Counselor Connection
La Canada High School
Continuing to notice, choose and act after Challenge Day, here's this week's Challenge:
The quote of the week is . . .
“You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else
at the same time.” –M. Scott Peck
Peck was an American psychiatrist and best-selling author. He is best
known for his book The Road Less Traveled which focused on discipline,
love, and grace.
The Challenge for this week is to acknowledge the number of conversations during which you are trying to do something else.
LCHS Students in Action!
Please come out this Thursday at lunch for LCHS Club Day. Students interested in signing up for a club should plan to attend! It will be held in front of the North Gym at lunch on Thursday, February 4.
Spartan News!
Make sure to check out the Spartan Newspaper´s newest video broadcast outlet, LCTV! Every week we will provide highlights of everything Spartan--from sports teams to clubs to school events, we´ve got you covered. If you would like to be featured in one or more of our videos, please contact lchsspartan@gmail.com
FRESHMAN FORUM
Last Friday, January 29th, counselors conducted Naviance training during ninth grade science classes. Students were introduced to the tools and resources of Naviance Family Connection, as well as completed a StrengthsExplorer assessment to help guide them through post-high school exploration. The counselors encourage students to use their new login/passwords to share with parents and continue utilizing this college/career tool throughout high school.
Please come out this Thursday at lunch for LCHS Club Day. Students interested in signing up for a club should plan to attend! It will be held in front of the North Gym at lunch on Thursday, February 4.
You are invited to participate in the 2016 Showcase. It is sponsored by the Institutes for the 21st Century program and this year by 9-12 ASB students. This year’s event will be this Thursday, February 4, 2016. Students will use the IRC, the Auditorium, and the surrounding outside spaces at LCHS. Presenting students will set up from 4:00 to 4:30, visitors are welcome from 4:30 to 7:00, and clean up will be done by 7:30.
Showcase is earlier this year and will honor 9-12 first semester accomplishments in the IRC, and talent performances from our performing arts groups in the Auditorium. Click here for more information.
This Saturday, February 6, Center Theatre Group is hosting a College & Career Fair for the Arts for high school students, parents and teachers.
Students can meet representatives from more than 35 local colleges, universities and organizations, attend free workshops on a variety of topics relevant to arts-interested students, and enjoy free lunch from a food truck. The entire event is free, and parents and teachers are welcome at the fair (workshops are students-only).
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Center Theatre Group Offices at the Music Center Annex
601 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
11am–5pm
Free Food Truck 11:30am–12:30pm
Come by any time!
High school students can RSVP to the College and Career Fair and get a free gift upon entry. Email studentbody@centertheatregroup.orgwith your:
- Name
- School & grade
- Which workshops you'd like to attend, if any
Free Workshops—RSVP Required
Sign up for one of more breakout sessions with expert speakers. Workshops are filling fast.
- 11am: Paying for College: Learn about the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid), student loans, preparing applications, scholarships, and financial aid in this roundtable session.
- 12:30pm: Working in Los Angeles Theatre: LA's theatre scene is vibrant and welcoming. Learn more about it (and how to get involved) from local theatre professionals.
- 2pm: College Auditions for Theatre Students: Hear from professors, coaches, and others who sit in on college auditions for theatre programs at a variety of schools.
- 3:30pm: College & Career Options: Do you really need that degree? What's the difference between a BA and a BFA? What should you major in? Hear from actors and designers about how their educational backgrounds affect their career.
For more information, including a list of colleges attending, please visit: College & Career Fair | CTG Student Body | Center Theatre Group
Please be advised that the PSAT Results Night event on January 7th has been rescheduled for February 9th at 6:30pm in the LCHS Auditorium. Due to the changes in the testing format, The College Board is delaying the distribution of test results to ensure the accuracy of the scores for this new test. We look forward to having you and your student join us on February 9th to receive your score report, analysis and interpretation of scores, next steps for students, and a question and answer session with Princeton Review. Please join us for The Princeton Review PSAT score results night on February 9th at 6:30pm in the auditorium. Please note this is a change in date. We apologize for any inconvenience. Students will receive score packets and a breakdown of what those scores mean. We look forward to seeing you on February 9th.
CSF Announcement:
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization that recognizes academic excellence upon graduation at the high school level. All students with good grades and citizenship are encouraged to apply each semester. To attain full membership and a CSF Gold Seal, a student needs to successfully submit an application at least 4 semesters of high school. One semester must come from senior year.
Now is the time to turn in the application with last semester’s report card! The application is currently available online only (we are not running off copies to hand out). They are available at lchsspartans.net, through the student portal; click on the CSF app. The applications, along with a copy of the student's last report card, are due to Mrs. Alequin no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, February 10th.
Questions? Email Mr. Spitler: cspitler@lcusd.net Thank you!
The Princeton Review will be holding a 6 week ACT prep course here on campus at LCHS starting February 13th. The prep course meets once a week after school on Thursdays in addition to 3 Saturday practice exams. Make sure you use promo code LCHS100 to receive a discount. Check out the course flyer here for more details.
The 2016-2017 class registration process kicks off this week. Counselors begin the process by presenting information to students in their English classes. The information presented will include course information, selection, reviewing graduation and a-g college admission requirements, transcript review and summer school. Students will each receive a copy of their transcript and a registration form. Students will be given explicit instructions on how to complete the registration form which will be due to their counselor 1 week following the presentation in their English class. Counselors will be visiting 9th grade English classes on February 17th.
Are you wanting to learn interesting things from Claremont College students? Splash is a one-day weekend event (February 27th) where you will come to Harvey Mudd College and take some super-cool classes of your choosing taught by students from the Claremont Colleges. The 2015 course catalog can be found here. Link for further information: https://claremont.learningu.org/learn/index.html
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Start here for some of our archived summer program information (some application deadlines start as soon as January): Summer Programs for High School Students
Thank you for attending a wonderful NCAA Information Night presentation put on by the LCHS counseling department. The presentation and handouts are available in the counseling section of the LCHS website. Here is a direct link in case you were not able to join us and want to learn more about the NCAA eligibility process.
http://www.lchsspartans.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=359200&type=d&pREC_ID=778738
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
FYI: Mark your summer calendar! The counseling department has confirmed our fall registration dates. Incoming sophomores will register on Monday, August 8th @ 1:00-3:00 p.m.
SOPHOMORE SCENE
Please come out this Thursday at lunch for LCHS Club Day. Students interested in signing up for a club should plan to attend! It will be held in front of the North Gym at lunch on Thursday, February 4.
You are invited to participate in the 2016 Showcase. It is sponsored by the Institutes for the 21st Century program and this year by 9-12 ASB students. This year’s event will be this Thursday, February 4, 2016. Students will use the IRC, the Auditorium, and the surrounding outside spaces at LCHS. Presenting students will set up from 4:00 to 4:30, visitors are welcome from 4:30 to 7:00, and clean up will be done by 7:30.
Showcase is earlier this year and will honor 9-12 first semester accomplishments in the IRC, and talent performances from our performing arts groups in the Auditorium. Click here for more information.
The 2016-2017 class registration process kicks off this week. Counselors begin the process by presenting information to students in their English classes. The information presented will include course information, selection, reviewing graduation and a-g college admission requirements, transcript review and summer school. Students will each receive a copy of their transcript and a registration form. Students will be given explicit instructions on how to complete the registration form which will be due to their counselor 1 week following the presentation in their English class. Counselors will be visiting 10th grade English classes this Friday, February 5th.
This Saturday, February 6, Center Theatre Group is hosting a College & Career Fair for the Arts for high school students, parents and teachers.
Students can meet representatives from more than 35 local colleges, universities and organizations, attend free workshops on a variety of topics relevant to arts-interested students, and enjoy free lunch from a food truck. The entire event is free, and parents and teachers are welcome at the fair (workshops are students-only).
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Center Theatre Group Offices at the Music Center Annex
601 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
11am–5pm
Free Food Truck 11:30am–12:30pm
Come by any time!
High school students can RSVP to the College and Career Fair and get a free gift upon entry. Email studentbody@centertheatregroup.orgwith your:
- Name
- School & grade
- Which workshops you'd like to attend, if any
Free Workshops—RSVP Required
Sign up for one of more breakout sessions with expert speakers. Workshops are filling fast.
- 11am: Paying for College: Learn about the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid), student loans, preparing applications, scholarships, and financial aid in this roundtable session.
- 12:30pm: Working in Los Angeles Theatre: LA's theatre scene is vibrant and welcoming. Learn more about it (and how to get involved) from local theatre professionals.
- 2pm: College Auditions for Theatre Students: Hear from professors, coaches, and others who sit in on college auditions for theatre programs at a variety of schools.
- 3:30pm: College & Career Options: Do you really need that degree? What's the difference between a BA and a BFA? What should you major in? Hear from actors and designers about how their educational backgrounds affect their career.
For more information, including a list of colleges attending, please visit: College & Career Fair | CTG Student Body | Center Theatre Group
Dr. Javier Gago, a biology professor from Glendale College, will be in Mr. Traeger's room 311 on Monday, February 8, 2016 to talk about Glendale College's Field Studies Marine Biology course offering in Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico this summer.
This is a wonderful experience where you will actually get to swim and touch whale sharks, snorkel on volcanic islands, see bioluminescence in plankton, get a better appreciation for the natural world, and get college lab science course credit at Glendale College. Again, please come to Mr. Traeger's room 311 at 3 PM on Monday, February 8, 2016 to hear about this amazing opportunity!
TESTING INFO:
-SAT: The deadline to register for the March 5th SAT test is February 5th. This is the first and NEW redesigned test that reflects the PSAT format. Sign up through collegeboard.org
-ACT: The deadline to register for the April 9th ACT test is March 4th. Sign up through ACTstudent.org
-SAT II Subject Test: Some universities request students to take the SAT II subject test to show subject proficiency. Consider preparing for 2 or 3 exams in subjects you feel confident in and plan to take the June SAT II test date. To find out whether a university requires subject tests check out the college admissions page for more details.
Please be advised that the PSAT Results Night event on January 7th has been rescheduled for February 9th at 6:30pm in the LCHS Auditorium. Due to the changes in the testing format, The College Board is delaying the distribution of test results to ensure the accuracy of the scores for this new test. We look forward to having you and your student join us on February 9th to receive your score report, analysis and interpretation of scores, next steps for students, and a question and answer session with Princeton Review. Please join us for The Princeton Review PSAT score results night on February 9th at 6:30pm in the auditorium. Please note this is a change in date. We apologize for any inconvenience. Students will receive score packets and a breakdown of what those scores mean. We look forward to seeing you on February 9th.
CSF Announcement:
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization that recognizes academic excellence upon graduation at the high school level. All students with good grades and citizenship are encouraged to apply each semester. To attain full membership and a CSF Gold Seal, a student needs to successfully submit an application at least 4 semesters of high school. One semester must come from senior year.
Now is the time to turn in the application with last semester’s report card! The application is currently available online only (we are not running off copies to hand out). They are available at lchsspartans.net, through the student portal; click on the CSF app. The applications, along with a copy of the student's last report card, are due to Mrs. Alequin no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, February 10th.
Questions? Email Mr. Spitler: cspitler@lcusd.net Thank you!
The Princeton Review will be holding a 6 week ACT prep course here on campus at LCHS starting February 13th. The prep course meets once a week after school on Thursdays in addition to 3 Saturday practice exams. Make sure you use promo code LCHS100 to receive a discount. Check out the course flyer here for more details.
Are you wanting to learn interesting things from Claremont College students? Splash is a one-day weekend event (February 27th) where you will come to Harvey Mudd College and take some super-cool classes of your choosing taught by students from the Claremont Colleges. The 2015 course catalog can be found here. Link for further information: https://claremont.learningu.org/learn/index.html
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Start here for some of our archived summer program information (some application deadlines start as soon as January): Summer Programs for High School Students
Thank you for attending a wonderful NCAA Information Night presentation put on by the LCHS counseling department. The presentation and handouts are available in the counseling section of the LCHS website. Here is a direct link in case you were not able to join us and want to learn more about the NCAA eligibility process.
http://www.lchsspartans.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=359200&type=d&pREC_ID=778738
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
FYI: Mark your summer calendar! The counseling department has confirmed our fall registration dates. Incoming juniors will register on Monday, August 8th @ 10:30 a.m- 12:30 p.m.
Junior Junction
The 2016-2017 class registration process kicks off this week. Counselors begin the process by presenting information to students in their English classes. The information presented will include course information, selection, reviewing graduation and a-g college admission requirements, transcript review and summer school. Students will each receive a copy of their transcript and a registration form. Students will be given explicit instructions on how to complete the registration form which will be due to their counselor 1 week following the presentation in their English class. Counselors visited 11th grade English classes yesterday (February 1st.)
Please come out this Thursday at lunch for LCHS Club Day. Students interested in signing up for a club should plan to attend! It will be held in front of the North Gym at lunch on Thursday, February 4.
College Planning Information Night
Mark your calendar! “Family Night for Current Juniors: Steps to Senior Year and College Apps” will be this Thursday February 4th at 6:30 p.m. in the LCHS Auditorium. We’ll walk you through step-by-step the college application process and give you a breakdown on tasks to do each month. It’s a workshop that’s not to be missed!
You are invited to participate in the 2016 Showcase. It is sponsored by the Institutes for the 21st Century program and this year by 9-12 ASB students. This year’s event will be this Thursday, February 4, 2016. Students will use the IRC, the Auditorium, and the surrounding outside spaces at LCHS. Presenting students will set up from 4:00 to 4:30, visitors are welcome from 4:30 to 7:00, and clean up will be done by 7:30.
Showcase is earlier this year and will honor 9-12 first semester accomplishments in the IRC, and talent performances from our performing arts groups in the Auditorium. Click here for more information.
This Saturday, February 6, Center Theatre Group is hosting a College & Career Fair for the Arts for high school students, parents and teachers.
Students can meet representatives from more than 35 local colleges, universities and organizations, attend free workshops on a variety of topics relevant to arts-interested students, and enjoy free lunch from a food truck. The entire event is free, and parents and teachers are welcome at the fair (workshops are students-only).
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Center Theatre Group Offices at the Music Center Annex
601 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
11am–5pm
Free Food Truck 11:30am–12:30pm
Come by any time!
High school students can RSVP to the College and Career Fair and get a free gift upon entry. Email studentbody@centertheatregroup.orgwith your:
- Name
- School & grade
- Which workshops you'd like to attend, if any
Free Workshops—RSVP Required
Sign up for one of more breakout sessions with expert speakers. Workshops are filling fast.
- 11am: Paying for College: Learn about the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid), student loans, preparing applications, scholarships, and financial aid in this roundtable session.
- 12:30pm: Working in Los Angeles Theatre: LA's theatre scene is vibrant and welcoming. Learn more about it (and how to get involved) from local theatre professionals.
- 2pm: College Auditions for Theatre Students: Hear from professors, coaches, and others who sit in on college auditions for theatre programs at a variety of schools.
- 3:30pm: College & Career Options: Do you really need that degree? What's the difference between a BA and a BFA? What should you major in? Hear from actors and designers about how their educational backgrounds affect their career.
For more information, including a list of colleges attending, please visit: College & Career Fair | CTG Student Body | Center Theatre Group
TESTING INFO:
-SAT: The deadline to register to take the March 5th SAT test is February 5th. This is the first and NEW redesigned test that reflects the PSAT format. Sign up through collegeboard.org
-ACT: The deadline to register for the April 9th ACT test is March 4th. Sign up through ACTstudent.org
-SAT II Subject Test: Some universities request students to take the SAT II subject test to show subject proficiency. Consider preparing for 2 or 3 exams in subjects you feel confident in and plan to take the June SAT II test date. To find out whether a university requires subject tests check out the college admissions page for more details.
Dr. Javier Gago, a biology professor from Glendale College, will be in Mr. Traeger's room 311 on Monday, February 8, 2016 to talk about Glendale College's Field Studies Marine Biology course offering in Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico this summer.
This is a wonderful experience where you will actually get to swim and touch whale sharks, snorkel on volcanic islands, see bioluminescence in plankton, get a better appreciation for the natural world, and get college lab science course credit at Glendale College. Again, please come to Mr. Traeger's room 311 at 3 PM on Monday, February 8, 2016 to hear about this amazing opportunity!
Please be advised that the PSAT Results Night event on January 7th has been rescheduled for February 9th at 6:30pm in the LCHS Auditorium. Due to the changes in the testing format, The College Board is delaying the distribution of test results to ensure the accuracy of the scores for this new test. We look forward to having you and your student join us on February 9th to receive your score report, analysis and interpretation of scores, next steps for students, and a question and answer session with Princeton Review. Please join us for The Princeton Review PSAT score results night on February 9th at 6:30pm in the auditorium. Please note this is a change in date. We apologize for any inconvenience. Students will receive score packets and a breakdown of what those scores mean. We look forward to seeing you on February 9th.
CSF Announcement:
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization that recognizes academic excellence upon graduation at the high school level. All students with good grades and citizenship are encouraged to apply each semester. To attain full membership and a CSF Gold Seal, a student needs to successfully submit an application at least 4 semesters of high school. One semester must come from senior year.
Now is the time to turn in the application with last semester’s report card! The application is currently available online only (we are not running off copies to hand out). They are available at lchsspartans.net, through the student portal; click on the CSF app. The applications, along with a copy of the student's last report card, are due to Mrs. Alequin no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, February 10th.
Questions? Email Mr. Spitler: cspitler@lcusd.net Thank you!
The Princeton Review will be holding a 6 week ACT prep course here on campus at LCHS starting February 13th. The prep course meets once a week after school on Thursdays in addition to 3 Saturday practice exams. Make sure you use promo code LCHS100 to receive a discount. Check out the course flyer here for more details.
Are you wanting to learn interesting things from Claremont College students? Splash is a one-day weekend event (February 27th) where you will come to Harvey Mudd College and take some super-cool classes of your choosing taught by students from the Claremont Colleges. The 2015 course catalog can be found here. Link for further information: https://claremont.learningu.org/learn/index.html
Spring Break?!
Making plans to visit family in the mid-west or a vacation out east, why not incorporate college visits in the mix? Many colleges all have different spring break schedules, so this is a great opportunity to see the campus in action. Contact the admissions department to schedule a campus tour and/or information session. Sometimes students can even sit in on a professor’s lecture! Lastly, if you can we highly recommend you check out the dorms and cafeteria.
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Start here for some of our archived summer program information (some application deadlines start as soon as January): Summer Programs for High School Students
Thank you for attending a wonderful NCAA Information Night presentation put on by the LCHS counseling department. The presentation and handouts are available in the counseling section of the LCHS website. Here is a direct link in case you were not able to join us and want to learn more about the NCAA eligibility process.
http://www.lchsspartans.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=359200&type=d&pREC_ID=778738
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
FYI: Mark your summer calendar! The counseling department has confirmed our fall registration dates. Incoming seniors will register on Monday, August 8th @ 8:00-10:00.
Senior Stop
For scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca Click on the college tab, then click on scholarships. Mrs. EricKson will also keep hard copies of any local scholarships on file in the counseling office. She is available in the front office between the hours of Noon-3:45 p.m.
You are invited to participate in the 2016 Showcase. It is sponsored by the Institutes for the 21st Century program and this year by 9-12 ASB students. This year’s event will be this Thursday, February 4, 2016. Students will use the IRC, the Auditorium, and the surrounding outside spaces at LCHS. Presenting students will set up from 4:00 to 4:30, visitors are welcome from 4:30 to 7:00, and clean up will be done by 7:30.
Showcase is earlier this year and will honor 9-12 first semester accomplishments in the IRC, and talent performances from our performing arts groups in the Auditorium. Click here for more information.
This Saturday, February 6, Center Theatre Group is hosting a College & Career Fair for the Arts for high school students, parents and teachers.
Students can meet representatives from more than 35 local colleges, universities and organizations, attend free workshops on a variety of topics relevant to arts-interested students, and enjoy free lunch from a food truck. The entire event is free, and parents and teachers are welcome at the fair (workshops are students-only).
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Center Theatre Group Offices at the Music Center Annex
601 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
11am–5pm
Free Food Truck 11:30am–12:30pm
Come by any time!
High school students can RSVP to the College and Career Fair and get a free gift upon entry. Email studentbody@centertheatregroup.orgwith your:
- Name
- School & grade
- Which workshops you'd like to attend, if any
Free Workshops—RSVP Required
Sign up for one of more breakout sessions with expert speakers. Workshops are filling fast.
- 11am: Paying for College: Learn about the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid), student loans, preparing applications, scholarships, and financial aid in this roundtable session.
- 12:30pm: Working in Los Angeles Theatre: LA's theatre scene is vibrant and welcoming. Learn more about it (and how to get involved) from local theatre professionals.
- 2pm: College Auditions for Theatre Students: Hear from professors, coaches, and others who sit in on college auditions for theatre programs at a variety of schools.
- 3:30pm: College & Career Options: Do you really need that degree? What's the difference between a BA and a BFA? What should you major in? Hear from actors and designers about how their educational backgrounds affect their career.
Dr. Javier Gago, a biology professor from Glendale College, will be in Mr. Traeger's room 311 on Monday, February 8, 2016 to talk about Glendale College's Field Studies Marine Biology course offering in Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico this summer.
This is a wonderful experience where you will actually get to swim and touch whale sharks, snorkel on volcanic islands, see bioluminescence in plankton, get a better appreciation for the natural world, and get college lab science course credit at Glendale College. Again, please come to Mr. Traeger's room 311 at 3 PM on Monday, February 8, 2016 to hear about this amazing opportunity!
CSF Announcement:
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization that recognizes academic excellence upon graduation at the high school level. All students with good grades and citizenship are encouraged to apply each semester. To attain full membership and a CSF Gold Seal, a student needs to successfully submit an application at least 4 semesters of high school. One semester must come from senior year.
Now is the time to turn in the application with last semester’s report card! The application is currently available online only (we are not running off copies to hand out). They are available at lchsspartans.net, through the student portal; click on the CSF app. The applications, along with a copy of the student's last report card, are due to Mrs. Alequin no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, February 10th.
Qualifying Seniors must pay $5 directly to Mr. Spitler in Rm. 114 in order to receive their cord and seal from CSF. If you feel comfortable attaching a 5 dollar bill to the application, that is fine. I will collect applications at least once a day. Thank you!
Questions? Email Mr. Spitler: cspitler@lcusd.net Thank you!
Winter Timeline Reminders (December-February) from Campus Explorer.com
- Continue to work hard in your classes. Make your last semester count!
- Schedule your college interviews to finish up the admissions process.
- Complete your FAFSA so you can get the most possible financial assistance for college.
- Request that your high school send your first semester grades to every college that you applied to. Remember, schools will continue to track your grades as you finish out your senior year, so now’s no time to slack.
- Verify with your counselor that your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores have been sent to your prospective schools.
- Send an email or make a phone call to make sure your colleges have received your application. While you’re at it, check to see that they have everything else they need, including your transcripts and financial aid material.
- Continue your hunt for scholarships and apply for scholarships.
- If you do not plan to apply to 4-year universities, continue researching your options by using Naviance and by meeting with your counselor. We have resources on communitycollege,trade/vocational schools, Gap year programs and more.
Transitioning to College Life and Beyond
Now is a great time to practice the skills you will need to master as you venture off on your own after high school. Do you know how to balance your bank account? Do you know how to work the washing machine? Are you good at managing your time on your own without parental assistance? Can you cook a meal on your own? Do you know what kind of study plan works for you? Practicing all of the things you are unsure about now can only help you as you transition from high school life to college life and beyond. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to try one new thing every day. For more tips on making the transition, please visit the following pages:
- Tips for college bound students: http://www.collegeview.com/articles/article/transitioning-from-high-school-to-college-academics
- Tips for college bound student athletes: http://www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/sport-science-institute/ask-expert-transitioning-high-school-college
- Tips for parents: http://collegeparents.org/2016/01/06/7-tips-on-how-to-be-a-great-college-parent/
The Difference Between High School and College
College offers a great deal more freedom than high school, which can be very exciting but also very scary at the same time. Staying on top of your reading, studying for exams and attending class will all be up to you. While there will be plenty of resources, college professors will expect you to be your own self-advocate in accessing these resources. Do not be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Study groups are a great way to collaborate with other students. College libraries and student centers often have postings of tutoring services available and your professors’ will all have office hours that you should consider taking advantage of. Being active in your college education and making responsible choices will guarantee your success. SMU has a great chart detailing some of the differences between high school life and college life, which you can find here. The more you know before you go, the better equipped you will be!
Cal Grant UPDATE!!
LCHS is happy to announce that we will be electronically sending the GPA’s for all students this year, so there is no longer a need to submit the Cal Grant GPA verification form. Yay!
What is Cal Grant? Cal Grant is State based aid. It requires the filing of the FAFSA in order for families to be considered. Students must list an eligible in-state (California) college on their FAFSA application to trigger Cal Grant review. The order in which you list the colleges will not impact your eligibility for state aid. Please note that LCHS encourages ALL families to submit a FAFSA.
What deadlines should I mark on my calendar?
- March 2: The most important deadline for Cal Grants is March 2. Be sure you submit your FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPA (LCHS will do this automatically for ALL students) by the March 2 Cal Grant application deadline.
- September 2: If you’ll be attending a California Community College in the fall and missed the March 2 deadline, you have a second deadline of September 2. There are only a limited number of awards available for those who apply in the fall, so try to meet the March 2 deadline.
Keep in mind that your college may have earlier deadlines for its financial aid programs, so be sure to check with each college you’re considering. Also, deadlines for private scholarships may be earlier in the year.
Don’t procrastinate! Start your FAFSA today! www.fafsa.ed.gov
Mid-Year Transcripts
When will my mid-year be sent? Transcripts were finalized on Tuesday, Jan 19th. Mid-year transcripts will be processed and sent from January 21 through the 31st. Colleges are aware that mid-year grades cannot be delivered until they have been finalized and sent by the high school, so do not fret about a deadline that comes up before the end of January. They will wait patiently for the md-year to arrive. If you have concerns, you may see your counselor. Please keep in mind that once your counselor sends your mid-year through Naviance, it can take the college anywhere from 1-4 weeks to process the document. To check whether or not your mid-year has been sent, log-in to Naviance, go to the College Tab and look for the words “mid-year submitted” next to your colleges, beginning on Monday January 26.
What is a mid-year transcript? A mid-year transcript is a transcript that includes all of your grades through the first semester of senior year. All colleges on the Common Application REQUIRE a mid-year transcript. Colleges using their own institutional applications will each have their own individual requirements, and therefore some may require a mid-year, some may not. It is your responsibility to research specific university requirements. If you have applied to Cal State Universities, now is the time to check your CSU Mentor portals to check whether or not specific campuses require you to send a mid-year. If they do, you should see your counselor to request a mid-year be sent to those CSU schools in addition to the Common App schools (and any non-Common App schools) on your list (if applicable). FYI, the UCs do not require mid-years.
Some seniors pre-ordered mid-year transcripts during the college meeting with their counselor, and therefore transcripts for these students will automatically be sent to the colleges in their Naviance list. No further action is required unless you need to add schools to the list of mid-year recipients.
If you did not pre-order your mid-year transcripts, you should see your counselor ASAP by doing a walk-in during non-class hours or by making an appointment using the clipboards on Mrs. Erickson’s desk in the front office. Mid-years can be ordered NOW. 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 to send 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 ASAP.
Counseling Corner Resources
Girl Talk! and Institute for Girls' Development are two local resources for parents of high school girls. (These resources/references are for parent information only. La Canada Unified School District (LCUSD) does not endorse any one specific therapist or treatment center. LCUSD does not claim or make any representation of financial responsibility.)
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- Click here for La Canada Flintridge Community Prevention Council resources available
The LCHS Counseling Department is on Twitter! Come follow us for important reminders, announcements, and upcoming events. Our Twitter handle is @LCcounselors
- These short video segments featuring Denise Pope and Madeline Levine are based on current research and offer practical strategies to parents on topics such as How Parents and Kids Define Success Differently, Increased Stress in Kids, Developing Self Regulation, Finding the Best Fit College and many more click here