Counselors Frequently Asked Questions

Students may repeat a class through FUSD Summer School for which they initially failed (grade of “F”) or received a "D”.

Can students take courses outside of FUSD and do they receive credit on the Mission transcript?

Any courses taken outside of FUSD are purely for enrichment purposes and these courses will not appear on their FUSD transcript or be used to meet prerequisites for future courses.

How do students improve “D” grades outside of the school district?

If students are improving “D” grades at an outside institution, the improved grade remains on the transcript where the student took the course. Students are responsible for researching any outside coursework they decide to take.

I'm a band student.  Does it count for physical education credit?

It can. Students who take Marching Band all 4 years will have fulfilled their 2-year PE requirement.

If, for any reason, a student exits the Band program during high school, the remaining credits must be earned by taking and passing PE.

Is my outside world language school approved through FUSD?

Maybe.  You may refer to the list of world language schools approved by FUSD for credit.

Do I need to take 4 years of a World Language to apply to private universities? How many years of World Language do the CSU and UC Systems require?

Sometimes. It is your responsibility to research which private universities require 4 years of World Language, and you must plan your schedule accordingly. The University of California only requires 2 years of World Language, and 3 years are recommended.

How can my student get into the Honors English at Mission San Jose High School?
Outlined below are the ways a student can currently qualify to take an Honors English class in 9^th grade.

Entering Honors Classes:

GATE classes at the secondary level are designed as Honors (H).

Honors classes combine GATE students with other high achieving students in courses designated as Honors classes. To qualify or continue:

• Non GATE identified students with “A” grades in all previous semesters of 7^th and 8^th grades, within a subject matter class may enter into an Honors class within that subject area

OR

• Successful completion (C or better grades) at the previous level to continue in the Honors course.

Math placement will follow the established math pathways highlighted at the district level.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a weighted GPA?

A weighted grade-point-average is one that includes extra points for all approved UC A-G underlined honors and Advanced Placement courses, and all college courses.   For every underlined class, a student will receive an extra point in the grade-point-average, so that for every A, a student receives 5 points, for every B a student receives 4 points, and for every C a student receives 3 points.  Our high school transcript does not weight grades, so the GPA listed on the bottom of the transcript is unweighted, and students must calculate honors and AP courses on their own.  Please refer to the UC website for a step-by-step guide on calculating your own weighted GPA.

What are college admissions officers looking for?

College admissions officers are seeking the best prepared students for their particular programs. In general, they look at courses taken, grades earned, and college entrance exam scores. They look for candidates who will be successful at their institution, who can bring something of value to the student body. Evidence of special talents, interests, activities, athletic ability, leadership or public service may help a candidate get into the school of choice. Read your college catalog or admissions information pamphlets or check college web sites. Colleges may need or want different talents or students with various backgrounds.

What is the best extracurricular activity in which to be involved?

Students should involve themselves with the school or community activity that they find most rewarding. The activities that bring personal meaning to you, improve your special talents or meets the school or community's needs will be the ones in which you will likely excel. In-depth involvement and excellence will help you stand out from the crowd of other hopeful college applicants. In other words improve yourself in the ways that you find most rewarding personally. It is better to be involved or to excel in one or two areas than to have a superficial list of activities that you jumped into so that you could have a long list on your college application.

When should a high school student take the SAT or ACT? When is the deadline to submit test scores?

Private schools may require test scores by December of senior year. However, watch for EARLY DECISION PROGRAMS that private universities offer.  These test scores would likely be due by the Early Decision deadline, which is typically November 1.

The CSU and UC Systems no longer use SAT/ACT testing as a criteria for determining admission or awarding scholarships.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING ENRICHMENT (OUTSIDE) COURSES:

How and when should I take Community College courses?

All courses taken outside of the high school are considered “enrichment” courses, and these courses stay on the community college or academic program’s transcript.  In addition, grades earned are a permanent record, so make sure your student chooses courses wisely and only takes those courses for which they have a passion.  Finally, students can take what they are interested in, but colleges find value in other things, as well, such as students pursing jobs and internships.

The community college has a permission form that requires a Counselor and/or Administrator’s signature.  Can I drop by to get it signed?

You may add your counselor or administrator's email to your community college permission form. Be aware that counselors/administrators will not sign off on more than 2 community college classes in one semester. Counselors and administrators will not sign off on requests outside of school hours or during school breaks/weekends.