Welcome Senior Class Students & Parents

1. Welcome Senior Class Students & Parents Class of 2019

2. Who are the Counselors and what do they do? • Mrs. Tifni O’Neill: A – F • Mr. Dave Reska: G – L • Ms. Metanoia Siamu: M – Ri • Ms. Mimi Vo: Ro – Z In addition to helping with schedule changes, your counselors are here to help you in many ways! Some include: College exploration Personal/Social Career Planning Conflict mediation Family/Friend issues Referrals & Resources

3. Objectives for Senior Night • High school graduation requirements • Transcripts • UC & CSU • Community College • Private & Out of State • College application materials (exams, letters, etc.) • Employment, Vocational & Military options • Financial Aid & Scholarships • Naviance

4. Parent/Senior Survey • 1. How many credits are required to graduate from Kennedy HS? A. 220 B. 230 C. 240 D. 225 • 2. True or False: You can still earn a diploma if you do not complete service learning hours. • 3. Who should you see to get an official copy of your transcript? A. Mr. Velez B. My counselor C. Mrs. May D. Mrs. Espinoza • 4. True or False: The application for the UC requires a teacher letter of recommendation. • 5. In order to apply for a UC or CSU campus, all SAT/ACT testing must be completed no later than: A. November B. October C. January D. December • 6. True or False: Students can transfer to a UC or CSU after they complete one year at Ohlone, Chabot, or any other California Community College. • 7. True or False: GPA is the most important factor to get into a good college/university.

5. Graduation Requirements • You need to earn 230 credits in the following subjects: • English = 40 • Social Science/History = 30 • Mathematics = 30 • Science = 20 (10 Physical Science/10 Life Science) • PE = 20 • Visual & Performing Arts/World Language/CTE = 10 • Health = 5 • Electives = 75

6. Service Learning Hours Requirements Resources Dee Clark Service Learning Coordinator 510-657-4070 Ext. 27114 dclark@fremont.k12.ca.us See Mrs. Clark in Room 114 to turn in forms or if you have any questions. • You must complete 40 Service Learning Hours/10 per year at KHS. These hours must be for a non-profit organization. • See the school website for ideas and forms. www.jfkhs.org(Click on Students, then Service Learning) • ALL service learning hours must be turned in NO LATER than 4/1/19

7. Additional Graduation Requirements • ALL fines must be cleared with Ms. Facha! • This includes: Library fees, missing books, unreturned athletic equipment, etc. • ALL detentions must be served! • This includes afterschool detentions and Saturday Schools, most commonly earned through ATTENDANCE issues (tardies, truancies, etc.) See your senior administrator Dr. Carrillo to make sure you don’t have any outstanding detentions.

8. Common Mistakes Seniors Make • Take an easy schedule • Lack of Planning for life after Kennedy • Rush to get everything done (Essays, applications, service learning hours, etc.) • Forgetting Deadlines • Failing to ask for help and ask questions • SENIORITIS! Senior year can be VERY STRESSFUL, but you are NOT ALONE! Please make sure to take care of yourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you start feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to listen, Your counselors are here to help!

9. What happens if I fail? If you fail a class senior year or still have to make up a graduation requirement, your options are: • 1. Re-take the class 2nd term: this option might not be available depending on the class or your schedule. • 2. Take the class in Adult Ed: this is the best option for making up English classes, but not all courses are offered through adult ed. • 3. Credit Recovery: this is often a last resort for students and requires CONSISTENT effort if a student is hoping to graduate on time. • 4. Summer grad, Robertson, or Adult Ed: these options are for seniors who do not meet graduation requirements on time. EVERY YEAR WE HAVE SENIORS WHO DO NOT GRADUATE!

10. Transcripts • Things to consider: - Check for accuracy - Make sure grades reported on college applications MATCH the grades noted on your transcript - Often required for scholarships, employment, military service, and college admission - Allow for sufficient time for processing & delivery - UC/CSU does NOT require one at time of application HOW CAN I REQUEST A TRANSCRIPT?

11. STEP 1Pick up a Transcript Request form The forms are located on the wall in front of our registrar Mrs. Espinoza’s office. Blank forms are located in the top pocket.

12. STEP 2 Complete the Form

13. STEP 3Drop off the completed form Place your completed form with your addressed and stamped envelope into the bottom pocket. No stamp/address is necessary if you are going to pick it up. DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPE. Mrs. Espinoza checks the pocket regularly. She usually gets the transcript printed and in the JFK outgoing mail box by the end of the day. If she is really busy, it will go out the next day.

14. Transcripts: Things to keep in mind… • Remember – Other schools charge their students for every transcript. John F. Kennedy High School does not, but to keep this service free, ONLY request official transcripts on an as need basis. All we ask is that you provide your own stamped envelope. • After June 13, you are no longer a Kennedy student. You will have to pay for every transcript you request after graduation. • Any students who have taken classes in college, a non-district approved language school or have completed ANY HS courses out of country MUST submit an official transcript from that institution to ANY 4 year college or university(ex: Ohlone classes, German language school in Alameda, your previous HS in Mexico, etc.) • Make sure to get your transcript request in PRIOR to graduation!

15. Life after Kennedy HS…What’s next?

16. The UC and CSU

17. Understanding College Admission Requirements

18. CSU: How do I get in? Admission to the CSU is determined by two factors: GPA & Standardized test scores. These two factors together make up the ELIGIBILITY INDEX. Grade Point Average Your official GPA for admission to any California State University may be different than the GPA on your high school transcript. This is because the CSU calculates your high school GPA using your 10th–12th grade A–G courses. Honors points for A, B and C grades are awarded for a maximum of eight semester courses taken in 11th and 12th grades, including up to two AP courses, or honors courses with 11th or 12th grade content taken in the 10th grade. Calculating Your Eligibility Index Once you know your test scores and your CSU GPA, you can calculate your eligibility index. Use the formulas below to do the math yourself. Remember not to include ACT or SAT writing scores. The MINIMUM eligibility index for CA HS graduates for CSU admission is 2900 (w/SAT) or 694 (w/ACT) If you took the SAT (High School GPA X 800) + (SAT Critical Reading + Math Score) = Eligibility Index Example: Student has a 3.00 GPA & scored 1000 on her SAT (500 critical reading & 500 math) 3.0 X 800 + 1000 = 3400 If you took the ACT (High School GPA X 200) + (10 X ACT Composite Score) = Eligibility Index Example: Student has a 2.80 GPA & earned a composite score of 20 on his ACT 2.8 X 200 + 10 X 20 = 760

19. UC’s 14 Factors: Holistic Review • GPA in A-G courses (10th & 11th grade) • SAT or ACT plus writing scores • Number courses taken beyond minimum A-G • ELC (top 9% of class) • Quality of Senior Courses • Academic performance against school opportunities • Outstanding performance in 1 or more subject areas • Recent improvement in GPA • Outstanding work on special project • Special talents; awards • Special school event, project, or program participation • Academic accomplishment in light of experiences (resiliency) • Location of high school

20. Graduation Subject Requirements vs. College Subject Requirements

21. Factors in College Admission Factors Percent of Colleges reporting “Considerable Importance” 74% 59% 34% 31% 23% 17% 17% 15% 9% 7% • Grades in college prep courses • Standardized Admission Tests • Grades in all Courses • Class Rank • Essay or Writing Sample • Teacher Recommendation • Counselor Recommendation • Student’s Demonstrated Interest • Interview • Work/Extra Curricular Activities

22. The Personal Insight Questions 1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. 2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. 3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you demonstrated that talent over time? 4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier that you have faced. 5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? 6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. 7. What have you done to make your school or community a better place? 8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

23. 7 Best Tips for acing your college application – courtesy of Jessica Yeager • 1. Remember that schools want well-rounded student bodies, not well-rounded students • Being in 10 clubs, playing three sports, and volunteering at your local food kitchen an hour a week does not help you get into Harvard. In fact, it makes you look like you don't really know yourself or what you want to do. Focus on a few interests you really care about and go deep.  • 2. The earlier you start, the better • My college essay (that got me into Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Columbia) took me months to write. A super compelling college application is not written overnight. Especially if you are applying to several elite universities with application supplements, you need to give yourself plenty of time to develop your unique story. • 3. Become a storyteller • Admissions officers spend a matter of minutes with your application. You MUST hook them. Your entire application should tell a unique, cohesive story about who you are and what you'll bring to their campus.

24. 4. Don't get attached to anything • I probably kept one sentence from my first draft of my personal statement. Students can get really attached to specific wording or details and lose sight of the content. Focus on the content, as Ethan Sawyer, the College Essay Guy, says, "Be willing to sacrifice the essay of today for the essay of tomorrow." • 5. Demonstrate interest
 • Yield rates, the percentage of accepted students who enroll, are extremely important to elite universities, so if it seems like you wouldn't enroll if accepted you might be waitlisted or even denied. Show them you really want to go there by doing deep research, visiting campus if you can, and trying to connect with professors or coaches. Weave all this information into your supplemental essays. • 6. Make an impact
 • Most top schools want game changers. They want the next President, the next Nobel Prize winner, the next Zuckerberg. The best way to show colleges that you will make an impact both in college and when you graduate is by making an impact in high school. Create a non-profit, start your own club, write a book, organize an event. Pick something you love and think big. • 7. Optional isn't really optional
 • Unless you have a really, really good reason, anything listed as "optional" should be considered required. I'm not talking about including an art portfolio when you're applying to engineering, but if there's an essay or test that's optional, do it and do it really well. If you submit something, it will be considered, so make sure it tells the admissions committee something new about you.

25. College Application Labs • Counselors will be available after school starting 10/3 in the library to assist students in filling out their UC/CSU college applications • Labs will typically begin after school, approximately 2:40-4:30 PM. Hours lab is available will vary based on student participation. • Tentative lab application dates are the following: • 10/3 & 10/4 (during Parent/Teacher conferences) • 10/10 10/17 10/24 11/7 • 11/13 11/14 11/27 11/28 • Financial Aid application assistance will be offered during the 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, and 11/14 application labs.

26. Sign up for College Visits! • Log into your School loop and Naviance accounts for a full listing of upcoming college rep. visits or see Mrs. May for more information • All college presentations take place in the Career/College Center (Room 204) • Students must register for all college presentations through their Naviance account • Upcoming colleges coming to Kennedy include: - San Francisco State University (Oct 2) - Saint Mary’s College of California (Oct 8) - Sonoma State University (Oct 8) - UC Santa Barbara (Oct 8) - UC Santa Cruz (Oct 9) - UC San Diego (Oct 11) - University of Arizona (Oct 16) - Cogswell College (Oct 17) - Grand Canyon University (Oct 18) - UC Merced (Oct 29) - University of Nevada- Reno (Nov 2) Seniors planning to attend Cal State East Bay next fall need to see Mrs. May for some important information regarding your application.

27. Community College • Ohlone College classes are offered at JFKHS! For a listing of courses, see the school website or your counselor for more details. • There are 113 community colleges in California and each one is unique. For a complete listing of schools, check out www.cccapply.org • Students will be placed in classes based on SBAC scores, high school transcripts, GPA, and other measures. Placement exams for Math and English classes will no longer be used beginning in January 2019. • In order for a student to transfer to a UC or CSU, students must complete 60 units of college coursework with grades of C or higher.

28. Six Reasons to Consider Community College 1. Short on college funds. 2. Not sure about leaving home for college 3. Not sure what you want to study 4. Want to build your skills & GPA before transferring 5. Want a career-oriented degree, such as fashion design or an auto/computer certification program. 6. Work, or have responsibilities & need a flexible schedule (from collegeboard.com)

29. Common myth about Private & Out-of-State Colleges • They are more expensive than UC’s – FALSE. Many private and out of state colleges may have higher sticker prices than UC, but unlike the UC, they are able to offer students more grants, scholarships, and better financial aid packages that, in many instances, end up being cheaper than the cost of UC tuition. Many public and private universities in other states have grants and scholarships exclusively available for California students.

30. WesternUndergraduateExchange(WUE) • College in the west for less • Enroll in participating 2 year & 4 year colleges at a reduced rate • Up to 150% of regular resident tuition • For a list of participating schools, see the following website: www.wiche.edu/wue

31. CollegeAssessments COST 2018-19 SAT w/Essay:$64.50 SAT:$47.50 FeeWaiversAvailable (SEE MRS. MAY) COST 2018-19 ACT : $46 ACT w/ Writing: $62.50 FeeWaiversAvailable (SEE MRS. MAY) COST 2018-19 SAT Subject: $26 FeeWaiversAvailable (SEE MRS. MAY) CHECK THE WEBSITES FOR TEST DATES AND FURTHER DETAILED INFORMATION

32. Letters of Recommendation • Teacher letter • Have student ask a teacher who knows them well • Preferably junior year academic teacher • Check colleges for specific requirements • Give teachers AT LEAST 2 weeks before due date • Give teachers a copy of • Resume • List of colleges & deadlines • Directions for submission • Stay organized & keep track of all materials • MAKE SURE TO THANK YOUR TEACHER! * UC’s typically do not require letters, but UC Berkeley may request one after your application is received for admission determination

33. Counselor Letter • Global view of the student • Unifies the teacher letters of recommendation • Places the applicant in context of their school and community • Letters can be helpful and are often a part of scholarship applications • REMINDER: UC and CSU campuses do not accept letters of recommendation, but they are often a requirement for private and out-of state college applications

34. Important Application Tips • Print a copy of each application • Watch for errors (proofread & spell check!) • Follow the directions (word limits) • Check deadlines often • Check school specific requirements • Interviews • Essays/Supplements/Auditions/Portfolios • Establish a suitable email address and make sure your social media is APPROPRIATE • Check college portals once application is submitted • When in doubt, call the college!

35. Thinking of playing sports in college? • Division I (Universities that award full athletic scholarships) • Graduate from high school • You must complete 16 core courses • Earn minimum required grade-point • average in the core courses • Earn a combined SAT/ACT sum score • (sliding scale) KENNEDY DOES NOT CLEAR STUDENTS FOR NCAA or NAIA. IT IS STUDENT/PARENT RESPONSIBILITY See websites for further information www.eligibilitycenter.org and naia.org

36. Vocational Training & Military Service • For students not interested in traditional 2 or 4 year college, vocational or technical training and military service are options. • Contrary to popular belief, in order to enlist in any branch of the military, students MUST earn a high school diploma. A GED or proficiency exam can no longer replace the diploma requirement. If you are interested in joining the military after high school, see your counselor or College and Career Specialist Mrs. May for additional information. • In addition to preparing students for transferring, community colleges offer certificate programs to help prepare students for technical and service industry jobs (plumbing, electrical, mechanic, construction, culinary arts, nursing/dental assistants, etc.) and are often SIGNIFICANTLY CHEAPER than the cost of a FOR PROFIT college (Examples: Devry, UTI, ITT) or other programs you might see ads for on television.

37. A Brief Overview of Financial Aid and FAFSA • All Financial Aid starts with either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1. It is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. • Complete the FAFSA based on the income taxes filed in 2018 (for tax year 2017) • List a California college as your first choice of colleges. The federal government will determine your ability to pay. • Student Aid Report (SAR) shows your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). • EFC will be forwarded to colleges who will then determine a financial aid package. This could be a combination of grants, loans, and work-study. • The EFC is the same regardless of the cost of the college, but the packages received from each college will vary. • Families can get an estimate of their EFC at any time. You can find this at: • FAFSA 4Caster at fafsa.ed.gov

38. California Dream Act • The California Dream Act is for non U.S. citizens. Dream Act application also opens up October 1. • If you are not sure which application to complete, go to: www.dream.csac.ca.gov. Answer the questions and you will be informed of what form to use. • The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), the organization that administers the CalGrant program, does not share any information with the federal government • Completing the Dream Act application allows the student to compete for a CalGrant.

39. CalGrants & more • CalGrants are based on financial need and GPA. • To be eligible for a CalGrant, a student must: • Apply for the FAFSA or California Dream Act BEFORE March 2. The sooner, the better! Fremont Unified School District electronically submits to CSAC all CalGrant GPA’s for current 12th grade students. A few weeks after submitting the FAFSA or Dream Act students should set up their WebGrants 4 Students account.

40. Scholarships • See the “What’s coming up” emails on your school loop and Naviance accounts for a list of local and area scholarships and deadlines. • Often when you apply to colleges, you must also indicate if you are interested in being considered for scholarships specific to that college. Do not miss these deadlines! • Scholarships are NOT only for 4 year colleges and universities! Community colleges and trade schools often offer scholarships, but again be mindful of the deadlines and requirements. • Essays and resumes are required for most scholarships. • When researching scholarships, make sure to AVOID websites and organizations that charge for this service. There is an outstanding free national scholarship search feature on Naviance. Check it out! • See Mrs. May or your counselor for more information.

41. More Financial Aid & Scholarships • The College Scholarship Search Profile (CSS) is required for approximately 200 college and universities • Supplement to the FAFSA and can be completed in October. • Many colleges and universities hold free financial aid nights • We will be holding a Financial Aid Night at Kennedy on Thursday, October 11th at 7:00 PMin the Round Room • If you cannot attend Financial Aid night, we will be holding our annual Cash 4 College Night on November 1st at 6:30 PM in the Round Room. Sign up at csac.ca.gov • In addition, Financial Aid assistance will be available during some of the college application labs on Wednesdays in October & November. Please refer to the dates on the handout. • Make sure to utilize our Career Center, School loop, and Naviance for scholarship opportunities

42. Naviance • Online College and Career Planning Portfolio • Research Colleges • Sign Up for College Visits • Keep College Search Organized • Create Your Own College List • Personality Assessments • Build resume • Career Assistance • Scholarship links Log on to: connection.naviance.com/jfkfremontor you can follow a link through the JFK website under the college and career services tab.

43. Getting Started What you will need: -Valid email address -Username: 1st 3 letters of your first name, 1st 3 letters of your last name, last 3 numbers of your student id number followed by @fusdk12.net • Password: your student ID number Go to the following website: http://connection.naviance.com/jfkfremont

44. Senior Calendar – Important Dates • October 1-November 30 – CSU applications open • October 1 – FAFSA and Dream Act applications open • October 11 – Financial Aid Night 7:00-8:30 PM • October 31 – End of 1st semester & Summer SL Hours Due • November 1-November 30 – UC applications open • November 1 – Cash 4 College Night 6:30 PM • December 17 – Last day to make diploma name changes • January 16 – Cap & Gown form distribution • January 25 – End of 2nd Semester & 1st Term • January 30 – Cap & Gown form collection • March 29 – End of 3rd Semester • April 1 – ALL Service Learning Hours due • April 13 - PROM • April/May – AP Exams and CST’s (Dates TBA) • June 6 – Senior Awards Night • June 6,7 – Senior Finals • June 13 – GRADUATION!!!

45. Three Things to Remember • 8 ½ months from today, you will be a high school graduate! • The more planning you do NOW, the more prepared and less stressed you will be LATER • Become familiar with your future. If you plan to attend Ohlone next year, check it out now.

46. Parent/Senior Survey • 1. How many credits are required to graduate from Kennedy HS? A. 220 B. 230 C. 240 D. 225 B. 230 CREDITS • 2. True or False: You can still earn a diploma if you do not complete service learning hours. FALSE. An average of 10 SL hours per year is REQUIRED for graduation • 3. Who should you see to get an official copy of your transcript? A. Mr. Velez B. My counselor C. Mrs. MayD. Mrs. Espinoza D. MRS. ESPINOZA • 4. True or False: The application for the UC requires a teacher letter of recommendation. FALSE, but schools may request additional information, particularly UCB • 5. In order to apply for a UC or CSU campus, all SAT/ACT testing must be completed no later than: A. November B. October C. January D. December D. DECEMBER • 6. True or False: Students can transfer to a UC or CSU after they complete one year at Ohlone, Chabot, or any other California Community College. FALSE. Students must complete 60 units w/C’s or higher in order to transfer • 7. True or False: GPA is the most important factor to get into a good college/university. TRUE. GPA is the number 1 factor in college admission

47. Career & College Center • Your one stop shop for all your career and post-secondary needs • Fee Waivers, Dream Act, and FAFSA. Oh my! • See our College and Career Specialist in Room 204 for more details: Mrs. Becky May 510-657-4070 Ext. 27204 bmay@fremont.k12.ca.us

48. We are here to help! We look forward to working with you! Please do not hesitate to contact us or make an appointment if you need anything. • A-F – Mrs. Tifni O’Neill • 510-657-4070 Ext. 27006 • toneill@fremont.k12.ca.us • G-L – Mr. David Reska 510-657-4070 Ext. 27019 dreska@fremont.k12.ca.us • M-Ri – Ms. NoiaSiamu 510-657-4070 Ext. 27017 msiamu@fremont.k12.ca.us • Ro-Z – Ms. Mimi Vo 510-657-4070 Ext. 27018 mvo@fremont.k12.ca.us