College and Career Counselors » Planning and Support

Planning and Support

College Kick-Start Workshops.p
For rising Seniors (Cass of 2024) planning to apply to 4 year colleges/universities.
@Kaiser HS, CCRC, Room H101
Free
Session 1: May 30-June 1
Session 2: June 6-8
Limited seats, register today.
Click here or on the logo to register.
See the flyer in the sidebar.
h
College Prep Roundtable: Life as a College Athleteh
Learn about the college experience from three UH student athletes
  • Attending college on the mainland vs. Hawaii
  • Juggling time between school, sports, and social life
  • Money hacks for college students
This will be on Wednesday, June 14, 6:00pm online
See the flyer in the sidebar.
Registrants will receive the recording.

🎓 Seniors: You’ve Deposited! Now What? 🎓


May 1 has come and gone, which means that — hopefully! — you’ve sent in your deposit and are excited for the next four years (side note: we always love to hear where students in the CEGverse landed — DM us on Instagram to be featured).

Avoiding Senioritis: Now, another (arguably) less scary hurdle. While I love the wild side, students in the past have had their offers rescinded (eek) for tanking their final senior semester. Don’t let that be you!

Have your "Best First Year in College": Nervous about transitioning to college? My friend (and generally awesome human) Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author of The Naked Roommate, has a rad program for both students and parents who want to hit the ground running in the fall. You’ll learn so much, whether that’s navigating DC vs. Marvel debates with your philosophy classmates, learning essential college slang (rad is out), balancing academics and extracurriculars, and more.

Already in your 1st or 2nd year? This course will still be useful. 

Have your 'Best First Year in College'
New Student Orientation.   THIS video will help.
 
Uploading immunization forms to Med+Proctor video 
 
Virtual Essay & Application Boot Camps & Resources for Students:c

  • Summer Personal Statement Boot Camps (Options in June and July)
  • College Application & Supplemental Essay Boot Camp (Early August)
  • UC Personal Insight Question Boot Camp (Mid-July)
  • Student Access to My Choose Your Own Adventure Tool (Which Answers Pretty Much Any College Essay Question a Student Might Have)
Click here or on the logo to register.
Click here for even more courses and videos for students and parents.
The College Admissions Pass
Get access to a suite of college admissions prep courses, workshops, and expert-led content, and join a supportive community—for a whole year.

What’s included?

  • Expert-Led Courses & Workshops. We’re inviting experts, current college admission officers, and CEG team members to host 20+ courses and sessions throughout the year. (See full list of 2023 sessions here.)
  • Dozens of hours of video lessons & practical tools and resources. You’ll get access to some of our most popular courses for students and families, including guides and templates to walk you through key parts of the admissions planning process, like building a customized college list, requesting recommendation letters, planning your summer, understanding financial aid, and writing your personal statement.
  • Customized tracks for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. You’ll get content, guidance, and sessions tailored specifically to your grade level.
  • Mastermind Groups & Accountability Partner Matching. We believe we’re better (and get more done) together. That’s why we’ll host focused mastermind groups and create accountability partnerships to help keep you motivated and on-task, whether it’s working on planning your summer, starting a club, writing your college essays, or understanding how to pay for college.
  • A Private Moderated Community. We’ve created a private community for students on Discord to connect and collaborate with peers on the journey to college. Parents have the option to join our CEG Parent Community that hosts sessions and discussion just for parents.
  • Join us live, or watch at your own pace.  We know high school students (and parents) are busy. We’ve created this program so you can join us and connect LIVE throughout the year, or take the workshops and watch the courses whenever you want.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the courses and workshops we’re hosting in 2023:

  • Settings Goals and Intentions for the Year (Workshop)
  • How to Make the Most of Your Summer and (Maybe) Build a Self-Directed Project (Workshop)
  • Applying to Highly Selective Colleges & Universities (Mini-course)
  • How to Develop a Great College List (Mini-course)
  • How to Pay for College (Workshop)
  • Creating Your Standardized Testing Plan (Workshop)
  • How to Write a Personal Statement (Course, 11th Graders)
  • How to Write the College Application and Supplemental Essays (Course, 11th Graders)
  • Tons more. We’ve got 20+ courses, workshops, and events we’re hosting over the course of the year. See full list here.
 

Students Discord Communityc

High school students can join a separate private community with content tailored specifically for students, including: 

  • Weekly sessions with college admissions experts and advisors and Live Ask-Me-Anything sessions

  • Incredible college essay resources and advice

  • A community of peers collaborating to plan the transition to college

  • Lots more.

It's all free, all the time.

Join Here

Our College Prep Workshop Series Can Help!p

Want to learn how to create strong college applications from the comfort of your own space?

Our College Prep Workshop Series just wrapped up but is now on our YouTube channel for you to watch anytime. These four workshops were led by Pacific University Admissions Counselors and covered different aspects of the college application process and how to make college affordable. 

Session Descriptions:

College Essay Workshop
Talking about yourself can be awkward, and talking about yourself well on paper can feel altogether impossible. Join Pacific U admissions counselors for a workshop on building the college essay that highlights you. Watch here -->

Stand Out in a College App
Starting your college applications takes a lot of courage and submitting your application often brings suspense and uncertainty until a decision is made. Join our admissions counselors, as they bring you “behind the scenes” of the application review process, and give you tips and tricks to be a stand out applicant so you feel confident hitting submit. Watch here -->

Scholarship Strategies
There are many different ways to make college affordable, and scholarships (free money) can be one of the best tools available. Learn more about the scholarship search, essay strategies and an overview of when to apply to them. Watch here -->

How to Pay for College
Let’s start talking about setting you up for success financially, because college is an investment and there is still time to prepare. Our counselors will give tips and advice on how to navigate the world of financial aid. Watch here -->

 
WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Right now, we have openings to accept 100 new students to be paired with trained postsecondary planningf mentors. Will you help us spread the word to your students?


Our mentors can help your students:

  • Review their college application essays

  • Prepare for SATs and other standardized testing

  • Complete the FAFSA

  • Build a strong college list based on career interests and affordability

  • Prepare for college life

  • Keep them on track to meet deadlines

 

Students can sign up directly for a mentor here: https://www.fairopportunityproject.org/mentorship 


  • Who’s eligible? Every college-interested student. No minimum GPAs, application deadlines or verification paperwork. We place underserved students first (as self-identified by the student).

How Your Teen Can Spend Their Final Semester of Senior Year
with J Cole and Morgan Phillips, CEG Co-Directors of College Counseling
Jan 5, 2023 @ 4-4:45pm PT

Trying to help your teen figure out how to make the most of 
their last year of high school? Wondering if there are ways you can prepare as a parent before your teen has left the nest? Join us for a conversation next week.

Ask-Me-Anything: Laurén Carter
Director of College Counseling and former Dir. of Admissions at NYU
Jan 10th, 1-1:30pm PT (4-4:30pm ET)

Whether you're the parent of a ninth grader with questions on transitioning to high school, or a parent of a senior staring at Jan 1 deadlines, you probably have questions.

Join veteran college counselor and former Director of Admissions at NYU Laurén for an Ask Me Anything session.

5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer
with Ethan Sawyer, College Essay Guy
Jan 18, 2023 @ 4-4:45pm PT
 
It's not too early to start thinking about your summer plans. Join Ethan for a session on how to plan a meaningful, high-impact — or just really fun — summer.  On this session, we'll cover:
  • A guide to finding summer internships
  • How to discover your strengths (in about 15 minutes)
  • Where to find others who share your interests (that you may not have thought of)
  • What "flow" is + how to bring it more regularly into your life
  • 20+ ways to get better at savoring life
  • My favorite places to find great online courses
 
Ask-Me-Anything: Tom Campbell
Former Admissions Officer at Pomona, College Counselor
Jan 10th, 1-1:30pm PT (4-4:30pm ET)

Whether you're the parent of a ninth grader with questions on transitioning to high school, or a parent of a senior in the midst of the admissions process, you probably have questions.

Join our Community Manager Tom Campbell for an Ask-Me-Anything session.

Ways to Strengthen Your Partnership with Your School/College Counselor
with Laurén Carter, College Admissions Expert and Dr. Lisa Carr, former Admissions Director and Veteran School Counselor
Jan 31, 4-4:45pm PT

Your school counselor can be an invaluable partner in the college admissions journey. How do you develop a great relationship with your counselor and strengthen your partnership with them? Get some advice from two veteran college counselors and former admissions officers.

We have been receiving a fair amount of emails from students inquiringk about our Nursing Program.
 
 THIS YOUTUBE video touches the surface on the PRE-NURSING process.
See the Info sessions schedule in the sidebar.

KHS College & Career Planning Supports and Programs

 

Individual and Family Conferences — Individual and family conferences to discuss post high plans are scheduled upon request starting in the spring of junior year. 

 

Sr. Year Kick Off Night—Fall:  Information to kick off the senior year. Alumni  attend to share about their college/career experiences. College and grade level counselors share information for a successful senior year. Leadership share important graduation and senior year event information. For seniors and their parents.

 

Jr. Future Planning Night--Information night for juniors and their parents held in the fall. Information from the college & grade level counselors and the class leadership.

 

College Financial Aid Information Night-held in the fall at our school. Open to all students and parents.

 

IBDP. IBCP. AP, RS Information Night - This event is for students and parents to receive information and ask questions about the following programs offered here:  International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, International Baccalaureate Career-Related Program, Advanced Placement, and Running Start (dual college and high school credit). This night is scheduled in the fall before registration for the following school year.

 

College & Career Planning Class Visits College and grade level counselors meet with seniors once in the fall and juniors in the fall and spring to go over important tasks and information related to graduation and college & career planning. 

 

College & Career Speakersabout 70-80 local and mainland college admission and career reps visit us each fall (few in the spring as well). Students sign up on Naviance. Teacher permission is required to attend. Open to all students.

 

Summer/Fall College Kick Start WorkshopsStudents will build their college list, learn about the application process, Common Application, the college essay, letters of recommendation, financial aid, scholarships and more. For seniors only.

 

Naviance®  Family Connection is a web-based college and career research tool for our students. Naviance allows  students to learn about themselves, their interests, and develop  college and career plans.  Naviance®  questions can be directed to appropriate grade level counselors.  Students receive their accounts during the second quarter of their freshman year. Parents may request a parent account by submitting a request form to H101.  Forms are available in H101, the registrar’s office, or as a download on Naviance®. 

 

Personal Transition Plan (Jr. Guidance Course) This semester credit is required for graduation and taken during jr. year.  It provides students with knowledge and skills in learning about themselves, exploring life goals, careers and occupations, relating school subjects to future career needs, and making tentative long and short-range educational and/or career plans.

 

Advisory ClassAll teachers provide guidance activities to their advisory students.  Classes meet once a week during all 4 years of high school. Some college and career readiness activities are prepared by the CCRC.

PSAT/NMSQT® Test—Fall—All students in gr. 9-11 are able to register for this exam that is given on campus once a year in the fall. Registration information is available in the library, office, and H-101. The test is administered once a year.   https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10

 

ASVAB® Test-Fall & Spring—The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students. Students in grades 10-12 can sign up to take the test to help with career planning.  This test is administered on campus once in the fall and spring. https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab

 

Advanced Placement—AP® Program  The AP curriculum, administered by The College Board, consists of standardized high school courses that are roughly equivalent to undergraduate college courses. After completing an AP class, students typically take the AP exam in that subject, which can earn them credits and accelerated placement in college. Registration for courses takes place in November for the following school year. Application forms and fees are required. https://ap.collegeboard.org/

 

Dual Credit/Running Start Program --Running Start is a program that allows “eligible” high school students to take a college course at a University of Hawaii system campus as part of their high school coursework. The unique partnership between the Hawaii State Department of Education and the University of Hawaii System allows public and charter high school students to attend college classes during the fall, spring, and summer while earning both high school and college credits. Deadline for students to meet with their grade level counselor is Oct. 1 for Spring semester and Feb. 1 for Summer and Fall semesters. https://www.hawaii.edu/dualcredit/running-start/

 

College & Career Fair Fall and Spring —Students are invited to sign up to attend the NACAC College Fair with the school in the fall, usually followed by a UH Manoa campus tour. Students and families can attend on their own.  Register for the fairs at:  https://www.gotomyncf.com/Registration/EventSelectForState?stateName=All

 

Local College Campus Tours

--driven by student interest. Dates and information to be announced.

 

 

   
Image result for naviance logo CLICK TO SIGN IN:  KAISER HS NAVIANCE LOGIN
 
Naviance by Hobsons is a comprehensive K-12 college and career readiness platform that enables self-discovery, career exploration, academic planning, and college preparation for millions of students across all ages and around the globe.
 
Students and Parents..... Kaiser utilizes Naviance to help students identify their interests, strengths, and to explore colleges, etc.
 
Almost all Naviance activities can be completed at any time. Students do not need to wait for tasks to be assigned. Get a jump on your planning. Never too early to start!
 
Parents - Get involved! Yes, students need to drive this process, but parents can support and cheer their kids on. Get a Naviance Parent account to stay on top of what's going on. Complete the attached form (to the right) and send it back to us in H101 via your student or scan and email.  
 
 

Post High Activity

Completion Guideline

(students are able to access and work on most tasks at any time)

Gr. 9

Gr. 10

Gr. 11

Gr. 12

Game Plan  - Naviance®

Complete once

Catch up

Catch up

Catch up

Cluster Finder  -Naviance®

Complete once

Catch up

Catch up

Catch up

Personal                 statement                 Students should save their work electronically on a flash drive so that each year is an update.

Year 1 Draft

Year 2 Draft

Year 3 Draft

Final Draft Due

SMART Goals              Naviance®

--

Set goals for  current school year

Set goals for  current school year

Set goals for  current school year

StrengthsExplorer®       Naviance®

--

Complete once

Catch up

Catch up

Career Interest Profiler  - Naviance®

--

Complete once

Catch up

Catch up

Resume   - Naviance®

--

Build

Update

Update

SuperMatch® College Search and add at least 5 schools to colleges that I'm applying to on Naviance ®

--

--

Complete

Update

Sample (or real) Job Application

--

--

Complete

Catch up

Sample (or real) College Application

--

--

--

Complete

 College Planning Year by Year -

see planning calendars attached in the right column

 

Grade 09  EXPLORE and select your course selections for high school carefully. Insure that you will have the necessary academic courses for 4-year colleges and requirements to play Division I or II sports if desired. Begin exploring post-high school interests. Take the PSAT to get a feel for the test and to identify areas that you need to work on! All 9th graders will take the Pre-ACT in the spring. Complete the Personality Type Inventory on Naviance and set some goals for yourself.  Get involved in student activities, including athletics.    HAVE FUN! READ!

 

Grade 10 PLAN your high school experience with rigorous academics, occupational exploration, testing and self-appraisal. Take art, keyboarding and world language for post-high school preparation. Remember, colleges look for a school record that reflects a rigorous course load.  Take the PSAT in the fall.  All 10th graders will take the Pre-ACT exam in the spring.  Complete the Career Interest Inventory and set goals on Naviance.  Check the Kaiser website for college planning information. FOCUS! READ!

 

Grade 11 ACT on your plans toward your goals. Take the PSAT again in the fall. Begin gathering information via Internet, college handbooks or visit the College Career Center in H101.  Visit colleges if possible. All juniors will take the ACT in the spring at school.  Take SAT in the spring.  Register on your own. Keep up with your Advisory and Naviance assignments.  Meet with college admissions counselors, career speakers, and college fair. Schedule an individual and family conference with the College & Career Counselor in the spring.  Attend the College Kick Start Workshops during the summer before your senior year.  Your junior year is most critical. Make it reflect your true abilities.  READ! VOLUNTEER! DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

 

Grade 12 CHALLENGE yourself academically through your last year in high school. Take the SAT and ACT again if needed.  Attend college application workshops in H101 during summer and fall.  Make an appointment with College Counselor at least one month prior to application deadlines.  When choosing a college, carefully consider your interest and abilities, and research financial aid and your goals. Be realistic. Applications should be completed no later than the end of the first semester. Work on financial aid and scholarships during the 2nd semester. Finish the year on a positive note.  Colleges expect students to continue with a rigorous course load and strong academic performance through the end of the school year.  Make sure final transcripts are sent to the college to which you are attending. GET IT DONE!

 

 

Do you qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch?

 

Students who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program may also qualify for waivers for the PSAT (gr. 11 only), ACT, SAT, AP,

NCAA, college applications, etc. Please check with Ms. Nii in the college and career resource center and APPLY FOR the FREE OR

REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM to find out if you are eligible. EZMealApp

 

 

Do you qualify for testing accommodations?

 

Students who need accommodations for testing should speak to their grade level counselor right away.

 

 

Grade Level Counselors 

 

Stephanie Takashima,  c/o 2023         x 2244      [email protected]

Norine Ishii, c/o 2024                           x 2246      [email protected]

Branden Kawazoe, c/o 2025               x 2240      [email protected]

Rene Tottori, c/o 2026                          x 2242       [email protected]

IB Program Coordinators

Kristie Yamamoto, Middle Years Programme        [email protected]
Shareen Murayama, Career–Related Programme  [email protected]
Bradley Bogard, Diploma Programme                    [email protected]

 

Completing the KapCC app:
 
How to select a degree:
 
Select Programs:
 
How to use the Add Program tab:
 
New Student Orientation
 
MedProctor - uploading immunization records
Since 1995, our mission has been to help connect students with the right schools for them. Joinc thousands of other students and start your search with CollegeXpress.
College Navigator is your direct link to nearly 7,000 colleges and universities in the United States. If youc are thinking about a large university, a small liberal arts college, a specialized college, a community college, a career or technical college or a trade school, you can find information on all of them here.
All hosted by the US Department of Education.
  • Search and compare colleges: their fields of study, costs,USDOE admissions, results, and more.
  • Start your career and build your skill set through apprenticeships.
  • Tools for career exploration.
  • Student financial aid and FAFSA link.
Click here or on the logo for more.
KnowHow2GO is a campaign designed to encourage students and veterans to prepare for college. Explore thek site to learn more about the steps you need to take to be college-ready.
 
How to Start Your College Essay: Tips for Hooking Your Reader (New video)
In this video, I share nine creative techniques to make sure the opening of your college essay helps you stand out. I'll also share four common openings to avoid, and one of my all time favorite hooks.

I just published a new video on up-leveling your Common App activities list.

Why do this? Because a) it won't take you too long, and b) could make a big difference in your application.

 

How to Create a Great Common App Activities List

In the video, I cover:

  • Why strong verbs are key + where to find my Epic List of Activities List Verbs
  • How the BEABIES exercise can help you remember stuff you did
  • How to bring more variety into your descriptions (if you've already written them)
  • Tips for the Awards and Honors section
  • Lots more

Check it out below on YouTube and drop me a comment.

 

Watch the Video

The College Application Hub
Got a college admission resource you're looking for? It's probably here. If you're a 9th-11th grader wondering "What should I be doing right now to prepare for college?" check out this College Application & Admissions Timeline.

 

Based on popular demand, we created a Discord server just for students (sorry parents and counselors) where you can collaborate with other students, get your questions answered, and nerd out on all things college. Our community is kind, hard-working, and generally good vibes.
 
 

How to Write Great UC Personal Insight Questions (Crash Course)
If you're working on those PIQs and and need some help, this video covers a whole lot of ground in about 20 minutes. (One commenter said, "this has to be one of the best videos of all time.") If you find it useful and want to dig deeper, check out my full pay-what-you-can course How to Write the UC Personal Insight Questions.

 

Free College Application Help for Low-Income Students | Students Apply Here

Through our Matchlighters Scholars program, we pair high-achieving students from low-income families with experienced college counselors for free one-on-one college essay and application coaching. If you (or a student you know) may benefit, please pass this opportunity along to them.

If you're an experienced college counselor who'd like to volunteer to join the team, learn more here.

 

How to Make the Most of Your Summer and (Maybe) Build a Self-Directed Project | Watch Here 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 

 🎨 TeenLife Guides 🔬

 

Our friends at TeenLife created three new rad guides for exploring potential majors and career paths. They're packed with tools for students to explore career paths, and include details on career exploration programs, scholarship opportunities, and planning tips. 

Transfer App Deadlines Coming Up: Essay Guides + Database 

 

In case you missed it, thought I'd re-share  some of our favorite resources for transfer applicants if you're looking to transfer and find a new college home:

Sharing a few resources that you may find useful in the coming months.c

 

9th & 10th Graders

College Admissions Timeline - A high-level timeline and list of resources that tracks the college admissions process from 9th through 12th grade.

Finding Your Purpose - Research shows that finding your purpose can lead to greater health, less depression and less anxiety. Check out the Purpose Challenge from the very awesome Greater Good Science Center in Berkeley.

Learning How to Learn - This free course from Coursera covers some useful topics for any high schooler, including learning how to "chunk" studying tasks, tackle procrastination, and better understand the relationship between sleep and learning potential.

The Values Exercise - It's great to begin the college planning journey by thinking about your core values. How do you find those? This video will help you find them in less than 5 minutes.

 

11th Graders

How to Create a Great College List - Spring is a great time for juniors to begin thinking about developing a college list. (Not decide—I said begin!) This guide will help you discover: Who am I and what do I want from college? How can I learn more about colleges? How can I assess my admission chances?

How to Research Colleges (Without Visiting a Campus) - Wondering how to "visit" colleges in the midst of a global pandemic? This guide can help.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation - Junior year teachers are great candidates for recommendations. But what goes in that letter, plus when (and how) do you make the request? Find out here.

 

12th Graders

Study Tips in College: MIT's Office of the First Year has a series of awesome guides and resources for helping students develop study plans and time management skills as they transition into the first semester of college.

How to Write a Scholarship Essay: A Complete Guide + Examples - This guide answers the top 10 most common scholarship essay questions. You'll also find a spreadsheet you can use to track scholarship prompts.

College Interview Guide - In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to prep for an interview (even if you only have an hour). But first: How much do interviews really matter?