In order to earn a diploma from SOAR High School, students must meet specific criteria:
1. Earn a total of 230 credits.
2. Meet the State Algebra requirement.

The Subject Requirement:

• History/social science (“a”) – Two years, including one year of world history, cultures and historical geography and one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of American government or civics.

• English (“b”) – Four years of college preparatory English that integrates reading of classic and modern literature, frequent and regular writing, and practice listening and speaking.

• Mathematics (“c”) – Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include or integrate the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.

• Laboratory science (“d”) – Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

• Language other than English (“e”) – Two years of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second level of high school instruction.

• Visual and performing arts (“f”) – One year chosen from dance, music, theater or the visual arts.

• College-preparatory elective (“g”) – One year chosen from the “a-f” courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely in the elective area.

A brag sheet is used to write information about yourself that can be given to a staff member (teacher, counselor, etc.), coach, club advisor, or employer when asking for a letter of recommendation.

• Be as specific as possible.
• Save this document so you can go back to it and update it as often as necessary and print copies when needed.
• Make sure you give your recommenders plenty of time to complete their letters, at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Ask them to save their recommendations for you so you may ask them for an updated reference letter in the future.

SOAR Brag sheet Fillable

There is also a more detailed brag sheet available in Naviance Student that we would prefer students to use for teacher and counselor recommendations.  Students can go to their Naviance Student portal by logging into PowerSchool and clicking on the "Naviance" link to the left of the page, then the "About Me" link once in Naviance, and finally the "SOAR Brag Sheet Survey" on the About Me page.   This form can be edited and updated at any time.

UC WEBSITE

UC TIPS AND TOOLS

uc pERSONAL iNSIGHT qUESTIONS

ACADEMIC PLANNERS - For students grades 9-12

mY aCADEMIC pLANNER EAOP

UC YOUR ACADEMIC PLANNER

WEBSITE

*Applications for Fall 2020 will open on October 1st, 2019

WEBSITE

WEBSITE

There's something special about being the first…

…especially being the first in your family to attend and graduate from college. I'm First! is an online community for first-generation college students—and their supporters. Hear inspiring stories and share your own, discover colleges that care about first-gen students, find answers to your questions about college, and receive guidance on the road to and through college.

WEBSITE

Use Collegeboard's "Big Future" site to search for colleges, narrow down majors and career options, learn how to pay for college, and how to make a tangible plan. They offer information on everything from careers and majors to personal statements and financial aid. Use Big Future to prepare yourself for the road ahead!

WEBSITE

We connect first generation and underrepresented students to caring colleges, generous scholarships, and life-changing counselors and mentors.

We take the stress out of your college search

Build and organize a college list, rank colleges based on fit, keep track of important application deadlines, and celebrate your acceptance letters.

WEBSITE

Testing is a necessary step toward college and is often a requirement to be considered "eligible" for consideration to a four year college/university. Whether it is the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or the UC Writing Exam, students will most likely be testing at some point throughout their high school experience. This page will provide valuable information regarding testing that is often required for college entrance.

DUE TO COVID-19 TESTING REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED AT SEVERAL INSTITUTIONS, PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS FOR REQUIREMENTS.

PSAT

The PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT/NMSQT are highly relevant to your future success because they focus on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. They’ll measure:

• What you learn in high school
• What you need to succeed in college

If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you’ll never use in the real world, think again. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before. The best way to prepare for the test is to:

• Take challenging courses
• Do your homework
• Prepare for tests and quizzes
• Ask and answer lots of questions

In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can!

The PSAT is not currently scheduled to be offered at SOAR due to COVID-19.  

PSAT 8/9 Student Guide      

PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 Score Ranges

PSAT test scores from the October 2019 test are available at www.collegeboard.org.

PSAT Scores and Information

The world needs more people who can solve problems, communicate clearly, and understand complex relationships. The SAT Suite of Assessments focuses on the skills and knowledge that will help today’s students meet that need.

The tests are designed to:

• Measure the essential ingredients for college and career readiness and success, as shown by research.
• Have a stronger connection to classroom learning.
• Inspire productive practice.

REMINDER: Sign up for the SAT with the Essay

SAT Dates & Registration

Need some help studying? Check out the new targeted SAT Test prep from Khan Academy.

Khan Academy SAT Prep

• ACT test scores are accepted by all four-year US colleges and universities, including highly selective institutions.
• The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Questions are directly related to what students have learned in high school courses.

Registering for the ACT Test

You'll need to create an ACT student web account or log in to your existing account (see image). Registration includes a career exploration component that relates to your personal characteristics and career options to help you start thinking about future plans.

Registration takes approximately 40 minutes. As you go through the process, the system will periodically save your data, so you can stop any time and return when you're ready.

We recommend that you have the following items handy for registration:

• Your high school course information
• Payment method
• Photo (now or anytime before the photo deadline)

FEE WAIVER REQUEST FORM

ACT Registration and Test Dates

Entry Level Writing

Entry Level Writing Requirement Website

FAFSA

FAFSA Website

- OPENS OCTOBER 1ST ANNUALLY

DREAM ACT

Dream Act Website

- Due March 2nd Annually

CSAC

CSAC

- For California State Aid Information

In order to receive a Cal-Grant, a student must meet the criteria and submit their FAFSA/Dream Act and Allow their school to submit their Cal-Grant GPA Verification by the March 2nd deadline.

Create an account (After submitting the FAFSA or DREAM ACT) @ MY GRANT INFO and find out if you are eligible to receive a Cal-Grant

Cal-Grant Program Income Ceilings

Cal-Grant Opt Out Forms

Per Assembly Bill (AB) 2160, all seniors will have a Cal Grant GPA submitted electronically by their high school, to the California Student Aid Commission, unless a signed Opt Out form is returned to the Guidance Office (Rm. S3 for the purpose of this document) by October 1st of their senior year. Please see the English or Spanish version of this document below for more information regarding the process.

• Cal Grant Opt Out - English
• Spanish Cal Grant Opt Out

UC BLUE+GOLD OPPORTUNITY

For eligible CA students whose annual income is under $80,000, UC's system wide tuition and fees will be fully covered during your first four years at UC (or two years if you are a transfer student) up to your financial need. Blue + Gold students with sufficient financial need can qualify for EVEN MORE aid to help reduce the cost of attending UC.

VIDEOS:

Overview of the Financial Aid Process

FAFSA Overview

Dream Act Overview

MATRICULATION

Graduates of SOAR High School have been admitted to the following 4-year colleges:

Useful websites to search for scholarships outside of Naviance

College Board Scholarship Search

FastWeb

Cal Lutheran University has a very useful list of outside scholarships and resources.

Click here to be redirected.