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Counselor FAQs (Jan. 2013)
Counselors respond to frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Counselors' responses to questions...
As a way to help the counselors efficiently respond to as many parents' questions as possible, your class's List server Administrator will assist them by facilitating FAQs through your Class List server. The Administrator will organize the questions, eliminate repetitions, and e-mail the counselors' responses to all subscribers via the list server. The list server is an appropriate forum to address general questions. For questions that involve your student's privacy, please contact your student's counselor directly. Due to the high volume of work DSHS counselors have with current 10th, 11th and 12th grade students please understand that they cannot meet with 9th grade parents.
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COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
How do I complete the information for grade 9 on the UC application?
Students do not need to list the junior high school, just Davis Senior High, because all the 9th grade classes are on our UC list. Another UC tip: only list the classes on the application that have a "P" on them, even if they are D/F grades.
Are all three classes of science, Biology, Chemistry, and Zoology & Botany considered lab science?
All three of these courses are lab sciences and they qualify for the "d" subject area of a-g approved courses.
Are college courses, not needed for graduation, given a “weighted” GPA in the college application process?
Students self-report all coursework including community college courses. UC and CSU admissions officials will calculate students’ GPA for coursework taken outside of the school.
My daughter has been accepted to a UC but is considering taking a "gap" year. Will she have to re-apply to UC?
Yes, she will need to reapply. Be careful not to take college courses during the gap year, as UC would then not consider her for freshman admission. Students who take college courses after high school graduation are considered transfer students.
How do we select 7th and 8th grade classes on the college application?
The only classes acceptable to enter for 7th and 8th grade are World Language and math, starting with Algebra I. These courses are listed under the Davis Senior High School a-g approved courses.
What is the CSIS or SSID numbers for UC/CSU applications?
The California Student Identification System or CSIS is a student ID numbers that follows them to any school. It is a 10-digit number and is NOT the same as a Social Security Number. The number is posted in the top left hand corner of the transcript under State Student ID.
I heard that a high school’s API can make a difference in college admissions; two students being equal, a college will choose the student from the school with the better API score. Could Davis students be affected in this way?
Talking to colleges, they are very aware of our high API score. When evaluating a student, they consider their high school of attendance. Colleges also tell us that they love to get our students because they know they have received an exceptional education and are well prepared for college.
Will the California Scholarship Federation or National Honor Society membership help with college admission?
The critical issue is leadership, whether part of NHS or another organization.
COLLEGE COURSES
May students take UCD courses?
Students may take a course at UCD. The full tuition rate is charged, which is why most of our students do not take classes at UCD. It is, however, difficult matching a class time at UCD with the DSHS schedule. Typically, the students who take UCD courses have completed all of our math offerings.
Can classes be taken at ANY community college for high school credit?
Yes, classes may be taken at any community college when students are entering junior year and have at least a 2.75 GPA. Remember that DSHS has a 10-credit limit for non-DJUSD courses. One college course is worth 10 credits. We only put a college course on the transcript if it is to meet a high school graduation requirement or minimum a-g requirement. Students may take as many non-DJUSD courses as they want for “enrichment.” If it is a college course, the student lists it on the college applications and has a transcript sent from the college to the universities/colleges s/he is applying to.
Are all college courses the same as AP classes at the high school?
Advanced Placement classes are high school courses only. College courses are advanced courses and are given the extra grade point automatically when submitted for the high school transcript. Students do not need to take an AP exam in order to get the extra grade point for college courses.
ENGLISH
May a junior student take Lit/Comp English in eleventh grade?
No, this is a senior course. Eleventh grade students may select American Literature or American Literature Honors.
What summer school class could make for a failed English course?
DSHS summer school may offer High School English Review (not college prep) and/or English 9. Another option to make up English is to take an online course now offered by DSIS: English 10 and/or American Literature.
Which English class is the more "rigorous" course: English 10 GATE or English 10 Honors?
English 10 Honors is the more rigorous class. .
What is the 10th grade GATE English curriculum and how does it differ from Honors 10 English?
The English 10 Honors classes read additional novels or play and have longer writing assignments. The curriculum for English GATE and English 10 is the same.
If my child is not GATE identified can she take English 10 GATE?
No, the English 10 GATE class is only for students who have been GATE identified. You may contact the district office for information about GATE testing.
Why would it be preferential to take English 10 Honors over English 10 GATE? Neither is a weighted grade in 10th grade.
If the student is applying to competitive, highly selective private colleges, the expectation is that s/he took the most rigorous course available in each subject each year. English 10 Honors is the most rigorous English class offered in 10th grade.
Will a non-honors English course hurt students’ chances when applying to UCs and private east coast colleges?
Taking a non-honors English course does not hurt students’ chances for a UC and most private colleges. Some highly competitive colleges expect that the student take the highest course level each year. Students need to research the admission requirements for each college they intend to apply to so they select the appropriate courses. Most colleges are interested in why the student selected the course (is it based on interest?)
FINE ARTS
What are the requirements for Studio Art AP?
Interested students must submit a portfolio of their work in early February for department approval. Subject areas for AP Art Studio are ceramics, drawing & painting, graphic art & design, and photography.
Does the Multimedia course taken in 9th grade fulfill the prerequisite for the Drawing/Painting portfolio for the AP Art Studio class?
No, Multimedia is not a high school fine art. It is a practical art class.
Does the ceramics yearlong course taken in 9th grade class count for the fine arts requirement?
Yes.
My 9th grade student completed the semester Drama class. Can he enroll in Advanced Drama?
Yes, he may sign up for Drama /Advanced.
Do students need to sign up for either concert or symphonic band if they get into Jazz Band?
This is not required, but students should check with the Jazz Band teacher for recommendations regarding an additional band class.
Are Jazz Band and Symphonic Band separate auditions?
Yes, Jazz Band and Symphonic Band are separate auditions.
Does one year of band in 9th grade satisfy the fine arts requirement for DSHS and UC?
Yes.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Can a student take a world language that is not offered at DSHS to meet the UC/CSU requirement?
Yes. Example: a student can take American Sign Language at a community college. It is best to discuss other world language choices with counselor.
How many classes of sign language should a student take at community college to meet the UC/CSU language requirement?
Colleges count one semester at community college as one year, so a student would need to take 2 semesters of American Sign Language to meet the UC/CSU system requirement of a minimum of 2-year world language. Private colleges and out of state colleges may have a different requirements.
Will BYU Latin be acceptable for meeting the language requirement?
Latin through BYU online may not be acceptable for the UC/CSU a-g requirement, unless it is on their approved course list. Page 49 in the DSHS catalog explains how to determine if courses have been a-g approved by the UC/CSU system. The online courses are continually reviewed and approved. Do not sign up for any online course unless it has been a-g approved. Counselors can advise you on this.
May a student be placed in Japanese 5 AP to satisfy the 2-year world language requirement for UC/CSU?
If the student takes and passes Japanese 5, it would be considered as 5 years of world language for UC/CSU.
If Spanish 1A was taken in 7th grade and Spanish 1B taken in 8th and Spanish 2 taken in 9th grade, does this fulfill the minimum world language requirement of 2 years?
Yes, this would count as two years of world language. Two years is sufficient to meet the minimum world language requirement for the CSUs and for the UCs. The more competitive schools prefer three years of world language.
My 9th grader has taken half a year of Spanish. Will she need to take the whole 1st year of Spanish over again, or can she take a test and take only the 2nd half?
Speak with the Spanish teacher at your junior high school. The teacher would recommend either the student take the entire year of Spanish I or is ready to proceed with Spanish 2.
Does Spanish 5 AP or Spanish 4 Honors receive the weighted grade when taken in 9th grade?
Students receive weighted grades for Spanish 5 AP and Spanish 4 Honors taken in the 9th grade for only the total GPA. They do not receive weighted grades for the college GPA or state GPA because these GPAs are only calculated from 10th grade on.
Is it better to take 3 years of a world language and fewer AP classes, or 2 years of a world language and more AP Classes?
They are not mutually exclusive. UC’s recommend a 3rd year of world language. AP classes are optional.
HEALTH
Does the online Health class from Woodland Community College or Sacramento City College meet the high school health requirement?
Yes, the Health courses offered online with SCC and Woodland Community College meets our health course requirement. A student would receive 10 credits for a non-DJUSD course to meet a graduation requirement. No additional non-DJUSD courses would be placed on the transcript.
Does 9th grade Health fulfill the requirement or will she have to take it again in High School?
Yes, Health in 9th grade fulfills the high school graduation requirement.
Where can I get more information about online Health classes?
Each on-line school has a listing of courses they offer. For community colleges, go to the individual site.
HISTORY
Is World Civilization at Sacramento City College accepted for DSHS graduation credit?
No, because this would exceed the 10 credit limit for non-DJUSD courses.
Does History 310 or 311 courses at the Sac City College fulfill the Davis High graduation requirement for US History?
No, because this would exceed the 10 credit limit for non-DJUSD courses.
May Psychology substitute as the Geography requirement?
Yes, students may take any of the following classes as a substitute for geography: Psychology A and Psychology B or Human Geography AP and International Relations. Students would need to complete the full year because both are offered as yearlong classes.
MATH
If you take Calculus BC AP, will this prepare you for both the Calculus AB and BC AP exams?
Yes, the BC test includes both AB and BC content.
Can a student take Intro to Analysis & Statistics AP during the same school year if s/he met prerequisites for Statistics AP?
Yes, if space is available.
If Algebra 2/Trig is completed in the 9th grade, are additional math courses needed to fulfill the high school graduation requirement or CSU/UC requirements?
Two years of math taken in high school (9th – 12th grade) are required, so the student would need one more year of math for the high school graduation requirement. Colleges require 3 years of math but recommend 4 years of math.
ONLINE
Are online PE courses accepted and how many credits do you receive?
We accept credits from any accredited high school. Each course needs to be 5 credits. The limit is 10 credits from a non-DJUSD school. Non-DJUSD courses must be completed by the end of fall semester of the senior year.
Are Physical Education classes offered by BYU Independent Study accepted by DSHS?
Yes, PE classes offered by BYU are accepted by DSHS.
FINAL EXAM FOR ONLINE COURSES: DSHS staff does not proctor final exams. DJUSD Adult Education proctors finals for a fee (757-5380).
Can a student take Pre-Calc at an accredited online high school program (BYU Independent Study) during the summer to meet the prerequisites of Calculus AP?
Our math department does not recommend taking an online high school course as a prerequisite for one of our math courses. The best preparation for Calculus AB AP is our Intro to Analysis course. The coursework for Pre-calculus taken through an accredited online school will not be added to the DSHS transcript because it is not required for high school graduation or to meet minimum a-g requirements. If the course is a-g approved, a transcript from the non-DJUSD school can be sent to colleges. Be careful in selecting online courses through BYU because many have not been a-g approved. Follow the procedure outlined on page 49 in the catalog for determining courses that have been a-g approved.
PE
What is online PE and how do you sign up for it?
Online PE is a course offered through online high schools. You contact the school directly to sign up. Send DSHS an official copy of the transcript when completed with credits and grades. We do not recommend any online schools since we offer PE during the school year for free.
Are college PE courses accepted?
No, because most college PE courses offered at colleges are 1 unit, which will not equate to 5 credits (1semester) of high school PE. A 3 unit college course equals 5 high school credits.
Can you request 1st period free and take PE 7th?
You cannot specify which period you take PE. Students can request a free per 1 or free per 7. If you are going to take Independent Lifetime Sports (ILS) you need to request a free per 7.
Can students fulfill their PE requirement over the summer through Davis Independent Study?
No. DSIS does not offer summer courses.
PRACTICAL ARTS
Does Intro to Computers and Multi-Media satisfy the DSHS practical arts requirement of 1 semester to graduate?
Yes, either class will satisfy the practical art requirement.
If a student takes ROP Biotech without the internship component, does it fulfill the practical arts requirement?
Yes.
SCHEDULE PICK-UP - AUGUST
What do we do if we need to change a class in our 9th grade student's schedule if they already selected course requests?
We ask that students take the necessary time to appropriately select courses. Please read the catalog, attend parent night, and attend Open House. Consider course selection choices as permanent. Yearlong courses will only be changed at spring semester for extenuating circumstances. Changes after the course planner has been submitted will only be made for the following reasons: student received a D or F grade and needs to repeat the class, student needs a high school graduation requirement, student is in the incorrect course level, or student is accepted into summer school.
What does schedule pick-up prior to school starting include and can it all be done on the first day of school?
Schedule pick-up includes turning in the emergency form, paying fees for the student body card, taking class picture and ID picture, and picking up the schedule of classes, which lists the room numbers and teacher names. Students who cannot attend schedule pick-up may complete this process the first day of school starting at 7:00 am.
If a student is away at camp, can the parent pick up the class schedule in his place?
No, parents may not pick up the schedule. We need the student here to take the ID picture.
Do seniors get preference in electives?
Seniors get first preference and juniors get second preference.
SCIENCE
Does a student have to take science in 10th grade?
Science is not required, but is encouraged. If a student completed Biology in 9th grade and plans to take science in 11th or 12th grade, s/he will still meet the minimum UC/CSU requirements. If she takes science in 11th and 12th grade, she will meet the recommended UC/CSU requirements.
If a student is taking Biology in 9th grade, does he have to take Chemistry in 10th grade?
Biology is the traditional science path leading to chemistry, but students may take another life science prior to taking Chemistry.
Does the biology class taken in 9th grade fulfill the life science requirement?
Yes.
If my student takes Integrated Ag Biology instead of Biology in 9th grade, will he still be eligible to take all other higher level Biology like AP Biology?
Yes, Integrated Agricultural Biology, a "d" requirement, is on the UC/CSU approved a-g list.
Do Chemistry and Chemistry in the Community prepare students equally well for other science classes such as AP Chemistry, AP Biology or ROP Biotechnology?
[Wayne Raymond, science teacher] Chemistry is, probably, a slightly better preparation for AP Chem, but ChemComm might be slightly better preparation for Biotechnology. Either of the two chemistry courses is adequate preparation for any one of the three mentioned.
Do prerequisite requirements mean that a student who got a C in Algebra in 8th grade cannot take Chemistry?
The prerequisite requirement is completion of Algebra 1. A grade of B or higher is recommended, but not required.
Can students take Chemistry AP or Physics AP without taking basic Physics or Chemistry first?
No. Please refer to catalog for updated prerequisites.
If you take and pass Chemistry as a sophomore, can you subsequently take Chemistry AP?
Yes.
Is it recommended to take first Physics or Honor Physics and then Physics AP?
Yes. The prerequisite for Physics AP is completion of Physics or Physics Honors.
TESTING
Please explain the Early Assessment Placement (EAP) for CSUs.
This test is for Junior's only. It is the writing portion of the assessment. If you take the EAP then you must take the STAR. There are a few questions tied to the STAR that are connected with the EAP. Both of those scores together create the assessment score. If you pass the EAP, then you may not need to take certain placement tests when entering the CSU system. There is no fee to take this test. Just let the testing coordinator know you want to take the test.
Naturally there is some concern about doing STAR makeup exams the same week as AP testing. Does DSHS have some flexibility in that regard or are the test makeup dates mandated?
The STAR dates are mandated to us by the California Department of Education. The College Board mandates that the AP exams must be given May 1 to May 12.
Does the DSHS administration encourage teachers to give adequate consideration to college bound students who are taking STAR tests, SAT's and AP's all in the space of a week or two?
Teachers are fully aware of the testing dates and try to coordinate their instruction so that classes run smoothly. Teachers are supportive of students throughout the testing process.
Is a student penalized if both the SAT and ACT are sent to a colleges?
There is no penalty. Colleges will accept either test. They use the highest score from either test in eligibility determination.
Are students excused for CAHSEE testing absences?
Yes. Roll is taken at CAHSEE testing and a roster with students who are present and absent is given to the attendance office.
Now that the University of California no longer considers National Merit finalist status as an asset, is it still worthwhile for juniors to take the PSAT?
Several private colleges are still giving financial rewards to National Merit Scholars. It is worthwhile for juniors to take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) if they want practice in preparing for the SAT. It provides the students with an opportunity to experience what the SAT is like (hopefully relieving some anxiety about the test). Students receive a printout in December of their scores indicating their areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Should sophomores take the PSAT and when is it?
The PSAT is given to juniors in October once a year. The juniors are given first priority to take the PSAT. If there are left over tests, sophomores may sign-up for the PSAT. We have always been able to accommodate the sophomores who want to take the PSAT.
Is there an alternate date for the PSAT?
Not at DSHS. The PSAT is only offered in October and priority is given to Junior students. Juniors will receive notification in the mail about when and where to register. When a Junior student is unable to take the PSAT due to a conflict such as a religious or sporting event, arrangements may be made by the parent to take the test at another high school site administering the PSAT the previous Wednesday on a space available basis. Students will need to contact alternate sites for space availability. (National test dates are set by College Board.)
Does DSHS offer SAT prep class during school year or summer?
SAT prep classes are offered through Davis Adult School and there are SAT prep books available for loan in our Library. You may contact Davis Adult School for information about prep classes (757-5380).
What is AP?
AP stands for Advanced Placement. It is a program of the College Board.
Do students have to report the results of AP exams to colleges?
AP scores are not automatically sent to colleges nor are they sent with SAT scores. Students may select one college to have AP scores sent at no additional charge once they are accepted. They are not required to report AP scores to colleges. Colleges have individual policies regarding giving college credit for scores of 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams.
If the student takes a college course rather than the DSHS AP course, is there any reason to take the AP test in that subject?
No, the student has already received college credit since s/he took the course at a college.
Should we send test scores to private colleges? Kids wrote their scores on the common app, and sending scores can be pricey.
Students must have official scores sent by either College Board and/or ACT to colleges they are applying to. The first 4 score reports are free and should be requested when they register for testing. Colleges need official score reports, and yes, it can get pricey.
TRANSCRIPT
Can we get an explanation of what the "total GPA", the "state GPA", and the "college GPA"?
State GPA is unweighted and based on courses from grades 10-12 excluding P.E. (State GPA is used for Cal Grant determination. DSHS sends Seniors’ state GPA’s to FAFSA by January of senior year.)
Total GPA is based on all subjects taken in grades 9-12 and is weighted.
College GPA is calculated on a-g approved courses in grades 10-12 and is weighted. (These courses have a “P” notation on the transcript).
The GPA for the college application is only as of the end of a student's junior year, correct?
Yes, the "College GPA" used by UC/CSU is from college prep coursework taken in grades 10 and 11.
When colleges talk about average GPA of their freshman class, what is that GPA?
UC/CU’s are talking about grades earned in 10th and 11th grades. UC’s use 8 semesters of AP/honors classes in calculating a weighted GPA. Out of state and private schools calculate differently, based on their own course requirements for admission and whether or not they look at weighted or unweighted grades. Private colleges typically use 9th-11th grades courses and request a mid-year transcript for the fall grades of senior year to determine eligibility.
Does DSHS use GPAs for anything?
Students need a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for sports. Cheerleaders and dance team members need a 2.0 GPA in order to participate. We also have range of scholarships from our community. Some do not require a GPA; others range from 2.0 GPA on up.
The report card seems to have only one GPA mentioned. Which one is it?
The report card lists Total GPA for that semester only.
Does the "P" listed after some classes mean that it is a college prep class?
Yes. These are the courses that have been a UC/CSU a-g approved.
May a student repeat an AP class they took in 9th grade, so that it will show up on their high school transcript?
The student should only repeat the class if he/she received a D or F grade. If the class is repeated when C or above grades were earned, the grades for the first time would be calculated in GPA, not the repeated grades. Student would not receive credits for taking a class twice.
What if the course you take at a college is not a HS graduation requirement, but is a prerequisite for a higher level DSHS course?
You would need to send the transcript to DSHS, so we can make sure the prerequisite was completed. Again, it would only be placed on the transcript if needed to meet high school graduation or minimum a-g requirements.
How do we know which courses are weighted?
Weighted courses are AP or Honors (except English 10 honors).
Please explain: "Maximum of 8 extra points allowed for approved honors courses. A maximum of 2 of these units can be completed in 10th grade."
These points are for minimum eligibility for admission to a CSU/UC. Different campuses use different grade point averages to determine admission. This includes AP and honors courses (English 10 Honors does not earn an extra grade point because it is a sophomore level class). This does not limit the number of AP/honors courses that may be taken. A unit equals a yearlong course or 2 semester courses.
Should transcripts for college classes be sent directly from Sac City to various colleges?
When students apply to private colleges, we recommend having transcripts sent directly from Sac City to each college. Students should not send any transcripts to CSU or UC campuses unless the transcripts are specifically requested. Students should enter all college classes on their CSU or UC applications.
Do colleges see the entire 9th grade transcript, including citizenship grades?
The 9th grade courses and grades are put on the DSHS transcript. We do not have citizenship grades on the DSHS transcript.
If you sent a college transcript to the high school, do you also send transcripts to colleges?
Yes.
Is it true we don't send high school transcripts to any UCs or CSUs?
Yes, because students self report their courses/grades on the application. Sometimes, a CSU requests a copy of the transcript. The student sends a transcript only if it is requested by the CSU.
When will final transcripts be sent to colleges?
The final transcript is sent to the college the student will be attending by July 1.
GENERAL
What is the minimum number of classes a student must take?
Sophomores must take 6 district classes and Juniors/Seniors 5 district classes.
What does CSF stands for?
CSF stands for the California Scholarship Federation. CSF requires that each member rejoins every semester based on the grades received the previous semester. To be a life member you must have 4 semesters of membership, one of which must be based on grades received in the senior year. All of these semesters must be semester grades received at the high school.
Is a student’s academic counselor and college admission counselor the same person?
Yes, your student's counselor at DSHS covers academic, career/college, and social/emotional counseling.
Does DSHS have an IB program?
No, DSHS does not have an IB program.
Is community service a graduation requirement?
DSHS does not have a community service requirement for graduation.
Does DSHS participate in the Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)?
Yes. Juniors and parents sign a form giving DSHS permission to release grades to UC. UC analyzes the grades, determines eligibility, and notifies students directly if they are designated as ELC. Two groups are guaranteed admission to a UC campus: (1) those who rank in the top 9 percent of all high school graduates statewide or (2) those who rank in the top 9 percent of their own high school graduating class at the end of the 11th grade.
Can yearlong classes be dropped at the end of first semester and a new one-semester class taken in second semester? Will the student get credit for the first semester?
Yearlong classes may not be dropped in spring unless there are extenuating circumstances that require administrative approval. If approved, the student will receive 5 credits for the semester completed.
Do college visits occur each year to provide information about their programs? Are the informational sessions only available to junior and seniors?
College visits occur during the fall. Seniors, juniors and sophomores may attend. Students sign-up for the college visit through Naviance.
Are absences for out of town, college visits excused absences?
Yes, only if permission is requested prior to the visit. The parent needs to email the counselor with the dates the student will be gone and listing the colleges the student will visit. The counselor forwards the request to the Vice Principal for approval.
Is there free tutoring at DSHS?
Yes, our Academic Center provides free tutoring everyday. Please call x147 for more information.
What is the procedure for replacing lost student ID cards?
Students go to the receptionist to check lost and found in the Administration Building. If it is not there, then the student needs to go to the library and pay $5.00 for a new ID card.
What are the two different peer tutor programs?
The Academic Center peer tutors are trained to tutor in classrooms, under the supervision of a teacher, or the Academic Center. Elementary peer tutors work with North Davis Elementary School teachers under the supervision of the principal. Both classes receive practical art credits.