Senior Meetings Ponderosa High School 2026-2027 - College & Career Planning Overview

Oct 3, 2026

College and career planning overview for Ponderosa High School seniors covering transcript reading, grade and credit summaries tied to graduation requirements, and key eligibility processes linked to CAASPP and related proficiency levels. Includes how course grades in English, math, and science may be adjusted based on Proficient/3 or Advanced/4 scores, with course timing requirements. Provides honors recognition criteria (Summa, Magna, Cum Laude) plus guidance for identifying career goals, selecting training pathways, and choosing appropriate post-secondary programs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time1 h 31 min

AccessFree to download

How to Read Your Transcript

Graduation Requirements and Credit Summary

CAASPP Incentive Grade Change Process (English, Math, Science)

Ponderosa High School Honors Recognition

Honors Criteria at Graduation

What Should I Do After High School?

Multiple Ways to Gain Post-Secondary Skills

Step-by-Step Career Planning

Senior meetings Ponderosa High School 2026-2027 COllege & Career Planning Overview ➢ Transcript Review / Graduation Requirements/CAASPP Incentive ➢ Career Exploration and Opportunities ➢ College Admissions Information (2 year & 4 year) ○ Requirements ○ Important Dates & Websites ○ SAT/ACT Test Updates ○ Letters of Recommendation ○ Paying for College ➢ Senior Resources and Upcoming Events How to Read Your Transcript Grade, Year, & Semester Courses Listed Semester Grade Key Credit Summary (aka Graduation Requirements) -will review in the next slide Credits Earned GPAs-1st column is weighted. 2nd column is unweighted | Graduation Requirements | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Course Requirements Credits English 40
Social Studies 30 | | | | Math | 30 | | | Science (1 Life and 1 Physical Science) | 20 | | | Health | 5 | | | Computer Technology | 5 | | | Fine Arts or World Language or CTE | 20 | | | Physical Education
Additional Credits | 20
70 | | | Total | 240 | | | | | | Link sent out through Parent Square English ● If a student scores “Proficient/3” students can elect to have one semester's grade in English (grades 9-11) changed from a D to a C. The course had to be taken during their 9th, 10th, or 11th grade years. ● If a student scores “Advanced/4,” students can elect to have one semester's grade in English (grades 9-11) changed from a C to a B or B to a A. The course had to be taken during their 9th, 10th, or 11th grade years. Math ● If a student scored “Proficient/3” on the CAASPP, they can choose one semester from Algebra 1, Geometry, or Adv/Algebra 2 to receive a grade bump from D to C- . The course had to be taken during their 9th, 10th or 11th grade years. ● If a student scored “Advanced/4” on the CAASPP, they can choose one semester from Algebra 1, Geometry, or Adv/Algebra 2 to receive a grade bump from D to C-or C to B-or B to A- . The course had to be taken during their 9th, 10th or 11th grade years. Science ● If a student scored “Proficient/3” on the CAST, they can choose one semester from Earth & Space Science, Biology/Ag, Adv Chemistry, or Physics to receive a grade bump from a D to C- . The course had to be taken during their 9th, 10th or 11th grade years. ● If a student scored “Advanced/4” on the CAST, they can choose one semester from Earth & Space Science, Biology/Ag, Adv. Chemistry, or Physics to receive a grade bump from a D to C-or C to B-or B to A- . The course had to be taken during their 9th, 10th or 11th grade years. Ponderosa High School Honors Recognition Honors Criteria at Graduation Students meeting cumulative honors criteria at the end of the 12th grade year will have the latin honor printed on their transcript and an honors sticker affixed to their diploma. Students will receive a cord to wear at graduation. Honors criteria will be as follows: Summa Cum Laude (with highest distinction) ● Earn a 4.00 or higher weighted GPA 1 ● Meet or exceed standard on CAASPP ELA and math2 ● Complete at least one course that qualifies for an extra grade point.3 ● Meet UC/CSU A-G requirements ● Earn all A and B grades.4 Magna Cum Laude (with great distinction) ● Earn a 3.50 or higher weighted GPA 1 ● Meet or exceed standard on CAASPP ELA and math2 ● Meet UC/CSU A-G requirements ● Earn all A, B, and C grades.4 Cum Laude (with honor or praise) ● Earn a 3.00-3.49 weighted GPA 1 ● Meet or exceed standard on CAASPP ELA and math 2 ● Meet UC/CSU A-G requirements ● Earn all A, B, and C grades.4 1. GPA includes all courses reported on the transcript. GPA will be rounded to the nearest hundredth. For example, if a student earns a 3.995 GPA, the GPA will be rounded to 4.00. 2. This requirement will begin with the class of 2027. 3. Includes all Advanced Placement courses and Honors Anatomy and Physiology. 4. If a student earns an unsatisfactory grade in a course and subsequently retakes the course and ea

FAQs

How do I read my transcript for senior graduation planning?

Focus on the grade listings by year and semester, review the credit summary, and compare earned credits against graduation requirements.

What is the CAASPP incentive process for adjusting grades in English, math, and science?

Students scoring Proficient/3 or Advanced/4 can elect to adjust one semester grade within specified course options, provided the course was taken during grades 9–11.

What are the honors criteria for Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude?

Each level requires specific weighted GPA thresholds, CAASPP ELA and math standards, completion of qualifying extra grade point coursework (for Summa), and meeting UC/CSU A-G requirements with required grade letter patterns.

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by MrHarris58