GLENDALE HIGH SCHOOL
COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my counselor?
Counselors are assigned by the first letter of a student’s last name.
A, L, Q, R: Rena Scharch
B, C, D, E, F: Arsine Hovannesian
G, H, I, J, K: Olga Iraheta
M, N, O, P: Janelle Evans
S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z: Jacqueline Tabor
How many credits do I need for graduation?
All students need the following requirements to receive the high school diploma:
40 credits English (4 years)
20 credits Science (Physical and Life)
20 credits Math (including Algebra and Geometry)
5 credits Health
5 credits Career Preparation (see list)
30 credits Social Science (World History, U.S. History, Economics & American Government)
10 credits Fine Art* (Visual and Performing Art - see list)
*University bound students must take the same fine art – Art 1 and Art 2, not Sculpture 1 and Drama 1
20 credits Physical Education (PE – can use Marching Band, Dance, Pep Squad, Drill Team and other sports teams from GHS to fulfill requirement)
70 General Electives (including foreign language, advanced levels math, science, social science and many other electives)
What math classes do I need for graduation?
Students need to complete Algebra 1AB and Geometry 1-2.
If they are in the concepts track, they must also complete Algebra 2AB concepts
Do I need foreign language for graduation?
No, foreign language credits are not required for the high school diploma, but a minimum of two years of the same foreign language is required for college admission.
What is a career prep class?
Many classes meet the career prep requirement including:
| A Cappella |
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Concert Band |
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Oral Communication |
| All Career Academies |
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Construction/Wood |
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Peer Assistance |
| All ROP classes |
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Cosmetology |
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Photography |
| Architectural Drawing |
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Desktop Publishing |
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Screenwriting/Directing |
| ASB (Student Gov't) |
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Drama |
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Sculpture |
| Auto Mechanics |
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Foods |
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Stage Arts |
| Ceramics |
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Graphic Arts |
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Technical Theatre |
| Child Development |
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Journalism |
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Studio Art AP |
| Commercial Design |
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Keyboarding |
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Word Processing |
| Computer Accounting |
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Multimedia |
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Work Experience |
| Computer Applications |
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Music Technology |
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Yearbook |
What is a fine art (Visual and Performing Arts/VAPA)?
| Beginning Dance |
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Intermediate/Advanced Dance* |
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Drama* |
| Technical Theater* |
` |
Stage Arts* |
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Band* |
| AP Music Theory* |
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Orchestra* |
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Music Technology 1-2 |
| Music Technology 3-4* |
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Choir (of any kind)* |
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Art* |
| Art Appreciation* |
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Art History* |
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Ceramics* |
| Commercial Multimedia* |
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Design* |
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Drawing and Painting* |
| Photography* |
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Sculpture* |
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If a class qualifies both as a career prep, and VAPA, you can only use it once, unless it is taken more then one year.
*Denotes classes UC approved for admission to UC or CSU and meet the “f” requirement.
What level ELD counts for English credit for admission to a UC or CSU?
Only one year of the highest level ELD (level 5) Writing counts for admission to a Cal State or a UC. The other three years of English must be regular English.
What is the difference between the ACT, SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests?
ACT and SATI are tests required for college admissions. The ACT is more subject oriented and has five (5) components: reading, writing, science, social science, and math; the SAT is a reasoning test in math and English. SAT Subject tests are required for admission to all UC’s and some private colleges in addition to the ACT or SAT Reasoning.
If I go to GCC, can I transfer to a CSU or UC in two years?
Because of the large number of students attending community colleges and due to the limited availability of classes, it usually takes longer than two years to complete the general education transferable required classes. All entering freshman to community colleges are required to take English and math placement tests in order to qualify for the college/university level transfer classes. If scores are low, students must take remedial classes before beginning college level classes.
What is our school code for SAT, ACT and college applications?
The Glendale High School CEEB code is 051 – 050.
Can I go to a CSU or UC if my parents can’t help pay for it?
Yes, there are many ways to finance a college education. Some students qualify for grants (free money from the federal or state government) or student loans (must be repaid after receiving college degree).
Counselors encourage all seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and California Grants GPA verification from January 2 - March 2 of each year. Applications are available in the counseling office in December. The counseling office will submit the GPA verifications once a student picks up the FAFSA and gives his/her social security number (required by the state for identification purposes).
Can I change my teacher?
All students are encouraged to work out problems with individual teachers rather than asking their counselor to change classes and teachers. Many problems are solved by having a private discussion of issues with the teacher, having a parent/teacher conference, attending after school tutoring (free), meeting with the counselor and working on ways to improve attitude, motivation, or grades.
How can I take classes at Glendale Community College through Jump Start?
Jump Start is an early college enrollment program, allowing high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to take up to two college classes per semester at Glendale Community College, while still enrolled in high school. A student MAY NOT take a class at GCC that our high school offers during the academic school year. Any high school junior or senior (who is a California resident) is eligible. Students should see their counselor to enroll. Only students who are on track for graduation, passing all their classes, and have a GPA of 3.0 will be considered.