College and Career Newsletter
VUSD/March 2023
In bygone years, seniors would anxiously watch the mail for their college admissions letters during March. A big envelope denoted that an acceptance letter was in hand, while a small envelope would draw disappointment even before being opened. In today’s tech-driven world, students simply log in to their computers to see what their future holds.
It is often thought that being admitted to a first-choice college means success. But is it that simple? The truth is there will be twists and turns along the way. Most students attend a school that was their third or fourth choice, yet find it to be their dream school. Others may attend their number one choice school only to realize a school at the beach may not always be paradise. Then there is the whole subject of majors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, eighty percent of college students will change majors at least once. So, what does this tell us about the college years?
Be flexible about your expectations. It is easy to buy into the comparison game, but that creates frustration and unrealistic expectations. Ultimately, keep in mind there is more than one path to take to arrive at your goal. College isn’t a race that you win by finishing first. It is your future, and you must take it one step at a time to meet your needs. Be patient, and don’t hesitate to make changes if needed. This is the time to invest in yourself.
Sincerely,
Paige Loverin, MA, PPS
College and Career Readiness
How to Apply to College: An event for high school juniors and their families.
Juniors and parents, we understand that you may be starting to anticipate next year's college applications and the unknown that may come along with that process. We have you covered whether you are applying to a California Community College, CSU, UC, or private college.
This event will include admission representatives from UC Merced, CSU Fresno State, COS, and COS's Financial Aid Office. They will discuss the application and FAFSA/Dream Act processes. Our district counselor will also cover the Common Application, the Profile, and letters of recommendation.
NEXT MONTH:
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 6:00 PM
VUSD Board Room
5000 W. Cypress Ave.
Before attending our event, we suggest watching our video How to Choose a College.
Please call us at 730-7510 with any questions regarding the event.
CSU Fall 2023 Extended Deadlines for Applications
The following CSU campuses are still accepting freshman applications:
- Chico
- East Bay
- Maritime
- San Francisco
- San Marcos
- Sonoma
- Stanislaus
Visit our Application Dates & Deadlines page to confirm the campus and program deadline dates.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Students who are interested in applying to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at any of the campuses with extended deadlines should complete their EOP application prior to submitting their Cal State Apply application. If a student previously submitted an application to any CSU campus and would like to apply to an EOP program that is still accepting EOP applications, they must contact the campus EOP office directly for instructions on how to apply.
Source: Calstateapply@calstate.edu
FAFSA and Dream Act Applications
Seniors, the deadline is looming to complete a FAFSA or Dream Act application. These applications help determine student eligibility for grant money, middle-class scholarships, and student loans for college.
Also, note that if you complete the FAFSA and do not qualify for grant money at COS, you will be automatically qualified for the Sequoia Promise, which will cover tuition. This translates to free college. How can you say no to that?
Please launch your FAFSA/Dream Act applications through your student account on CaliforniaColleges.edu. Visit our College and Career website for video instructions on completing your application.
The FAFSA/Dream Act application is due by March 2nd of the senior year to qualify for Cal Grants. The applications must be renewed each year while the student attends college.
In rare cases, if completing the application is a family hardship, you will be asked to complete an opt-out form with your school site.
For Our Sixth-Graders:
VUSD’s After-hours Academic Assistance (AAA)
VUSD's "After-hours Academic Assistance" (AAA) program provides no-cost, after-hours academic support, through Zoom, in the following classes: 4th-6th grade and High School math. AAA is led by certificated VUSD teachers who are available Monday-Thursday. The AAA academic assistance program will help students with questions about ANY academic issue.
Schedules will be posted on Monday morning of each week.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 3RD-GRADE SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR THE 4TH-GRADE SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR THE 5TH-GRADE SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR THE 6TH-GRADE SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR MATH PRINCIPLES, MATH 1, AND MATH 2 SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR MATH 3, PRE-CALCULUS, CALCULUS, AND STATISTICS SCHEDULE
California Colleges.edu
All Visalia Unified students in grades 7-12 have accounts with CaliforniaColleges.edu. This space allows students to explore careers, majors, colleges, and financial aid. High school students can also monitor if they are on track to meet the
A-G requirements for admission to the CSU and UC systems.
Another perk is seniors who launch the CSU and UC applications from CaliforniaColleges.edu will have their A-G high school courses and grades automatically populated into the college application. Students use their VUSD email accounts to log on to California Colleges.edu.
Parents can create accounts to monitor their child's progress and join in the conversation. View the video showing you how to create a parent account here.
UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute
Are you a high school student interested in learning more about our nation’s legal system and how attorneys prepare a case for trial? Perhaps you are considering a career in law as a trial attorney, prosecutor, or defense attorney. Maybe you want to build your self-confidence and strengthen your ability to communicate your ideas and opinions to others. If any of these are true, you are the ideal candidate for the UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute.
This week-long program is a great way to broaden your knowledge base, explore college and career options, boost your self-confidence and powers of persuasion – all while making new friends and having fun! Join us online to train with the National Champion UCLA Mock Trial Team Coach and Team Members! Learn effective trial advocacy techniques and improve your public speaking skills. UCLA has won the Collegiate National Championship four times in the last 16 years, more than any other university in the country, and you will have the chance to work with both our coaches and team members.
UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support
Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in Spring 2023 in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.
Summer 2023 deadline to apply: March 15.
Session A:
July 9, 2023 – July 15, 2023
Open Enrollment/Virtual
Session B:
July 16, 2023 – July 22, 2023
Open Enrollment/In-Person
Program Eligibility: 8th-12th grade in Spring 2023 & Ages 14-17
UCLA Coursework: Management 88; 2 units
Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2023
Source: summer.ucla.edu
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) For Our Elementary Set
COS Jump Start 2023
College of the Sequoias Career Technical Education is excited to announce the launch of our Jump Start 2023 application. The success of last year's program led to an expansion of our internship opportunities. Students will have a choice to apply for industrial technology, healthcare, or police and administration of justice.
The internship is open to current high school juniors who are interested in pursuing careers in these specific industries. The three-week program is designed to engage students through applied learning, project development, and industry tours. Interns will receive soft skills training, program-specific training, relevant industry certifications, and a $1,000 scholarship upon successful completion.
We are hosting the internship from June 19 - July 7, 2023, with a Monday - Thursday 9am - 3pm and Friday 9am - 12pm schedule. Students may submit their application at COS.EDU/JumpStart.
COS looks forward to helping Jump Start the career path of your students!
For Our Elementary Set and Their Grown-ups
SoCalGas Scholarship
The SoCalGas Scholarship Program is now OPEN! They will be accepting applications from February 6th – March 15, 2023. This year, up to $315,000 will be awarded to students attending a four-year university, community college, or trade school. Please see the program details below:
4-Year University Program – 15 awards in the amount of $5,000 each. Scholarship can be renewed for 3 more years, totaling $20,000 over the course of four years of study.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Live in the SoCalGas service territory
- Plan to attend a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. for the 2023/2024 academic year.
- Plan to enroll in an eligible major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Finance, Accounting. Medical-related fields are not eligible.
- Demonstrate financial need.
Community College or Trade School Program – 15 awards in the amount of $1,000. Scholarships are not renewable, but students are able to re-apply the following year.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior or current college undergraduate with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
- Live in the SoCalGas service territory
- Plan to attend a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year college or trade school in the U.S. for the 2023/2024 academic year.
- Plan to enroll in an eligible major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Plumbing, Electrical HVAC, or Welding. Medical-related fields are not eligible.
- Demonstrate financial need.
For more information about how to apply visit SoCalGas Scholarship Program | SoCalGas
Source: SoCalGas.com
Disney Imagination Campus | Performing Arts Workshops | Soundtrack Sessions: Instrumental
Experience the excitement, focus, and fast-paced energy of a professional recording studio environment. During this workshop, participants will sight-read and work directly with industry professionals to create a truly magical ensemble piece. The experience culminates with a screening of their recorded work set to Disney film footage.
Workshop Overview
Throughout the workshop, students will hone fundamental skills like intonation, balance, and tone quality, as well as learn how phrasing, dynamics, and articulation can add emotion to any piece of music. Disney music professionals will share insights about the high expectations of being a professional musician and how to succeed in the field. Endorsed by the National Association for Music Education, this workshop is sure to hit all the right notes for your band or orchestra.
Key Learning Objectives
After completing this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Sight-read and record a varied repertoire of Disney music
- Sight-read, listen, analyze, and describe music
- Develop and reinforce the fundamentals of musical performance
- Learn what it's like to work in the music industry as a professional
- Emphasize intonation, balance, and tone quality while following the conductor's interpretation
- Incorporate accuracy and expressiveness to maximize rehearsal productivity
- Discuss the requirements of a studio recording environment and what is expected of performers
- Evaluate music and musical performances
The Disney Difference
Disney Imagination Campus Performing Arts Workshops set the standard by which all other workshop opportunities are measured. Discover the Disney Difference when:
- Your students work directly with Disney Teaching Artists, all of whom are professional musicians working in the industry
- Students work on Disney scores and arrangements that are exclusive to this experience
- Participants are treated as professional musicians in a studio environment
- Students will have the opportunity to gain insight into careers in the recording and film industry through Q&A with their Teaching Artist
- Your group partakes in the magic of our parks with specially priced tickets.
Additional Information
- Your Disney Teaching Artist will select music appropriate for your group’s ability level that will challenge the group, but still provide a strong final recording
- Available for Middle School, High School and College students
- Minimum of 20 performers required per organized group to participate in this experience
Pricing Information
- For Walt Disney World Resort pricing information, click here
- For Disneyland Resort pricing information, click here
Apply for SMAC’s 3rd Annual Cancer Fighter Scholarship
The Student Movement Against Cancer (SMAC) was founded in an effort to support a high school friend battling cancer. This group of students empowered their peers to fight back against cancer alongside their friends. In the process, they all had a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.
SMAC is proud to announce that we will be awarding the Cancer Fighter Scholarship to ten graduating high school seniors who have been leaders in the fight against cancer. The Cancer Fighter Scholarship will be $1000 for each scholarship winner.
Application
To apply for a scholarship, please submit a video to SMAC explaining (1) how you've been a cancer fighter and (2) what you've learned from the fight. Be creative and have fun making your video! You must include "Peace out, cancer" at the end of your video in order to be eligible.
Video must be emailed to scholarship@supportsmac.org by April 1, 2023, at 11:59pm (PT). In your email, please include your full name and home address, personal phone number, your high school's name and address, high school phone number, colleges applied to along with accepted or pending status, extracurricular activities, including position(s) held and years involved, and current GPA.
All video submissions must be created by you, and the content must be appropriate for publication on SMAC's website. Video must be 60 - 90 seconds long, no more than 50 MB in size, and sent in one of the following formats: .mov, .mp4, .mpg, .mpeg, .avi, .mwv. Video must not infringe on third-party rights.
Contact Us!
Keep in touch with the VUSD College and Career Department by following us on social media.
Past VUSD College & Career Newsletters
Office Phone Number: 559-730-7510