Junior Planning

Spring of your junior year is a great time to start exploring your post-high school options. Whether you're considering joining the military, attending a trade school, enrolling in community college or pursuing a four year college degree, each path offers unique advantages and experiences.

Staying organized is key to making the most of your high school experience. Follow our month-by-month junior calendar to keep track of important milestones, prepare for college applications, and ensure that you're on the right path to achieving your post-high school goals.

• Four-Year Universities: Explore diverse programs to earn your bachelor’s degree.
• Military Service: Serve your country while unlocking valuable skills and education benefits.
• Trade Schools: Dive into hands-on careers in high-demand fields like healthcare or skilled trades.
• Community College: Enjoy a flexible, affordable education with transfer options to four-year universities. The Promise Grant allows for first time college students free tuition for up to two years when attending a community college immediately after high school graduation.

Remember, you're not alone— school counselors, teachers, family and friends are here to support you. We have various resources available in our Titan Center for Military, Trade Schools, scholarships, internships, volunteer, college resources, and more. Also, see our Junior Planning Resources and Junior Planning Presentation for more info.

Interested in learning more about joining the Military? Check out our Military resources available in the Titan Center Room K-16 (next to the Counseling Office) for more information.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a timed multi-aptitude test designed to determine if you are qualified to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces and assign the appropriate job in the military. The test covers standard academic areas, such as math and English, but also measures your knowledge of mechanics, electronics, science, and assembling objects. For more information about the ASVAB, click here. See Ms. Jensen in the Titan Center for more information.

Are you interested in a career where you can make things, be creative, solve problems, work outdoors? This pathway has careers in fields like HVAC, automotive, welding, drafting, building furniture, maintaining our water infrastructure, medical tech careers, and so much more? The San Diego County Projection highlights that this pathway forecasted nearly 207,600 new jobs by 2024. Some of the fastest growing new jobs with a high school diploma are iron workers, masons, heavy tool equipment, roofers, sheet metal, and cement workers.

California Community Colleges - The California Community Colleges site will connect you with community college applications throughout the state of California.

Community College is a great option for many students. Seniors are eligible to attend upon the completion of a high school diploma or GED. The SAT or ACT is not required, however may help with the placement of courses. Many students attend for 2-3 years before transferring to a college or university to complete their degrees. There are several transfer programs available and it is recommended to meet with a counselor at the community college to review your options. Please note that each College has an allotted amount of spots for transfer students and will be considered before another student who may want to transfer from a 4-year University.

Did you know the community colleges in California have a unique and incredible opportunity to attend college tuition free? To qualify for this program, there is no income limit for families! Families must complete the FAFSA or DREAM ACT (Financial Aid Applications), and students must be first time college students immediately attending college after high school graduation, be a California resident, and complete the Promise Grant Application.

The Promise Grant is a state program that waives enrollment fees for first time high school California residents attending Community College (CC). Each Community College has their own promise program i.e. Palomar Promise Grant for Palomar College and San Diego Promise Grant for Miramar/Mesa/City College. In addition, each community college may offer additional perks by offering priority registration, parking passes, etc.

How do I get free tuition? Complete the FAFSA or CADAA application. Each CC will have their own Promise Application. Students, please make sure you are checking your personal and college email accounts for more information. Each college has their own Promise Program Counseling department and they will help you.

What if my family makes too much money? There is no income limit for the Promise Grant, but you must complete the FAFSA or CADAA and Promise Grant application.

When do I receive the grant? Each college has their own deadline, but Financial Aid offices usually start processing applications during the summer.

Any questions, please stop by and talk to your counselor or Ms. Jensen in the Titan Center.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is here to make sure students disadvantaged by social, economic, educational or linguistic barriers get the resources they need to enroll and succeed at any California community college. How? By offering comprehensive academic and support counseling, financial aid and a bevy of other services aimed at keeping students from dropping out and helping them reach their educational and career goals. Click Here to find out more information.

Your junior year in high school is one with a lot going on. Starting your college search may not have been on your radar, but it is definitely the time to start preparing your way. If you plan to go to a four year university/college, you should start making goals, taking college entrance exams, and focusing on your class load to ensure you are taking (and passing!) all the required courses for the schools you would like to attend.

Important responsibilities to take care of this spring and summer to ensure you are on track to college:

• Review the Common App and UC PIQ essay topics. Common App Qs were just released!
• Consider a summer program, job or volunteer. Start planning now!
• Schedule the ACT or SAT (depending on the college).
• Attend college fairs or visit colleges if your schedule allows.
• Think about scheduling college visits as time allows over the summer.
• Begin working on your BRAG packet for teacher & counselor recommendations

Besides getting a deeper and more thorough education, there are many benefits to attending a college or university. You can discover your passions, challenge yourself, expand your worldview, and, meet new people. Frequently, job searches rely as heavily on who you know as they do on your degree.

Choosing the right college is an important decision that can shape your educational experience and future career. It can feel overwhelming, but with a careful thought process and time to research options, you can find a college that aligns with your personal and academic goals. Remember, there’s not a perfect college. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right college fit for you.

Academic Programs

• Majors and Minors Offered: Does the college have a program in your area of interest? Special Programs and Opportunities: Does the college have special programs such as study abroad, internships, and research opportunities?

Campus Culture and Environment

• Size and Location: Consider whether you prefer a large university or a smaller college, and think about the type of environment you thrive in. Urban, suburban, and rural campuses each offer unique benefits and challenges.
• Extracurricular Activities: Investigate the clubs and sports teams available.

Financial Considerations

• Tuition and Fees: Look at the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and housing and food expenses. Compare financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities.
• Return on Investment: Consider the potential return on investment by researching your potential career and the average starting salary and job placement opportunities.

Admissions Requirements

• Selectivity: Understand the college’s selectivity level and research your likelihood of getting in; likely, target and reach.
• Application Components: Do your research of the application requirements such as essays, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. Make sure you can meet these requirements.

Personal Preferences

• Campus Vibe: Visit campuses or watch online tours if possible to get a feel for the atmosphere.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Consider the diversity of the student body and the institution's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

By taking the time to research, you can find colleges that best fit your needs and goals. Remember, the right college for you is one where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Good luck in your search! Reach out if you have questions. You've got this!

Navigating the process of obtaining letters of recommendation for college applications can feel overwhelming, but with a structured approach, you can ensure everything is completed smoothly. Below is a helpful guide to assist you in gathering and submitting these critical components of your application.

Steps to Complete: Visit the Poway High School Website:

• Go to the Counseling tab.
• Select Letters of Recommendation from the menu on the left.

• Complete the Following Steps and Return Documents to Your Counselor:
• Step 1: FERPA Waiver
• Step 2: College Info Form
• Step 3: Personal Information Form
• Step 4: Parent Brag Sheet
• Step 5: Teacher Input Forms
• Step 6: Resume
• Step 7: Extracurricular Log
• Step 8: Request Official Transcript(s)
  

Start building your college list now. These are the schools you will apply to during your senior year. Your list should include a mix of Likely, Target, and Reach schools.

As you explore colleges, take time to research their admission requirements. Look at things like required high school classes, GPA expectations, and whether tests like the SAT or ACT are needed. Some majors or programs may also have additional requirements.

Doing this research early helps you make sure you are taking the right classes and staying on track for the schools you’re interested in. It also helps you avoid surprises later—like finding out during senior year that you needed to take a specific class to qualify.

Check out the resources guide here with testing schedules and more! Junior Resources

UC/CSU Schools (and many others) require students to take a combination of courses that meet what is called A-G requirements. All courses taken for A-G must be passed with a grade of C or better. You can find the A-G Requirements on the UC 'A-G' page. You can find a list of the courses we offer that meet A-G requirements here.

California Colleges
CaliforniaColleges.Edu helps you explore the various higher education institutions in California.

Explore CSU
CalState.Edu is a quick way to explore the California State University System.
CSU Eligibility Index will tell you if you meet the GPA and ACT/SAT requirements

Explore UC
UniversityOfCalifornia.Edu is a quick way to explore the University of California System.
UC Admissions will tell you all the requirements to meet eligibility to the UC System.

Explore California Private Universities
AICCU.Edu is the Association for Independent California Colleges and Universities.

Explore California Community Colleges
CCCApply.Com is a California Community College Application website that has a great search tool for the various Community Colleges in California.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a regional tuition discount program, which enables students from one of 16 WICHE states and territories in the Western U.S. to enroll as nonresidents in 160+ participating public colleges and universities and pay 150 percent (or less) of the enrolling school’s resident tuition—which annually saves students an average of $9,000 each on the cost of non-resident tuition. Please visit the WUE website for more information

Big Future/College Board
Big Future helps personalize your college search to find the right fit for you.

Colleges by Rankings
US News and World Report provides rankings on Colleges in the US.

Colleges by Majors
Peterson's offers college searches by major and degree type.

Looking for scholarships? Please see our Scholarship Deadline Log for more information or the scholarship binder in the Titan Center.

Poway High Counseling
College Board
Cappex
California Colleges
Fastweb
Career Cruising
SAT
ACT

The NCAA Eligibility Center should be your first stop if you are interested in playing sports in college.

Counselors

A-Dat: Karly Wardwell

Dau-Hil: Jerrah Smith

Him-Mel: Monica Taylor

Mem-Sam: Blanca Arreguin

San-Z: Jerilyn Padua-Reyes

Support Staff

Counseling Assistant: Kelly McEttrick

Academic & Career Guidance Technician: Veronica Jensen

Registrar: Michelle Bourget

Student Data Tech: Jodie Hughes

Website: http://www.powayusd.com/phs
Location: 15500 Espola Road, Poway, CA, USA
Phone: (858)748-0245
Instagram: counseling_phs