Counseling Center
Office Hours
Telephone 253-841-8711, option 2
Fax (Records Requests) 253-435-6509
Important Information
- Counseling Office Overview
- Transcript Requests
- Running Start
- Advance Placement Class & Testing Information
- FAFSA Info & Financial Planning for College
- Letter of Recommendation Request Form
- College Entrance Exams (SAT & ACT)
- Questions about HSBP? Community Service? Work Authorizations?
- Replace Your Diploma
Counseling Office Overview
When school is back open, students are encouraged to visit the counseling office for walk-ins before school, during lunches or after school for quick questions.
We encourage students to make appointments and meet with their counselor to address any questions or concerns they may have.
Counselors are available to assist students in educational planning, social/personal development, scholarships and post-high school planning.
Educational Planning
- Scheduling
- Credit Checks
- Credit Recovery towards on time graduation
- AP Testing
- PSAT & NMSQT/SAT/ACT
- CLEP
- World Language Proficency Exam
Social/Personal Development
- Conflict resolution
- Stress management techniques
- Time management skills
- Substance abuse information/resources
Post High School Planning
- Post High School Planning
- Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- College entrance exam information: SAT/ACT
College Resources
- Scholarship Directory
- State Assessments
- High School Proficiency Exam - Reading & Writing
- Alternative options to State Assessments (Collection of Evidence, SAT, ACT)
Transcript Requests
What is the Difference between and Official and Unofficial Transcript?
- Official Transcripts – A transcript is official if it is in a sealed envelope and if it bears the authorizing signature and the 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, 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 Only: Class of 2025, 2026 & 2027
- 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.
- Fill out the Microsoft Form for Transcript Request (Current Students)
- Request transcripts can be mailed, emailed or picked up at PHS student Services. There is no fee for this method.
Current PHS Students, Former Students, Graduates
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 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 (Approx $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.
If you have questions about your request, please contact Ms. Wood at woodCK@puyallupsd.org or call 253-841-8711 Option 2
Running Start
If you are interested in Running Start for the 25-26 School year, there will be two information meetings in Late February for current sophomores and juniors who will be new to Running Start. Watch Schoology and Mr Sunich's weekly emails for details.
Running Start is a statewide college program for academically qualified juniors and seniors in high school to enroll in courses to fulfill high school graduation requirements and earn college credit.
Interested in Running Start for 2025-2026? There will be an information meeting in late February-early March. Watch Schoology and morning announcements for more updates.
Visit the PSD Running Start Website for more Information
Running Start Steps for WINTER 2024!
- Watch the Running Starr Information Session Video/PPT
- You can also visit the Pierce College Running Start Website to sign up for a session. Pierce College offers virtual information sessions via Zoom. Sessions will last approx. 30 minutes.
- Please watch this informational video if you are unable to attend a Pierce College information session.
- Admissions: Submit an online application for the college of choice (Pierce, TCC, Clover Park, Highline). After you apply to the college of your choice, you will receive an email back from the college with a college ID number and instructions about how to complete your enrollment. Visit the PSD Running Start Webpage for a list of running start schools.
- Placement Assessment: Take college entrance test to be eligible to take college level English/math courses. Test results must show eligibility to take 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 for more details or contact information. If you are attending another college, contact the college directly for testing information.
-
Complete the Running Start MS Form. (Note: Only the PHS Student can submit this information with their PSD Microsoft Account).
-
Students will need to upload the following documents to the request form:
-
Please complete the MS form and EMAIL your counselor. Your counselor will send your paperwork via email as soon as they are able and schedule a meeting to review the running start information.
-
Complete the Running Start Agreement Form initialed and signed by you and your parent/guardian.
-
Your college placement test results (Guided self– placement or other required tests -- See step 3)
-
-
At the Appointment:
- You will receive the RS Graduation Requirement Worksheet
- You will be responsible for meeting all High School Graduation Requirements.
- 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
- Register and Pay Fees: Register for classes at the college with direction and instructions from your college advisor. Pay student/course fees required by the college (Note: Free/reduced lunch eligible fees may be waived by the college)
- Confirm Enrollment with Your Counselor: Email a screenshot of your Winter & Spring 2025 schedule to your PHS Counselor. Once they receive the screenshot, they will adjust your PHS Schedule.
REMINDERS:
- High school classes take priority over Running Start classes; students must schedule accordingly.
- Student is responsible for obtaining PHS information about important dates, timelines, events, etc. (Running Start Schoology Group, Class of 2025 Schoology Course, Class of 2026 Schoology Course, PSD Student Email, PHS Counseling Website and SchooLinks)
- Parent/guardians will not receive any information from college regarding RS students (FERPA)
- College advisors will help students plan & schedule college classes – Classes fill up quickly.
- Student may need to take certain courses at PHS: Algebra II and World Language
- RS student is responsible for keeping track of high school graduation requirements – including High School & Beyond Plan (PSD Running Start Graduation Requirements Worksheet provided initial appointment)
Advance Placement Class & Testing Information
Questions about AP testing, payments or testing schedule, please email Mrs. Galan, AP Coordinator at PHSAP@puyallupsd.org
AP Costs and Payments for the 2024-2025 School Year
- Payment for AP Exams is due by March 1, 2025. If payment is not received, a fine will be placed on your student's account
- Payment can be made in person with the PHS Bookkeeper or online with the In-Touch payment system.
- It is possible to request an exam after October 31, 2024, but an additional fee of $40 will apply.
- If the student chooses to withdraw from an AP class after October 31, 2024, there will be a $40 charge for cancelling the exam.
- Students who do not show up to take their exam(s) will be charged a $40 unused 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.
Welcome, and congratulations on accepting the challenge of taking one or more Advanced Placement courses at Puyallup High School. You should be proud for recognizing the importance of taking a rigorous academic schedule to prepare yourself for a successful post-high school education.
If you take advantage of the lessons in these classes, remain current in completing all assignments, and seek to obtain a deep understanding of the topics taught, they will be assured of receiving the best education to prepare you for a college degree.
There are some expectations that we need to make clear. Please read and carefully consider the following components that are common to all Advanced Placement classes. It is imperative that students sign the bottom of this paper as proof of their commitment to the requirements of Advanced Placement classes.
- AP Students must bear a mature and consistent sense of self-motivation and self-discipline. Because lessons and assignments occur frequently, students are expected to stay abreast of all assignments and dutifully prepare for each test. Failure to keep up with assignments will result in poor academic performance, and there will be few opportunities (if any) to make up work that is missed.
- AP students must expect to complete an average of 5-10 hours of homework per week. This is due to the increased amount of content AP classes cover. Students need to manage their time so they can successfully participate in other activities in addition to academics.
- AP students must expect to meet a rigorous academic challenge. AP teachers do not merely assign a greater number of assignments than regular classes. AP classes require students to develop a deep and critical understanding of the topics covered.
- Due to the rigorous academic challenge, AP students are expected to maintain regular, on time attendance at school.
- Students have the option to take the AP exam for each course in which a student is registered.
- The current cost of an AP exam is approximately $99 for all courses except AP Seminar and AP Research which is Approximately $147.
- Limited financial waivers are available for students who cannot afford to pay for the exam.
- Payment can be made to the PHS Bookkeeper or online with the In-Touch payment system.
- Students do not register for the exam; an exam will be automatically ordered for each AP class a student is registered,
- AP exams are scheduled by College Board in May 5-9 and May 12-16, 2025. Please avoid scheduling vacations, appointments, etc. during the testing times.
Learn more about AP Capstone.
FAFSA Info & Financial Planning for College
FAFSA/WASFA is the free application that 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.
- 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.
- Print and complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA worksheet above.
The worksheet provides an overview of what the FAFSA is going to ask.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
Finanical Aid Events - Washington Student Achievement Council
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) - America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program
Other Financial Options
Washington College Grant
College Bound Washington - Washington Student Achievement Council
Letter of Recommendation Request Form
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 send with the letter.
- Indicate deadline.
- Request a letter well in advance of the deadline. The writer should have a minimum of 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!
College Entrance Exams (SAT & ACT)
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’re using the SAT/ACT in lieu of the State Test, the ACT Plus Writing 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.
SAT Prep Resource
ACT
The ACT is offered at various locations around the Puget Sound Region.
Questions about HSBP? Community Service? Work Authorizations?
Replace Your Diploma
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 completed the 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 form.
Calendar
Courses of Study
Resources
PHS Counselors
Online scheduling is for current PHS students and their parents
Emily Williams
Last Names A-C & Exchange Students
Please call 253-841-8711 to book an appointment
Kelsey Wiest
Last Names D-H
Book an Appointment with Kelsey
Meg Kozar
Last Names I-Md
Book an Appointment with Meg
Jaime Mercer
Last Names Me-R
Book an Appointment with Jaime
Kate Pearson
Last Names S-Z
Book an Appointment with Kate
Student Services Staff
- Sarah Ravindranath, OTGS
- Christy Galan, Registrar
- Cristi Wood, Registrar
- Crissy Gee, Attendance Secretary
- Christina Bren, School Psychologist
- Ivonne Norman, School Psychologist
- Cheryl Cummings, Data Processor