POWAY HIGH COUNSELING
October 2021
EVENTS COMING UP
October 1: Deadline to Request Letter of Rec needed by November 1
October 1: AP Exam Registration Open
October 1: PC Applications Open
October 1: FAFSA & DREAM ACT Application Open
October 5: Community College 101, 3PM, Zoom Sign Up!
October 7: CSU 101, 3PM, Zoom Sign Up!
October 16: PSAT
October 20: PUSD College and Career (Virtual) Showcase, 6PM
October 21: Trade Day for Construction at lunch. Come see our Tiny House!
College Applications and Financial Aid
Now is a great time to get more familiar with colleges and universities across the country. At PHS we offer many opportunities for students to speak with College Admissions Reps. All grade levels are encouraged to attend these zoom meetings. Students can access College visits through their counseling canvas page, or on the PHS website through the bulletin. October is also the time for Seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All Seniors are encouraged to complete this application to determine what grants or loans they can qualify for. The FAFSA application opened October 1st, so start your application today! Seniors can also contact colleges Financial Aid department directly to see if they have scholarships or other aid available for students.
Virtual College Visits
With the recent COVID restriction changes, college visits fall 2021 will be virtual during break, lunch, and after school on Mondays. We are trying to reduce the number of visitors involving external organizations on our campus. College Admission Reps are looking forward to connecting with your students online. Have students bring their electronic devices with them on college visit days. Students can stream the presentations in the Titan Center Room K-16 or Library Room L13.
Senior Workshops
PSAT
AP Exams
Tutoring Options
Free tutoring is available after school in the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm. The tutors are PHS students in Peer Counseling and NHS. For more information, see their flyer here.
Paid Student Tutors
We also maintain a list of students who are approved by PHS Teachers to tutor students. Please contact Jaime Brown in the Titan Center for the list.
PUSD 2021 College & Career Virtual Showcase
We are excited to announce the 2021 College & Career Virtual Showcase will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 6pm to 9pm.
High school students and families can attend a variety of live presentations that will cover topics such as financial aid, navigating the college search process, the benefits of apprenticeships, discovering community college pathways, taking career and strength assessments, STEM and Engineering majors, Careers in the Arts, and more.
Also, be sure to check out the Upcoming Events & Workshops newsletter for detailed information on other events happening this month.
Build a Tiny House
We are merging our Instagram accounts, so now you will find all the PHS Counseling news and updates at @counseling_phs. Follow us to keep up with our events, weekly Wednesday Wisdom posts, tips and tricks on getting the most of of your education, and staying healthy.
Counselor Contact Information
The counselors have open office hours for students at Break, Lunch, and After School. Parents can schedule appointments with their student's counselor by emailing them.
Counselors
A - Em: Christy Brown
En - Lea: Jerrah Smith
Leb - Ra: Blanca Arreguin
Rb - Z: Jerilyn Padua-Reyes
Intervention/CTE: Karly Wardwell
SAT/ACT Test Policy for College Admissions Fall 2022
You may be asking, with so many changes, what should I do about the SAT/ACT?
The UC system will not be requiring SAT/ACT scores up until Fall 2024. Students can still submit scores for placement purposes (English and math), however the scores will not be used when considered for admissions.
The CSU system has stated they will not require SAT/ACT for Fall 2021, but has not said anything further for future classes. They also will use SAT scores for math and English placement but will not be using them for admission purposes.
Many, but not all, private schools have stated they will not require SAT/ACT. FairTest.org provides an updated list of 1,400+ four year colleges not requiring ACT/SAT scores. Collegelifetoday.com provides a list of test optional colleges. Here's an article by CollegeWise with helpful information to help you with this decision.
Whether you decide to submit your scores or not, the decision is completely up to you. If you did really well, and feel your scores will help your application, then you should submit them. If you are not happy with your test scores or if you were unable to take the exams, then many colleges will accept you without scores, and you do not have to submit them. Remember that your college apps are where you want to put your best foot forward!
SAT/ACT Testing Dates 2021-22
Juniors! If you plan to take the ACT or SAT this school year, please pay close attention to the dates to avoid late fees or missing the test entirely. You can register for the SAT at the College Board website here. You can register for the ACT at the ACT website here.
A Message from Mrs. Struck
Mrs. Struck, our Student Services Specialist is here to listen to students and answer questions in a safe atmosphere of acceptance, non-judgment, and confidentiality concerning the challenges students are facing. Come on into the Counseling Building, K, contact Mrs. Struck at sstruck@powayusd.com, or leave a message at 858-748-0245 x5394.
Check Your Mood Day, Oct 7th
Check Your Mood Day is Thursday Oct 7th during lunch, in conjunction with National Depression Screening Day! The purpose of this annual event is to engage and encourage Titans to monitor and assess their emotional well-being. Getting screened for depression is an important part of healthcare checkups! Look for instructions on the message boards and visit one of the green tables to:
Pick up a FREE and anonymous Check Your Mood screening form (screening, not clinical diagnosis)
Get information on mental health resources available in San Diego
Staffed by our amazing Peer Counselors
Sponsored by Mrs. Struck & PUSD Student Support Services
Save the Date
Watch for the activities following the theme:
“Drug Free Looks Like Me”
during lunch each day October 26th - 29th, 2021Natural High for Parents
https://www.naturalhigh.org/for-parents/
Natural High has made talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol easier. Watch a short video by a storyteller they're interested in, and have a conversation…
Drug Free Partnership
https://drugfree.org/prevention-and-taking-action-early/
The teen and young adult years are confusing, complicated and formative. Understanding what's happening socially and developmentally — and how it can intersect with substance use — is fundamental to setting the stage for healthier outcomes.
National Suicide Prevention Resource
Call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
Available 24 hours everyday
OR
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips