Venice High SchoolVenice High School

Quick Guide forQuick Guide for

SeniorsSeniors

ContentsContents

High school graduation checklist High school graduation checklist What are my post-grad options?What are my post-grad options? Testing infoTesting info Websites and resourcesWebsites and resources Admissions timetableAdmissions timetable How to ask a counselor for a letter How to ask a counselor for a letter

of recommendationof recommendation Surviving admissions stressSurviving admissions stress

VHS Graduation ChecklistVHS Graduation Checklist

Credits: 55= 10Credits: 55= 10thth grader, 110 = 11 grader, 110 = 11thth grader, 170 grader, 170 = 12= 12thth grader, 230 = graduate. grader, 230 = graduate.

CAHSEE: a score of 350 is needed to pass each CAHSEE: a score of 350 is needed to pass each section – Math and Englishsection – Math and English

Classes: Core classes and electivesClasses: Core classes and electives Computer Literacy: computer class taken in 6Computer Literacy: computer class taken in 6thth

grade through 12grade through 12thth grade or a competency test. grade or a competency test. Class Project: A service learning project during Class Project: A service learning project during

1111thth or 12 grade. This is usually completed in a or 12 grade. This is usually completed in a

history class.history class.

VHS Requirements to participate in VHS Requirements to participate in Graduation CeremonyGraduation Ceremony

Community Service: 10 hours for Community Service: 10 hours for each year the student has attended each year the student has attended Venice High. Four years = 40 hours.Venice High. Four years = 40 hours.

Career Portfolio: A senior portfolio of Career Portfolio: A senior portfolio of work. This includes documents such work. This includes documents such as a resume and letters of as a resume and letters of recommendation.recommendation.

Paperwork is processed by VHS staff. Paperwork is processed by VHS staff.

Know your post-grad optionsKnow your post-grad options• Community College (www.cccco.edu)$1,000/year

-Economical, Transfer Agreement Contracts available, certificate programs

• Vocational/Tech Schools, cost varies

-Practical training for specific jobs, Certificate programs, short term

• California State University (www.csumentor.edu)-$8820-$17,462/year

-Focus on teaching, classes taught by professors

-Goal to offer admission to top 33% of CA grads

• University of California (www.universityofcalifornia.edu)-$20,000-$22,800/year

-Focus on research and preparing students for grad school

-Goal to offer admission to top 12% of CA grads, ELC program top 4%

• Private Schools, $23,000-$50,000/year

-Vary in size, selectivity, location, cost, etc.

• Out-of-state public schools, out-of-state tuition fees

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITYCALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY• Chico

• San Diego*• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo*

• Sonoma*

• Long Beach*

• Fullerton*

• Channel Islands

• Fresno

• Humboldt

• Cal Maritime Academy

• Monterey Bay

• Cal Poly Pomona*

• Sacramento

• San Francisco

•San Jose•San Marcos•Stanislaus•Bakersfield•Dominguez Hills•Los Angeles•East Bay•Northridge•San Bernardino

*Impacted campuses- higher index

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITYCALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY• Eligibility Index

-GPA X 800 + SAT (V&M)

-2900 is min eligibility for non-

impacted campuses

• SAT code: 3594 for all campuses

• Apply for housing ASAP

• Some campuses require

transcript w/application

-(wait for them to request)

• CSU will not be using the

writing portion of SAT

• Oct SAT test date last date

for LB, CPSLO & SD •Rolling admissions•Re-routing option•Sign up for CSU mentor email•Admission status check (562)985-2500

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

• Berkeley

• Davis

• Irvine

• Los Angeles

• Merced

• Riverside

• San Diego

• Santa Barbara

• Santa Cruz

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA• Eligibility calculator

• www.universityofcalifornia.edu

/

• Eligibility vs. Selectivity • UCB/UCLA 50% of 4.0 students

are denied admission

• Comprehensive Review

• Eligibility in the Local

Context (ELC)

• Apply broadly

• No letters of

recommendation required

• Transcript not required w/

application

CSU and University of California CSU and University of California Requirements:Requirements:

SUBJECTSSUBJECTS HIGH SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL CAL STATE*CAL STATE* UC*UC*

ENGLISHENGLISH 4 YEARS4 YEARS 4 YEARS4 YEARS 4 YEARS4 YEARS

MATHMATH 2 YEARS (INCLUDING 1 2 YEARS (INCLUDING 1 YR ALGEBRA 1 or YR ALGEBRA 1 or Algebra B)Algebra B)

ALGEBRA 1 ALGEBRA 1

GEOMETRYGEOMETRY

ALGEBRA 2ALGEBRA 2

ALGEBRA 1, GEOMETRY,ALGEBRA 1, GEOMETRY,

ALGEBRA 2ALGEBRA 2

44THTH YEAR RECOMMENDED YEAR RECOMMENDED

SOCIAL SOCIAL STUDIESSTUDIES

WORLD HISTORY/GEOGWORLD HISTORY/GEOG

US HISTORYUS HISTORY

GOV’T/ECONOMICSGOV’T/ECONOMICS

2 YEARS INCLUDING 2 YEARS INCLUDING 1 YR US HISTORY OR 1 YR US HISTORY OR 1 SEM US HIST AND 1 1 SEM US HIST AND 1 SEM AMER GOVTSEM AMER GOVT

2 YEARS INCLUDING 2 YEARS INCLUDING

1 YEAR WORLD 1 YEAR WORLD HIST/GEOG AND 1 YEAR HIST/GEOG AND 1 YEAR US HIDTORY OR 1 SEM US HIDTORY OR 1 SEM US HIST AND 1 SEM US HIST AND 1 SEM AMER GOVTAMER GOVT

SCIENCESCIENCE 2 YEARS2 YEARS

1 YEAR PHYSICAL 1 YEAR PHYSICAL SCIENCESCIENCE

1 YEAR BIOLOGICAL SCI1 YEAR BIOLOGICAL SCI

2 YEARS LAB 2 YEARS LAB SCIENCESCIENCE

(BIOLOGY, (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, CHEMISTRY, GEOLOGY, PHYSICS, GEOLOGY, PHYSICS, PHYSIOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY, BIOTECH, ETC.)BIOTECH, ETC.)

2 YEARS LAB SCIENCE2 YEARS LAB SCIENCE

(BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, (BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS PREFERRED)PHYSICS PREFERRED)

FOREIGN FOREIGN LANGUAGELANGUAGE

2 YEARS FROM 2 2 YEARS FROM 2 SUBJECTSSUBJECTS

2 YEARS SAME 2 YEARS SAME LANGUAGELANGUAGE

2 YEARS SAME 2 YEARS SAME LANGUAGELANGUAGE

33RDRD YEAR RECOMMENDED YEAR RECOMMENDED

VISUAL/PERF VISUAL/PERF ARTSARTS

1 YEAR1 YEAR 1 YEAR1 YEAR

CAREER CAREER TECHTECH

NOT REQUIREDNOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIREDNOT REQUIRED

CSU and University of California CSU and University of California Requirements:Requirements:

SUBJECTSSUBJECTS HIGH SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL CAL STATE*CAL STATE* UC*UC*

PEPE 2 YEARS2 YEARS NOT REQUIREDNOT REQUIRED NOT REQUIREDNOT REQUIRED

ELECTIVESELECTIVES 90 CREDITS90 CREDITS 1 YEAR FROM: 1 YEAR FROM: English, Soc. Studies, English, Soc. Studies, Adv. Math, Science, Adv. Math, Science, Foreign Lang., Foreign Lang., Vis/Perf ArtsVis/Perf Arts

1 YEAR FROM: English, 1 YEAR FROM: English, Soc. Studies, Adv. Math, Soc. Studies, Adv. Math, Science, Foreign Lang., Science, Foreign Lang., Vis/Perf ArtsVis/Perf Arts

TOTAL TOTAL 240 CREDITS240 CREDITS 15 CLASSES 15 CLASSES MINIMUMMINIMUM

(10 MHS credits=1 (10 MHS credits=1 unit)unit)

15 CLASSES MINIMUM;15 CLASSES MINIMUM;

22-24 RECOMMENDED22-24 RECOMMENDED

*MUST EARN GRADES OF C OR BETTER IN ALL CLASSES

PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATEPRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE

• Requirements vary

• Deadlines vary

• Letters of Recommendation

-Counselor recommendation• Student statement

-Teacher recommendation

• Official transcripts required

• Early Action, Early Decision

• Rolling admission

What counts most with Admissions What counts most with Admissions Directors?Directors?

1. Grades in college prep courses

2. Admissions test scores

3. Grades in all subjects

4. Senior year classes

5. Class rank

6. Essay/personal statement

7. Work/extra curricular activities

8. Counselor recommendation

9. Teacher recommendation

10. Interview

11.Ability to pay

TEST INFOTEST INFOSAT Reasoning Test• www.collegeboard.com

• ACT• www.actstudent.org

• SAT Subject tests (UC requires

2 tests in 2 different subjects)

• Literature

• Foreign Language

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• US History

• World History

• Math 2

RESPONSIBILITIESRESPONSIBILITIES

•STUDENT- set priorities, research colleges, request letters of recommendation, organize, fill out applications, write personal statements, contact w/admissions offices

•PARENTS- ‘coach not quarterback’, gives input, write checks

•COUNSELOR- gives input and guidance, letter of recommendation, sounding board  

COUNSELING OFFICE HOURSCOUNSELING OFFICE HOURS

The counseling office is open Monday through Friday from

7:50 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please feel free to call or

make an appointment. The counseling office

telephone number is 310/577-4316

COUNSELING CONTACTSCOUNSELING CONTACTS

Mr. Zarate… A-F & CASAAMr. Zarate… A-F & CASAA– (310) 577-4324 (310) 577-4324

Ms. Cleary… G-K & 9Ms. Cleary… G-K & 9thth Grade Magnet Grade Magnet– (310) 577-4325 (310) 577-4325

Mrs. Goodwin… L-M & BBFAMrs. Goodwin… L-M & BBFA– (310) 577-4303 (310) 577-4303

Ms. Talley… N-S & ESLMs. Talley… N-S & ESL– (310) 577-4271 (310) 577-4271

Counseling Office Contacts continuedCounseling Office Contacts continued

Mrs. Roche-Blair… T-Z, NMA, & AVID (310) 577-4313

Ms. Sturgeon… 10th – 12th Grade Magnet (310) 577-4312

Ms. Davis… Credit Recovery Program (310) 577-4308

Ms. Reyes… College Counselor (310) 577-4306

Ms. Cohen… Work Experience Coordinator   (310) 577-4332

WEBSITES & RESOURCESWEBSITES & RESOURCES

University of California www.universityofcalifornia.eduCalifornia State Universities www.csumentor.edu California Community website: www.cccco.edu

NCAA Clearinghouse: www.ncaaclearinghouse.netThe Common Application www.commonapp.orgFree Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov 

College Planning Websites: www.mycollegeoptions.comwww.princetonreview.comwww.myroad.com   (Free if you take the PSAT)Financial Aid Search: www.fastweb.com

ADMISSIONS TIME TABLEADMISSIONS TIME TABLEGrade 12- Senior YearSept/October

Take (or retake) SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests (Oct. is last

acceptable test date for many early action/early decision

schools)

• Finalize list of colleges (6-10) .

• Review online applications or request paper application.

• Work on college essays

• See counselor and teachers early for recommendations

• See college reps in the College/Career center

• Keep an eye out for scholarship applications

• Complete CSS profile at www.collegeboard.com ( Opens

on Oct 1 and it’s required by many private colleges for

financial aid consideration)

ADMISSIONS TIME TABLEADMISSIONS TIME TABLEGrade 12- Senior YearNov/Dec• Take any remaining planned SAT or ACT tests

• Complete UC and CSU Applications by Nov 30.

• Have test scores sent to colleges/NCAA directly

from testing company.

• Complete all applications by Dec 20 and enjoy

winter break!

• Keep an eye out for scholarship applications

January• Fill out FAFSA (January 2 – March 2 )

• Keep grades up!

• Do not drop classes. A college application is a

contract.

• Keep looking for those scholarship opportunities!

ADMISSIONS TIME TABLEADMISSIONS TIME TABLEGrade 12- Senior YearFebruary

• request transcripts for Mid-year reports by

Feb. 15

March/April• Acceptances start coming!

• apply for housing—maybe even before

acceptance

May• May 1 SIR = Student Intent to Register–

confirm admission and sign up for

orientation.

• Arrange to take any necessary placement

exams for English and math classes.

• Request that a final transcript be sent after

graduation.

Letters of RecommendationLetters of RecommendationStudents need to provide counselors with Students need to provide counselors with – Student Brag sheet, including activities and awardsStudent Brag sheet, including activities and awards

-- Brag Sheet-- Brag Sheet– Copy of essay(s)Copy of essay(s)– Transcript release formTranscript release form– email request from Common app or other on-line email request from Common app or other on-line

application program.application program.– Stamped, addressed envelope for each collegeStamped, addressed envelope for each college– School report forms or other forms that counselors School report forms or other forms that counselors

need to fill outneed to fill out– list of schools and due dates.list of schools and due dates.

Teachers will want similar information. Teachers will want similar information.

UC and Cal State campuses do not require letters or UC and Cal State campuses do not require letters or recommendation.recommendation.

The EssayThe Essay

Essays should be Essays should be Personal: The essay written in the student’s own Personal: The essay written in the student’s own

voice. It should be about something that is voice. It should be about something that is personally important. personally important.

Concise: Every word counts! Every sentence should Concise: Every word counts! Every sentence should add information and meaning. add information and meaning.

Specific: Use examples. Don’t use the word Specific: Use examples. Don’t use the word “everything” when you could list 2 or 3 specific “everything” when you could list 2 or 3 specific things.things.

Connect specific events to a larger themeConnect specific events to a larger theme

SURVIVING THE ADMISSIONS FRENZYSURVIVING THE ADMISSIONS FRENZY

•Make sure your measures of success are not dependent on things outside your control

•Be organized•Work together•Keep communicating

REMEMBER:REMEMBER:

“College is a match to be made-not a prize to be won!”