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New School, New you! It's important to recognize that 9th grade year, is a transition year. New school, new teachers, new friends, new environment. Counselors understand there may be a learning curve. We hope to help with this learning curve by educating families and students of high school expectations, requirements, school activities, opportunities at school, and school policies.
It is important that students and families attempt to feel connected to their school. It is encouraged for students to join clubs, sports, activities and begin to communicate with teachers and staff members. Explore the school and what it has to offer!
College Research
Career Research
HS GPA/Grades
PSAT, Scholarships, Extra Curriculars
College Research
College Research
Selecting a college can be one of the most important and fun experiences of a student's high school career. Becoming educated on college options takes time. Don't wait until the fall of your senior year to decide where you will apply; it's a stressful enough time as it is. Generate a potentially broad list of 15 to 20 schools which you will then research in depth. Explore their websites! Attend a College Visit! Talk to college alumni! Talk to your parents! Talk to your counselor! Visit the campuses!
At the end of your college search you should come up with a list of 8-10 colleges to which you will apply. In addition to your first choice "dream" school(s) which may be a reach for you, be sure to include a few "target" schools where you stand a greater chance of acceptance, and at least one "safety" school where you know you would likely be admitted and you would enjoy attending.
Remember, Community College transfer programs are always an option too. A list of 8-10 colleges would be ideally completed by the start of a student's senior year to make college application process less stressful.
Career Research
Career Research
Wondering what type of job would fit you best? Follow the Exploration Resources in this section to learn about your interests, skills, and work values, gather information about different career ideas, and choose a career direction. These assessments can provide more insight to post high school careers which can support short term and long term goals.
Career exposure in high school is absolutely critical as the decisions students make about coursework, extracurricular activities, and work-based learning opportunities will, in most cases, determine what postsecondary options are available to them. Without knowledge of what different careers exist and, therefore, require, students risk not being prepared for their next steps. Giving students more detailed information about a variety of career options and finding ways to connect students with role models and mentors can be pivotal in having students align their passions with career choices and building networks of support for students going forward.
Students have access on XELLO which has assessments for students to help identify a career that fits their interests, skills, and work values.
Since most colleges do not use test scores anymore, more weight has been given to GPA and rigor of coursework for college admissions. Although students may say they have already met the requirement for a subject - the colleges will wonder, "Why didn't they do more? Other students did..."
High School Grades follow you. 'D' or 'F' grades cannot be swept under the rug. These grades most likely will result in repeating the course(s) to meet either high school graduation requirements, college admission requirements, or both! See "High School Graduation Requirements" Tab on school website.
High School GPA/Grades
High School GPA/Grades
The A-G / College Entrance Requirements. The A-G / College Entrance Requirements are a sequence of high school courses that students must complete (with a grade of C or better) to be minimally eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU).
To search for a-g classes at a specific school and specific year, go to https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist
Colleges do not accept D's as credits for their college application (community college - D's are okay). Students are advised recover/retake any A-G courses if they plan on applying to any 4 year college.
When entering grades for credits earned, high School Courses listed on transcript that have (P) or (HP) will be self populated on college application (CSU, UC). Courses that do not self populate such as a high school course do NOT have a (P) or (HP) on transcript.
PSAT can be taken at Clairemont High. Sign up is usually required and happens only once a school year.
Students are NOT required to take the PSAT.
PSAT
PSAT
Many students feel unsure if they should take the PSAT or if it is worth taking seriously. Some have called the PSAT a prelude to the SAT or an SAT that doesn’t count. But this label may be a bit unfair because taking the PSAT offers some distinct advantages. This article will explain what the PSAT is all about and some of the benefits of taking the exam.
Benefits of Taking the PSAT
Benefits of Taking the PSAT
By taking the PSAT, using scores - students can gain confidence in taking an AP courses, prepare for the SAT, and become eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.
Extra Curriculars
Extra Curriculars
Colleges will want to know about a student's extra curriculars. Depending on the college, extra currciulars can be a big factor for admissions. And can help if a student's GPA is not as high as they would like it to be.
Clairemont High offers various clubs. Students can make their own if they would like. Yearbook, ASB, and peer tutoring are classes during school hours can contribute to hours of extra curricular.
Leadership positions in Sports, Clubs, ASB, or Yearbook are high level display of school leadership.
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