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
UPDATED POST: HIDDEN FIGURES EXCLUSIVE SCREENING FIELD TRIP
Hidden Figures exclusive screening for GIRLS ONLY! Hidden Figures tells the incredible story of three brilliant African-American women mathematicians who worked for NASA in the early 1960s and played a pivotal role in launching astronaut, John Glenn, into space. The film is presented by 20th Century Fox. The film is starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parson. The day will be hosted by Pharrell Williams, who scored the film.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from 9am to 1pm (The bus will leave at 8am and return at approximately 2pm.)
WHERE:
USC Galen Center
This is a school trip requiring a permission slip. You may pick one up from the counseling office or Ms. G in Room 608. You will need a permission slip and Media Release form returned to Ms. G no later than tomorrow, December 21st! Hidden Figures (Sign Up link)
UPDATED POST: COLLEGE WORKSHOP NIGHT JANUARY 12TH AT LCHS!
The LCHS Counseling staff would like to invite freshmen-junior students and parents to attend our College Workshop Night on January 12th from 6-8 pm. In addition to PSAT results interpretation, we will offer a variety of brief workshops on the college preparation process. The workshops will include:
PSAT Results Interpretation
College Admissions Testing
College Athletic Recruiting
Demonstrated Interest in Your Colleges
Growth Mindset
How to Navigate the College Process for English Language Learners/International Students
Post-secondary Options for Students Receiving Special Education Services
Return on Investment for College
Understanding the Financial Aid Process
Applying to the CSU System
Applying to the UC System
The Community College Process
Taking Tuition-free College Classes While in High School
- Making the Most of Your Summer
NEW POST: CHALLENGE SUCCESS PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT presented by Stanford's Denise Pope on January 17, 2017 in the LCHS Auditorium. See details below.
UPCOMING SAT AND ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES
SAT test date: Jan. 21, 2017 Registration deadline: Dec. 21, 2016. Click here to register.
ACT test date: Feb. 11, 2017 Registration deadline: Jan. 13, 2017. Click here to register.
Foothill Selpa presents "From High School to College: A Whole New Ball Game" by Tina Anderson-Wahlberg, Director of Disabled Students Programs and Services
Who should attend? Parents with 8th through 12th grade students receiving special education services and who are interested in attending college.
Where: Glendale Community College Student Center, Room 212
1500 Verdugo Road, Glendale Ca 91208- see your high school counselor for a parking permit
When: January 26, 2017 7:00-8:30 pm
Questions, call Norma Hidalgo (818) 241-3111 ext 1510
PRINCETON REVIEW OFFERS SAT AND ACT PREP CLASSES AT LCHS SPRING 2017
Interested in taking SAT or ACT prep courses through Princeton Review this Spring? Princeton Review is offering prep courses at LCHS beginning in February for both the SAT and the ACT. Please click here for schedule of classes, pricing, and LCHS student discount information.
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
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
NEW POST: Medical Mentor/Internship Program Opportunity for current Juniors!
Through the 2017 Eve & Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, students work under the supervision of a health care educator, shadowing various medical professionals (nurse, nutritionist, pharmacist, lab technician, physician and/or medical specialist, etc.) who together provide a range of patient care and services.
Program Dates: There are 2, 3 and 4 week programs available from July 1 - August 4, 2017. See Application on the website under Summer Programs for application, documents, and specific date information.
Submission Instructions and Application Deadline: The original set of required documents and 1 copy of this entire set of documents must be sent by US Mail ONLY and mailed by Wednesday, FEBRUARY 22, 2017.
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
NEW POST: Medical Mentor/Internship Program Opportunity for current Seniors!
Through the 2017 Eve & Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, students work under the supervision of a health care educator, shadowing various medical professionals (nurse, nutritionist, pharmacist, lab technician, physician and/or medical specialist, etc.) who together provide a range of patient care and services.
Program Dates: There are 2, 3 and 4 week programs available from July 1 - August 4, 2017. See Application on the website under Summer Programs for application, documents, and specific date information.
Submission Instructions and Application Deadline: The original set of required documents and 1 copy of this entire set of documents must be sent by US Mail ONLY and mailed by Wednesday, FEBRUARY 22, 2017.
Reminder: Initial Transcripts Must Be Paid For PRIOR to Winter Break
For any student who still needs to order/pay for INITIAL transcripts, please be sure to submit payment to Mrs. Waas, Registrar, by no later than Wednesday, 12/21 at 1:00 p.m. Transcripts are $5 each. Click HERE to print the transcript request form. It is the student's responsibility to request transcripts. Reminder: The form requires a counselor signature prior to submitting payment.
Looking ahead to Mid-Year Transcripts
The end of the first semester is almost upon us, which means it is almost time for mid-year transcripts. A mid-year transcript is a transcript that includes all of your grades through the first semester of senior year. Schools on the Common Application REQUIRE a mid-year transcript; colleges outside of the Common Application will each have their own individual requirements, and therefore some may require it, some may not. You do not need to send a mid-year transcript to UC or CSU schools unless the school specifically requests it from you. Be sure to check your email and/or application portals DAILY.
Many seniors pre-ordered mid-year transcripts during the college meeting with the counselor, and therefore transcripts for these students will automatically be sent to the colleges in their Naviance list. No further action is required.
If you did not pre-order your mid-year transcripts, the counselors will be taking appointments when we return from winter break in January. Mid-years can be ordered during the window of January 9th through 20th. Mid-year transcripts are $5 each, payable by cash or check made out to LCHS. The transcript request form can be found HERE.
If you are unsure as to whether or not your college requires a mid-year, please refer to the website for the college in question and/or check your application portal. If you cannot remember if you ordered mid-year transcripts, please email your counselor or make an appointment when we return in January.
Mid-year transcripts will be mailed once grades are finalized AFTER winter break.
Attention Seniors:
The following is a letter that school counselors nationwide will be sending to their seniors with regard to contacting colleges/universities, as suggested by CollegeWise:
“As you start filling out applications and start to receive emails from colleges on your list, please make sure that you (and ONLY you) are responding to the emails and/or communicating with the colleges directly. It will show incredible maturity and initiative on your part if you communicate with colleges. This also applies to guidance counselors at your school - do not ask your parents to call your counselor. If you have a question or issue, you should reach out to them directly. Some instances when you would need to do this:
You sent your SAT scores but one of your colleges sends you an email telling you that they never received it.
You are given your alumni interviewer's info from a college after your application was sent, and it is up to you to set up your interview with him/her.
You signed up for an interview event or college event online, but you never received an email confirmation.
Your counselor or teacher has still not written their promised letter of recommendation and your application deadline is soon approaching.
When it comes to all things financial aid-related, it is completely acceptable and expected for parents to make that phone call to the college financial aid office. However, all phone calls related to admissions - particularly after the application has been sent - should be made by students.
After your application has been sent, if you need to contact a school, make sure to have your Common Application ID number handy (or if the college is not on the Common App, whatever ID # that college assigned you) when you speak to admissions, as they may request this info. The Common App ID # is located at the top right-hand corner of the dashboard page of the Common App, close to the "Sign Out" button. If you need to contact a school and you're not sure what to say or how to say it, reach out to your counselor for some ‘behind the scenes’ coaching.”
October SAT scores are now available. Students can log in to their College Board account to view their scores.
DECEMBER BREAKDOWN:
If accepted Early Decision, all other applications must be withdrawn.
If deferred Early Decision, write to the college stating it is still your first choice & you plan to attend if accepted.
Make sure you’ve sent ALL supplemental materials to schools you’ve already applied to (test scores, transcripts, portfolios, letters of rec., etc.) and that you have set up interviews at schools that allow them.
Observe all college application deadlines. Use Naviance to track your applications, or you may opt to try a spreadsheet or Google Doc, such as this one or this one.
Continue gathering financial aid information for your colleges. Check whether the private schools you’ve applied to use the “CSS Profile” (more info on www.cssprofile.org). Continue working on your FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov). If you have not started, create your Federal Student Aid ID for FAFSA by visiting the FSA ID website: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Make a goal to have your FAFSA submitted by January 1.
Plan to submit all applications before Winter Break. Remember, many colleges have a January 1 deadline. You will not be able to reach teachers, your counselor or anyone in the LCHS office during the Winter Break if you have forgotten to request letters of recommendation or transcripts.
SAT/ACT Testing must be completed by the December Test Dates. Make sure you have sent your previous scores to the colleges to which you have or will be applying to, and/or informed colleges about a planned December test date.
What to Do Before and After Your College Interview, from CollegeBoard:
Use this checklist to prepare for your college interviews and to take care of details afterward. Being prepared will help you stay calm and confident. It's also important to be honest about who you are and what you've done. You'll be more convincing — and appealing — if you stick to what's real.
Before
Make an interview appointment with one of the colleges I want to attend.
Mark the date and time on my calendar.
Research the college by checking out its website, brochure and course catalog.
Make notes about why I want to attend this college.
Make notes about my academic background and high school experiences.
Make notes about my life outside the classroom, including activities, community service and hobbies.
Get familiar with common interview questions and do some practice interviews with a friend or family member. Take turns being the interviewee and the interviewer.
Prepare questions about the school to ask the interviewer.
Get directions to the interview.
Choose appropriate clothes to wear for the interview.
Gather documents I might need, such as test scores and my high school transcript.
After
Make notes about the interview.
File away any business cards with contact information that the interviewer and other admission staff offer.
Send a thank-you note to the interviewer. Thank the person for his or her time and refer to something specific we discussed.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/interviews/college-interviews-the-basics
Are you interested in writing an essay to possibly receive an award?
On behalf of the Prindle Institute for Ethics at DePauw University we would like you to encourage any student(s) to submit an essay, for our High School Essay Contest. The Prindle Institute for Ethics will award 5 prizes ($300.00 each) for the best essays written by a high school student on an ethics-related topic. This years topic focuses on the ethics of voting. Please visit and share this link for more information and to submit an essay. The deadline is January 16, 2017.
Common mistakes to avoid as you are finishing up your college applications:
If you applied early action or early decision, don’t wait on the results before completing your remaining applications.
Do not slack-off in your classes. Colleges offer a “provisional” acceptance, meaning that they expect you to finish each semester of your senior year with similar grades to those you have earned in the past. They can rescind (meaning “revoke” or “cancel”) their offer if you do not finish the same way you started.
Do not send materials that the college did not ask for. Everything they need to review your file was included in their application instructions.
DO make sure to spell check and proofread your applications before hitting submit.
DO keep track of the date/time that you submit your applications and follow up over the next few days to ensure that all of your materials were received. Note that supplemental materials such as transcripts and test scores can take a few weeks to get matched to your account.
For more do’s and don’ts, please review the following articles:
A special note from the Omega Yearbook Staff
Dear Senior Parents,
We are writing to you from the Omega Yearbook Staff. As we prepare for the release of our yearbook in May, we would like to offer you the opportunity to create a tribute to your child that will be featured in our yearbook. You can send in photos and messages for your seniors to see as graduation nears. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to honor your future graduates. Please follow the link below to order your dedication:
http://adeaze.net/lacanadahs/
Thank you,
The Omega Yearbook Staff
If you have any questions, you can call our advisor Gayle Nicholls Ali at (626) 688-0310.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest - This contest season marks the 100th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's birth. To celebrate the JFK Centennial, the 2017 Profile in Courage Essay Contest is featuring: a first-place prize of $20,000, cash awards for the top 25 essays, and a special contest topic. https://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx . Application deadline January 4, 2017
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is a national program that awards college scholarships to high school seniors who embody the characteristics of President Ronald Reagan at school, in the community, in the workplace and at home. Applicants must demonstrate the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship; strong academic performance (min. 3.0 GPA), and plans to enroll full-time at an accredited 4-year college/university. Recipients receive a $10,000 renewable scholarships. More information, application and eligibility requirements are available at https://www.scholarsapply.org/GE-REAGAN. Application deadline–Jan. 5, 2017
APIASF (Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund) provides scholarships to underserved Asian American Pacific Islander students who will be enrolling in a U.S. accredited college or university in the Fall. Students must have a min. 2.7 GPA and must apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA. Additional information and application are available online at https://www.apiasf.org/scholarships Deadline-Jan. 11, 2017
Jeff Krosnoff Scholarship - Four-year college bound California high school seniors with excellent academic credentials who have demonstrated a breadth of interests, a driving desire to succeed in their chosen endeavors, outstanding community citizenship and the ability to share their experiences through the written word. Applicants should have a cumulative grade point average in grades 9-12 of at least 3.0. And complete the application and essay. Don't write what you think we want to hear. We'll know. Be honest and forthcoming. http://www.jeffkrosnoffscholarship.com/Scholarship.htm Application deadline January 18, 2017.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarship application process is open. RMHC scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate - financial need, academic achievement, leadership and community service. Students can apply online at www.rmhc.org/rmhc-us-scholarships . Application deadline–Jan. 18, 2017. The awards are in four categories –
- RMHC/HACER Awards – applicant must have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage and demonstrate excellence in academics and a financial need to pursue a higher education.
- RMHC African-American Future Achievers – applicant must have at least one parent of African American or Black Caribbean heritage and submit an essay describing their community service and leadership abilities and how their future endeavors will benefit society.
- RMHC Asia Scholarship Program – applicant must be of Asian-Pacific heritage and submit an essay detailing their leadership skills and community service, along with a letter of recommendation from a nonprofit community-based organization.
- RMHC Scholars – open to all graduating seniors who demonstrate excellence in academics, character, leadership, and financial need.
Union Plus Scholarship Program – is offering grants ranging from $500 - $4000 to assist union members and their children to attend college or trade/technical school. Applicants are evaluated based on academic ability, social awareness, financial need and content of essay. A min. 3.0 GPA is recommended. Students apply online www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/union-plus-scholarship. Application deadline-Jan. 31, 2017
Check out Naviance for more information on these and many other scholarships available.
EARNING MONEY FOR COLLEGE DURING HIGH SCHOOL!
There is a new opportunity to start earning money towards college as a freshman, through micro-scholarships for various colleges. The program is called raise.me, which is funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. There are over 100 colleges that are partnering with this organization and you can follow that college like an Instagram account. It is easy and free to register on raise.me. You can earn money for every A or B you earn, doing community service, earning your Eagle Scout or Gold Award, taking an AP test, etc… Check it out and let your counselor know if you decided to register. When you are a senior and you are accepted to one of the partner schools (that you have been following and earning money for), you can use this money towards college tuition and expenses.
College/Career Resources
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS
Are you considering a Gap Year after high school? USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and Gap Year experts. Click here for a list of USA Gap Year Fairs coming to southern California in February!
Last Minute Applications
Last minute tips for anyone who may be a little behind on college apps...
http://www.wnyc.org/story/five-tips-completing-last-minute-college-applications
Handouts from the Oct. 12th Financial Aid Night: To download the handouts, please click here.
Financial Aid 411 handout (includes information on FAFSA, Cal Grant, CSS Profile and more)
CollegeBoard.org - information available to learn about tools and resources to support students and families throughtout the financial planning process: Financial Aid Essentials
8 Tools & Resources for Writing The Best Scholarship Essays
PARENT ACTION PLAN FOR SOPHOMORE COLLEGE/CAREER PLANNING:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents/parent-action-plan-10th-grade
COLLEGE PLANNING APP:
Students can now get college planning advice and guidance right from their phones, with the College Board’s CollegeGo mobile app. The app is available for free in the Apple and Google Play stores.The app guides students through the essential steps they need to take in order to find, apply to, and attend the right college for them. The interactive, step-by-step platform uses game, video, and search features to help students plan their college journey.
FAFSA Submission Deadlines:
From the FAFSA Website (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Deadlines 2017-2018
State Deadline
California - For many state financial aid programs – March 2, 2017 (this is the deadline for FAFSA submission with Cal Grant consideration. Students are encouraged to apply no later than this date).
Federal Deadline
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2018.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 15, 2018.
Students are encouraged to submit early (no later than March 2), as federal deadlines fall far later than the state deadline.
College Deadline
Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Some colleges will be looking for FAFSA submission as early as October/November. When in doubt, submit early.
Additional Financial Aid Information/Tips:
Cal Grant also requires submission of a school certified GPA by March 2, 2017 (LCHS does this automatically → for more info, see below). For additional community college Cal Grants - deadline September 2, 2017 (date postmarked).
If you are a non-citizen holding a Social Security card issued through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or for some other work authorization, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application found at www.caldreamact.org. Do NOT fill out a FAFSA. Contact the California Student Aid Commission (www.csac.ca.gov) or your financial aid administrator for more information.
Additional forms may be required (such as the CSS Profile → more information below).
Applicants are encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA.
CSS Profile:
From the CollegeBoard CSS Profile Presentation (http://css.collegeboard.org/)
WHAT is the PROFILE?
The PROFILE is an online application that collects information used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds. (All Federal funds are awarded based on the FAFSA, available after Oct. 1 at fafsa.ed.gov.)
Some colleges may require additional information, such as tax returns or an institutional application. If your parents are divorced, some colleges will also require your noncustodial parent to complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.
WHEN do I file the PROFILE?
You may file the PROFILE as early as Oct. 1, 2016. However, you should file no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges or programs. WHO must file the PROFILE? Check your colleges’/programs’ information to determine whether they require the PROFILE. A list of colleges that require the PROFILE from at least some of their applicants can be found by clicking on Participating Colleges, Universities, and Scholarship Programs on the PROFILE Homepage.
COUNSELING CORNER
Resources:
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.