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.
ASB News This Week:
- 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 $40 w/ ASB, $45 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!
Mock ACT and Mock SAT opportunity at LCHS!
Princeton Review is partnering with LCHS to host a Mock SAT and Mock ACT on November 12th. Students can sign up with Mrs. Erickson at break or lunch starting on Monday, October 17th. Deadline to sign up will be November 4th. Cost is $20.00. Click here for more information.
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
Freshman Forum
Save the Date Freshmen!!
Your Link Crew Leaders are busy planning something yummy and spooky for you on Friday, October 28th from 3:30-6:15 right here in the LCHS Auditorium. We hope to see you all there!
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 THIS 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
Financial Aid Night at LCHS: This Wednesday, 10/12/16 at 6:00 p.m.
The La Canada High School Counseling Department is pleased to offer a parent information workshop on financial aid. The audience for this presentation is senior parents and senior students. The workshop will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 12th at 6:00 p.m. in the LCHS Auditorium. Our presenter will be Leslie Husa from the University of Southern California financial aid office. Ms. husa will be presenting 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
To download the handouts in advance, please click here.
STEP College Advisory Topics For This Week: College Essays and Common Application
The Counseling Department continues to offer specialized workshops during the STEP period to assist students with the college application process. This Wednesday we will continue to focus on writing tips for completing the essays. There will be a special guest presenter this Wednesday, October 12th to deliver key information and helpful tips to consider when completing your essays. The guest presenter is Mrs. Valerie Aenlle-Rocha. Mrs. Aenlle-Rocha has been an admissions application reader for UCLA and is the current steering committee chair of the Alumni Association Freshman Scholarship Program. On Thursday, October 13th, the counselors will be available to assist students with any Common Application questions or allow time to work on their applications.
If interested in attending, please sign up in Naviance by clicking the upcoming college visits link and sign up as you would if attending a college visit: Naviance → College Tab → College Visits → then select the STEP workshop and sign-up! Space is limited. The STEP workshop will meet in the IRC 1 Chrome Box lab.
Remaining STEP Workshops are as follows:
October 12: Essay Writing Workshop with Valerie Aenlle-Rocha
October 13: Common App Workshop: Free-time to work on your app and get your questions answered!
October 19: UC and CSU application/CSU Mentor Workshop:Free-time to work on your app and get your questions answered!
October 26: Free-time to work on ANY portion of your apps and get your questions answered!
October 27:Free-time to work on ANY portion of your apps and get your questions answered!
November 2, 3: Scholarships and Financial Aid
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. Find her in the lunch area!
Upcoming College Visits*:
October 12: University of British Columbia
October 12: Grand Canyon University
October 13: Boston University
October 13: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
October 13: Agnes Scott College
October 14: Point Loma Nazarene University
October 14: Missouri University of Science and Technology
October 14: University of Southern California
October 14: Glendale Community College
October 14: University of New Hampshire
October 17: Pepperdine University
October 17: University of South Carolina
October 18: Brandeis University
October 18: Dartmouth College
October 18: Colorado College
*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.
Important Dates and Events:
October 1 (ongoing): FAFSA opens online→ www.fafsa.ed.gov
October 12: “Essay Writing Workshop” during STEP in the IRC Chromebox Lab
October 12: "Financial Aid" Night @ 6 p.m., LCHS Auditorium
October 12: Collegeboard Parent Webinar: College Applications 101 for Parents
October 13: "Common App Workshop" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
October 15: Early deadline for select colleges. Be sure to track your deadlines carefully.
October 15 & 29: CSU Channel Islands Preview Days
October 19: "UC/CSU Application Workshop”" during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
October 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: “Application Free Time” during STEP in the IRC Chromebox Lab in the IRC Chromebox Lab. Use this time to work on any aspect of your application. Counselors will be available for questions.
November 1: Early Action and Early Decision deadlines. Be sure to track your application deadlines carefully.
November 2 & 3: "Scholarships and Financial Aid" student workshop during STEP in IRC Chromebox Lab
November 30: UC Applications Due
November 30: CSU Applications Due
December 1: USC Scholarship Deadline
Early Action/Early Decision Test Scores FAQ: Will my October Scores be Considered for Early Decision? The results from the October SAT are scheduled to be released later this week, just a couple of days before November 1 deadlines for Early Decision and Early Action. The close proximity of these related events has a lot of people confused and concerned, and understandably so. Read on to see how you can manage late-arriving scores with your EA and ED applications.
Step One: Notify Colleges of Future Test Dates: Under the Testing section of the Common Application, there is an option to report the future test dates a student plans to take. Here, students should click “yes” when asked if they want to report future dates, and then select October 2014 as the date from which scores will arrive (the same practice will apply for students taking the December SAT who are applying under regular decision timelines). This will serve as a cue to colleges that those scores are on the way even if they haven’t yet arrived in the office. Schools that do not use the Common App typically also provide a space for students to indicate future testing; keep an eye out for these fields!
Step Two: Arrange for Scores to be Sent: While some scores can arrive after the deadline and still be considered in the review of a student’s application, many schools will want at least one set of scores in hand by the deadline. If October is not your first test date, you should arrange to have your other SAT or ACT scores sent to colleges so that your application is considered “complete.” Do this now if you have not already done so. Next, arrange to have your October scores sent to all your early schools when they arrive. For those with favorable testing policies (automatic super scoring or highest overall date), there is no harm in sending your scores now because lower scores will be ignored in favor of the higher scores already in hand, and higher scores will effectively replace the lower scores. For those schools that require All Scores for admission, students should arrange to send scores now; waiting to see your results is irrelevant. For those schools with that accept Score Choice, students should wait until scores arrive to decide what to do. As long as colleges have one set of scores in hand and are aware of future test dates (see Step One), the later arrival of one set of scores will not negatively affect the application. For a full list of institutional score use practices from the College Board, click here.
Step Three: Submit the Application on Time! The most important thing is that you do not let your concern about your test scores affect the timely submission of your application. For the vast majority of colleges and universities, it is most important that the student’s application & supplemental materials arrive by the deadline. Typically additional forms like letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores can arrive after the deadline and still be considered “on time” for purposes of admission. Colleges will pair these materials with the student application as they arrive. Some colleges are stricter about this than others, but all colleges are strict in expecting that your application arrive before the deadline, so do not miss it!
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
Dos and Don'ts when using the "Additional Information" part of the college application:
https://jlvcollegecounseling.com/2016/10/10/additional-information-on-college-applications/
“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
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/
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
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.