Dreamin' of College (Nov. 15, 2011 @ Cal Maritime Academy)

It was nice to be given an opportunity to bring a good number of our graduating seniors to this " Dreamin' of College Cal Grant Presentation" coordinated by Travis Credit Union.  The presentation was held at Cal Maritime Academy in Vallejo and a total of about 500 high school seniors from all over the bay area.  We got welcome remarks from the President and CEO of Travis Federal Credit Union, followed by the presentation of colors Travis Air Force Base Honor Guard.  We also got to hear what Cal Maritime has to offer in majors as well as their total enrollment. 

A motivational speaker, Wil Cason, talked to the students about going for their dreams and overcoming obstacles that come their way.  He shared his story and how he got to where he is at. 

The presentation was very informational.  It gave the students a head start on what they need to do regarding Financial Aid and Cal grant.  The students were also given a folder with valuable information about FAFSA, Cal Grant and scholarship web site.

Credits 9th - 12th grade

We always talk about credits required for graduation.  I will break down the minimum total credits needed in order to be on track with your class.

9th grade: 30 credits - after 1st semester; if your fail a class, I recommend signing up for summer school and making up that course.

10th grade:  55 credits

11th grade:  110 credits

12th grade:  165 credits

***Keep in mind that each student is required to have a minimum of 6 classes and each class potentially earns 5 credits per semester = 30 1st semester and 30 2nd semester which is a total of 60 credits in a year.


If you find yourself deficient(lacking) in credits...please let your counselor know so they can help you plan out on how to work on earning your credit deficiencies. 


GOOD LUCK!!!

4- Year plan: Freshman and Sophomore Year

From middle school to now in the High school setting, your freshman year is very important.  This is the year you gauge your ability to adapt to the changes of academic rigor, responsibility and social pressures.  This is that year where your counselors will tell you that you must meet the district's High School graduation requirements in order to receive your high school diploma.  You will realize that in order to do so, you must acquire a certain number of total credits as you go through your 4 years in high school.  Within our district (WCCUSD), you would need a total of 225 credits, pass the CAHSEE as well as Service Learning. 

College timeline  starts now:  Freshman Year

• Work hard in ALL your classes.
• Start thinking about what you want to do after high school and start researching about colleges.
• Talk to your parents and counselor about your goals.
• Plan which ACADEMY you want to join for your sophomore year (LAW, HEALTH or ITCA)
• Keep in mind about the A-G requirement as you go through high school as well as choosing the courses right for you (Remember: grades "C" and above only!)
• Get involved with extra curricular activities if possible.
• Begin to form a good working relationship with your teachers and counselor.
• Take advantage of the PSAT tests given.
• If you failed a class or earned a "D", talk to your counselor to make up the class over summer or concurrent enrollment at the community college.  Remember, the sooner you fix theses issues, the easier your high school life will be ;-)

Sophomore Year:

• First few weeks of school, ensure you are in the right classes especially math level and foreign language level courses as well as in the right ACADEMY : LAW, HEALTH or ITCA
• Challenge yourself by taking advance courses.
• Take the PSAT offered at your school.
• Continue to research about the colleges that interest you.
• Get involved with the different organizations, sports and or leadership at your school
• DO YOUR BEST!

Countdown to Collge (11th and 12th grade)

Junior Year

August:  Review your high school courses to make sure you are on track with your required courses to graduate as well as eligibility for A-G.  Take rigorous courses.  Get involve in clubs or other extra curricular activities if possible.

September:  Meet with your counselor and start planning on looking at different colleges.  Be prepared for (PSAT) Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test that is offered in Oct. 12, 2011 for students at DAHS 9-11.  Plan to attend College Fairs with your parents.

October:  Take the PSAT.   Check with your teachers to ensure you are passing all your classes.  ***REMEMBER THAT TO BE ELIGIBLE to APPLY to a 4 year COLLEGE, you need to maintain "C" grades within A-G requirements. :-)

November:  For those that haven't passed the CAHSEE, DO YOUR BEST to pass it this time.  Enroll at a Community College if you need to take a class for credit recovery.  See your counselor for a concurrent form.

December/January:  Plan to take the SAT/ACT tests.  See the links on our site.  CC classes start if you registered for one. 

February:  Register for SAT/ACT.  Seek for ACT/SAT exam prep courses that are being offered in your area. 

March:  Take the SAT and/or the ACT.  Sign up for summer school if needed.  Check out scholarships or summer programs catered for your grade level.

April/May/June:  Continue researching about different colleges and scholarships.  Prepare essays for admission to college.



Senior Year

August/September:  Meet with your counselor and review transcript to ensure you are taking the right courses.  Take rigorous courses if possible.  Start thinking about options after high school and plan on deciding which colleges you plan on applying for.  Mark your calendar for important deadlines about college applications and financial aid/scholarships.

October:  Seniors need to have passed the CAHSEE or will take a test this month.  Register for SAT/ACT if necessary.  Request for a copy of your transcript to start the application process for college.  Seek and apply for scholarships.  Start the process of requesting for letters of recommendations.
 
November:  Take the SAT and/or ACT test.  Start submitting college applications - due on the 31st.  Seek college fairs and plan to attend.  Attend Financial Aid workshops (FAFSA).  Attend college preview days.

December:  Gather data needed to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 

January:  Submit your FAFSA application online (see link on blog) as soon after Jan. 1 or by March 2.  Make sure you submit a signed form for the Cal Grant GPA verification form due by March 2 as well.

February:  Check to make sure if colleges need your mid-year transcripts.  If you are in AP courses, plan on taking the AP exams.  Study and do your best.  Attend college preview days. 


March/April:  Applying for FAFSA and cal grant verification for should have been submitted by March 2.  Check if you have been accepted by the college of your choice.

May:  Take the AP exam if needed.  You are almost done.....continue to DO YOUR BEST!!!

June:  GRADUATION!!!!!  :-))

~  Mrs. P

College Info / Fair

Choosing which college to attend can be very stressful.  This is a good time to attend different College Fairs and/or Information Days.

- College Information Day for 6th - 12th grade students and parents:

          Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011

          Wheeler Hall, UC Berkeley

          8:30 AM- 1:00 PM

   For more info: (510)451-5917

   Pre-register online at:  http://www.eastbayconsortium.org/  - NO registration Fees

- College Admissions 101 

          Four opportunities to attend:

   John F. Kennedy High School Library - Tuesday, Sept. 27 6:45 PM-8:30 PM

   El Cerrito High School Library - Thursday, Sept. 29t 6:45 PM-8:30 PM

   Pinole Valley High School Library - Thursday, Oct. 4  6:45 PM- 8:30 PM
   Richmond High School - Thursday, Oct. 20  6:45 PM - 8:30 PM

   Hercules Middle High School Library - Thursday, Oct. 27  6:30 PM- 8:15 PM

-  College Fair

          Pinole Valley High School's Third Annual College Fair

          Saturday, October 29, 2011

          10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

    For further info: (510)758-4664

Planning and Organizing

As much as I try to be organized myself...I sometimes be so ambitious and then get half way done and never get to reach my deadlines which then leads to procrastination.  One thing I know for sure is that planning and organizing is one of the few that we need to do to be successful in whatever we plan on accomplishing.  It can either be simple things from cooking to cleaning your room or simply planning out your schedule for the day.

I wanted to reach to as much students and parents regarding graduation requirements and college/career options yet have been thinking on what would be the best way to reach to all.  I finally decided that through my blog, I will be able to at least make it easier for students, parents and interested parties to check out this blog and hopefully narrow their search regarding college and career info.  I will try my very best to update this site and provide direct links that are important for college planning, applications, Financial Aid and scholarship links and info.  Of course, let's not forget the WCCUSD graduation requirements which aligns closely to the A-G UC/CSU eligibility requirements.  Hopefully, I will try and make more sense of what these requirements are and the minimum recommendations to take such courses.

I have planned and organized all valuable information I see important for every single student and parent.  Hopefully, I will try make it where it is like a one stop shop to search for resources regarding options after high school, college, careers as well financing options such as FAFSA(Financial Aid) and scholarships.

If you have any questions or comments that you may want to know or see, I will try my best to search the information and add it here on my site.


Thank you!   

~ Mrs. P