1. High School Success and Preparing for College
Folsom High School Student/Parent Evening Symposium:
High School Success and Preparing for College
Presented By: Folsom High Counselors

2. Agenda for the Evening How To Succeed At FHS
Folsom High School Tools/Resources
How To Devise A Plan to Meet High School Graduation and College “a-g” Admission Requirements
Preparing For College With Honors And AP Courses
Planning a Purposeful High School Experience and Building Your Story for College Admission
Standardized Tests

3. Meet your FHS Counselors
Clara Brown:
A-D
Nikka Vaughan:
L-Rd
Nicole Estrada:
Re-Z
Mike Adorjan:
E-K

4. Counseling Office The most efficient way to contact your students counselor is to send an with your questions. This way we have the opportunity to research and provide the answer you are seeking. If an appointment is needed please send your students counselor an or call them to schedule.
Counseling Office Hours
Counseling Office is open daily from 7:30am-4:00pm
Student Drop in times:
Before School
At Lunch
After School
Students may sign up for an individual appointment

5. How to be in the know?
Folsom High School Website - Departments/Teacher Websites
Daily Bulletins- on the sidebar of FHS website
Sign up for the bi-weekly “Bulldog Newsletter”- link on FHS website above the shopping cart

6. Helpful Planning Resources
Folsom High School Curriculum Guide
Folsom High School Website
Bookmark the Curriculum Guide for future use!
It can be found on the Counseling page of the FHS website

7. HOW TO EARN CREDITS at FHS…
Students take 6 classes during each school year.
They will earn 5 credits for every class they pass, each semester, 10 for the year.
This means they should have earned at least 60 credits end of each school year.

8. Grading Periods

9. Graduation Requirements
Subject
Years/Number of Credits Required
English
4 years – 40 credits
Fine Art, World Language or CTE (Career Technical Education)
1 year – 10 credits
World Cultures
U.S. History
Government
1 semester – 5 credits
Economics
Integrated Math 1 and Integrated Math 2
2 years– 20 credits
Mathematics
Science
2 years – 20 credits
Career Technical Education (CTE) or 3rd Year of Science
Health Education
1 semester - 5 credits
Physical Education
Electives
55 credits
Total
220 credits

10. Transcript

11. Tools for Success: My student is not doing well in school, what should we do?
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: Has your student…
Spoken with the teacher about concerns?
Reread the course expectations for policies and procedures to see if late work is accepted or extra credit given?
Met with teacher before or after school for additional help?
Utilized PAWS?
Used PAWSPORT to record assignments?
Written down assignments from the teacher’s board (or taken a picture of the board)?
Visited the teacher’s website?
Worked with a Peer Tutor? Counselors have a list of Peer Tutors for hire.
Asked for a seat change to minimize distractions?
Asked for a homework buddy? These students help each other if one is absent.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES: As a parent or guardian, have you…
Limited distractions at home by making sure that the TV and cell phone are off, etc.?
Set up a regular time for studying and homework?
Checked grades and assignments on PowerSchool?
Checked your student’s PAWSPORT for assignments?
Checked your student’s backpack to see if there is a method for organization?
Helped your student prioritize assignments and set educational goals?

12. Help outside of the classroom
Peer Tutoring Program- Peer tutors are current junior and seniors, who have received grades of A or B in the subject and have been recommended for tutoring by their teachers. Tutoring sessions are arranged between the family and the tutor and must be done outside of school hours. There is a recommended fee of $11 per hour.
World Language Scholars offer free tutoring every Mondays 3:05-4PM in
WL-101. Tutors are available for French, German, and Spanish.
PAWS- Students are encouraged to travel during our 45 minute PAWS period. During this time they can get assistance from teachers and other students on their course assignments. They can also make up tests, work on group projects and more.
Intel Tutoring for IM3 or higher is offered on Wednesdays before school or after school. Application required, weekly commitment required

13. PowerSchool
PowerSchool Portal is a vehicle for parents and students to access grade and attendance information. Students and parents have separate login accounts. We highly recommend this portal to be checked frequently.

14. Naviance What is Naviance?
Naviance, is an interactive college and career readiness platform used by thousands of schools across the country, to help our students develop critical skills and college knowledge that research shows increases students' likelihood of reaching post-secondary goals.
Special Features for students?
College Research Tools: SuperMatch, Scattergrams (comparative data)
Career Research Tools: Strengths Explorer, Career Interest Profile, Resume Builder
How Naviance will be integrated at FHS:
Students will be guided through a process of creating personalized, task-oriented plans for achieving those goals. Through interest surveys and career planning activities, students will be inspired to learn about themselves, explore careers that match their personality types and interests, and understand what’s required to pursue those careers.
How does my student login?
Students log into Naviance’s Family Connection:
with their Powerschool login.

15. Post High School Options
College
Community College-112 options
All high school graduates are accepted
Understand transfer agreements
California State University-23 options
University of California-10 research colleges-highly competitive
Private University-large endowments may help financial aid- may have specific affiliations- small classes
Out-of-state college: scholarships such as WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange)
Career/Job
Trade Schools
Electrician, Welding, Cosmetology
Military
Army
Navy
Coast Guard
Air Force
Marines

16. Four-Year College Admission Requirements
UC / CSU a-g Requirements (College Prep Courses)
a. History/Social Science 2 Years Required
b. English 4 Years Required
c. Mathematics 3 Years Required / 4 Years Recommended
Including Integrated Math 1, Integrated Math 2, Integrated and Math 3
d. Laboratory Science 2 Years Required / 3 Years Recommended
Chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Physics
e. Language other than English 2 Years Required / 3 Years Recommended
Must be the same language
f. Visual & Performing Arts 1 Year Required
g. College Preparatory Electives 1 Year Required
Chosen from approved UC “a-g” course list
Remember: The SAT or ACT plus Writing is also required for most colleges.
Listed in BOLD in FHS Curriculum Guide & on registration form
Official “a-g” list at
SAT Subject Tests required by some selective colleges
UC: Minimum 3.0 GPA
CSU: Minimum 2.0 GPA 16

17. Personal Learning Plan Worksheet
Use your personal learning plan to map out your classes for high school.

18. How to earn credit for a course if I cannot fit it into my schedule?
Zero Period Classes (Limited Options)
Summer School (Remedial/Enrichment- prior counselor approval required)
School Approved Online Courses
Independent Study P.E. (for National Ranked student athletes)
Community College Classes (Limited space, must be a course FHS does not offer, students must be 16 or older with 2.75 GPA, requires counselor approval)
*only courses required for graduation with prior counselor/admin approval will be placed on FHS transcript

19. Sample Four-Year Plan: UC/CSU Eligibility + 4 Years with 2 Electives9 10 11 12
Zero Period:
eg – Biology
eg – World Lang
English
Math
Fitness 1
World Cultures
U.S. History
Gov/Econ
Science
Elect/Wld Lang
World Lang
Elective/Fitness 2
Elective: VAPA
Elective
Summer School:
Counselor approval
Summer School: Counselor approval 19

20. AP-Advanced Placement Classes/Honors
What is it?
Advanced Placement is a program run by College Board that allows you to take courses right in your high school that can earn you college credit and/or qualify you for more advanced classes when you begin college.
Benefits:
College level courses
Weighted GPA (except Hon. English 9/10): A=5.0 B=4.0 C=3.0
Potential to earn college credit with high AP test scores
Helps with demonstrating rigor and strength in your curriculum
Other Considerations:
Time Commitment- course load and extra curricular
Rigorous

21. “Plan A Purposeful High School Experience” and Build Your Story For College Admission Colleges want to see your commitment, dedication and genuine interest in expanding your intellectual horizons.
Grade-Point Average
Performance in Academic Subject Areas
Test Scores
Achievements in Special Projects
Courses Completed/Planned
Improvement in Academic Performance
Honors (weighted) Courses
Top 9% Local Context(ELC)
Special Talents, Achievements, and Awards
Quality of Senior Year
Participation in Educational Preparation Programs
Academic Opportunities in California High Schools
Academic Accomplishment Within Life Experiences
Geographic Location

22. Get Involved! Music: Jazz, Marching Band, Concert Band, Orchestra
Drama and Arts: Film, Drawing and Painting
Student Government
Academic: California Scholarship Foundation (CSF)
Cultural: Global Perspective Studies, World Language Scholars
Technology: Robotics Club, Science Club
Community Service: Interact, Key Club, BRO
List of clubs and advisors will be on FHS website- Student Activities
DEDICATION IS KEY!

23. DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF! BE ORIGINIAL!
How do I demonstrate: Commitment, Dedication and Genuine Interest in expanding intellectual horizons?
Non-college prep classes in a specific area
Online courses- either for credit or not for credit
Reading books and articles
Summer programs
Internships/ Employment
Community Service
Performances
Ted Talks, NPR, exposing your mind to other avenues of learning
Cultural activities/ Religious or church involvment
Participating in fairs and competitions
DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF! BE ORIGINIAL!

24. Standardize Testing: SAT and ACT
Colleges will accept either test.
You can take ACT /SAT as late as December of senior year.
Writing portion is optional but highly recommended.
Prepare during junior year-FHS offers the PSAT.
ACT
SAT
Designed to Measure
Academic development
Critical thinking
Content Covered
grammar & usage, math, reading and science reasoning and writing (optional)
Reading, relevant words in context, math, grammar & usage, analytical writing (optional)
Penalty for wrong answers NO
Offered when
Six times a year
Seven times a year
Duration of test
3 hours-3 hours 40 minutes/with essay
3 hours 50 minutes

25. Additional Testing Information:
SAT Subject Tests: gives students a chance to demonstrate proficiency- some colleges require for specific majors (Math/Science)
AP Test: Mastery of AP classes- students can earn college credit
College Placement Test- Your SAT, AP, CAASP scores can substitute for college placement test
CAASP: California State Testing during Junior Year- This will be your ELM and EAP test

26. Researching College Prospects:
What do you want to study? What schools have strong programs?
Do you want to live in an urban, suburban or rural environment?
How far from home do you want to venture?
What size school is best for you?
Tips:
Research colleges and majors
Campus visits
Keep your GPA competitive
Consider all options
Do not cross off a school due to financial aid
Show the colleges you are interested:
Attend college fairs
Campus visits
Communication with schools and reps
Meetings with admission reps at Folsom High School

27. College Admission Myths
You better have an impressive list of extracurricular activities and community service.
The best way to impress admissions counselors is to authentically pursue what interests you.
They want to see passion and commitment.
Quality verse quantity
College Essays don’t really matter
The essay is an incredible opportunity to say something positive and memorable about yourself.
Admissions Officers are never going to check my social media accounts
Having a page with “inappropriate photos/comments/posts” are an easy reason to reject a student.
I must take all the AP courses that I can
Students should absolutely take challenging classes, just not necessarily all of them.
The goal is not to think too much about the number of them, but to make sure that you leave time to pursue other things
I can’t have any B or C grades
C or higher is considered passing by the UC/CSU’s

28. How do you define SUCCESS?
HOW DOES YOUR STUDENT DEFINE SUCCESS?
WHAT MESSAGES ARE YOU SENDING TO YOUR STUDENT?

29. Well-Balanced Student- Challenge Success Stanford University
Is it possible to have balance in today’s face-paced culture? Yes, but not easy, especially for our students.
Balance is not stagnate- it is ever changing depending on what is going on.
Extra Curricular- over 20+ though the week is not healthy for teens to balance studying, sleep, unstructured time, and play time.
Sleep- CRUCIAL, constant sleep pattern- not binge sleeping, 8-10 hours(no devices- use traditional alarm clocks) (monitor study time) recommended
Blue light/Screen Time that impacts the way students produce melatonin
PROTECT P.D.F. Playtime, Downtime, and Family Time
Time in a teen’s day when he/she is not engaged in a formally structured activity
Students main job.. Figuring out “Who do I want to be?”
STUDENTS HEALTH IS MOST IMPORTANT!

30. Strategies for Parents
Define success on your terms
Examine subtle messages
Model engagement and integrity
Avoid overscheduling your student (PDF)
Debunk college myths
Limit media/screen time
Engage in healthy dialogue and advocacy
Honor health and well-being

31. Thank you! Join Counseling REMIND Account for update information and the number 81010