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.

Things You Need To Know

Things You Need To Know informs students of registration, fees, fines, withdrawals/drops, requirements, restrictions, as well as rules pertaining to SOAR High School/Antelope Valley College. It is recommended to read the entirety of this document as it contains pertinent information about the program. Good Luck!

COLLEGE REGISTRATION

Fall and Summer registrations take place in the Spring. 

Spring and Intersession registrations take place in the Fall. 
 

General Information

• All registrations are completed online by the student through the student’s myAVC portal.
• Registration dates and deadlines are communicated via SOAR High School and AVC email and through AVID classes prior to registration, each semester. 
• Students MUST be registered in an AVC academic course to continue attendance at SOAR.
• College classes CANNOT conflict with high school classes (review your high school schedule prior to college registration). 
• Students may ONLY register for classes from the IGETC list.  If students register for classes that are NOT on the IGETC, they will be required to drop the class and will incur a fine. 

Freshman Specifics:

• ONLY one of the required foundational courses (HD101 or LIB101) and one PE course (KINF or DA) per semester are allowed in your Freshman year.  (See list under “Required Foundation Courses for ALL students at SOAR High School”).
• AVC Summer Course (after 9th grade): must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school and college in order to take 1 AVC course.

Sophomore Specifics:

• Limited to 6 units at AVC per semester. Minimum 3.0 GPA required to take more than 1 AVC course.
• May not take any Communications courses during this year.
• NEW Sophomores must complete foundational courses before moving on to other AVC courses. 
• AVC Summer Courses (after 10th grade):  Minimum 2.5 GPA is required to take 1 course and minimum 3.0 to take 2 AVC courses.  Max units allowed=6.

Junior Specifics:

• Limited to 9 units at AVC per semester.  Minimum 3.0 GPA to take more than 1 AVC course.
• AVC Summer Courses (after 11th grade):    Minimum 2.5 GPA is required to take 1 course and minimum 3.0 to take 2 AVC courses.  Max units allowed=9.

 Senior Specifics:

• Limited to 11.5 units at AVC per semester.  Minimum 3.0 GPA to take more than 1 AVC course.
• If a college course is being taken to meet a high school graduation requirement, the student must meet with their high school counselor.
• High school graduation requirement cannot be completed at AVC during the spring semester of a student’s senior year. 

Summer Classes and Intersession

• In order to take a Summer AVC course you MUST have a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in high school and college.
• In order to take more than 1 Summer AVC course you MUST have a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average in high school and college.

Online and Palmdale Classes 

• If you take an online, night, or Palmdale course permission is required. This form is available in the SOAR office. Freshmen are EXCLUDED from taking these classes.

WITHDRAWALS AND/OR DROPS

• Once college registration for SOAR students closes, students must complete an AVC Drop Request Form to withdraw from a class. This must be done by the drop date established by SOAR. The form is available in the SOAR Office. The request will be processed once the $50 fine is received and the textbook is returned to SSV 180 (cash or check only made payable to AVC).
• Once the drop date has passed, if an AVC class is dropped by either the student or instructor, this will incur a $50 processing drop fine payable to AVC in SSV 180 (cash or check only).
• If a student withdraws or an instructor drops you from a class, you may be removed from the SOAR program if you no longer have any academic classes. If you continue in the program you will be limited to one academic class the next semester.

PAYING FINES AND FEES

• Always have your college ID with you when paying fines and fees.
• The Student Health Fee along with the $1 Student Representation Fee must be paid online or at the Cashier’s Office by 11:30 p.m. on the day you register for college classes or you will be dropped from your classes.
• College fees, like library fines or parking permits, can be paid at the Cashier’s Office, located in the SSV building.
• All SOAR fines such as late textbook fines, SOAR class drop fines, or SOAR repeat class fines, must be paid at the Student Life and Services Office, T-700.
• All fines (except withdrawal drop fines) must be paid before the next registration cycle begins.
• Students are responsible to pay any fines and fees incurred.
• No additional registrations can occur if there are ANY holds on your college record such as owing money for dropping a class, a library fine, or student fees.

Required Foundation Courses for ALL students at SOAR High School

• HD101 - College & Life Management
• Lib 101 - Intro to Acad. Lib Research
• (PE) Kinesiology or Dance 
  • Note - When registering it is referred to as Kinesiology (e.g. KINF 108 or DA 102)
• HE101 - Introduction to Health Education
  • Note - That is if you did not complete this class during the summer before your 9th grade year.

 After a student completes the foundational course work, they should refer to their Student Education Plan (SEP) and the IGETC form (from the school year the student began high school) for approved AVC course options. Student Educational Plans will be completed annually

A-G REQUIREMENTS

A-G requirements must be completed to be eligible for a four-year college or university.  UC/CSU’s will only accept a grade of C or better in A-G coursework.

• Students must complete their Foreign Language and Visual Performing Arts A-G requirements at AVC. See the IGETC for which classes you can take to meet these requirements. 

VPA:

• Visual and Performing Arts requirement are met with courses in Area 3 of the IGETC. 
  • NOTE: Language, English, History, Philosophy and Photo classes in Area 3 of the IGETC cannot be used to meet the VPA requirement. 

Foreign Language:

• DO NOT take CHIN or LATN. 
• A 101 level language course must be completed for foreign language even though it is not indicated on the IGETC. 
• It is recommended you take a 102 level language class as soon as possible after completing a 101 level language course. 

A-G approved coursework for both SOAR and AVC can be found at http://www.ucop.edu/doorways/  .

GETTING A “D” OR “F”

**You MUST maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA for high school and a 2.0 cumulative GPA in college in order to continue to attend SOAR High School**

In College:

• If you received a D or F in a college course, every attempt must be made to retake that course the following semester (or summer school, if applicable).
• Students who get a D or F in a college class will be required to pay for the class.
• If a new textbook is required or is not in the SOAR book inventory, student will be required to pay for the textbook.
• Payment must be paid at the time of registration to T-700-E in cash or a check made out to AVC with the memo indicating which class they are repeating.

In high school: 

• If you received a D in a high school A- G course, every attempt must be made to retake that course during summer school, if applicable.  If you received an F in a high school class you MUST retake the course at summer school. 

 Academic Probation (AP):

• Students will be placed on AP based on their high school or AVC GPA from the previous semester.
• High School GPA’s below a 2.5 or AVC GPA’s below a 2.0 will result in AP placement.
• A grade of a D or an F during the semester at the 5-week and quarter marks for freshman and quarter marks for 10th-12th grade students will also result in placement in AP.
• A student on academic probation must complete a certain amount of hours for academic probation per week, as defined in the AP contract.
• A student who is on AVC or high school probation may be withdrawn from the program at the end of the semester if grades have not improved.

TEXTBOOKS

• ALL college textbooks must be returned to the SOAR textbook return, T-500 (Books Help), by the Monday following the end of the term or there will be a $25.00 fine per class.
• If textbooks are not returned within one week after the last day of the term, you will be charged the full cost of replacing each late book, a hold will be placed on your college record, and you will not be able to register for any future terms, nor be issued any additional textbooks until it is cleared.
• Fines for late books should be paid in T-700.
• All fines MUST be paid before college textbooks are released to students.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND BEST PRACTICES

• The CA College Promise Grant must be submitted every year you are in the SOAR program. You must complete this prior to the deadline. Failure to meet the deadline can result in removal from the SOAR program.
• Any medical condition that occurs while enrolled in SOAR which may result in missing college classes must be reported to the college instructor, the high school office, and Dr. Zimmerman’s office.
• It is your responsibility to make sure that your address, phone and email are current with AVC and SOAR. This can be done online or in person through the Admission and Records Office in the Student Services building for AVC and the SOAR Office for high school.
• Make sure you ALWAYS have your college ID when conducting college business.
• Log into myAVC to make sure it works. If it does not, call the help desk at (661) 722-6300, ext. 6535 or 6605 or go to the computer lab for assistance.
• Check your AVC and district emails DAILY.

AVC GRADUATION

• You must apply for graduation in the Graduation Office, SSV 117, by the deadline established by the Graduation Office.
• Verify that you do not have a FERPA hold on your record at the Graduation Office if you want your name to appear in the Commencement Program. Take a photo ID to Admissions and Records to complete the form.
• The SOAR program does not pay for your cap and gown, but if you need help with this contact Dr. Zimmerman.

TOTAL WITHDRAWAL FROM THE SOAR PROGRAM

• If you withdraw from the SOAR program during the semester, all textbooks must be returned. If all textbooks are not returned at the time you withdraw, you will be charged the cost of replacing the textbooks.
•  It is your responsibility to review the SOAR Rules, and follow them, so that you understand:
  - Student options to return to SOAR
  - How to return to AVC as a Special Admit Student
  - How to have your transcripts released as a high school graduate

Things You Need to Know 2020-21

Princeton Review

We had a lot of enthusiasm last year from students, parents, and faculty when we launched our live homework help program, Princeton Review’s Homework Help. This service will be available again this year. 

Homework help is available to all students in the district.  Each student is allotted an initial 20 hours of LIVE 24/7 tutoring.  Additional hours will be made available to students that take full advantage of this service.

Students can access Princeton Review when logged into their Student PowerSchool Portal by selecting the Homework Help/Live Tutors icon.  Students will use their school ID number as their username, and their password will be their PowerSchool password.  

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 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

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.