1. Irvington High School Parent Information Session Quarter 2 a-g
Graduation Requirements
College Admissions
Information for parents
Hello and welcome. Thank you for joining us for our second Parent Information Session of the year. Time constraints make parent communication a challenge, so we are happy to be able to interact with everyone in this format, so that we can focus most of our time on direct contact with our students. We are going to be passing around index cards for you to write down any questions that you may have. We will collect the cards at the end and respond.
Updated: 12/2015

2. Your Counselors 9th Grade: Ms. Velasquez A-Ga: Ms. Velazco (10th-12th)
Ge-L: Ms. Bennett (10th-12th)
M-Se: Ms. Mintey (10th-12th)
Sh-Z: Ms. Serrano (10th-12th)
College and Career Specialist: Linda Kimmel

3. Counseling Program Overview
Academic services available to ALL students:
2 classroom presentation per year per grade level (done through English and history classes) regarding graduation requirements, college admissions, transcript review/distribution, navigating high school, etc.
Individual meeting with counselor each year during Feb/March (done through English class) for course selection/registration
Available to all students during lunch and after school for student questions
Behind the scenes transcript review. Counselors review each student’s transcript twice per year to check for graduation requirements and implement guidance and interventions as needed.
Social/emotional support:
Short term counseling (crisis counseling, grief counseling, stress management, conflict resolution, etc.) and crisis counseling referrals to social service agencies are provided as needed.

4. Best ways for PARENTS to contact a counselor:
Ask yourself if the issue can be addressed by the student during lunch or after school
Having your student ask questions pertaining to their education teaches personal responsibility (School Wide Outcome) and is a great way for the student to get to know their counselor.
Send an
Contact information can be found on Irvington.org. Counselors have access to more frequently than their phone resulting in a quicker response time.
Call your student’s counselor
Contact information can be found on irvington.org
Due to large caseloads, walk-in appointments for parents cannot be accommodated.

5. Best ways for Students to contact a counselor:
Counselors are available during lunch and after school for student walk-ins.
Face to face contact with counselors is encouraged as it is a great way for students to get to know their counselor.
Students can request an appointment time (by seeing their counselor during lunch/after school or by ) if the issue necessitates longer than a brief meeting.

6. Helpful Tools

7. Irvington.org Where to go for additional information:
Visit the Counselor’s Website and the College and Career Center’s website for answers to many frequently asked questions…
Counselor’s Website:
Important announcements
Requesting Recommendations
PowerPoints/ FAQs
Resources/interventions for students struggling academically
Resources for health and wellness
4 year plan
College Planning Checklist
Graduation reqs/college entrance reqs
A-g list
And more!

8. Career Center Webpage
College and Career Center:
SAT info and test prep options
Calendar showing upcoming visits from college reps and workshops
College requirement info
Financial aid information
College application information
Career information
Summer opportunities
Military information
Scholarship information
And more!!

9. Naviance
Naviance helps with college and career planning. College/major search,
career surveys, college super search/matching capabilities, etc.
Scroll down to find the Naviance info page.

10. Shmoop
Free access to -SAT/ACT/PSAT/AP/DMV exam prep including practice tests and drills. Study guides for many subjects
To sign up:
magic word: ELUANT

11. College and Graduation Requirments

12. Graduation Reqs Versus UC/CSU Reqs
What are the main differences?
(a-g Requirements)
Graduation Reqs Versus UC/CSU Reqs
English- 40 credits
(area “b”) English- same
Health- 5 credits
PE- 20 credits
(area “c”) Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (minimum)
Algebra more credits of math
Fine Art OR World Language OR CTE
(area “f” and “e”) Fine Art AND World Lang
AND OR
(Digital Drawing, Arts Spectrum, and Culinary Arts are NOT fine art classes)
Social Science- World History, US History, Gov/Econ
(area “a”) Social Science- same
Science- 20 credits- Biological (Biology, Sports Therapy) AND Physical (Int. Sci, Chem, Biotech)
(area “d”) Science- 20 credits
(prefer Bio and Chem/Biotech)
Electives: 75 credits required. Any class taken after a subject requirement is met is counted as an elective (Ex: Your 3rd year of science counts as an elective).
SAT or ACT
* NOTE: “Computers” is not required at IHS
40 hours of community service

13. Know Irvington’s a-g list http://www.ucop.edu/doorways/
Every class at Irvington that fulfills an a-g subject requirement for CSU and UC admission can be found on this list.

14. Resources/Interventions for students that are struggling academically find on irvington.org under counseling tab

15. Resources for Health and Wellness find on irvington
Resources for Health and Wellness find on irvington.org under counseling tab
Health and Wellness Resources/Agencies link:
Is your student feeling stressed out/overwhelmed?
Does your family need help signing up for health insurance?
Do you need information on housing?
Students can also see their counselor in person during lunch and after school for more information.

16. The Concern
A survey of students this past spring conducted by Dr. Slavin of St. Louis University’s Medical School revealed high rates of depression and anxiety symptoms in students in all grade levels. 
1400 students surveyed:
60% of the had moderate to severe symptoms of depression
80% had moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety 
Biggest stressors reported by students:
feelings of pressure to get into the best college possible
pressure to maintain a high grade point average
overwhelming time pressures (too much homework, too many activities)
*Pressure from parents also noted by students as a source of stress
Counselors also surveyed over 100 twelfth graders regarding stressors and health and wellness topics. The results were consistent with the survey done by Dr. Slavin.

17. Preet Kaur Sabharwal M.A. Community Mental Health Specialist
The Hume Center

18. Five Senses Mindfulness Exercise
Stressed out? Can’t stop worrying or thinking about something? Can’t focus? Feeling upset? Sometimes we feel like we’re caught up in a tornado of thoughts and emotions. The exercise below is a quick and easy method for feeling more centered on a tough day. It’s also great to practice at times when you’re not as stressed so you know exactly how to use it when you need it the most.
If begin to notice thoughts coming into your mind, that is COMPLETELY normal. Our brains are designed to think but we can learn to refocus our attention. Take this as an opportunity to be kind to yourself and not judge. Just notice that you are having thoughts, then, redirect your attention back to the present moment.
1. Sit in a comfortable upright position with your feet planted flat on the ground. Rest your hands on your thighs or on your desk.
2. Notice your breathe. No need to breathe in any particular way. Just bring attention to each part of the breath- the inhale, exhale, and space in between.
3. Bring awareness to each of your 5 senses. One at a time, for about one minute each. The point here is to focus on the present moment and how each sense is being activated in that moment. The order in which you pay attention to each sense does not matter.
Hear: Begin to notice all of the sounds around you. Try not to judge the sounds- just notice them. They are not good or bad, they just are. Sounds might be internal, like breathing or digestion. Sounds might be close by or more distant like the sound of traffic. Are you now hearing more than you were before you started? You may begin to notice subtle sounds you did not hear before. Can you hear them now?

19. Smell: Now shift your attention to notice the smells of your environment. Maybe you smell food. You might become aware of the smell of trees or plants if you are outside. You might notice the smell of books or paper. Sometimes closing your eyes can help sharpen your attention.
See: Observe your surrounding and notice the colors, shapes and textures. If you really look, you may notice things that have gone unnoticed.
Taste: You can do this one even if you have food in your mouth. You may notice an aftertaste of a previous drink or meal. You can just notice your tongue in your mouth, your saliva, and your breath as you exhale. We have tastes in our mouth that often go unnoticed. You can run your tongue over your teeth and cheeks to help you become more aware.
Touch: Last one. Bring your attention to the sensations of skin contact with your chair, clothing, and feet on the floor. You can notice the pressure between your feet and the floor or your body and the chair. You can observe temperature like the warmth or coolness of your hands or feet. You might take time to feel the textures that you noticed by sight a moment ago. You can feel several objects on your desk to fully focus your attention on the present.
When finished, pause to notice how your body feels in this moment. Compare how you feel now with how you felt 5 minutes ago- what has changed? Try this exercise next time you're feeling overwhelmed. This can be useful to use before a test or speech, too!
Clayton State University, Counseling and Psychological Services

20. Preventing Stress in Teens
Be a role model
How do you deal with your own stress?
Encourage and model open communication
Focus on the process not the outcome
Help teens learn time management and prevent overscheduling
Make an effort to talk to your teen every day about what is going on in their lives ( not just about academics)
Trying to talk with your teen not at your teen.
Try listening to your teen without immediately judging or offering advice.
Model positive communication by listening carefully, making good eye contact and avoid multitasking.

21. Addressing Stress in Teens
Pay Attention to Red Flags
Changes in behavior, eating, sleeping, in motivation to go to school, grades, social functioning ( isolation or hanging out too much)or personal hygiene.
Help teens identify signs of stress
Help teens find ways to relax and cope with stress by encouraging them to establish self-care routines
Identify and highlight strengths your teen has. Encouraging your teen to utilize those strengths to cope with stress.
Encourage your teens to use words to share their concerns and problems and work together to figure out solutions or coping strategies.

22. Winter Break (Yes it’s time for a break)
Plan a outing or a trip with your teen
Show interest in their favorite TV show or video game
Encourage your teen to go out and see friends
Model for them that it is okay to take a break

23. College Admissions

24. Know Your Options CAREER
There are many different paths to happiness. Students should choose the one that is right for them.
CAREER
University (Doctorate)
Professional
School
University (Graduate)
There is much national and international emphasis put on students regarding their academic knowledge when earning a high school diploma. And there is a the myth that success only comes from earning a four-year college degree.
There are many successful paths to reaching a career depending on students’ talents, gifts, passions, strengths, weakness, and capabilities.
After HS a student can choose: career, military, gap year, vocational/trade school, community college, university
From there students can again choose a path that best fits them and their career goals. It is usually in the post-high school path that the career goal becomes much clearer.
Vocational/Technical School
Community
College
University (Undergraduate)
Military
High School
Kristin Cranmer 2015

25. Fit matters!
When your teen is thinking about colleges, encourage these questions…
Do I like snow?
Can I share a classroom with 500 students?
Am I applying to these colleges because of the name? Or is it because of what they have to offer?
Do I have the money to attend this college? Will I be in debt when I leave?
Am I ready to attend a four year college?
Is a community college the right fit for me?
Can I do my own laundry and cook for myself?
Can I handle the pressures of college without my family nearby?
Consider:
Which school, based on their preferences, interests, & passions will they be motivated to thrive & create new growth opportunities? Often times students find this where they are happiest, which is why fit matters.

26. College Systems University of California (10 campuses)
California State University (23 campuses)
Private/Out-of-State Colleges
Community College
Vocational/Tech Schools
Where we will spend the majority of our time is on the types of colleges & universities in the U.S. that are attended after high school.
Within CA we have UCs, CSUs, Private/Indep CA colleges & universities, out-of-state colleges & universities, community colleges, and vocational/tech schools.

27. Who wins? Where do Irvington Students go to College?
31% attend community colleges (Ohlone and DeAnza are most popular with our students)
27% attend a University of California (UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, etc.)
19% attend a California State University (San Jose State, CSU East Bay, etc.)
19% attend other 4 year universities including private California colleges as well as private and public out of state colleges.
*Less than 1% of the class of 2015 are attending a “Top 10 college” as determined by U.S. News and World Report (Stanford, Harvard, etc.)
2% military/vocational schools
Who wins?
Most popular schools:
Ohlone
San Jose State University

28. Community College Admissions
IHS Class of 2015
31% are attending a California community college
Online application
No essays
No ACT or SAT scores
Extracurriculars do not matter
Apply in the Spring of their 12th grade year online: Ohlone.edu, deanza.edu
Eligibility Index- The Eligibility Index Table shows the combination of test scores and grade point averages required to meet minimum eligibility requirements. The CSU does not use the SAT Writing section or the ACT Writing score to calculate the CSU Eligibility Index.
The index varies per year per campus based on admissions rates and the year’s applicant pool. If you meet an index from a particular university, it means you are a reasonable and qualified candidate for the university.
If you are interested in seeing the Fall 2014 admission statistics and updates from all CSU campuses, I have a limited number of handout for this you are welcome to pick up after the presenation.

29. Total enrollment: 2.1 million students
Nearly 50% of students that graduate from the UC system started at a community college
*Percent is higher in STEM Majors
Community Colleges
113 campuses located throughout California (Ohlone, De Anza, Chabot and Mission College are the closest to Fremont)
Total enrollment: 2.1 million students
Requirements: 18 years old OR have a high school diploma
Types of programs:
Complete 60 units (2 years on average) for an AA/AS degree which can transfer to a 4 year university (transfer to a 4 year university as a junior)
Photo: Ohlone College’s Newark Campus

30. Community Colleges Continued
Types of programs (continued):
2. Vocational programs:
A series of career-focused courses that prepare graduates for the workforce in a relatively short amount of time.
Programs are usually between 9 month and two years in length.
Examples:
Registered Nursing Program at Ohlone Community College (two academic years in length)
Cosmetology Program at Laney Community College (1600 hours in length)
Automotive Technology Program at Chabot Community College (4 semesters in length)
Radiologic Technology Program at Foothill Community College (22 months in length)
3. Enrichment classes and classes to develop skills (English classes, computer classes, etc.)

31. How Parents Can Help Be a cheerleader
Be realistic; Encourage a range of college & career options
College admission is competitive but there are still over 2000 four-year colleges and universities that admit over 50% of students.
Research college options WITH your teen
Help plan campus visits WITH your teen
Narrow college options WITH your teen based on best fit
Doing things FOR your teen leads to a dependent college student. Doing things WITH your teen leads to an independent college student and successful adult.
Kristin Cranmer 2015

32. Additional Information

33. CSU Admissions IHS Class of 2015 19% are attending a
California State University
One online application
Self - report classes/grades
NEEDS TO BE ACCURATE
No essays
Need ACT or SAT
Extracurriculars do not matter
Cal Poly is the exception
Apply online at: csumentor.edu
October 1 – November 30 during 12th grade
Eligibility Index- The Eligibility Index Table shows the combination of test scores and grade point averages required to meet minimum eligibility requirements. The CSU does not use the SAT Writing section or the ACT Writing score to calculate the CSU Eligibility Index.
The index varies per year per campus based on admissions rates and the year’s applicant pool. If you meet an index from a particular university, it means you are a reasonable and qualified candidate for the university.
If you are interested in seeing the Fall 2014 admission statistics and updates from all CSU campuses, I have a limited number of handout for this you are welcome to pick up after the presenation.
Kristin Cranmer 2015

34. UC Admissions IHS Class of 2015 27% are attending a
University of California
One online application
Need SAT or ACT
Holistic admissions process
2 Essays
Personal Statement Workshop offered to
students through the College and Career
Center
Becoming increasingly more selective
Apply online at:
admission.universityofcalifornia.edu
November 1 – November 30
during 12th grade
Kristin Cranmer 2015

35. What does an IHS student have to do to get into a UC?
There is no “Golden Ticket”
IHS students that are enrolled at Berkeley (from class of 2014):
Average GPA: 3.9 (unweighted)
GPA range: (unweighted)
Average number of AP courses: 8
AP course range: 6-10
Math level in 12th grade: 30% were in AP calculus AB, 20% were in AP calculus BC, 30% were in multivariable and 10% were in calculus
30% of the students were a TA or in a non college prep elective during 12th grade
Davis (class of 2014):
Average GPA: 3.72 (unweighted)
GPA range: (unweighted)
Average number of AP courses: 5.7
AP Course range: 1-8
Math level in 12th grade: 50% were in calculus, 30% were in AP calculus AB, 10% were in AP statistics, 10% were in AP calculus BC

36. What does an IHS student have to do to get into a UC?
Santa Cruz (class of 2014):
Average GPA: 3.52 (unweighted)
GPA range: (unweighted)
Average number of AP courses: 3
AP course range: 1-5
Math level in 12th grade: 70% were in intro to statistics, 10% were in calculus, 10% were in precalculus, and 10% were in AP calculus AB
70% of the students were a TA or in a non college prep elective during 12th grade

37. Private California Colleges & Universities
While about 60% of the class of 2015 went through the private college application process, only about 10% chose to go to one of these colleges. Most students were also accepted to, and chose to attend, a CSU/UC.
Private California Colleges & Universities
IHS Class of 2015
19% are attending a 4 year university that is
Not a UC or CSU.
77 Private Universities/Colleges in CA
Vary in size, prestige, and cost
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate’s, and Professional degrees
Accept high school graduates and Community College transfers
Professional Schools-Law, Medicine, Education, Engineering, Journalism, Social Welfare
View admissions holistically
Most private colleges use Common Application
Commonapp.org
Application deadlines vary
Kristin Cranmer 2015

38. Out-of-State Colleges
IHS Class of 2015
19% are attending a 4 year university that is not a UC or CSU.
Many have special out-of-state scholarship opportunities
Some schools have tuition reciprocity programs that make attending roughly equivalent to in-state tuition (WUE)
All colleges are looking to build a diverse and talented freshman class, and geographic diversity is highly prized in some cases…making out-of-state students attractive.
Admission & application requirements vary per school.
Kristin Cranmer 2015

39. ACT (writing section not required)
California College Systems Continued
Types of Colleges
Community Colleges
California State Universities (CSU)
University of California (UC)
Independent Colleges
Freshmen Requirements
No subject requirements. Must be a high school graduate or 18 years of age.
Some programs have pre-requisite requirements. Check college websites or catalogues.
See slide on a-g requirements.
Requirements vary by school. Check college websites or catalogues.
Tests
Math and English assessment tests are required for new students in order to be placed at the correct skill level.
These tests are not used to exclude students. Tests are given after an application is submitted, usually followed by an orientation, counseling, and enrollment into classes.
ACT (writing section not required) or
SAT Reasoning Test
ELM- Entry Level Math Test
EPT- English Placement Test (These tests are not used for admission purposes)
ACT plus writing
Recommended: Certain SAT Subject tests are recommended for certain majors. Check with interested colleges for specific information.
Some schools may require the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT plus writing and/or SAT Subject Tests. Check college websites or catalogues for specific test requirements.

40. California College Systems
Types of Colleges
Community Colleges
California State Universities (CSU)
University of California (UC)
Independent Colleges
Campuses
113: Ohlone, De Anza, Chabot, Las Positas, San Jose City, Evergreen, Foothill, etc.
23 CSUs: East Bay, San Jose State, San Francisco, Monterey Bay, Sonoma, Los Angeles, etc.
10 UCs: Berkeley, Davis, San Francisco, Irvine, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Merced, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Riverside
Note: UC San Francisco is a medical center and currently is not providing bachelor degrees.
76 members: Stanford, University of Santa Clara, University of San Francisco, Mills College, University of the Pacific, etc.
Websites
Nature of programs
Two-Year Schools
Complete courses for the first 2 years of a bachelor’s degree transferable to UC and CSU
Vocational programs
Enrichment and job skills classes
Four-Year Schools with Graduate Programs
Various majors and programs
Bachelor’s degrees
Master’s degrees
Teaching credentials
Doctorate and Professional degrees
Two and Four-Year Schools, some with Graduate Programs
Various majors and academic programs are offered at each campus. Check college websites or catalogues.

41. More CSU and UC Requirements
SAT Reasoning Test: OR
ACT:
UCs require the ACT with writing.
SAT subject tests may be recommended for certain majors.
SAT subject tests can add to your UC application if you score well in a subject area.
Visit the College and Career Center’s webpage on Irvington.org for information on the PSAT and test prep options.

42. Calculating your GPA Grades are assigned point values: A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C= 2 points
NC= 0 points
*”I” grades are temporary and are not factored into the GPA .
Overall GPA (non-weighted): Add all semester grades on your transcript together. Divide the total by the number of semester courses.
Weighted GPA: Same as overall GPA but add 1 extra point for each semester AP course or transferable college course to the total before dividing by the number of semester courses (individual private universities may calculate weighted GPA differently).
UC/CSU GPA: Use only grades received in “a-g” classes from 10th and 11th grade. Add an extra point for each semester AP course or transferable college course ( with a maximum of 8 extra points.
GPA Calculator:

43. Service Hours ****New This Year**** Servicekarma.com
Click here to get started.
****New This Year**** Servicekarma.com
There is an app available. Search Apple or Google Play: ServiceKarma (one word)
Students can see Mr. Lewis in rm 212 if you have questions.

44. Financial Aid Types of Financial Aid:
Financial aid consists of funds provided to students and families to help pay for college.
Types of Financial Aid:
Grants: Free money that does not have to be paid back. They are usually awarded based on financial need.
Scholarships: Free money that does not have to be paid back. Awarded based on merit, a special skill or interest, or need. Check the College and Career Center’s webpage for more information.
Loans: Money that parents and students borrow that does have to be paid back.
Students and Parents apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the student’s 12th grade year.