GLC Quarterly
John Terry, Assistant Principal
CLASS OF 2014
Transcripts
Students will need a copy of their transcript in order to properly fill out any college application. Every student should have received a copy of their transcript during their summer registration appointment. If your student has misplaced their transcript, please tell him or her to see his or her GLC and request one as soon as possible. Official transcripts required by private schools will be included with letters of recommendation and do not need to be requested by students.
CSU and UC Applications for Fall 2014 Admissions
Both the CSU and UC systems want students to apply online. Not only is there less of a chance to make an error with the online format, but your student also receives immediate confirmation that his or her application has been submitted correctly.
For the CSU system, students may apply from now until November 30, 2013 at www.csumentor.edu. The CSU application can be submitted anytime between October 1st and November 30th.
For the UC system, students may apply from now until November 30, 2013 at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/ The UC application can be worked on in October, but can only be submitted between November 1 and November 30.
We encourage all university-bound students to prepare their online applications as soon as possible so that we will be able to assist when needed. In addition, the closer we get to the deadline of November 30th the more chance a student may encounter delays on the websites.
****Just a reminder – the UC and CSU systems DO NOT require letters of recommendation.
Private Universities
Students who plan on applying to private and out-of-state universities must acquire the appropriate admissions materials directly from the university.
Deadlines for applications for private universities vary so don’t delay!
Students needing letters of recommendation for private schools should pick up a “Senior Profile” from their GLC or the DBHS website if they did not receive one this summer. Students should take the time to fill out the profile completely so teachers and GLC’s can write the best letters possible. The deadline for Letter of Recommendation Requests was Friday, October 11th, 2013.
Junior College/Trade Schools
Transition to junior colleges and trade schools will take place during second semester. Students planning this route should contact schools of interest to learn about orientation programs and registration dates etc.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
We will be hosting a Financial Aid Workshop for senior students & parents on Tuesday, December 17th at 6:00pm in the DBHS Theater. This is a great opportunity to find out about some of the many financial aid opportunities available.
Please read through the “Senior Bulletin” emailed to parents monthly. If you are not receiving the bulletin via email, please contact Randy Thomas at [email protected] to update your email address. The Senior Bulletin includes several scholarships that your student may qualify for. Also, check out www.fastweb.com for a national database of scholarships available.
FAFSA--Free Application for Federal Student Aid
All college (both Junior College and University) bound seniors should submit this important application, the FAFSA. It will become available in December and will award financial aid based on financial need.
You may also visit the website, www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students and parents will need to create a PIN, (Identification number) and submit this application. The first day you may submit the FAFSA is January 1, 2014.
We will be holding a financial aid workshop on campus in November/December. We are awaiting confirmation on the exact date. Information will be posted on the dbhs.org website, the senior bulletin, and the school bulletin once it becomes available.
Even if you do not believe your student will be awarded any $$$, we strongly suggest that the FAFSA is completed and submitted. Some universities require students to have submitted the FAFSA before the university will award merit-based scholarships.
CSS Profile
This is an additional financial aid application required by many private universities. It must be submitted online at www.collegeboard.org. Look for the CSS Profile link. In addition, this site will be able to provide you with a list of what private universities require this CSS Profile application.
SAT/ACT Exams
Upcoming Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
Test Date November 2nd, 2013
Registration Deadline October 3rd , 2013
Late Registration Deadline October 21st, 2013
Each university you apply to must receive your SAT scores directly from the testing agency. Please make sure you send all of your scores to each school you send an admission’s application. www.collegeboard.org.
The UC’s have said that students who take the December SAT should “rush” their scores to schools.
CLASS OF 2015
We’re glad to see everyone again and have high hopes and expectations for the Class of 2015 during their junior year.
SAT and ACT
Students wanting to attend a four-year university should plan on taking the SAT’s at least once before the end of junior year. Registration for the SAT may be completed online at www.collegeboard.org. This website also features good information about financial aid and a college search feature to help students and parents as they begin looking into possibilities for next year.
The SAT Reasoning Test (aka SAT I) is required for admission to a UC or CSU. Students planning on applying to a UC are not required to take the SAT Subject Tests (previously known as SAT II). Sometimes a specific major at a UC will require specific Subject Tests, especially if the major is math or science related; the big message here is to do your RESEARCH! The UC system has stated that students can submit Subject Tests scores for consideration as part of their application even if not required by their major.
The ACT provides an alternative to the SAT as the UC and CSU will accept the ACT in place of the SAT Reasoning Test for admission’s purposes. The ACT is different from the SAT in that it:
· has a science reasoning test,
· includes some trigonometry while the SAT goes through algebra II only,
· tests English grammar.
Registration for the ACT may be completed online at www.actstudent.org. Remember you must also sign up for the writing portion of this test.
Colleges will accept scores from either entrance exam-(ACT or SAT) and sending scores on both exams is ok as well. The university will use the scores that help the student the most!
Students who plan to apply to several CSU campuses can use the code 3594 (CSU Mentor) when they register for the SAT exam. This will ensure that all scores are sent automatically to all of the CSU campuses of your choice.
If you plan to apply to more than one UC campus, you may list one campus on your SAT registration form and your score will be shared with all campuses that you apply to. So, on your SAT registration form you will only need to list one campus.
Out of State or Private Universities
If your student will be considering an out-of-state university or a private university, please keep in mind the importance of researching these universities. It is the student’s responsibility to research and learn the academic and testing requirements for these universities. The sooner the research is done the sooner your student will be able to take the appropriate courses and tests.
Junior Year’s Importance to Colleges & Universities
Remember that a student’s UC/CSU GPA and most universities GPA for admission purposes is based on grades earned in academic classes taken during tenth and eleventh grades. Students need to work hard and do their best so they can look back on their junior transcript without regret. Parents don’t forget that you can access your student’s grades and assignments through the Parent Portal. If your child looks as though they are slipping in an academic class, have them consult their teacher for additional help. If necessary, your student should then see their GLC about tutoring options available on campus or how to get a private tutor.
We trust that your student has become involved with both DBHS extracurricular activities and service for the community. It is true that universities like to see well-rounded students who are doing things besides simply going to school and studying for the SAT. The real benefit of volunteer work, however, is found in the many wonderful ways it impacts us as human beings.
UC Notes
At the UC Counselors Conference, the UC Director of Undergraduate Admissions, stated “Testing is not the most important part of comprehensive review. Achievement in a rigorous curriculum is the most important piece.” The SAT and ACT are valuable parts of your admission application, but nothing is as important as the grades you earn and the challenging classes you take.
CLASS OF 2016
It’s great to see the Class of 2016 return to Diamond Bar High School as tenth graders. This has been an excellent class and we are looking forward to these sophomores getting more involved and making a greater impact on our school.
Grades
The six-week progress report just recently came out and needs to be taken seriously as an indicator of what your child’s progress toward permanent semester grades will be. There is still time to improve upon grades before the end of the semester. We encourage you to use Aeries Parent Portal as a means of checking current grades and monitoring student performance. If you have not yet begun using the Aeries Parent Portal, you can go to the DBHS.org website and use the drop down menu under “Parents” to set up your own password and account. If you have a concern about your students’ grade, please contact the teacher directly so you can get immediate information about most current progress.
Sophomore Year
Remember that a student’s UC/CSU Admissions GPA is based on grades earned in academic classes taken during the tenth and eleventh grades. Students need to work hard and do their best so they can look back on their sophomore transcript without regret. We have free tutoring support on campus and available to all students. CSF Tutoring is available for all academic subjects Monday-Thursday from 3:00pm-4:30pm in Room 605. Math Help is teacher based tutoring and is available before school, lunch and after school. (Check the schedule for days, times, and room location). Tutoring for a fee is also available upon request. Please check with the GLC for a list of available contacts.
This is also a good time for your child to start getting involved with both DBHS extracurricular activities and service for the community. Having an interest or being passionate about what they get involved with will bring a greater sense of accomplishment and impact on the students’ life. It is true that universities like to see well-rounded students that are involved in something outside of academics.
CAHSEE
Sophomores will be taking the California High School Exit Exam on March 18 and 19, 2014. It is very important that all sophomore students are in attendance for both days of the test as passing this test is a state-mandated graduation requirement. For information about what is on the test and access to study guides, go to www.cahsee.cde.ca.gov. There will be free after school CAHSEE Prep classes offered to all 10th graders. Keep an eye out for those sessions!
CLASS OF 2017
Welcome Freshmen! Mr. Patterson and Mr. Galeener have enjoyed meeting the freshmen and seeing their school spirit. They are doing a great job representing the Class of 2017 and we are looking forward to a great year with each and every one of them.
Grades
The six week progress reports came out recently. These grades are not final grades but they do provide an indication of what a student’s final semester grades could be. Now is the time for some students to refocus and pull grades up so the final semester grades are as high as possible. DBHS gives progress grades twice a semester (every 6 weeks), with the semester grade being the final grade that goes on student’ transcripts. Please consult the student handbook for grading period dates.
Parents should check the Parent Portal often to check on current grades and assignments. If you have not yet created an account on Parent Portal please do so right away. If you need assistance with creating the Parent Portal account, contact your student’s GLC. If you have a concern about the grade, please contact your student’s teacher directly so you can get immediate information about most current progress.
Refer to the GLC website at www.dbhs.org, click on the guidance link, then on the 2017 link to find additional pertinent information about grades, support, and freshmen year.
Involvement
People often talk to students and parents about the need to be involved in extra-curricular and volunteer activities “for college applications.” It is true that universities are able to see more of who a student is as a result of the activities in which they are involved, but if college admission is the only reason a student participates in any of these activities, he/she is really missing what is important.
Students find so much personal fulfillment through participation in clubs, sports, and volunteer work, and it often helps them to grow and discover new things about themselves. We want our freshmen to get involved with activities they’ll truly enjoy rather than simply doing what someone has “advised” them they need to do.