1.  FRESHMAN PRESENTATION

2. THS COUNSELORS ALPHA COUNSELORS Ms. Yun, A-E Mrs. Dillon, F-LON Mrs. Webb, LOO-RN Mr. Young, RO-Z Mr. Elizondo, College/Career Counselor Ms. Lozano, EL Counselor

3. HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? Counseling Appts & Drop-ins (during break/lunch) Graduation Credit and College Eligibility Checks Personal issues – Confidentiality Help facilitate conferences with teachers Spring scheduling and course recommendations Presentations in the classroom every year College/Career Center (A109) THS Counseling Website “Torrance High School Counselors” Facebook Page

4. High School vs. Middle School How you do here = What options you have after HS Earning credits Advancement and passing marks

7.  Everyone’s Path is Different. What Will be Yours?

8. There are over 7,000 post-secondary options in the United States. There are a lot of choices when it comes to higher education. What will be next after high school for you? 99.6% Graduation Rate at Torrance High 92% of our graduating seniors go on to college

9. POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS Trade/Technical School  Provides practical “hands-on” training and prepares students for employment in specific fields. The length of a program varies from several weeks to several years. Costs can also vary depending upon the length and quality of training. Talk to your counselor about SCROC. Military  Options include enlistment, military academies and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs. Many colleges and universities offer ROTC programs for one or more branches of the military. ROTC graduates can earn a B.A. or B.S., but most enter the military as an officer with a four-year active duty or eight-year inactive duty commitment after college. Employment  Do you have the necessary qualifications and training? Salary? Benefits? Opportunities for advancement?

10. POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS Community College or 2 Year  Open to everyone. High school diploma or GED is usually required. Relatively inexpensive and offer flexible class schedules. Transfer opportunities to a four-year school to get a B.A. or B.S. after earning your Associate’s degree. 4 Year Universities  Must meet UC/CSU “A-G” College Entrance Requirements. Graduates from four-year colleges and universities are in greater demand by employers and generally earn more money than non-graduates. Tuition costs can be high, but financial aid is available for all students.

11. Your Freshman Year Tips and Suggestions 1. Freshman year counts. Not easy to catch up. 2. Don’t sacrifice your grades for your social life. 3. Don’t skip classes and miss homework/not making up missed work. 4. Don’t assume that you are not doing well because the teacher “just doesn’t like you.” 5. Not getting involved in extracurricular activities. 6. Not asking for help. Learn to advocate for yourself. 7. Don’t take classes just because your friends aren’t taking them. 8. Surround yourself with people that have similar goals.

12. EXTRA SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Free tutoring Student Connect Weekly Progress Reports Talk to teachers Khanacademy.org