Counseling Department phone numbers
Karen Keegan, Counseling Office Manager; 510.748.4023 ext. 3110
Nancy Kellar, Counselor for most 9th & 12th Graders; 510.748.4034. ext. 3125
Ralph Nelson, Counselor for most 10th & 11th Graders; 510.748.4023, ext. 3126
Ryan Chesire, Counselor for ELL students, students with 504 plans, students in MAD Academy and Int'l students; 510.748.4023, ext. 3127
Counselors are willing to talk about:
Academics, College, Stress, Financial Aid, Teachers, Careers, Vocational Schools, Military, Anxiety, Sexual orientation questions, Harrassment, Parents, Peer Pressure, Racism, Loneliness, Depression, Pop Culture, Drugs, Alcohol, Eating Disorders, Conflict with someone, Interest Inventory Tests, Scholarships, Boyfriends and Girlfriends, Equality.......
AND any other topic you want to talk about!!!
SOPHOMORE COUNSELING The Encinal Counseling department will offer individualized sessions for sophomores and their parent/guardians during before or after school hours. We will discuss academic plans for the remaining high school years and beyond. For an appointment contact Karen Keegan by email or phone: kkeegan@alameda.k12.ca.us (510) 748- 4023 ext. 3110
Steps Toward College
9th Grade
- Take required courses to meet UC and CSU's admission standards:
- Algebra I or Geometry
- College Prep English
- A foreign language
- Biology or Chemistry
- Take elective courses that meet CSU's admission standards:
- History
- English
- Math
- Science
- Visual and Performing Arts
- A foreign language
- Join clubs, play sports, and get involved!
- Study hard, do your homework and earn good grades (A's and B's)
- Think about summer courses if you need to make up D grades
10th Grade
- Meet with your counselor to discuss college plans and review your schedule
- Join clubs, play sports and volunteer. Take part in extracurricular activities.
- Learn about colleges by visiting college websites and talking with your counselor.
- Sign up for summer opportunities (jobs, internships, volunteer positions)
- Take part in enrichment programs (music, science, engineering, writing, arts, etc.) offered at CSU campuses.
- Continue to study hard, do your homework and earn good grades.
- Think about summer courses if you need to make up and D grades.
- Review with your counselor the classes you need to take the next two years to be UC/CSU eligible.
11th Grade
- Review with your counselor the classes you will need to take to be eligible for acceptance to the colleges you are interested in.
- Register for the PSAT (given in October)
- Sign up for a test prep course
- If you will be applying to colleges which require SAT Subject Tests, register for the test in the Spring.
- Register to take the SAT or ACT a month before you want to take the exam.
- Register to take the AP exams in the spring. You may be eligible for college credit.
- Continue your college search. Visit college fairs, campuses and websites.
- Gather information about financial aid, scholarships and careers.
- Take advantage of summer opportunities (job, internship, or volunteering)
- Talk to college and career techs in the college and career center.
- Study hard and earn good grades. Make up any D grades you have earned.
12th Grade
- Make a master calendar with important dates with college application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, important test dates (ACT, SAT)
- Meet with your counselor to make sure you are on track for graduation requirements.
- Ask for recommendations from your teachers, or counselor. Give each person yourbrag sheet and/or resume with an addressed and stamped envelope and any required forms
- Write your application essay and ask teachers, friends, parents, and counselor to read and provide constructive feedback.
- Apply for scholarships. Check with your counselor or career center for information.
- Early September: Register for the October SAT or ACT
- October-November: Apply to the CSU or UC schools
- Early November: Register for the December SAT or ACT if you are re-taking the exam.
- January-March: Apply for financial aid. Apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Deadline is March 2
- March-May: If applying to a CSU, register for the CSU's placement exam (unless you are exempt)
- Late spring: Students taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes should take the AP exams. You can earn college for the AP courses if you score well on the test(s).
