
Counseling Corner
April Newsletter
Academics
Saturday Excel dates have been set for the remainder of the year for your student to receive extra support and/or clear detention hours. Students can sign up with their teachers, scan the QR code on the morning announcements, or on our website.
Social/Emotional Well-being
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout the month, NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Student who wish to have peer to peer support with Mental Health, can learn more at Nami HelpLine - Peer-to-Peer Help Line.
As we approach the month of May, full of AP testing and finals, I wish everyone the power of resiliency. Everyone will experience twists and turns, from everyday challenges to traumatic events with more lasting impact, like the death of a loved one, a life-altering accident, a serious illness or final grades/finals. Each change affects people differently, bringing a unique flood of thoughts, strong emotions and uncertainty. Yet people generally adapt well over time to life-changing situations and stressful situations—in part thanks to resilience. American Psychological Association - 10 tips to build skills.
Lunch and Learn Wellness will be May 15th in the Commons at Lunch. A senior panel will be at this event to help our rising students prepare their high school career. Seniors will be discussing their “I wish I knew” and post-secondary planning tips students can do now. Students can sign up here!”
Grade Level Information
Senior Scene
College Admissions Decisions... Are Here!
With some exceptions, you should have heard from all of the schools to which you applied. If you’re accepted to multiple schools, weigh all your options before making your final decision. Talk with your family, counselor, teachers, and friends. Look hard at finances, demographics, majors, etc. If possible, visit the campus. Now that you’re accepted, your perspective will be vastly different, and you can ask much more detailed questions.
Notify the other schools that accepted you and tell them of your decision. They will have plenty of anxious waitlisted applicants waiting for seats to become available. If you were rejected from a school, you might be able to appeal the decision. This is an extremely rare occurrence and only applies to certain circumstances so be sure to check the college's website for details.
Don't forget to update Naviance and let your counselor know you got in!
Financial Aid Updates
There have been many challenges with the new FAFSA this year, one that has particularly impacted students from “mixed-status families” (U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens whose FAFSA contributor(s) do not have a social security number), the Commission is enabling the 2024-25 California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as an option for first-time applicants who cannot complete the FAFSA due to having a “non-SSN contributor”.
This new CADAA option for first-time applicants who continue to experience challenges in completing the FAFSA, will help in the following ways:
- Provides an alternative to students from mixed-status families to meet the fast-approaching May 2, 2024 state priority deadline for Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship award consideration. The Commission will honor the CADAA submission date even if the FAFSA is completed later.
- Successful completion of the CADAA will generate a Student Aid Index (SAI) that colleges can use for preliminary financial aid eligibility determination. This information could help students and their families in making college enrollment decisions.
With the Financial Aid deadline approaching on May 2nd Beckman will be hosting one last Financial Aid workshop on Thursday, April 25th in room 115 from 2:30 pm-4:00 pm.
AB469
For our Beckman Parents here is news about recently passed legislation and we are requesting your assistance with completing the requirements of the new regulations. Last year, AB 469 was passed. The legislation requires all California seniors to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), to “opt out” prior to the end of their senior year, or to complete an application for the California Dream Act (CADAA). Included with this correspondence, you will find instructions on how you can complete your senior’s FAFSA form. You will also find a copy of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the FAFSA, and a copy of the Tustin Unified School District FAFSA opt-out form.
Please review these documents and begin to determine how you would like to proceed with this requirement for your senior. Students will be expected to submit proof of their FAFSA submission or a signed opt-out form. If you have chosen to opt out please return the form to the counseling department.
Federal Student Aid: Filling out the FAFSA Form
FAQs about the FAFSA and CADAA (English)
California Student Aid Commission: CA Dream Act
Scholarship Night Info Reminder
Attention class of 2024 seniors! Have you been notified that you are receiving a scholarship of $500 or more? If yes, Beckman High School wants to recognize you as part of our Scholarship Recognition Video. The scholarship can be from a community organization/business or the college that you will be attending in the Fall of 2024. To be recognized please complete this Google Form on/before May 1, 2021. If you have multiple scholarships, please complete this form separately for each one. Thank you!
UC/CSU Statement of Intent Update
As a reminder, all UC and CSU campuses have extended their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) deadline for first-year (freshman) undergraduate students to May 15. Students can accept an admission offer by agreeing to the provisions/conditions outlined in the offer and submitting their SIR with a deposit to reserve their space at a campus.
Some important things to keep in mind about accepting a /CSUUC admission offer:
- Students can accept only one admission offer from one CSU/UC campus.
- The SIR deposit is applied to the student's first enrollment term tuition.
- Students that qualified for the UC/CSU application fee waiver may also qualify to defer their SIR deposit until financial aid is disbursed.
- The SIR deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
- Further documentation regarding residency status for tuition determination purposes may be required. Learn more about residency for tuition purposes
Junior Junction
Juniors should be actively preparing for their postsecondary plans by:
Researching Options: Explore various postsecondary options such as colleges, universities, vocational schools, or gap year programs. Consider factors like location, size, programs offered, and campus culture.
Standardized Tests: Prepare for and take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Consider taking them multiple times to improve scores if necessary.
Academic Performance: Focus on maintaining strong grades, as they are crucial for college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
Extracurricular Activities: Participate in extracurricular activities that align with your interests and passions. Leadership roles and significant involvement can enhance your college applications.
Volunteering and Community Service: Engage in volunteer work or community service activities to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
Networking and Informational Interviews: Connect with professionals or alumni in fields of interest to learn more about potential career paths and gain insights into different industries.
Financial Planning: Start researching financial aid options, scholarships, and grants. Understanding the costs associated with higher education and how to finance it is essential.
College Visits and Virtual Tours: Visit college campuses or attend virtual tours to get a feel for the environment and see if it's a good fit for you.
Essay Writing: Begin drafting your college application essays and personal statements. Take the time to reflect on your experiences and articulate your goals and aspirations effectively.
Seeking Guidance: Meet with school counselors or advisors to discuss your postsecondary plans, get advice on course selection, and ensure you're on track to meet graduation requirements.
By actively engaging in these activities, juniors can set themselves up for success in their postsecondary endeavors.
- Juniors have been hard at work in their English classes working on the Beckman Career/College Application Process (BCAP) to assist with their postsecondary planning.
- On Thursday, Juniors will be participating in our counseling department's first BCAP Breakout Sessions event during their English class. Students will attend two of the following sessions where outside presenters will provide them valuable information on the process to reach that postsecondary option:
- apprenticeships/workforce,
- military,
- community college,
- art schools/conservatories,
- UCs/CSUs, or
- private/out of state schools
- During lunch and 5th period on Thursday, students also have the option to attend an additional session on applying to international universities.
- We encourage parents to continue these postsecondary planning conversations at home through the remainder of the school year and throughout the summer.
Sophomore Stop
Hey there, soon-to-be college-bound students! So, you've wrapped up another year of high school, and summer vacation is calling your name. But hold up! Before you kick back and relax, let's talk about how you can make the most of your summer to boost your college applications.
First things first, summer is the perfect time to explore your interests and passions outside of the classroom. Colleges love to see students who are curious and engaged, so consider diving into a new hobby, volunteering for a cause you care about, or even pursuing a part-time job or internship related to your intended field of study. Not only will this show colleges that you're proactive and driven, but it'll also give you valuable real-world experience that you can draw upon in your application essays and interviews.
Speaking of essays, summer vacation is prime time to start brainstorming and drafting those all-important personal statements. Take some time to reflect on your experiences, values, and goals, and think about how you can articulate them in a way that sets you apart from the crowd. And don't be afraid to seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or trusted mentors – their insights can be invaluable in helping you craft a compelling narrative.
Of course, academics are still important, even during the summer months. Consider enrolling in a summer course or workshop to strengthen your skills in a particular subject area or explore a new academic interest. Many colleges offer pre-college programs for high school students, which not only provide a taste of college life but also demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence.
But hey, it's not all work and no play! Remember to take some time for self-care and relaxation this summer. Burnout is real, and colleges want to see students who know how to balance their commitments and take care of themselves both mentally and physically. So whether it's spending time with friends and family, hitting the beach, or simply curling up with a good book, make sure to prioritize activities that recharge your batteries and bring you joy.
In the end, summer vacation is what you make of it. By using this time wisely to pursue your passions, enhance your skills, and take care of yourself, you'll not only strengthen your college application but also set yourself up for success in the years to come. So go ahead, make this summer one to remember!
Freshman Forum
This month 9th graders received a CCR lesson on Effective Communication. Below is the Pre/Post survey data. As you can see, our Patriots learned some useful information on communication.
Spring is here and Earth Day is April 22nd! Try to get your student outside!
There are many reasons why it is important for high school students to get outside. Here are a few:
- Physical Health: Being outdoors encourages physical activity, which is essential for maintaining good health. High school students who spend time outside are more likely to engage in physical activities like hiking, biking, or playing sports. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.
- Mental Health: Being outdoors can have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. High school students who spend time outside are also more likely to have better concentration and improved cognitive function.
- Socialization: Getting outside provides opportunities for high school students to socialize with others. Whether it's through team sports or outdoor clubs, being outdoors can help students develop important social skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership.
- Environmental Awareness: Spending time outside can increase students' awareness and appreciation of the natural world. This can lead to a greater understanding of environmental issues and the importance of conservation.
Overall, getting outside is important for high school students' physical and mental health, socialization, and environmental awareness.
Freshman can prepare for the end of the school year by doing the following:
- Look into internships, summer programs and community service to strengthen your academic resume
- Enroll in summer school classes if necessary
- Plan to visit some colleges over the summer
- Update your academic portfolio file with recent report cards, honors and co-curricular involvement