SPHS Graduation: Who Is Going Where?

Approximately 350 seniors will walk in white and black robes at the school’s

Senior Sara Patterson, who brought in a slew of scholarships this year, came to SPHS from Oklahoma in the summer of 2010 with intentions of pursuing theater after high school.

“I’m really grateful to have come to a community so supportive and become connected in such a short period of time,” said Patterson.

Patterson has plans to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood next year. She is one of about 292 SPHS graduating seniors who will stay in California for college, according to a Tiger newspaper study.

SPHS Principal Janet Anderson says faculty encourages students to complete a-g requirements—a series of 15 units that need to be taken in a specific order to be eligible for admission to UCs and CSUs.

“We want them to have those options, but finances are a reality right now,” said Anderson, noting the increase of students choosing to attend college in state.

While Paterson had a good idea of her career path post high school, SPHS PTSA funds an online program called Naviance for those who need more guidance. It helps students explore their interests and aptitudes, and also offers college options.

Popular college choices this year include: Pasadena City College (60), University of California—Santa Barbara (17), University of California—Riverside (14), University of Southern California (12), University of California—Berkeley (10).

Some have also chosen: Standford University (1), Princeton University (1), University of Oregon (4), New York University (3), University of Chicago (2), and Alaska Pacific University (2).

Tiger’s annual survey drew the following results from the approximate 361 SPHS seniors graduating this year:

Top Five Intended Majors

• Psychology: 14.5%
• Biology: 7.9%
• Economics: 6.5%
• Business: 3.5%
• Sociology: 3.2%

Type of School:

• Public: 30%
• Private: 70%

Location:

• California: 81%
• Out-of-State: 18%
• International: 1%

For the full survey, you can pick up a copy of Tiger at SPHS.

Patch Asks: Where are your kids going to college? Do you think SPHS does a good job of preparing kids for the next step? What advice do you have for the graduating seniors?

Check back with Patch for photos from the ceremony.