Upcoming Workshops....Updated!

Seniors: Most of you are either starting or in the middle of your college selection process.  We have many upcoming activities to help you.

First, our Financial Workshop for this Wednesday, Sept 30th (both the morning and evening sessions) has been moved to October 14th.  However, we have a great workshop planned for this Wednesday, Sept 30th at 7:45 am in the library.  We will be showing you how to start your college search using Naviance.  If you are confused about how to start the college process, this workshop is going to be perfect for you!  Please mark your calendars for this essential workshop.

The next day, October 1st, a representative from the UC system will be in our library at lunch to present a workshop on the UC Application. 

Then on October 14th, the counselors will do a presentation called Financial Aid 101.  They will be discussing how to narrow your college choices based on financial aid, how to search for scholarships and grants, and how to apply for financial aid and fee waivers.

You have another week after that to do some research on your own and then October 19th through October 23rd the counselors in will be in the library during 7th period to sit down with you and help with your college searches or give help with college applications.

On October 26th, a representative from the CSU system will be in the library at lunch to host a workshop on the CSU mentor application process.

Finally, November 9th through November 25th during 6th and 7th period the counselors will be in the library to help any student with their college applications and questions. 

Students can create an account on CSUmentor now and start their search for CSU schools.  The application will open on Thursday, October 1st and will be due November 30th.

The UC application is open NOW.  Students can submit the application starting November 1st.  This application is also due November 30th.

For students that need to apply through the Common Application, there are many schools that will have early decision applications due in October and November. Please check your deadline dates. 

Upcoming Workshops at Canyon

On Wednesday, September 23^rd , Canyon’s Parent Advisory Council is hosting a workshop about College Financial Planning.  Their guest speaker will be Justin Duncombe, a financial planner.   The workshop will be at 7:45 am or 6:30 pm in the library.  This workshop might best be appreciated by our Freshman and Sophomore parents looking for long-term financial aid planning advice.

The following week on Wednesday, September 30^th, Canyon’s Counseling Department will be presenting a workshop on Financial Aid.  We will be discussing how much college will really cost your family each year, how to search for colleges that fit within your budget, what kind of financial aid is available, and how to apply for scholarships and grants.  This presentation will be most beneficial for our Junior and Senior students and parents, but all families are welcome to attend!  This presentation will be given twice, first at 7:45 am and again at 6:30 pm.  Both presentations will be in the library.

Students Planning for Military Colleges

Congressman Knight is hosting his Service Academy Information Day THIS Saturday, September 12^th at the College of the Canyons University Center from 10-12pm. In attendance will be representatives from all five service academies: U.S. Naval Academy, U.S Military Academy (WestPoint), U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

It is STRONGLY recommended that interested students, especially seniors in the class of 2016, interested in attending a military service academy in Fall 2016, attend the event.  The event, however, is open to all interested young men and women from ages 17 to 21 that are residents of California’s 25th Congressional District, including all freshman to senior class high school students.  It will give you an opportunity to learn more about the service academy application process and how to apply to receive a nomination from their Congressman. 

For further information, please contact Isaac Barcelona at 661- 441-0320, or the Santa Clarita Office, 661-255-5630.

College and Career Fair

The William S. Hart Union High School District is hosting its 5th annual:

College & Career Fair

Thursday, September 24, 2015.

6:00-8:30 pm

West Ranch High School

26255 W. Valencia Blvd.

Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

Join over 100 college, universities, career prep schools and apprenticeship programs in an exhibit style format where you can receive information on admissions, financial aid and much more.

Counseling Support Groups

Students: Are you interested in a support group?  We offer several!  We have a Boys' Group, Girls' Group and a LGBTQ Support Group.  If you are interested in learning more, or in joining one of these groups, please contact your counselor or Mrs. Trapani in the Counseling Office. 

We will also be running a Teenage Grief Group (TAG).  For this group, please see your counselor or Mrs. Devoe in the Counseling Office.  Parents can refer their students or students can self-refer.  We will be starting soon, so please stop by as soon as possible.

PSAT Deadline Is This Friday

The PSAT is a preliminary test that allows sophomores and juniors the opportunity to gain experience and practice for the SAT test.  If you weren't aware, the SAT test is changing.  Starting in March there will be a new format for the SAT.  To learn more about the differences and how to prepare for them, please visit THIS link.

For sophomores and juniors, your first step in preparing to take the test could be taking the PSAT here at Canyon.  The last day to purchase a test is quickly approaching!  The cost of the test is $22 and should be paid to ASB by Friday, September 4th.  The PSAT will be given here at Canyon on October 28th.  There are booklets in the counseling office to help you prepare to take the test.  

For juniors, the PSAT is a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship.  Studying ahead of time to qualify for this and other scholarships is encouraged!