Important information for Seniors
2020-21
San Diego Foundation
The San Diego Foundation Community Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams. Here are:
All of the San Diego Foundation Scholarships, in addition to their Common Application Scholarship.
Scholarship Criteria
Tips for completing applications for scholarships offered through the San Diego Foundation.
Senior Appointments with Mr. Zappala
Seniors, please sign up for a time slot to talk with Mr. Zappala about your progress in completing the college application process as well as your FAFSA application.
SAT 2020-21
For those of you thinking about taking the SAT this school year, here is everything you need to know: College Board quick reference guide
Although many colleges are not considering the SAT or ACT for admission for the Fall of 2021, some are test optional where the results can be considered for course placement. Reach out to Mr. Zappala with any questions you have about the SAT and ACT.
UCSD Speaker
Monday, November 2 / 12:30-1:30
A UCSD admissions representative will speak to students and any interested parents. She will speak about the admissions process for UCSD and the UC system, and answer any questions you may have.
Open to 11th and 12th graders. Check your supervising teachers’ Google Classroom for Zoom link.
SDSU Speaker
Friday, November 6 / 11:00-12:00
An SDSU admissions representative will speak to students and any interested parents. She will speak about the admissions process for SDSU and the CSU system, and answer any questions you may have.
Meeting for all Seniors
Friday, October 2 / 12:30 pm
Mr. Zappala will be sharing important information and reviewing expectations for the year. You can preview some of the topics that will be covered at Senior Meeting Resources 2020-21 (this is also located under the Counseling tab on the Mt. Everest website)
National College Fairs
Hello Juniors and Seniors. With college descending upon us it is time for seniors to think about where to apply to college for Fall 2021 and for juniors to begin exploring colleges for Fall 2022. College Fairs will be virtual this year, so get information on which fair is right for you. Here is information that should prove helpful to both Juniors and Seniors:
Monday College Knowledge Webinar Series
The Monday College Knowledge Webinar Series is an opportunity to get valuable information to help you in the college application process. Please sign up for these webinars ASAP since participation is limited. Reach out to Mr. Zappala (rzappala@sandi.net) with any questions you have.
Women in Computer Science
ComputerScience.org has created an extensive guide geared towards women in computer science. This guide discusses the gap amongst women in the computer science field, the benefits of a career in computer science, and how universities are working to gain the momentum of females in the field of CS. Most importantly, this guide offers resources that will help women begin their journey to a rewarding and successful STEM career by listing free online courses, summer camps, scholarship information, and top female-dominated computer science programs.
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2019-20
Meeting for all Seniors
Thursday, September 26 / 11:55-12:30 / Room 6
All 12th graders are required to attend this meeting with Mr. Zappala, who will be sharing important information and reviewing expectations for the year. Free pizza will be served!
Senior Appointments with Mr. Zappala
Seniors! It's important that you meet one-on-one with Mr. Zappala during the month of October.
See his available times and sign up here for your appointment.
Speaker from UCSD
Thursday, October 10 / 11:55-12:30 / Cafeteria
A UCSD admissions representative, Taylor Pondy, will come speak to students and any interested parents, on Thursday, October 10 at 11:55. She will speak about the admissions process for UCSD and the UC system, and answer any questions you have.
Contact UCSD Admissions Rep
Taylor Pondy,Admissions Officer 858-534-5388 tpondy@ucsd.edu
Financial Aid Follow Up for Seniors
Thursday, December 12 / 11:55-12:30 / Cafeteria
Mr. Zappala will check in with students on the progress of their FAFSA, Cal Grants and scholarship applications. Free pizza will be served!
Mesa College Pre-Enrollment Workshop
Monday, March 16 / 12:00 / Room 6
Mesa College is coming here to hold a Pre-Enrollment workshop for seniors that plan to attend there in the Fall. Prospective Mesa students must participate in this workshop if they want to also participate in the Pre-Registration workshop where they are automatically signed up to meet with a Mesa counselor to map out their academic plan for the Fall of 2020.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Parents of MEA seniors:
Seniors, begin filling out the FAFSA now and submit it as early as October 1. The sooner the better!!!
- October 1st is the first day to apply for financial aid for the 2019-20 school year. You can apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
This is what families show know
No parent is alone in the struggle with figuring out how to cover college costs. Sallie Mae's annual survey on How America Pays for College finds that many families struggle to navigate FAFSA.
Check out the survey results so you can see how your ideas for paying for college measure up to what families are actually doing. The survey results include information on how families saved and paid for school, along with some of the reasoning behind college choices.
"Brag Sheet"
Seniors - Please fill out this brag sheet and present it to any staff member who you would like to write you a letter of recommendation.
Common Application
Students can use this website to help in filling out the Common Application: http://www.commonapp.org/ready
Applying to SDSU or a Cal State college
Here is some important information you will need to know as you complete your application. If you have any questions please let Mr. Zappala know ASAP or email Maria Thrasher at SDSU at maria.thrasher@sdsu.edu.
Students can only list one major when applying to San Diego State. All majors at San Diego State are impacted, meaning that each major (including undeclared) receives more eligible applicants than they have spaces to accommodate. When applying to other CSU's, check to see what majors are impacted at those.
All seniors applying this year should take the November SAT test to hopefully improve their eligibility index. Any student applying from the local SDSU admissions area receives additional consideration when they apply.
The three things that SDSU considers for first time freshmen admission includes:
- The intended major- the student will be ranked against anyone applying into their intended major
- Completion of the A-G courses with a C- or higher by the time that they graduate from high school
- The eligibility index - which is the combination of the CSU GPA and the standardized test scores
Enrolling in a San Diego Community College
San Diego Promise Scholarship
The San Diego Promise Scholarship is a community college two-year completion program designed to ensure students complete their educational goal whether it be to earn a certificate of completion and enter the workforce, complete an associate degree, or transfer to a university. The application opens January 13, 2020.
Explore Career Paths and Majors
Monday, September 23 / 11:00-2:30 / Mesa College
Juniors and Seniors! Mesa College is having an "Explore Career Paths and Majors" fair on September 23rd from 11:00-2:30. If you are interested, please sign up in the MEA front office by September 23.
Wednesday, October 23 / 6:00-8:00pm / Scottish Rite Center
Meet representatives from 100+ colleges, universities and non-profit organizations at this free event. No registration needed for this Cal-SOAP College Fair.
Thursday, April 30 / 7:00 pm / DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Mission Valley
Parents! Here is your opportunity to attend an informational session with some of the most prestigious Universities in the nation. Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Rice and the University of Chicago will be in San Diego April 30. Please go to www.exploringeducationalexcellence.org to register. There is limited space, so register ASAP.
Jumpstart Your Success
Saturday, March 21, 2020 - SAVE THE DATE!
Mesa College's annual "Jumpstart Your Success: Cash In On Community College" event, is a FREE event for prospective students, their families, and their friends. The event will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 8:30am. This will be an opportunity for students to learn about Mesa programs and services as well as get information on Financial Aid options and FAFSA completion assistance. The campus will be open and they will be hosting a variety of workshops and presentations, a comprehensive resource fair, and lunch while supplies last! They will also be doing opportunity drawings! Link to flyer
Each year California Congressman Scott Peters has the privilege of nominating students to attend military service academies: US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, US Merchant Marine Academy, and US Coast Guard Academy. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.
Students that are interested in a nomination can apply for one here. The application deadline is Friday, October 25.
Black College Expo
Wednesday, January 29 / 12:00-6:00pm
The San Diego County Office of Education welcomes the 3rd Annual San Diego Black College Expo to the MLK Center at Bayview. Students and parents meet one-on-one with HBCUs, also Cal States, UCs Community Colleges, and Internship, Career, Trade/Vocational Opportunities.
Christian College Fair
Thursday, October 10 / 6:00-8:00pm / Christian High School
The National Christian College Fair will be held at Christian High School in El Cajon on October 10th from 6-8PM. Event details here.
Attending a Christian University & College Fair can be the first step for many students when searching for the right college or university. More than 140 fairs throughout the U.S. and Canada are held each year.
Students will be able to view college & university displays, talk with representatives from the schools and attend a Financial Aid Workshop.
Information Sessions: MIT & UCLA
Here are 2 very popular information sessions that we want you to know about. They fill up quickly, so if you are interested in learning more about these 2 prestigious universities, sign up now.
- UCLA
- MIT Reserve a space for a session in San Diego with an MIT admissions representative
Monday, September 16 / 6:00-8:00 pm / SD Convention Center
Representatives from all 23 CSU campuses will be available at their college night. Please see the attached flyer for more information or email counselorconference@sdsu.edu
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2018-19
Community College Informational Meeting
Friday, April 12 / 12:00 noon / Room 6
Juniors and Seniors: If you are planning on attending Mesa or another San Diego community college after high school, please come to the meeting on April 12th at noon in room 6. A Mesa admissions representative will be here to talk about enrollment, the benefits that the community college option has to offer, the transfer process, financial aid and answer any questions you have.
Appointments for Seniors
From October 1-30
Choose a 1/2 hour appt. between 8:00-2:30
All seniors need to schedule an appointment with Mr. Zappala to discuss their college plans, including financial aid. This meeting will allow Mr. Z. to answer your questions in order to determine the resources available to you so that you can make the best decisions for yourself in a timely manner.
Link to select your appointment time
Meeting for all Seniors
Thursday, September 27 / 11:55-12:30 / Cafeteria
All 12th graders are required to attend this meeting with Mr. Zappala, who will be sharing important information and reviewing expectations for the year. Free pizza will be served!
Financial Aid follow up for Seniors
Thursday, December 6 / 11:55-12:30 / Cafeteria
Mr. Zappala will check in with students on the progress of their FAFSA, Cal Grants and scholarship applications. Free pizza will be served!
The San Diego Foundation will be rolling out it's Common Scholarship Application on December 5th. This one application will have 145 different scholarship opportunities. Please click on this link to view some of the scholarships that will be available via the Common Scholarship Application. Please go to SDFoundation.org/scholarships to learn more about the scholarships the SD Foundation has to offer as well as accessing the Common Scholarship application on December 5th. Please see Mr. Zappala with any questions you have about the Common Scholarship Application.
This scholarship is looking to recognize seniors who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the areas of community service, character, integrity and leadership. If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an award of $2,500 or more. The deadline to apply is December 7, 2018.
Offered through the Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is currently accepting applications for the 2018 Torch Awards for Ethics Scholarship Program. This program is open to all members of the graduating class of 2019 and 2020, with five cash scholarships being awarded. Students who write the best essays over "The Importance of Ethics and Integrity in our Community" will be awarded in conjunction with their annual Torch Awards for Ethics event that honors ethical businesses within the community. Application
Christian College Fair
Thursday, October 11 / 6:00-8:00 pm / The Rock Church and Academy
Representatives will be available from various Christian Colleges from across the US and Canada. All have been approved by NACCAP.
https://myblueprintstory.com/christian-university-college-fairs?fid=105
Majors @ Mesa Fair
Tuesday, September 25 / 11:00-2:00 / Mesa College
Mesa College cordially invites students to explore majors and career paths at their upcoming "Majors @ Mesa Fair."
Students can tour Mesa and speak with Mesa faculty and current students about programs, innovative projects, and exciting career opportunities. It's never too early to prepare for your future; attend the fair and learn how Mesa College can help!
If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Karla Trutna at 619-388-2230 or ktrutna@sdccd.edu.
SAT Dates
The SAT test dates for 2018-19 are as follows:
- October 6, 2018
- November 3, 2018
- December 1, 2018
- March 9, 2019
- May 4, 2019
- June 1, 2019
Students need to register by September 7 to be able to take the upcoming test on October 6.
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines
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2017-18
Questions on UC admissions?
Selina Cantu, UCSD admissions officer met with some of our seniors and parents this afternoon to talk about UCSD, the UC admissions process, financial aid and answer questions. She is available for questions via e-mail for any questions related to the UC admissions process and you can reach her at sccantu@ucsd.edu.
Community College Workshop
Monday, February 12 / 12:00 noon / Room 6
SENIORS! If you're considering attending Mesa, City, or Miramar college in the Fall make sure you attend the community college workshop on Monday, February 12 at noon in Room 6 (the computer lab). An admissions representative will be here to go over the advantages and options of community college. He will also assist with online registration, steps to enrollment, financial aid, scholarships, and transfer information. Parents are welcome to attend also.
Financial Aid follow up for Seniors
Thursday, Dec. 7 / 11:55-12:30 / MEA Cafeteria
Mr. Zappala will check in with students on the progress of their FAFSA, Cal Grants and scholarship applications. Free pizza will be served!
Here are the handouts of part of the financial aid presentation: Financial Aid pres 12.7.17.pdf
In addition, please look at the 7 easy steps to filling out the FAFSA tutorial on Mr. Zappala's website under senior links and https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-steps to learn what to expect after you submit your FAFSA. Remember seniors, begin filling out the FAFSA now and submit it as early as January 1st. The sooner the better!!!!!
Brown University
Tuesday, October 24 / 6:30pm / La Jolla Country Day School
This informational event will take place in the Community Hall at La Jolla Country Day school, which is located at 9490 Genesee Ave, San Diego, 92037.
Adelphi University presentation for Juniors & Seniors
Friday, Oct. 20 / 1:30-2:30 / MEA Cafeteria Link to Adelphi University
Tuesday, October 10 / 6:00-8:00pm / Rock Church and Academy
Hello Juniors and Seniors. The National Christian College Fair will be held on October 10th from 6-8 p.m. at the Rock Church and Academy on Rosecrans Street. Attendance is free, but go online at christiancollegefairs.com to get your barcode. Over 40 Christian colleges will be there including Point Loma Nazarene. There will also be financial aid workshops.
UCLA Open House
Saturday, October 7 / 9:00-3:00 / UCLA
Hello Juniors and Seniors. UCLA is having an open house on October 7th. This is your chance to hear about the admissions process, housing, financial aid and much more. If you are thinking about applying to UCLA this is a great opportunity to get the answers to your questions. Link to registration.
Meeting for all Seniors
Thursday, Sept. 28 / 11:55-12:30 / MEA Cafeteria
All 12th graders are required to attend this meeting with Mr. Zappala, who will be sharing important information and reviewing expectations for the year. Free pizza will be served!
CSU EAP Senior Presentation
Wednesday, Sept. 27 / 11:55-12:30 / MEA Computer Lab
We will interpret student Early Assessment Program (EAP) results and SAT/ACT test score requirements. Free pizza will be served!
UC Application Presentation
Monday, September 25 / 2:15 - 3:00 / MEA Cafeteria
An admissions officer from UCSD will be here to present on the application process for all Universities of California in general, and specifically on UC San Diego admissions. Parents are welcome!
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2016-17
Admissions Contact Person at Mesa College
Melissa Olivia-Sanchez is the Mesa College admissions person and can be reached at 619-388-2230 or colivasa@sdccd.edu.
Saturday on the Mesa
Saturday, February 25 / 8:30am - 1:00 pm / Mesa College
On Saturday, February 25, Mesa College will open their doors to hundreds of prospective students and family members. This FREE event will showcase what they have to offer and how great they do it! The program will include support services, academic programs, department resources, clubs, and the lively community feel at Mesa. Meals, tours, workshops, entertainment and information will be provided throughout the event. This is a great way to jumpstart the success of students!
Click here for information and to RSVP.
Flyer for Saturday on the Mesa
An Evening with UCSD
Tuesday, February 21 / 6:00-8:00pm / Madison High School Theatre
The San Diego Unified School District is pleased to join with the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) to offer a parent information event, Evening with UC San Diego, specifically designed for high school students and their parents. Please join us for an informative evening with an esteemed group of UC San Diego leaders and San Diego Unified alumni who will explain UC San Diego entrance requirements, provide financial aid information and answer questions your families may have. The district-wide Evening with UC San Diego will be held: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 6-8 p.m. at Madison High School Theater located at 4833 Doliva Dr. 92117
You can register at: www.SanDiegoCalSoap.com
Flyer for An Evening with UCSD
Enrollment Workshop for Community Colleges
Monday, January 23 / 12:00 noon / Room 6
SENIORS! If you are planning on attending Mesa, City, or Miramar community college in the Fall make sure you attend the admissions workshop on Monday, January 23rd at noon in the computer lab. A Mesa admissions representative will be here to assist with online registration, steps to enrollment, financial aid, scholarships, as well as transfer information. Parents are welcome to attend also. Lunch will be served.
Live Streaming Events with UC Admissions
Hello seniors! Here are 2 opportunities to chat with UC admissions staff regarding questions you might have regarding your UC application before it is due on Nov. 30th. Good Luck!
UC Admissions & Application Overview
Wednesday, November 9 / 4:00-6:00pm PST
http://preptalk.tv/live_event/2979#.WCEBwGczW73-
UC Application: Last-Minute Questions Chat
Tuesday, November 22 / 4:00-6:00pm PST
http://preptalk.tv/live_event/2980#.WCEB22czW73-
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Parents of MEA seniors:
Seniors, begin filling out the FAFSA now and submit it as early as October 1. The sooner the better!!!
- October 1st is the first day to apply for financial aid for the 2017-18 school year. The timeline to apply is October 1st - March 2nd. You can apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Seniors and parents of seniors,
If you need assistance with filling out the FAFSA, there are workshops being offered by Cal-Soap. Take a look at this Cash for College flyer for dates and info. If you have any questions about the FAFSA or the workshops see Mr. Zappala.
"Brag Sheet"
Seniors - Please fill out this brag sheet and present it to any staff member who you would like to write you a letter of recommendation.
Common Application
Students can use this website to help in filling out the Common Application: http://www.commonapp.org/ready
College Application Workshops
October 5 & 26
November 5, 21, 22
Hello seniors: If you need any last minute help with your college application this is the place to get it. Cal-Soap also offers many other forms of assistance to seniors applying for college so check out their website. See Mr. Zappala with any questions. Register online at www.SanDiegoCalSoap.com
Cal State University Application Tips
Hello seniors, here are some tips for filling out the Cal State University application. These tips include important things you need to know that might not always seem obvious but can guarantee that you submit the strongest application possible. See Mr. Zappala with any questions you might have about your CSU application or any other college application. Good luck!"
Handout from Senior Presentation on Thursday, 9/15/16
Seniors, here are the handouts from the senior presentation on Thursday 9/15. Feel free to schedule a one-to-one conference with me anytime regarding the college application process, financial aid, etc. Handouts from senior meeting-2016.pdf
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2015-16
Senior Letter
This letter has important information about the Mt. Everest Academy graduation requirements and ceremony: Senior Letter 2016.pdf
Enrollment Workshop for City Colleges
Friday, March 18
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Computer Lab (room 6)
Seniors interested in enrolling at Mesa, City or Miramar are invited to attend this enrollment workshop. We will have an admissions person from Mesa college who will walk any interested senior through the enrollment process including the online student application. Be sure to see Mr. Zappala with any questions.
CASH for College: FAFSA & Dream Act Workshops
Saturdays: January 23, 30, February 6, 20, 27
Each year Cal-SOAP hosts a series of financial aid events on Saturdays at several high schools at San Diego Unified School District sites. These workshops are designed to assist students and their parents to complete the FAFSA or Dream Act that day. Financial aid experts from local colleges and universities are there to help students with questions. Click for flyer
Handout from Financial Aid presentation
Seniors, here are the handouts from the financial aid presentation on Thursday 12/7: Financial aid presentation.pdf
In addition, please look at the 7 easy steps to filling out the FAFSA tutorial on Mr. Zappala's website under senior links and https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-steps to learn what to expect after you submit your FAFSA. Remember seniors, begin filling out the FAFSA now and submit it as early as January 1st. The sooner the better!!!!!
Steps to Enroll in Community College
The San Diego Promise Scholarship is a community college two-year completion program designed to ensure students complete their educational goal whether it be to earn a certificate of completion and enter the workforce, complete and associate degree, or transfer to a university. The application opens January 13, 2020.
Information Event at Mesa College
Saturday on the Mesa
Saturday, February 27
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Mesa College is hosting this FREE event for all prospective students, their families and friends.
- Department information, presentations, food & fun!
- Workshops on transferring, careers, financial aid, and more
- Find out about services and programs to help you succeed
- Campus tours with student ambassadors
- Parent workshops
- Meet with UCSD and SDSU representatives about why Mesa is the Transfer Choice
- Lunch provided
To register: http://jumpstartmesa.eventbrite.com
For more information: call 619-388-2230
Flyer: Saturday on the Mesa.pdf
All prospective students are welcome!
Navigating the Community College Enrollment Process.pdf
The document linked above has everything you need to know about enrolling in community college. Please carefully read all the steps since they are all very important inachieving your goal of Fall enrollment. See Mr. Zappala if you have anyquestions or would like assistance with this process.
HANDBOOKS:
University of California Handbook.pdf
California State University Admission Handbook.pdf
University of San Diego Handbook.pdf
SCHOLARSHIP INFO FOR SENIORS:
All seniors: Come and check out scholarship information in Mr. Zappala's office. Stop by whenever you get a chance. The information is posted on the bulletin board right when you walk into his office. New scholarships will be added as they become available.
Cash for College workshops
If you and your parents need help completing the FAFSA, check out the link below for assistance through Cash for College workshops being offered throughout the county sponsored by Cal-Soap. Just remember to register on line through the Cal-Soap website or call the number on the flyer.
/UserFiles/Servers/Server_27933554/File/Counseling/SENIOR LINKS/Cash_for_College_Flyer_2015.pdf
Links
Apply to CSU's
https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
Maria Thrasher, Admissions maria.thrasher@sdsu.edu 619-594-1989
Apply to UC's
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply-online/
Apply to UCSD
https://admissions.ucsd.edu/ 858-534-4831
Taylor Pondy, UCSD Admissions Officer tpondy@ucsd.edu 858-534-5388
Apply to Common Application
Learn how to apply to the Common Application. http://www.commonapp.org/how-apply
Common Application video guide
This link offers videos on how to complete the Common Application, CSU and UC applications:
https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/college-admissions/applying-to-college/college-application-process/a/filling-out-the-college-application-common-application-walkthrough
CSU Mentor - Ask an Expert
This link provides answers to all of your questions relating to applying to any university in the CSU system, including financial aid information. https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
PSAT and SAT
Students can get info about the PSAT and prep for the SAT here: http://www.deliveringopportunity.org
The Admission University of California
This link offers tips on completing the UC application for all universities in the UC system. http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/apply-online-freshman-cal.pdf