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Class of 2026

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SCHOOL COUNSELING TEAM

Diana Chumley – Garrett Gall - Ashley Genova – Sandra Spencer -

Laura Jasso (College and Career Counselor) - Desiree Valdry - Jessica Wertner

San Clemente High School

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Pathways: Life After High School

SCHS Graduation Requirements

(& community college requirements)

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• English – 40 credits (4 years)
• Social Science– 30 credits (3 years)
• Science – 20 credits (10 life science, 10 physical science)
• Mathematics – 30 credits (including Algebra 1, Geometry, Math Elective)
• Health – 5 credits (1 semester)
• World Language or CCA or Visual/Performing Art – 10 credits (must be year long course or same subject. Examples: Spanish I (World Language), Engineering Principles (CCA), Video Production (VPA)
• PE/Sports – 20 credits. The Physical Fitness Test is NOT a graduation requirement
• Electives – 65 credits

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Total = 220 Credits

California State University (CSU) & �University of California (UC)�“A-G” requirements

A - History/social science – 2 years

B - English – 4 years

C - Mathematics – 3 years (4 years recommended)

D - Laboratory science – 2 years (3 recommended)

E - World language – 2 years of same language or equivalent to the

second level of high school instruction (i.e. Saddleback College Spanish 1)

F - Visual/performing art – 1 year of same subject

G - College Prep elective – 1 year

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• A-G courses require grade C & above
• Letters of recommendation NOT used for admission (unless requested by college)
• Launch your applications via CaliforniaColleges.edu to auto populate your coursework and grades
• SAT/ACT scores NOT used for admission
• Minimum UC GPA requirement: 3.0 in all A-G coursework
• Minimum CSU GPA requirement: 2.5 in all A-G coursework
• Application deadline for both: December 1, 2025

• A free general application platform used by over 1,000 private/independent colleges and out-of-state universities
• Initial transcripts will be uploaded by your school counselor
• Mid-year reports, which includes your transcript with fall senior year grades, will be sent in automatically in January to the colleges you have listed in Common App
• 7 Common App essay prompt options
• Seniors will receive a Common App “cheat sheet” to help fill out school information
• Here is a Guide to Filling Out Your Common Application

Transcripts and letters of recommendation for Common App

Waiving your right lets the colleges know that you do not intend to read your recommendations, which helps reassure colleges that the letters are candid and truthful. Recommenders may decline to write a letter for you if you do not waive your rights.

Completing the FERPA release authorization allows your school counselor to send your transcripts to the colleges you have listed in Common App

Once the FERPA is waived and signed, you can go back and click Recommenders to add teachers and counselors to your Common Application.

Letter of Recommendation Request Google Form

1. Go to sctritons.capousd.org
2. Under the Guidance tab, click on College Information
3. Click on appropriate box to request a letter of recommendation

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Deadline to submit LOR Google Form for your school counselor: OCTOBER 20th

Remember, UC/CSUs do not accept letters of rec

*Does not apply to UC/CSU admissions

Community College Transcripts

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• If you took a community college course during high school (and it is not on your SCHS transcript), go online to the community college website and request official transcripts to be sent to the colleges you are applying to.

Don’t Forget: Final Transcripts = Key to College! 🔑

• 📅 Deadline Alert: June 5, 2026
• All colleges (including UC/CSU) will need your final transcripts with second semester grades!
• 💻 Sign up with your Personal Email
• Avoid any lost emails! Use your personal email to create an account, so you're always in the loop.
• 📝 Order via Parchment.com
• It’s easy! Visit Parchment.com and place your order.
• Make sure to choose "Hold for grades/wait for final grades" so your second semester grades are included!
• 🏁 Last Step: You’re Almost There!
• Colleges need this to finalize your admission—don’t let them wait!

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1. 💡 Some Colleges Still Require Test Scores!
• Not all colleges have gone test-optional, so double-check the testing requirements for each college on your list.
2. 📤 Send Your Scores Yourself
• SCHS doesn’t send test scores! You must request for scores to be sent directly to colleges through the testing agency.
• For instructions, visit College Board or ACT.org.
3. ⏳ Plan Ahead!
• Allow 4-6 weeks for colleges to receive your scores, so don’t delay!
4. 🎯 Looking for Test-Optional Schools?
• Explore colleges that don’t require test scores at FairTest.org for a complete list.

Looking for colleges that do not require standardized test scores for admission? Check out a complete list of colleges at fairtest.org

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free application that helps students determine their eligibility for federal financial aid
• The California Dream Act Application is a free application that helps students who do not have a social security number apply for state financial aid.
• FAFSA can be used to apply for grants, loans, and work-study programs for college and to qualify for promise program.
• FAFSA and CADAA applications open October 1, 2025
• FAFSA and CADAA deadlines are June 30, 2026

For more information, click here: FAFSA or CADAA

Community College

Advantages of Starting at a Community College:

• Lower Tuition Costs: Community colleges offer significantly lower tuition rates compared to four-year universities, making higher education more accessible.
• Flexible Class Schedules: Community colleges often offer a variety of class times, allowing students to balance education with work and other commitments.
• Smaller Class Sizes: With smaller class sizes, students can receive more individualized attention from instructors.

Transfer Pathways to Four-Year Universities:

• Articulation Agreements: These agreements outline which courses from the community college will transfer and count toward a bachelor's degree at partnering universities.
• Importance of Academic Advising: Academic Advisors can help you navigate transfer requirements, ensuring your credits transfer smoothly.

Saddleback College

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Promise Program

• Offers 2 years of free education for eligible students.
• Registration fees, support for book costs, health fee, and student involvement fees are included!

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TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee)

• Who is eligible? A student who has completed 30 semester units at a California Community College
• What schools participate in the TAG program? There are 6 participating UC campuses- UC Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara. For a full list of other participating colleges, please refer to Saddleback’s website.

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Our SCHS/SADDLEBACK COUNSELOR:

• Norma Vasquez nvasquez@saddleback.edu
• Weekly office hours on campus: Wednesdays from 8:30-12:30pm

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Military Pathway

Each branch of the military has distinct missions, roles, and cultures. Understanding these differences can help you align your interests and goals with the right branch.

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Education Opportunities 🎓

• Tuition assistance, the GI Bill, and scholarships for further education.
• Military service often reduces the cost of education, making college more affordable.

Specialized Training ⚙️

• Receive comprehensive, hands-on training in various fields, from technical skills to leadership development.
• Skills gained through military training can easily be transferred to civilian careers.

Career Advancement 📈

• Military service opens doors to a wide range of career paths, both within the military and in civilian life.
• The experience and skills you gain can greatly enhance your job prospects and earning potential after service.

Military Branches with Recruiter Contacts

Air Force &

Space Force

Sgt. Christina-Marie Stewart

☎ 949-426-3572

📧 christina_marie.stewart@us.af.mil

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Army

SSGT Bring Ring

☎ 910-389-5939

📧 brian.j.ring3.mil@army.mil

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Coast Guard

Senior Chief Ziarek-Rowley

☎ 562-864-1096

📧 christopher.b.ziarek-rowley@uscg.mi

Marines

SSGT Dimetri Bouchee

☎ 714-357-5347

📧 dimetri.bouchee@marines.usmc.mil

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Navy

LS1 Ishmael Galeana

☎949-347-8677

📧 Ishmael.galeana@navy.mil

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SC TRITONS

are

Future Ready!

Tuesday Oct 14th -

Wednesday Oct 15th

• UC/CSU Application Help
• Common App & All Other Apps
• Community College Apps
• Application & Essay Experts
• College Reps
• Military Branches
• Career/Tech Schools

San Clemente High School

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This presentation will be posted on our SC Tritons website and in Canvas

San Clemente High School

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See you soon!

Sept-October: TIDE Time Appointments with your counselor

October 13 - 17: College Week/Future Ready

September-December: College Application & Essay Support in College and Career Center

SCHS School Counselors

A-Cro: Desiree Valdry djvaldry@capousd.org

Cru-Hax: Diana Chumley dmchumley@capousd.org

Hay-Med: Jessica Wertner jnwertner@capousd.org

Mee-Roo: Sandra Spencer sjspencer@capousd.org

Rop-Z: Garrett Gall gjgall@capousd.org

AVID/Military Base: Ashley Genova algenova@capousd.org

College & Career Counselor: Laura Jasso lajasso@capousd.org

Career Guidance Specialist: Marissa Arevalo mnarevalo@capousd.org

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