1. Junior Fall Counseling Workshop
South High School
Junior Fall Counseling Workshop
Mr. Polun: A-E
Mrs. Carroll: F-La
Mrs. McGarry: Le-Ra
Ms. Iacono: Re-Z
College and Career Coordinator: TBD

2. Contacting your Counselor
Students may stop in before school, at lunch, or after school
Students can sign up for an appointment in the counseling office for issues that may take longer
Parents should or call the counselor to set up an appointment

3. Important Dates Jan 10th 6:30 pm Test Interpretation Night
Feb– Meetings for information on Honors/AP classes
Feb 24th – College Fair
March– Meeting with counselor for class selection

4. Support Services Tutoring (CSF)- Library Monday-Thursday 3:00–4:00 pm
School Resource Officer
Dean
Alpha Counselor
College & Career Coordinator

5. Communication
(use the Counseling page) Daily Bulletin (posted on school website) PowerSchool eTUSD eBlasts

6. ZERO TOLERANCE
We expect you to treat your classmates as you would like to be treated at all times
Consequences for bullying can be severe, including suspension, expulsion, and charges filed with the police. That’s not going to help you get a good rec letter and be successful!
Watch what you say on social media-severe consequences.
Cheating/ plagiarism- possible suspension, 0/F, etc.

7. High School Graduation Requirements
Core Requirements
Math – 20 credits
Science – 20 credits
English – 40 credits
Social Science – 30 credits
Physical Ed. – 20 credits
Fine Art or Foreign Lang credits
Health – 5 credits
Electives – 75 credits
220 Credits
6 semesters of composite satisfactory or excellent citizenship

8. Knowing the A-G List
To Meet the A-G College-Preparatory Requirements, you must earn a “C” or better in each of the following areas.
Letter
Area
Years
Required
Years Recommended A
History/Social Sciences
2 years B
English
4 years C
Mathematics
3 years D
Laboratory Sciences E
Language Other Than English F
Visual and Performing Arts
1 year G
College-Preparatory Electives

9. Options after Graduation
Four-year College
Community College
Vocational Schools
Schools that teach students skills needed to perform a particular job
On-the-job training (workforce)
Military

10. Go to College- It Pays!
Source:

11. The Four Systems of Higher Education in CA
How to get to College!
The Four Systems of Higher Education in CA
Out of State Colleges/Universities
College Admissions

12. Higher Education in California
The Four Systems of
Higher Education in California

13. Community College

14. Community College 113 campuses Transfer programs available
CSU and UC give priority to transfer students
Certificates and Associate (AA) Degrees available
Open Admission- just graduate!

15. California State University

16. California State University
23 Campuses
Minimum GPA is 2.0
Applications are due senior year (October 1st to November 30th)
Check the eligibility index online to see you chances of getting in based on GPA and test scores

17. University of California

18. University of California
10 campuses (only 9 open for undergraduates)
Minimum GPA is 3.0
Applications are due senior year (November 1st to November 30th) u

19. Private and Independent Colleges/Universities in CA
Over 70 Campuses
Minimum GPA will vary
Size varies- some can be smaller than South!
They can be expensive, but there is aid!

20. Out of State Colleges
Requirements vary at every college and in every state, so you must research!
They offer a unique chance to live in a new environment and grow as a young adult.
These are a great way to get away from over- crowding in CA schools!

21. Factors in College Admissions
GPA
Rigor of Classes
SAT/ACT Test Scores
Clubs, activities, community service
Personal Statement (essays)
Counselor/teacher recommendation (Private/Independent School)
Interview (Private Schools-not as common)

22. SAT/ACT Required by almost all 4-year colleges
We suggest that you try both, as some students perform better on one than the other
Start taking the tests in the spring of Junior year
SAT Subject Tests are not required at most schools, but check with individual schools and majors to be sure. Take these at the end of the year if you’re interested.
SAT & ACT tests are not required for community colleges

23. College Admission Testing Preparation
Test Interpretation Night– January 10th
SAT Question of the Day
Create an account at
Daily question
ACT Test at
Khan Academy- free resources at

24. Research and Compare Colleges
Look up individual college websites
College Visits (from reps on our campus)
Open Houses/Preview Days/Campus Tours
College Fairs
Get organized! Keep a separate folder or binder for your data!

25. Choosing a College: What to Look For
Majors and Educational programs
Type of school and degrees offered
Admission policy
Location and size
Cost and financial aid available
Campus activities
Support services

26. Approximate Annual Tuition Fees
Higher Education Systems
Avg. Annual Cost/Year
University of California (UC)
$12,000-15,000
California State University (CSU)
$6,000-9,000
Community College (CC)
$1,200
Private/Out of State
$20,000-70,000

27. Apply for your FAFSA during your senior year!
Financial Aid
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Free Money based on specific criteria
National Scholarships
Local Scholarships
College Scholarships
GRANTS:
Free Money for educational expenses based on need
PELL Grant
Cal Grant
LOANS:
Money that must be repaid with interest
WORK STUDY:
Jobs to help pay for school on campus
Apply for your FAFSA during your senior year!