genius" for their final college counseling meeting. The link to Signup Genius will soon be delivered to students via remind 101. Those appointments begin on Monday, Sept. 19th and will conclude on Nov. 4th.
Final College Meeting: Seniors, you should have received a Remind101 text with the link to your counselor to sign up for your senior meeting; however, the links are also listed below.
A few reminders:
Please sign up with at least one day notice to give time for your counselor to prepare.
Be sure to complete the checklist of items on Naviance before your appointment.
Get a pass the day before from Mrs. Erickson in the counseling office.
Zooi A-Cha link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090E4CAFA92AA4FC1-senior
Hays Che-Ga link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45ACA923A0FD0-senior1
Kukta Ge-Kh link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45ACA923A0FD0-senior2
Maljian Ki-L link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45ACA923A0FD0-senior3
Rogers M-Pa link:
www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F45ACA923A0FD0-senior
Lauxen Pe-Sm link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45ACA923A0FD0-senior4
Basmajian Sn-Z link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45ACA923A0FD0-senior5
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @seniorstop to 81010 to join the Senior Stop Remind 101.
College/Career Resources
Financial Aid Planning
Everything You Need to Know About the 2017-2018 FAFSA- This blog post addresses questions such as “Will state and college financial aid deadlines be earlier since the FAFSA is launching earlier?” and “Will I receive financial aid offers earlier if I apply earlier?” and “How will I know what colleges to list on the FAFSA if I haven’t decided which colleges I’ll be applying to?”
For additional information, resources, and tips regarding financial aid, please check out these links provided by College Board: Financial Aid Essentials Net price calculators
College Planning
Half of "Top 100" National Liberal Arts Colleges Do Not Require ACT/SAT
College Applications
College application season is here! Commonly used websites include:
New application platform available for some schools: http://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/
Testing
If you are applying to even one private school or out-of-state school, the GREAT majority of those schools will want a counselor letter of rec, a.k.a. the "Secondary School Report". This is in ADDITION to teacher letters of rec. Make contact with your teachers and counselor early, especially if you are applying Early Action or Early Decision. It is imperative that your Naviance account is up-to-date. Be sure to finish any summer tasks that were assigned during the Junior College Project.
Know your deadlines! Naviance is a great tracking tool. Be sure to use your Google calendar to track important events as well. Colleges have deadlines ranging from October 1 through May 31, and everywhere in between. It is your responsibility to know your deadlines.
Financial Aid-Changes to the FAFSA Process for 2017–18:
SUBMIT A FAFSA EARLIER: Students will be able to submit a 2017–18 FAFSA as early as Oct. 1, 2016, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2017. The earlier submission date will be a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit their FAFSAs as early as October 1 every year. Be on the lookout for "Financial Aid Night" hosted at LCHS in October- Date and Time TBD.
USE EARLIER INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION: Beginning with the 2017–18 FAFSA, students will be required to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2017–18 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) will report their 2015 income and tax information, rather than their 2016 income and tax information. For more details and to sign up for a FAFSA ID number: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
College Essay Writing Resources
Think about your college essays. Brainstorm ideas and look for common themes so that you do not reinvent the wheel with every essay. The earlier you begin your essays, the better. It allows for a calmer approach and more time to proofread and gather input from teachers and friends.
COUNSELING CORNER
Resources:
How to raise successful kids- without over-parenting (TED Talk by Julie Lythcott-Haims) With passion and wry humor, the former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford makes the case for parents to stop defining their children's success via grades and test scores. Instead, she says, they should focus on providing the oldest idea of all: unconditional love.
From LCF Community Prevention Council: "The Small Book of Big Issues"
Books by Challenge Success and Its Founders
Registration 2017-18
Save the Date Reminder - August 7, 2017 for grades 12-10, August 8, 2017 for grade 9.
Links to websites are offered for your convenience in accessing related information, but do not constitute an endorsement of the website or its content. LCHS takes no responsibility for the views, content or accuracy of the information presented by an external website.