Counseling Center

• Official Transcripts – A transcript is considered official if it is in a sealed envelope and bears the authorizing signature and official seal of the school. An Official Transcript is a legal document. All fines/fees must be paid in order to get an official transcript.
• Unofficial Transcript – An unofficial transcript cannot be used as proof of graduation, but is great if you need the information. (i.e. online college applications that are asking your GPA, etc ...). An unofficial transcript is not a legal document.

• Current PHS Students can access their unofficial transcript anytime on SchooLinks:
  • from the main screen, click on school (top left)
  • click on Records Requests
  • Then you are able to download an unofficial transcript.

Puyallup High School has partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcript and other credentials securely. 

• NOTE: If you are not a current student, a PHS graduate and over the age of 18, you must request the transcripts through Parchment. Parents/guardians cannot request your transcript on your behalf. 
  • There is a small fee (approximately $9)
  • Please allow a minimum of two school/business days for processing.
  • *We may be unable to process requests for official transcripts if you have a fine/fee balance on your account.

Families and students must review Running Start information by attending a session or watching the recorded presentation.

Choose one option below:

• In-person session: Attend the Running Start Information Meeting on Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the PHS Auditorium (for sophomores, juniors, and their parent/guardian).

• Student-only session: Attend during Viking Time on Friday, March 20 at 8:25 a.m.

• Pierce College virtual sessions: If you are unable to attend one of the meetings above, visit the Pierce College Running Start Events Calendar to register for a Zoom information session. Sessions last approximately 30 minutes.

• Recorded presentation: If you cannot attend a session, please watch the Running Start informational PowerPoint/video below.

• Submit an online application for the college of choice (Pierce, Tacoma Community College, Clover Park, Highline).

• After you apply, you will receive an email from the college with a college ID number and enrollment instructions.

• Visit the Running Start Webpage for a list of Running Start schools.

• Take the college entrance test to be eligible for college-level English/Math courses.
  You must take Algebra 2 at PHS if you have not yet completed the course.

• Pierce College uses Guided Self-Placement for most English and math placements. Complete this in Module 2 on the “New Student Guide.”

• Visit the Pierce College Testing Centers - Placement Services webpage webpage for details or contact info.

• If attending another college, contact that college directly for testing information.

(Only the PHS student can submit this form with their PSD Microsoft Account.)

Upload the following documents to the Running Start MS Form:

• College placement test results (Guided Self-Placement or other required tests)

• RS Agreement form initialed and signed by student and parent/guardian (available on the Running Start MS Form)
• When you have completed the Microsoft Form, stop by PHS Student Services before school, during your lunch or after school to make an appointment with your PHS Counselor.
• You must meet with your PHS Counselor BEFORE May 29, 2026. If you miss this date, you will have to wait until after September 7th to complete this step

Note: If you have not uploaded these documents and don’t have it with you at your appointment, it will be re-scheduled

At the Appointment:

• You will receive the RS Graduation Requirement Worksheet
• This worksheet will be used when meeting with your college advisor (Note: Colleges other than Pierce & Clover Park will also involve the Enrollment Verification Form-EVF)
• You will be responsible for meeting all High School Graduation Requirements indicated on the worksheet

• Register for classes at the college with direction from your college advisor.

• Pay student/course fees required by the college.
  (Note: Free/reduced lunch eligible fees may be waived by the college.)

• Email a screenshot of your Fall 2026 schedule from the college to your PHS Counselor.

• Once received, your counselor will adjust your PHS Schedule.

• High school classes take priority over Running Start classes; schedule accordingly.

• Students are responsible for obtaining PHS information about important dates, timelines, and events through:

  • Running Start Schoology Group

  • Class of 2027 and Class of 2028 Schoology Courses

  • PSD Student Email

  • PHS Counseling Website

  • SchooLinks

• Parents/guardians will not receive information from colleges regarding Running Start students (per FERPA restrictions).

• College advisors help students plan and schedule classes; be aware that classes fill quickly.

• Students may need to take certain courses at PHS (Algebra II and World Language).

• Running Start students are responsible for tracking all high school graduation requirements, including the High School & Beyond Plan. Refer to the PSD Running Start Graduation Requirements Worksheet provided during the initial appointment.

Questions about AP testing, payments or testing schedule, please email Mrs. Galan, AP Coordinator at PHSAP@puyallupsd.org.

AP Costs and Payments for the 2025-2026 School Year

• Payment for AP Exams were due by October 31,2025. If payment was not received, a fine has placed on your student's account.
• Payment can be made in person with the PHS Bookkeeper or online with the In-Touch payment system. All exams are $99 each
• Students who do not show up to take their exam(s) in May 2026, will be charged a $40 no show exam fee. 
• Late Testing is available depending on the reason for missing the exam - you must contact the AP Coordinator immediately if a conflict arises. 

AP Exams for 2026:  May 4-8 & May 11-15, 2026. 

Learn more about AP Capstone. 

FAFSA/WASFA is the free application you must complete if you plan to enroll in any university, community or technical college. It is important, no matter your financial standing, that you complete the FAFSA or WASFA!

• FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• WASFA - Washington Application for State Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will be available to the public on or before December 1, 2024. 

Five Easy Steps to File the FAFSA

Applying for financial aid can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here are five easy steps to file the FAFSA so you can receive all the financial aid resources for which you are eligible. Even if the FAFSA doesn't reflect your family's current situation, you should still complete the FAFSA. Colleges and Universities can work with you to factor in special circumstances such as COVID-19 impacts or loss of income. 

1. Go to studentaid.gov and click "create account" to create your FSA ID. Have the parent/guardian you live with do the same. An FSA ID is your electronic signature for all federal financial aid processes.
    
2. Print and complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA worksheet above. 
   The worksheet provides an overview of what the FAFSA is going to ask. 
    
3. Log in to the Federal Student aid website at studentaid.gov/fafsa and complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
   It's secure and confidential. With your FSA ID and a completed FAFSA worksheet, you are ready to complete a FAFSA online. Make sure both you and your parent/guardian sign the FAFSA using your FSA IDs. 
    
4. Receive a link to your Student Aid Report in your email after filing the FAFSA. Review for accuracy. 
   If you made an error on your FAFSA, don't worry! Just log back in to your FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid website and correct it. Be sure you and your parent/guardian sign the FAFSA again using your FSA IDs.
    
5. Receive financial aid offers from the colleges and universities that you list on your FAFSA and to which you are admitted.
   
   Your FAFSA maximizes eligibility for all available financial aid resources to invest in your future! 
   
   You will need the following information to complete the FAFSA/WASFA: 

• Federal tax information or tax returns, including IRS W-2 information, for you and your parents 
• Your driver’s license number (if available) 
• Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) 
• Your Parents’ Social Security Numbers (FAFSA can still be completed if your parents do not have a Social Security #)  
• Your Social Security Number  

Here are FAFSA resources:

Padlet 

Finanical Aid Events - Washington Student Achievement Council

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) - America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program

Get Free Tax Help

Other Financial Options

Washington College Grant

College Bound Washington - Washington Student Achievement Council 

Many scholarships and college applications require letters of recommendation from teachers and/or members of the community.

General Guidelines

• Read the application instructions carefully.
• Give the writer a stamped properly addressed envelope.
• Give the writer any forms that need to be sent with the letter.
• Indicate the application deadline.
• Request a letter well in advance of the deadline. The writer should have a minimum of two (2) weeks to write the letter. 
• Check back to see that the letter has been mailed.
• Recommend the writer save a copy.

Selecting Writers

• Select people who know you well and show interest in you, i.e., teacher, activity advisor, job supervisor, youth minister, volunteer coordinator, etc.
• Select people who are familiar with your potential and your achievements.
• Select teachers whom you have had as instructors in an academic subject.
• Ask teachers with whom you have had more than one class (when possible).
• Select people who could best explain your extra efforts in school or on the job.
• Ask the person how they feel about writing a good recommendation for you.

Letter of Recommendation Request Form

Write a "Thank You" note shortly after the letter has been completed!

Students interested in attending college after high school should plan to take the SAT or ACT during the spring of their junior year. This will allow students the opportunity to retake the exam, if needed, prior to submitting college applications during their senior year.

While some colleges and universities have altered their entrance requirements to make submitting test scores optional, students are still encouraged to take the test. Many scholarships require students to submit test scores, and a strong test score can strengthen a student’s application even to universities who have become test optional.

Which Test Should You Take?

Students should plan to take the SAT or ACT. If you know what school you want to attend, you are encouraged to reach out to that school to determine if they prefer a specific test.

The ACT has a science component, but the SAT does not. If you are a student who has not met standard on the WCAS or you are using the SAT/ACT in lieu of the State Test, the ACT Plus Writing test might be the better option.
PHS College Code:  480940

SAT

The SAT is offered at various locations around the Puget Sound Region, including Puyallup High School.

Register for the SAT

SAT Prep Resource

Khan Academy

ACT

The ACT is offered at various locations around the Puget Sound Region.

Register for the ACT

ACT Prep Resource 

The Registration window for current Puyallup High School Students and Freshman scheduled to attend PHS for the 2026-2027 school year has been completed. 

Our Administrators and Counselors will now work on the Master Schedule based on student requests. 

If a student did not submit class requests for the 2026-2027 school year, their counselor will create a schedule based on the student's graduation requirements. 

Students who enroll at PHS after the deadline will choose their 2026-2027 classes during the enrollment process. 

Registration Resources

CTE/Career Pathways

Interested in a Career in Education?  Teachers of Tomorrow is designed for students who would like to learn more about teaching or related educational careers. It provides students with a hands-on opportunity to work with children in a classroom setting. Students work as elementary classroom assistants at local elementary schools and attend seminars at the high school. If students cannot provide their own transportation to elementary school sites, transportation will be provided. 

If you have questions about the High School & Beyond Plan (HSBP), Community Services hours, or employment authorization/release, please visit the Career Center in Room 163 in the CTE Building (south side of the campus). 

Diplomas are a one-time ceremonial item, and the Puyallup School District does not reproduce them.

You have the option to order a diploma by completing this link from Jostens.

Please Note: The diploma may be different than your original diploma. The signature of the Board Members, Superintendent and/or Principal will be the current signatures and may/may not match the signatures on your original Diploma.

• Diplomas do take 4-6 weeks to complete and CANNOT be RUSHED, as we need to recreate the plates from that year.
• Diplomas cannot be emailed or faxed to you, they are an official document that must be mailed.
• You will need a credit card to complete this order. The cost for a new diploma is $50.00 (including shipping & tax) and payment will be taken at the end of the order form.