COLLEGE CAREER CENTER CALENDAR

2024-2025 Dates	Event	Grade Level Participant	Location	Time
SEP 11-OCT 30	College Rep Visits: See SCHOOLINKS for schedule. All students MUST Sign-up & bring signed teacher permission slip to attend	Juniors & Seniors STUDENTS ONLY	CCC	Schedule on SchooLinks
SEP - NOV	College Application Workshops	Seniors	CCC	Lunch
SEP 10	The Current College Landscape	Juniors & Parents	GYM	5:30pm
SEP 10	College Night	All Students & Parents	TBA	6:30pm
SEP 19	UC APPLY WORKSHOP	SENIORS	CCC	lunch
SEP 21	Practice SAT/ACT Test	Junior/Senior	CCC	9:00am
SEP 21	SAT/ACT Parent Q&A	Parents	CCC	9:15am
OCT 2	University of California Presentation	Junior/Senior/Parent	Gym	6:30pm
OCT 8	Paying for College Presentation	Junior/Senior/Parent	PAC	6:30pm
NOV 13	College Admissions Testing Info Night	All Students/Parent	CCC	6:30pm
DEC 2	How to Complete Your FAFSA	Senior/Parent	ZOOM	6:30pm
JAN 15	Career Exploration Seminar	All Students	TBA	8:30am
JAN 29	PVPHS COLLEGE FAIR	All Students/Parent	GYM	6:30pm
FEB 1	Practice SAT/ACT Test	Sophomore/Junior	CCC	9:00am
FEB 25	Community College & Transfer Process	Junior/Senior/Parent	CCC	6:30pm
MAR 18	Spring College Night	All Students/Parent	TBA	5:30pm
APR 2	How to Read the Financial Aid Letter	Senior/Parent	CCC	6:30pm
MAY 21	Honors & Awards Night	Invited Guests	GYM	5:30pm
MAY 27	Scholarship Event	Invited Guests	TBD	5:30pm

*UPDATED March 19,2025

HOW TO READ THE FINANCIAL AID LETTER - APRIL 2 at 6:30P CCC

Now that you have been accepted to college, you have to decipher the financial aid package. We are here to help! Nancy Shafer, Financial Aid & Scholarship Advisor, PVPHS will bring seniors and their families through your Financial Aid Award. We will discuss terminology, possible red flags, how to compare awards from different schools and how to appeal an award. Have your Financial Aid Award letter with you to make sure you understand it. Join us on April 2nd at 6:30 p.m. in the College Career Center. This event is intended for seniors and their families.

Understanding the FInancial Aid Letter 2025 final

SPRING COLLEGE NIGHT - MARCH 18 at 5:30P

EVENING SCHEDULE

5:30P - 6:25P Panel Discussion GYM -"The Future of College Admissions: AI's Impact and Opportunities”

6:30P - 7:00P Session 1

7:05P - 7:35P Session 2

7:40P - 8:10P Session 3

DETAILS AND LOCATIONS OF EACH TOPIC ARE LISTED BELOW

PANEL DISCUSSION - GYM "The Future of College Admissions: AI's Impact and Opportunities”

College admissions leaders will discuss how AI is influencing admissions decisions, improving applicant experiences, and ensuring fairness in the process. This engaging panel will explore the evolving role of AI in both college admissions offices and how students can use AI for college planning, searching, and applying. With admissions leaders from both public and private universities, this is an event for students and parents looking to navigate the new landscape of college admissions. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and ask questions about the future of higher education! If you have a question, submit it HERE.

PANELISTS

Tim Brunold, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, University of Southern California
Ffiona Rees, Interim Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University of California, Los Angeles
John Marfield, Executive Director of Admissions, University of Utah

Moderated by Mrs. Arico, Director of the College Career Center, PVPHS

ATTENDEES CHOOSE 3 PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST - Locations noted

Deciding Who Gets Admitted: How Colleges Make Decisions – Performing Arts Center (PAC)

Presenter: Tim Brunold, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, University of Southern California

Ever wonder what really goes into a college admissions decision? Attendees will gain insight into what colleges consider beyond just grades and transcripts. Learn how factors like extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and demonstrated interest play a role in shaping admissions decisions. We’ll break down what makes an applicant stand out and how to present the strongest possible application. Don’t miss this chance to get an inside look at the holistic admissions process and what truly matters to colleges!

Why UCs: What Sets Them Apart – Choir Room (S33)

Presenter - Ffiona Rees, Interim Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University of California, Los Angeles

What makes a University of California (UC) education unique, and is it the right fit for you? Attend an insightful session on Why Choose a UC?, where attendees will learn what sets UC campuses apart from California State schools and private universities. Learn about UC’s world-class research opportunities, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life, as well as the admissions process and financial aid options. We’ll also discuss what type of student thrives in the UC system and whether it aligns with your college goals. Don’t miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of UC’s advantages and determine if it’s the right choice for you!

Assembling a College List: Finding Your Fit – Library

Presenter - John Marfield, Executive Director of Admissions, University of Utah

Building the right college list is more than just picking big names—are you exploring all your options? Attendees will learn how to identify schools that match academic, social, and financial needs. Discover strategies for thinking beyond the usual choices and uncovering hidden gem colleges that could be the perfect fit. We’ll discuss key factors to consider, from campus culture to career opportunities, to help you build a well-balanced list. Don’t miss this chance to expand your college search and find the best path for your future!

College Admissions Testing: What You Need to Know – P207

Presenter - Masha Paramonova, Program Director, Compass Education Group

With college admissions testing constantly evolving, do you know what test-optional, test-required, and test-blind really mean? Learn the latest changes to the ACT and how test scores can impact college applications. We’ll explore when and how scores can help or hurt in a test-optional world and provide insights on making the best testing decisions for your student’s college goals. Don’t miss this chance to get clear, practical guidance on navigating standardized testing in today’s admissions landscape!

The Importance of Connecting with Colleges: Does it Matter – P102/P103

Presenter - Camille Crites, Associate Director Office of Admissions, Syracuse University

Visiting and connecting with colleges is more than just a campus tour—it’s a crucial step in finding the right fit! Attendees will learn how to make the most of campus visits, rep visits, local college fairs, and online platforms. Discover what to look for, the questions to ask, and how each experience provides unique insights into academics, campus life, and student culture. We’ll also discuss demonstrated interest—what it is, how colleges track it, and whether it impacts admissions decisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to build meaningful connections with colleges and make informed choices about your future!

Telling Your Story: Understanding How and What to Write in the College Essay – College Career Center (CCC)

Presenter - Rick Diaz, Regional Director of Admission, Southern Methodist University

Struggling to figure out what to write for your college essay? You will gain valuable insights into crafting a compelling and authentic personal statement. Learn what admissions officers are really looking for, how to choose the right topic, and strategies to make your essay stand out. Whether you're just getting started or refining your final draft, this session will provide expert advice to help you tell your story with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to set yourself apart in the college admissions process!

Highly Selective Colleges: The Reality – P104/P105

Presenter - Grace Marshall, Associate Director Regional Initiatives, Tufts University

Dreaming of attending a highly selective college but unsure what it takes to get in? Join us for an eye-opening session where attendees will learn what defines these elite institutions, why they are so competitive, and what it truly takes to stand out in the application process. We’ll break down key factors like acceptance rates, admissions criteria, and the role of essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations. Gain insider knowledge on how to craft a strong application and determine if a highly selective school is the right fit for you. Don't miss this chance to get the facts and strategies you need to navigate the admissions process with confidence!

Money Matters – P206

Presenter - Nancy Shafer, PVPHS Financial Aid & Scholarship Specialist

College is a big investment—are you prepared for the cost? This is an important session for students and parents looking to understand the world of financial aid. We’ll break down the basics of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, and discuss key steps in applying for financial aid. Understanding how to pay for college should be part of your decision process from the start—don’t wait until it’s too late! Get the knowledge you need to plan for college finances.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND THE TRANSFER PROCESS - FEBRUARY 25 at 6:30P

Join us in the College Career Center for a panel discussion about how the transfer process works from Community College to 4-year university. Our panel includes Julieta Aramburo, Interim Associate Dean of Counseling & Student Success of El Camino College; Aura Rivera, Outreach & Recruitment Counselor of LA Harbor College; and Chelsey Kaufman, Associate Director Office of undergraduate Admissions of University of Southern California.

PRACTICE ACT/SAT - FEBRUARY 1, 2025 at 9A

The College Career Center will offer a practice ACT or SAT for Sophomores and Juniors only, on Saturday, February 1st 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 Tuesday, January 7th 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, January 17th at the conclusion of lunch - whichever comes first. NO LATE REGISTRANTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED.

Students can decide which test to take, ACT or SAT. Students who choose to take the practice SAT test 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 2/1, to check-in at the CCC and testing should be done by 12:30P.

Students MUST be available for the full practice test time on FEBRUARY 1.

COLLEGE FAIR - JANUARY 29th at 6:30P

Details of the event, registration information and list of attending colleges can be found HERE.

CAREER EXPLORATION SEMINARS – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 8:30A

Students are invited to attend Career Exploration Seminars on January 15^th at 8:30A. About 20 professionals are coming to share information about their career, education and pathway to success with our students. Students can choose to attend two presentations and are invited to attend a mixer with the professionals afterwards in the CCC.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Session 1: 8:30A - 8:55A

Session 2: 9:00A - 9:25A

MEET N GREET MIXER 9:30A - 10:10A

Details of presentations, careers and registration is HERE.