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
COLLEGE WORKSHOP NIGHT THIS THURSDAY, 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. We have attached a summary of each workshop along with a schedule for you to plan which ones you would like to attend. Click on the respective links below.
2016-2017 LCHS College Workshop Presentation Descriptions
LCHS College Workshop Night Schedule
As a reminder, PSAT results are available online this year. However, if you are unable to retrieve results before this night, paper copies will be available to pick up from 5:45-6:00 outside the auditorium.
We appreciate your attendance to this informative event!
NEW POST: UPCOMING SAT AND ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES
The next SAT test date is January 21st, and the late registration deadline is TODAY! Click here to register.
The next ACT test takes place on February 13th, and the registration deadline is this Friday, January 13th. Click here to register.
CHALLENGE SUCCESS PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT presented by Stanford's Denise Pope on January 17, 2017 in the LCHS Auditorium. See details below.
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
MID-YEAR TRANSCRIPTS
When will my mid-year be sent?
Report cards will be distributed to students on January 17th. Mid-year transcripts will be processed and sent between January 23-31.
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 mid-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 1-5 weeks to process the document. To check whether or not your mid-year has been sent, login to Naviance, go to the College Tab and look for the words “mid-year submitted” next to your colleges beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 31. It is suggested that you also check your college portals at least once a week.
What is a mid-year transcript, anyway?
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 the STUDENT’S 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. The UCs do not require mid-years unless specifically requested. The community college system will require a transcript at a later date, if at all (typically just a final transcript, as is also the case for the UC and CSU systems). For all other post-secondary school types, please inquire with the institution directly.
Did I already pay for my mid-year transcripts?
The vast majority of seniors pre-paid for mid-year transcripts during the college meeting with their high school 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 to or edit your list of colleges.
What if I didn’t order mid-years or if I’m still confused?
If you did not pre-order or pre-pay for your mid-year transcripts, the counselors will be taking appointments in January. Mid-years can be ordered during the window of January 11th through 31st. Mid-year transcripts are $5 each, payable by cash or check made out to LCHS. The transcript request form can be found HERE. Remember, this form MUST be signed by your counselor before submitting your payment to Mr. Reda Hanna, our new Registrar (now known as the Student Information System Specialist)
If you cannot remember if you pre-paid for mid-year transcripts or if you need further assistance, please see your counselor ASAP.
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.
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.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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
NEW POST: Click here for a list of February scholarships!
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
NEW POST: Stanford Message from Dean Rick Shaw
Click here for the 2017-2017 Stanford admissions counseling office newsletter, which includes an article from Dean Rick Shaw about admissions.
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.