SPRING COLLEGE NIGHT

MARCH 19, 2024

6:30P-8:20P

Peninsula High School

 

Schedule * Topics * Locations

 

6:30P - 7:00P	Session 1
7:10P - 7:40P	Session 2
7:50P - 8:20P	Session 3

 

Spring College Night is an in-person event on the Peninsula High School Campus targeted to Juniors and their families who are preparing for the College Application process this fall but open to all PVPHS students and parents.  

 

All topics, noted below, will be presented at each session and attendees decide which three to attend. No registration is required for this event and these presentations will NOT be recorded.

 

 

TOPIC	PRESENTER	LOCATION
GET ORGANIZED FOR THE COLLEGE APPLICATION RIDE	Ashima Bhatia Current PVPHS Senior Class of 2024	Library
HOW DO SCHOOLS DECIDE: Understanding the Admissions Process	Chuck Liddiard Independent College Counselor	P104
YOUR GPS FOR THE COLLEGE TESTING LANDSCAPE	Chuti Tui Compass Prep	Choir Room
WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID?	Nancy Shafer Fin Aid & Scholarship PVPHS CCC	P206
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING: College Tours, College Fairs, Rep Visits, etc.	Tommy Rogers University of Missouri	P102
WHAT IS YOUR STORY, THE COLLEGE ESSAY	Rick Diaz Southern Methodist University	CCC
SCROC: Career and Technical Educational Opportunities	Rocio Pineda   Southern CA Regional Occupational Center	Community Room

 **PRESENTATIONS WILL NOT BE RECORDED**

 

GET ORGANIZED FOR THE COLLEGE APPLICATION RIDE (Library)

PRESENTED BY: Ashima Bhatia, Current Senior, PVPHS

The College application process is a marathon and being prepared is the best way to get through. Understand what information you need to keep track of from the beginning to keep your sanity (both students and parents). Every student has a different process but knowing what someone else did could be very beneficial! Get some great advice about the importance of staying organized.

 

HOW DO SCHOOLS DECIDE: Understanding the Admissions Process (P104)

PRESENTED BY: Chuck Liddiard, Founder & Executive Director, Paratum Scholars

Yes, your transcript is important but what about everything else, you are more than your grades? How does a college look at each applicant to determine an admissions decision. In this world of numbers and data understand how colleges and universities really look at the application.

 

YOUR GPS FOR THE COLLEGE TESTING LANDSCAPE (Choir Room)

PRESENTED BY: Chuti Tiu, Tutoring Specialist & Ambassador, Compass Prep,

What role do test scores play in college admissions? What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?  When and how should I prepare? What is the new digital SAT?  We will cover all of this and help you navigate the college testing process.

 

WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID (P206)

PRESENTED BY: Nancy Shafer, Financial Aid & Scholarship Specialist, PVPHS College Career Center

As tuition costs continue to rise, how to pay is an important discussion for parents/guardians and students to discuss throughout the entire decision process. Understanding the basic building blocks of Financial Aid will assist in the process for informed decisions. Financial Aid basics and what you can do to prepare will be discussed.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING: College Tours, College Fairs, Rep Visits (P102)

PRESENTED BY: Tommy Rogers, Regional California Representative, University of Missouri

Communicating and visiting with different colleges can be confusing and overwhelming.  Come learn some secrets and tips on how you can maximize your time with a school.  Whether it’s interacting with a college representative, touring the school, or sitting in on a college class, you’ll find that the process can be fun and informative.

 

WHAT IS YOUR STORY, THE COLLEGE ESSAY (CCC)

PRESENTED BY: Rick Diaz, Regional Director of Admission Southern Methodist University

Students have spent their entire life trying to fit in, now they have to stand out. The essay is the only opportunity for the admissions committee to hear directly from the student. Find out what is important, what to include, how to start and how to keep the readers engaged. Rick Diaz will discuss how important the essay is and important factors to keep in mind while writing.

 

SCROC: EDUCATION WITH A PURPOSE (Community Room)

PRESENTED BY: Rocio Pineda, Career Guidance Specialist, Southern CA Regional Occupational Center

Learn about the many programs at SoCal ROC that can help you set yourself apart from the crowd during the job and college application process. Demonstrate mastery of industry skills through CTE certifications, and in many cases official industry certifications. Whether you decide to enter the workforce or apply to college, SoCal ROC adds to the traditional high school experience and is designed to prepare you for the next steps in your career journey. Upon completing courses at SoCal ROC, you will have a clearer vision of your future career path. This allows you to invest your time and money in a career just right for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESENTATION, SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION DETAILS COMING SOON

DETAILS & REGISTRATION INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE

LOCATION: Gym

AUDIENCE: Juniors and their parents/guardians

 

Timothy Brunold, Dean of Admissions at University of Southern California will discuss the latest changes to College Admissions the overall college application process. Understanding admissions can help guide students and parents in making important decisions about college applications.  As Dean of Admissions, Timothy Brunold has received record application volume and has enrolled the most talented, diverse and impactful incoming classes of USC’s history.  Timothy has been a part of USC’s Office of Admissions since the late 1980’s when he joined as a student intern.

 

*This session will not be recorded.

 

 

 

COLLEGE NIGHT SESSIONS

Schedule * Topics * Locations

 

All grade levels of PVPHS parents and students are welcome to attend these sessions.

Session 1	6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Session 2	7:05 pm – 7:35 pm
Session 3	7:40 pm – 8:10 pm

 

 

 

TOPIC	LOCATION	PRESENTER
Private Colleges & the Admissions Process	PAC	Tim Brunold of USC
Applying, Affording & Attending Out of State Colleges	Library	Chris O’Sullivan of U of Iowa
The College Essay	Community Room	Caitlin James of U of the Ohio
Building the College List	College Career Center	Julie Arico Director of the CCC
Deciding on a Major	P102/P103	Vee Alidema of U of Utah
College Testing – It’s Optional & Changing, Now What?	P104/P105	Chuti Tui of Compass Prep
Financial Aid	P206/P207	Nancy Shafer Fin Aid of CCC

 

PRIVATE COLLEGES & THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

LOCATION: Performing Arts Center (PAC)

AUDIENCE: PVPHS students & parents/guardians

 

Tim Brunold, Dean of Admissions at University of Southern California will discuss applying and attending private colleges. How does the application, review and acceptance policy differ from public colleges. And what does holistic really mean. 

 

 ATTENDING OUT OF STATE PUBLIC COLLEGES

LOCATION:  LIBRARY

AUDIENCE: PVPHS students & parents/guardians

 

Chris O’Sullivan, Director of Admissions at University of Iowa, will discuss the benefits of attending an out of state college. The myths and the realities of going out of state and the cost opportunities. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) will also be explained for students/parents/guardians consideration. 

 

 THE COLLEGE ESSAY

LOCATION: COMMUNITY ROOM

AUDIENCE: PVPHS students & parents/guardians

 

Caitlin James, Regional Recruitment Manager at The University of Ohio will discuss the importance of your essay from choosing the topic, common mistakes and why this is more important than ever in a test optional admissions world. Ms. James will provide great wisdom and tips for writing the college application essay and how a student will want to approach the process. 

 

 BUILDING THE COLLEGE LIST

LOCATION: COLLEGE CAREER CENTER

AUDIENCE: PVPHS students & parents/guardians

 

Putting the list together is a process that is personal and different for every student and many factors must be considered and prioritized based on the student’s self-reflection of what their expectations are for their college experience. The importance of academic, social and financial fit will be discussed.

 

 DECIDING ON A MAJOR

LOCATION: P102/P103
AUDIENCE: PVPHS Students & parents/guardians

 

Vee Alidema, Admissions Counselor at University of Utah will discuss aspects of choosing a major. Many students struggle with what to study and the #1 major of incoming college freshman is Undecided. But students need to start thinking about majors even if it is not finalized when they apply.

LINK TO FINDING MAJOR AS PRESENTED 

 

 COLLEGE TESTING IT’S OPTIONAL & CHANGING, NOW WHAT??

LOCATION: P104/P105
AUDIENCE: PVPHS Students & parents/guardians

 

Chuti Tui of Compass Education Group will discuss College Testing. UC’s and CSU’s are test blind most all other schools are optional with only a small handful requiring test scores. What does test optional mean? How should students prepare, should they even prepare for it? And now the SAT is changing to online adaptive for the Class of 2025 and beyond, what do you need to know?

 

FINANCIAL AID 101

LOCATION: P206/P207

AUDIENCE: PVPHS Students & parents/guardians

 

As tuition costs continue to rise, how to pay is an important discussion for parents/guardians and students to discuss throughout the entire decision process. Understanding the basic building blocks of Financial Aid will assist in the process for informed decisions. Mrs. Shafer of the PVPHS College Career Center will go over financial aid basics.

 

BELOW ARE SOME OF THE PRESENTATION DECKS

 

 

The College Career Center will offer a practice ACT or SAT for Juniors and Seniors only, on Saturday, September 9th at 9:00A. This practice test is not official in any way and is intended to provide a simulated test experience for students. It is not a PSAT (which is an official Preliminary SAT which will be administered on OCTOBER 11^th ONLY).

 

Students can register beginning Monday, August 28th in the CCC during Panther time and lunch, with a $20 donation which is appreciated. Registration closes when the limited seats are full or on Friday, September 1 at the conclusion of lunch - whichever comes first. NO LATE REGISTRANTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED.

 

Students can decide which test to take ACT or SAT. Seniors who choose the SAT will take a paper test. Juniors who choose the SAT have the option to take the paper test OR the new online adaptive SAT. Students who choose the online adaptive SAT 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 9/9, in order to check-in at the CCC and testing should be done by 12:30P.

 

 

These online events are structured by grade level for students to complete during this late start who are NOT taking the PSAT/NMSQT.

 

 

Many students choose to attend Community College and transfer to a four year university.  Pam Schacter, Independent Educational Consultant, will discuss the benefits of attending Community College, both academic and financial.  

 

Learn about the opportunities/advantages of a 2-year community college/ priority transfer college option. Any student thinking of applying to any California Public College should learn about priority and guaranteed transfer opportunities available through the Community College Transfer program. 

 

Students and parents, are all encouraged to attend!!  Learn about the South Bay Promise which can cover enrollment fees and additional services and counseling for up to two years! The presentation will cover the South Bay Promise and the benefits of the two-year community college experience.

 

Join us in the CCC in person, no registration required. This event will not be streamed or recorded.

On Wednesday, October 18^th at 6:30P in the PAC, attendees will learn what is financial aid, what are the different types of financial aid are available, what is the FAFSA, how does Cal Grant work and how colleges look at financial aid and scholarships. Presented by Nancy Shafer, PVPHS College Career Center, Financial Aid and Scholarship Specialist.

PVPHS Panthers who registered will receive an email on January 8th with details about the career topics, schedule and locations for the Wednesday, January 10^th Career Exploration Seminars. Students can attend 2 seminars of  interest that they are considering in potentially pursuing or just curious about. Students can still register here to attend. 

 

 

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens DECEMBER 31. Step by Step instruction to go through the FAFSA will be provided.  

 

Both student and parent MUST create a StudentAid.Gov which can be done here. Make sure to note your username and password.

 

Make sure to check the deadlines for all the schools where you applied as many have deadlines at the end of January or early February.

 

REGISTRATION FOR ZOOM EVENT IS REQUIRED - REGISTER HERE

 

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens DECEMBER 31. Step by Step instruction of completing the FAFSA will be provided.  

 

Both student and parent MUST create a StudentAid.Gov account at least 10 days prior to the event here. Make sure to note your username and password.

 

Make sure to check the deadlines for all the schools where you applied as many have deadlines at the end of January or early February.

 

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - REGISTER HERE

 

 

 

THE COLLEGE FAIR IS NEXT WEEK

WEDNESDAY, JANURY 24, 2024

6:30-9:00P

PVPHS GYM

Colleges and Universities from across the country and around the world will be in attendance. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with schools, learn about the offerings of different colleges and make a personal connection with the admissions representative. 

 

 

YOU ARE INVITED

All students and their parents are invited to attend the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School College Fair on January 24th at 6:30P. 

  

If you are not in the mood to cook before the College Fair -  AVID is holding a Taco Night Fundraiser from 5-6:30P in the covered lunch area, south of the Main Gym. Help support one of the most incredible programs we have on the PVPHS campus. Details on purchasing tickets BEFORE will be available later.

 

REGISTER TO ATTEND 

Peninsula High School students are asked to register on SchooLinks so you can see the most up to date list of schools that will be at the College Fair and to receive updates about the event.

 

Students are also encouraged to register at www.StriveFair.com 

 

All attendees have the opportunity to connect with schools, learn about the offerings of different colleges and make a personal connection with the admissions representative. To facilitate in connecting with colleges, all attendees (both students & parents) are encouraged to register at StriveScan www.StriveFair.com. StriveScan is a service that allows attendees to electronically share contact information with the College Reps of their choosing rather than completing the request by hand.

 

Every attendee who registers at StriveScan will receive a unique barcode. During the fair, show your barcode to colleges who scan it to send you more information about their schools. The day after the fair, you will receive a report with information on the colleges with whom you connected. The information will include contact information so you can reach out to the rep directly.

 

 

A list of colleges attending is on the CCC home page. Check SchooLinks Events for the most up to date list and register at https://app.strivescan.com/students

 

 

 

 

 

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: Dr. Rene Lozano, Transfer Center Coordinator of El Camino College; Aura Rivera, Outreach & LACP Counselor of LA Harbor College; and Ffiona Rees, Interim Executive Director, University of California - Los Angeles.