Author: Sherri Grelle

Senior Newsletter

September 2016

La Quinta High School Counselors: Sherri grelle (a-hoa)
Denise Halstead, Principal Adriana Esquivel (HOB-NGUYEN,D)
(714) 663-6375 Patricia Tran (nguyen,E-Q) Lucy Fitzrandolph (R –Z)
Lucy Fitzrandolph (r-z)

A Message from the Guidance Office
Welcome back Class of 2017!
We hope you had a relaxing and rejuvenating summer vacation and are ready to begin a dynamic 2016-2017 school year. The La Quinta High School counseling staff is dedicated to making your senior year the best one yet. Throughout this year there will be various college tasks that will need to be completed by all seniors, including college applications, entrance exams, personal essays, and financial aid. Our counseling team is determined to help each of you through this process.
Each month the Senior Newsletter will be published, then distributed in your English class under the direction of Ms. Grelle. The newsletter will be a great resource, keeping you up-to-date on college admissions, college exams, scholarship information and other school related activities. If you have any questions regarding the newsletter please feel free to stop by and see Ms. Grelle.
*Testing Information*
Those of you applying to a four-year college/university will need to take the SAT and/ or ACT by the December test date. The December scores will be the last scores universities will consider for Fall admittance. When signing up to take the ACT or SAT make sure to have your scores sent to the colleges you will be applying to.
LA QUINTA SCHOOL CODE 053737
2016-2017 SAT & ACT TESTING SCHEDULE
SAT Subject Tests are no longer required for UC admittance
SAT - www.collegeboard.com
ACT - www.actstudent.org
When signing up for your SAT’s on Collegeboard.com, students who want to apply to more than 4 Cal State Universities may use the code 3594 (CSU Mentor, Long Beach). This will send the SAT scores to all the Cal States for FREE! Students who apply to at least 1 UC, Collegeboard.com will send your Sat scores to all UC’s for FREE.

Test Date	Test Offered	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline
October 1, 2016	SAT & Subject Tests	September 1, 2016	Sept 20
November 5, 2016	SAT & Subject Tests	October 7, 2016	Oct 25
December 3, 2016	SAT & Subject Tests	November 3, 2016	Nov 22

Test Date	Test Offered	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline
October 22, 2016	ACT	September 16, 2016	Sept 17 - Sept 30
December 10, 2016	ACT	November 4, 2016	Nov 5 - Nov 18

La Quinta High School Fall 2016

Keep Your Options Open
For many seniors, the final year of high school brings about a lot of questions. One of which is where they will be after they graduate. It is highly recommended that seniors keep their options open and take their time when deciding on a path for next year.
There are a variety of options open to seniors between community colleges and four-year universities. Financial Aid determinations will help guide future decisions. Students will find out which schools they have been accepted to and will have the opportunity to choose a path that is right for them.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
The California State University (CSU) system has a priority filing period of October 1 through November 30. The University of California system (UC) has a priority filing period of November 1 through November 30. It is very important that you apply online as soon as possible during the registration time period. To apply online for a UC campus, access their website at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply/. You may also print a paper application at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/download/. To complete an online application for CSU go to www.csumentor.edu. Most private colleges and universities have priority-filing dates. The dates may be found by checking the college handbook and/or calling the college admissions office for that particular campus.
LQ COLLEGE INFORMATION DAYS
September 22, period 6 UC Santa Cruz Library
October 26, period 2 & 3 CSU Monterey Bay Library
October 25, period 1 & 2 UC Riverside Library
November 7, period 1 UC Merced Library (Sign up in Guidance Office with Ms.Davila)

During the months of October and November
Counselors will be presenting information in senor English classes regarding A-G, Grad Status, D-validation, college requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and SAT sign ups! They will also present two separate workshops: CSU Application and Financial Aid, dates TBD

Campus Tours/College Information
A campus tour is a great way to get a first look at where you will be spending most of your time come fall of next year. We strongly encourage you to access the campus websites in order to find out when tours are available for future students. Go to www.CollegeWeekLive.com to get connected to the UC’s for virtual tours and on-line info sessions! This is a great way for families to explore different aspects of student life at each school. Various campuses visit La Quinta to talk to our seniors. We will be sure to notify you of upcoming “Campus Preview Dates and College Information Sessions” that are either on campus or at a local location.

COLLEGE PREVIEW/INFORMATION DAYS
Sept 26 Brown University Admissions Information: LA Center for Enriched Studies, 5931 West 18th Street, LA, 7pm
Sept 28 Carnegie Mellon Information Sessions: Irvine Marriott 18000 Von Karman Ave. Irvine 7:30
Oct 8 CSU Monterey Bay Open House Parents/students, learn more at:
CSUMB.edu/admissions/open-house, or call 831-582-3738
Oct 8 UC Merced Preview Day
Oct 8 UC Los Angeles Open House
Oct 8 & Nov 19 UC San Diego Freshman Days
Oct 23 Washington University in St. Louis Admissions Information Sessions: Hilton Irvine 7-8pm
949-833-9999
Oct 22 UC Irvine Fall Preview Day
Nov 19 UC Riverside Discover Day
Jan 20, 21, 22 Mount Saint Mary’s University Application Days - Los Angeles
1-5pm RSVP: www.msmu.edu/RSVP

COLLEGE Fair
What: La Quinta College Night
When: Monday October 19 FROM 6:00 - 7:30pm
Where: La Quinta High School Gymnasium
Parents, students come take part in this unique opportunity to listen and ask questions to representatives from the CSU and UC University College system!
What: District College Fair
When: Monday October 10 FROM 6:30 - 8:00pm
Where: Bolsa Grande H.S.
Parents, students come take part in this unique opportunity to meet with college representatives, college alumni, & other representatives from a variety of postsecondary schools. Get info from favorite colleges!

How to Apply for Scholarships
Each month a section of the newsletter will be devoted to giving a brief description of scholarships that are being offered by colleges, private organizations, and corporations who send their info to us. Remember you and your parents can access the Senior Newsletter on La Quinta’s web page at: www.laquintahs.org Please read about all our scholarships as well as research your own. For every one we list, there are thousands more! . Check these out! www.HighFiveScholarships.com, http://www.scholarsnapp.org/, Fastweb.com, meritaid.com, www.collegeboard.org, www..salliemae.com, www.csac.ca.gov, www.edfund.org, www.mapping-your-future.org, http://www.yahoo.com/Education/financial_Aid, www.ed.gov/index, www.usnews.com, www.scholarships.com, www.gocollege.com, www.educatorsconnection.com/register.php www.scholarshipcoach.com, scholarships.com, zinch.com, weirdscholarships.net / Many scholarships require that the applicant obtain letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, etc. When asking for a letter of recommendation be sure to let the person know the purpose of the recommendation, the date it is due and to whom to send it. It is very helpful to give the person a resume listing your activities, honors/awards, college plans, goals and anything you feel would be helpful in writing the recommendation. Give people at least two weeks notice in order to ensure a good letter and timely delivery.
GRANTOR	REQUIREMENTS	DEADLINE
QuestBridge / National College Match	Scholarships for high GPA, high rigor, low-income students / College match for students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or higher / Full four-year scholarships to 39 of the nation’s best colleges, including Amherst, Duke, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. / From households earning less than $65,000/yr for family of four / Go to: www.questbridge.org	September 27, 2016
Shout it out / Scholarship	$1,500 / Submit an online short response (250 words or less) for the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?" / Must enroll in college in Fall of 2017 / Apply: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/shout-it-out-scholarship	September 30, 2016
2016 United States Senate Youth / Program. Sponsored by the William / Randolph Hearst Foundation, the / California / Department of / Education (CDE) / coordinates / competition for outstanding Seniors.	$10,000 college scholarship and a one week all expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. from March 4-11, 2017 / 3.5 GPA & interested in pursuing a career in public service. / Top History students active in Student Government / Must be serving in an elected or appointed capacity in student government, civic, or educational organization for 2016-2017 school yr. / 4 finalists, consisting of 2 delegates and a 1st alternate and 2nd alternate, will be selected by CDE from the statewide applicants to be California’s USSYP representatives. They will participate in a week of intensive study of the federal government as guests of the US Senate March 4-11, 2017, in Washington, D.C. / See Ms. Grelle for an application so the principal can nominate you!	October 1, 2016

GRANTOR	REQUIREMENTS	DEADLINE
Wendy’s High School / Heisman Athletic Scholarship	At least 3.0 GPA / Athletes who excel in the classroom, on the field and the community / 2 winners from each school! / Participate in at least one school-sponsored sport. / Involved in your community and extracurricular activities / $500 in gift card and $1,000 & up to $10,000 for national winners! / First 1,000 students to apply win $10. Wendy’s gift card!!! / Apply: http://www.wendysheisman.com.	October 3, 2016
The Eugene / McDermott / Scholars Program	The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the nation’s most generous and selective undergraduate merit awards. / Valued more than $250,000 (out of state), the scholarship includes tuition, stipend, study abroad and professional development funding. / For more information visit: http://www.utdallas.edu/mcdermott/	October 25, 2016 (early) or January 4, 2017 (regular)
Horatio Alger / Association / Scholarship	$7,000 - $25,000 / Min GPA 2.0 & be a U.S. Citizen / Must pursue and complete a Bachelor’s degree at a university / Financial need, integrity & perseverance in overcoming adversity / Involvement co-curricular & community service activities / Apply: www.scholars.horatioalger.org	October 25, 2016
Disneyland / Dreamers and Doers	2 Disneyland Park-Hopper tickets will go to 2 LQ seniors! / Answer one of 4 questions (short essay): Strengthen Community, Think Creatively, Conserve Nature, or Live Healthier. / From nominated group of “Dreamers and Doers” 60 will be identified as “Shining Stars” & invited to a Celebration Lunch w/2 family members & a representative from their school / Each of the 60 students selected as “Shining Stars” will receive $1,000 grant for their school, & a Dreamers & Doers medal / Then 6 “Luminaries” will be selected to receive a Disneyland Resort weekend prize package to enjoy with their families / Must have at least a 3.0 GPA / Type your application online, print & give to Ms. Grelle / Go to: https://publicaffairs.disneyland.com/education/dreamers-and-doers/2016-17-application/	October 31, 2016
Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship	$2,000 / Submit an online short written response (250 words or less) for the question: "Imagine that your high school has been overrun with zombies. Your math professor, the cafeteria ladies and even your best friend have all joined the walking dead. Use your brain to flesh out a plan to avoid the zombies, including where you would hide and the top five things you would bring with you to stay alive." / Must enroll in college in Fall of 2017 / Apply: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/zombie-apocalypse-scholarship	October 31, 2016

GRANTOR	REQUIREMENTS	DEADLINE
National Association of Secondary School / Principals (NASSP) Herff Jones-Principal Leadership Award for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards	Local Honorees receive a Certificate of Achievement; Distinguished Finalists receive an Engraved Bronze Medallion; State Honorees receive $1,000, an Engraved Silver Medallion and an all-expense paid trip w/parent to Washington DC for national recognition of events; National Honorees receive an additional award of $5,000, an Engraved Gold Medallion, a Crystal Trophy for their school, & a $5,000 grant for a non-profit charitable organization of their choice. / Min 100 hrs community service w/leadership, made outstanding difference in service organizations/clubs; some done after Sept 2015 / 3.5 GPA or higher / Apply: http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit, click on “Apply Now” link and follow instructions	November 8, 2016
AEDSuperstore Scholarship	$1,000 bi-annual college scholarship / Submit a 3 minute max video or 500 word max essay responding to a prompt about defibrillators and sudden cardiac arrest / Apply online: http://www.aedsuperstore.com/scholarship.html	November 30, 2016
Moose Youth / Awareness Program	All-expense paid, round trip to the international Youth Awareness Congress in Kenosha, WI & one of five scholarships awarded: $2,000, $3,000, $5,000, $8,000 or $12,000 / You must first attend and receive a certificate as a Kids Talk Presenter, at the Association Youth Awareness Congress at the: Buena Park Moose Lodge #195. Free Breakfast, lunch, parents are welcome / Go to: http://www.mooseintl.org/members/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Youth-Awareness-Brochure.pdf / Application: http://www.mooseintl.org/portal/pdf/YouthAware/StudentApplication.pdf	November 10, 2016
Boston University Trustee Scholarship Competition	Trustee Scholars rank top of their classes & demonstrate exceptional leadership in their schools & communities. Scholarship recipients are selected by a faculty committee from a competitive pool of applicants. / Full undergraduate tuition plus orientation and mandatory undergraduate student fees for four years / Apply: bu.edu/admissions/trustee	December 1, 2016
2016 Profile and Courage Essay / Contest	$20,000 first place prize, cash award to top 25 essays! / Essay no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700. / Must describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. / Go to: www.jfklibrary.org/essaycontest	January 4, 2017
APIASF Asian & / Pacific Islander American / Scholarship Fund	$2,500 - $20,000 / Be Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by U.S. Census / Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the US. / Enroll in a college or university in the Fall of 2017. / Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7, qualify for federal financial aid / Apply: http://www.apiasf.org/scholarship_apiasf.html	January 11, 2017

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