Post-Secondary options can be overwhelming since they all have different requirements, different environments and for one student alone, figuring all this out alone can be daunting.

Thankfully we were able to connect with like-minded and like-hearted individuals to help present this, at times, overwhelming information to our students.

Our two amazing presenters were Heather Gillis, College and Career Counselor and Itzelt Santos, CalSOAP Coordinator. They both work at Paso Robles High School in the College and Career Center helping students with help on:
•Job Applications and Resumes
•College Applications
•FAFSA/Dream Act
•College/Career Planning/Search
•Scholarships
•Volunteer Opportunities
AND SO MUCH MORE!

They did such an amazing job and I hoping they join us again to go through this process for the parents as well. That way both parents and students can be on the same page through this very intensive material and processes!

There was so much that I learned….so. much.

Below are just some of them:
•Besides the UC application, CSU mentor, and the Common App, we now have something called “The Coalition Application“, which includes a lot of East Coast schools.
•In terms of high school graduation requirements vs. college requirements, visual & performing arts may not be the same, so make sure to keep an eye out for that!
•There are two levels of transfer students: Upper Division (60 units) vs. Lower Division (usually not accepted)
•Khan Academy has SAT practice tests and can have a personalized study schedule and lessons mapped out for you based on your test date. WOW!
•Due to CSU’s being impacted, and only increasing as time progresses, if denied from one school, you will be “redirected” for free for about 35 days to another potential school.
•WUE: Western Undergraduate Exchange. This process allows some schools to admit non-resident students with resident tuition.
AND SO MUCH MORE!

These professionals did an incredible job delivering the information. My hope is every single one of the students I work with visits them at their office for further assistance.

Below are some more photos of the event with slides of information showcasing the details that go into applying and how important it is for them to continue exploring their options as well as the importance of keeping the parents engaged and on the same page about the process for their students. It is a lot of take on, but I believe in our students. Especially when they have amazing people like Heather and Itzelt in their corner.

Thank you both for being worthy warriors of a grand mission. I appreciate you both very much!