Calendar of Events 2025-2026

*UPDATED March 3, 2026

CAREER EXPLORATION SEMINAR -March 30 & March 31 DURING LUNCH

Looking to explore different careers, hear real-world advice, and figure out what might be a good fit for you? Join us for our Career Seminar Panels featuring professionals from a variety of industries!

You’ll get the chance to:

• Hear directly from professionals about their jobs and career paths
• Learn what they studied and how they got to where they are
• Ask questions and get real advice about careers you're interested in

No sign-up required—just show up to the session that interests you! Whether you already have a career in mind or have no idea where to start, this is a great opportunity to learn and explore.

Don’t miss it! 

EVENT DETAILS

CLASS OF 2027 – COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOTCAMP JUNE 8-12 9a-NOON

Ready to jump-start your college applications before senior year even begins? Start early. Reduce senior year stress. Walk into application season confident and prepared. 🚀

Join us in the CCC, June 8-12 9A-Noon for our fast-paced College Application Bootcamp, designed to give you a powerful head start on the entire process. Sessions are led by College Admissions Representatives and focus on a key pieces of your application strategy.

What You’ll Accomplish:

• ✅ Build a Realistic College List – Create a smart, balanced list that fits you.
• ✅ Understand Majors – Need to explore majors? Is your intended major what you think it is? What do you really study? 
• ✅ Activities & Resume Strategy – Present your experiences in a way that stands out.
• ✅ Personal Statement & Essays – Find your story and write in your authentic voice.
• ✅ Get Organized & Get Started – Leave with momentum and a clear action plan.

This is an intensive, hands-on workshop. Be ready to work hard — the more effort you put in, the more progress you’ll make.

💲 Cost: $200 (cash or check payable to PVPHS CCC)
⚠️ Space is limited.

Registration: In the CCC during Panther Time or lunch March 2 – March 13 (or until full)

JEFF SELINGO AT PVPHS - MARCH 18

The College Career Center and PVPHS PTSA are excited to welcome Jeff Selingo, bestselling author and nationally recognized higher education expert, to campus for a special day of programming focused on rethinking the college search process.

Jeff is the author of Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, a research-based guide that challenges the “elite or bust” mindset and helps families focus on fit, outcomes, and long-term success.

We encourage all juniors and their families to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.

This event is especially valuable for families beginning the college search process.

8:30 AM 🎓 Junior  - CLASS of 2027

Jeff will speak directly with our Class of 2027 about:

• Moving beyond prestige and rankings
• Understanding what truly drives college and career success
• Redefining what a “dream school” really means
• Building a thoughtful, balanced college list

This session is designed to help juniors approach the college search with clarity, confidence, and perspective.

6:30 PM 🌙 An Evening with Jeff Selingo   Program for Parents & Classes of 2028 & 2029

Families are invited to join Jeff for an in-depth conversation about:

• Why elite admissions have become so stressful
• What research says about outcomes and long-term success
• How to identify the right academic, social, and financial fit
• Practical strategies for navigating today’s admissions landscape

This is a ticketed event and free tickets are available starting March 1 HERE. Please bring a print out of the ticket to the event.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE & THE TRANSFER PROCESS – MAR 4 at 6:30P CCC

Join us for a panel discussion about how the transfer process works from Community College to 4-year university. We will discuss the realities of the process and answer questions you may have. Our panel includes Aura Rivera, Outreach & Recruitment Counselor of LA Harbor College; Ffiona Rees, Executive Director of UCLA Undergraduate Admission; Chelsey Kaufman, Associate Director Office of undergraduate Admissions of University of Southern California; and Noah Shafer PVPHS Alumni who graduated from CSULB after transferring from El Camino College. Each will provide their unique perspective of the process.

The College Career Center will offer an in person PRACTICE ACT or SAT for Sophomores and Juniors only, on Saturday, February 28th at 9:00A. This practice test is NOT OFFICIAL in any way and is intended to provide a simulated test experience for students.

Students must register and can begin on Monday, February 9 in the CCC during Panther time and lunch, with a $20 donation which is appreciated. Please make checks out to PVPHS CCC or cash is accepted. Registration closes when the limited seats are full or on Friday, February 13th at the conclusion of lunch - whichever comes first. NO LATE REGISTRANTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED.

Students can decide which test to take, ACT or SAT. Both tests are administered digitally and students MUST bring their own fully charged laptop, chrome book or iPad. They will not be able to sit near an outlet during the test.

Students are expected to arrive by 8:45A on 2/28, to check-in at the CCC and testing should be done by 1:00P.

Students MUST be available for the full practice test time on FEBRUARY 28.

Join us for Spring College Night, an informative virtual program designed to help students and families navigate the college search process with confidence. This session will focus on identifying colleges that are the right fit—academically, socially, and financially.

Topics & Speakers include:

• Financial Fit: Nancy Shafer, Financial Aid and Scholarship Advisor, will discuss understanding college costs, financial aid, and affordability.

• Academic & Social Fit: Chris O’Sullivan, Associate Director of Admission Whittier College, will explore how to evaluate academic programs and campus culture.

• The College Search Process: Julie Arico, Director of the College Career Center, will demonstrate how to use MAIALearning to research and organize college options and the process.

We encourage all students and parents to attend this valuable evening of guidance and insight into the college selection process.

Register here by February 25 at 5P

COLLEGE FAIR – JANUARY 21 6:30P

An Opportunity for Students and Parents/Guardians 

Students and parents/guardians are invited to attend our upcoming College Fair, an evening designed to support students as they explore postsecondary options and plan for their future. This event brings admissions representatives from colleges and universities across the country to our high school campus, providing families with the opportunity to ask questions, learn about academic programs, admissions criteria, campus life, and next steps in the college process—all in one convenient evening.

📍 Location: School Gym
🗓 Date: Wednesday, January 21
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM

The most current list of participating colleges can be found on MAIA Learning or click "2026 COLLEGE FAIR" on the menu to the right

Registration Information

Students are asked to register with StriveScan, which allows them to easily exchange contact information with college representatives and receive follow-up materials from institutions of interest.
🔗 Student Registration: https://app.strivescan.com/registration

We encourage families to attend together, as this event provides valuable insight for students at all grade levels—from early exploration to finalizing college plans.

To help you prepare for the College Fair click "2026 COLLEGE FAIR" on the menu to the right 

Join us as Torsten Sanar of Compass Prep presents everything you need to know about college admissions testing. This informative session will help students and families navigate the evolving landscape of standardized testing and make informed decisions about their testing plans. We will cover 

• College Admissions & the Modern Testing Dilemma
• What “test optional” Really Means & When to Submit Scores
• Choosing Wisely Between Tests & Formats
• Crafting Your Testing & Prep Timeline
• SAT/ACT Digital Transition Updates

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain clear, thoughtful guidance on a topic that continues to shape college applications. 

An RSVP for the live presentation is highly appreciated! By pre-registering, you’ll help us tailor the event and you’ll receive a confirmation email containing Early digital access to the presentation handout, The Compass Guide to College Admission Testing

HOW TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA - October 22 6:30P

Peninsula High School College Career Center is hosting a How To Complete Your FAFSA zoom webinar on Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Shafer from the College Career Center (CCC) will take participants screen by screen through the FAFSA form. Register here  to attend.

BEST OF U: UK University Consortium - October 15 at 7P CCC

Going to university in another country is an exciting life-changing adventure. If you are considering overseas study as your next step, don’t miss this chance to meet five top UK universities and find out more about the opportunities available. Parents and students are welcome to attend.

• The University of York
• Durham University
• Newcastle University
• The University of Bristol
• Queen’s University Belfast

Engaging yet informal sessions where students can learn more about studying in the UK, hear directly from university representatives of the schools noted above, and ask questions in a relaxed setting. This is an opportunity for students and parents/guardians to ask questions and speak with these representatives individually.

This event is free and open to all students in the South Bay area, so please register to attend here.

PAYING FOR COLLEGE NIGHT: UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL AID – October 14 at 6:30P PAC

Nancy Shafer of the PVPHS College Career Center presents Paying for College: Understanding Financial Aid on Tuesday, October 14^th at 6:30P in the PAC. This is deep dive into financial aid, what it is, how to find it and some of the pitfalls. This year is especially important as there are major changes that may impact how families plan to finance college. All are welcome as it never too early to start learning about college financial aid

VENUE CHANGE

ASK UC: INFORMATION NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 30th 6:30P via ZOOM

The College Career Center presents ASK UC: Information Night on Tuesday, September 30^th at 6:30P via ZOOM. Due to overwhelming interest, we have decided to bring this event to you on ZOOM however, it will NOT be recorded. Please register here by Tuesday, 9/30 at 5:30P to receive the link to attend.

Ffiona Rees, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at University of California, Los Angeles will answer your questions about UC admissions, the UC application process, attending UCs, Personal Insight Questions, whatever you would like to know. Submit your questions here now or you can include them in the Q&A of the webinar.

PRACTICE ACT/SAT - SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 at 9A

The College Career Center will offer a PRACTICE ACT or SAT for Seniors and Juniors only, on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00A. (This is not an official PRELIMINARY SAT which will be offered in October). This practice test is not official in any way and is intended to provide a simulated test experience for students.

Students must register and can begin on Tuesday, September 2nd in the CCC during Panther time and lunch, with a $20 donation which is appreciated, please make checks out to PVPHS CCC or cash is accepted. Registration closes when the limited seats are full or on Friday, September 12th at the conclusion of lunch - whichever comes first. NO LATE REGISTRANTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED.

Students can decide which test to take, ACT or SAT. Both tests are administered digitally and students MUST bring their own fully charged laptop, chrome book or iPad. They will not be able to sit near an outlet during the test.

Students are expected to arrive by 8:45A on 9/27, to check-in at the CCC and testing should be done by 1:00P.

Students MUST be available for the full practice test time on SEPTEMBER 27.

COLLEGE NIGHT

September 10

Details are available in College Night link on the right