The Journey to College through the Web
(see links below)

Having students prepared with the skills needed for college success is the Poway Unified School District’s focus. The kindergarten children on our Web page are just beginning their adventure in learning. They will become the college graduating class of 2020!

College readiness starts with the very beginnings of a child’s learning. At Poway Unified, our preschoolers begin to acquire important habits and attitudes that will serve them well throughout their lifelong journey of learning. Throughout a child’s years at PUSD, we strive to foster a positive quest for further education. Whether this means a four-year college or university, community college, or specific technical school experiences, our students need the college readiness skills that will help them at school and in their careers.

College Express
College, scholarship, and loan search.

"How to get to College"
The California State University recognizes the importance of early preparation for college. We have developed guides for middle and high school students and their parents that help the students stay on a path to college. These guides are available in an easily printed booklet form, in both English and Spanish.

Scholarship Research Center
A valuable tool that may help you find the financial assistance you need to successfully complete college.

Tips for Parents
Here are some great tips to get every child mathematically proficient and every child reading.

The Princeton Review
A comprehensive site filled with tools, advice, and news about college.  Find out about the tests, applications, and financial issues you'll encounter.  Investigate a Career & Technical Education to reach these goals faster (and cheaper) than traditional colleges or grad schools.

College preparatory coursework, known as a-g requirements, are prerequisites for admission to colleges and universities including the University of California and California State University systems. Having more students meet the rigorous a-g requirements and be successful in college is a major goal for Poway Unified. Students need to acquire the critical skills needed to do college work during high school through taking advantage of college prep coursework.

University of California and California State University Requirements

Diagnostic Writing Service

The Diagnostic Writing Service is available for students and teachers to assess current writing skills against college-level expectations. Students can submit a written essay in response to an actual California State University English placement test essay prompt. For $10 the Writing Service will measure the student’s work against standards for students entering the university, http://www.essayeval.org

Did You Know?…. Math Matters

Among 1992 high school graduates, students whose parents did not attend college enrolled in four-year colleges at lower rates than their counterparts from families where at least one parent had a bachelor’s degree. However, completing an advanced mathematics course, at the pre-calculus level or higher, appeared to help mitigate the disadvantages of first-generation status. Among high school graduates whose parents did not attend college, 64 percent who had completed advanced mathematics courses in high school enrolled in four-year colleges, compared to 34 percent who had completed courses through Algebra II, and 11 percent who had completed Algebra I and Geometry (The Condition of Education, 2001, Mathematics Curriculum and College Enrollment, U.S. Dept. of Education).

Source: Supporting College Readiness: Successful transitions between high school and college, California School Boards Association

Did You Know?….Senioritis may contribute to lower first-year college academic performance

Students who do not take demanding courses during their senior year may need to take college remediation courses. Students often don’t consider their senior year as a foundation for future education and are often unaware that they might be required to take placement exams once they enroll in college. Not using the senior year to prepare for college-level coursework is a lost opportunity to gain critical skills needed for college success.  

Here are some suggestions to help students make the most of their senior year: 

• Rethink the senior year to include opportunities for a better transition to higher education or work. Continue to take advanced courses, consider enrolling in local community college courses, do coursework along with community service projects, and consider meaningful internships related to academic work.

• Inform seniors that they may be have to take additional placement exams so they understand the importance of enrolling in math and writing courses.

Source: Supporting College Readiness: Successful transitions between high school and college, California School Boards Association

Especially for Parents

The U.S. Government Education Web site has been designed to provide information on educational opportunities beyond high school for learners of all ages.

http://www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml?src=pn

Our High School Counseling Offices Abraxas High 858 748-5900 Mt. Carmel High 858 484-0544 Poway High 858 748-0245 ext. 5135 Rancho Bernardo High 858 485-4800 ext. 4572 Westview High 858 760-2000 ext. 3009

The Internet has brought college admission information right to your front door.  You can apply, locate scholarships, and fill out financial aid forms from the comfort of your own home.  Our high school counselors can also assist you.  Good Luck!