Pace FAQ

As a student in the San Marcos Unified School District, your child is a participant in the PACE Promise.

The PACE Promise is a joint endeavor of the San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) and California State University of San Marcos (CSUSM). Through this unique partnership, beginning with the graduating class of 2009, the two entities have guaranteed the admission of all students who reach key benchmarks as they complete their high school education within the SMUSD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can my student become a part of this program?
   The PACE Promise is a step-by-step plan of preparation for college admission that currently targets SMUSD students beginning with the graduating class of 2009.
   Starting in seventh grade, SMUSD students will work to fulfill program expectations. By meeting established guidelines, they complete requirements for admission to CSUSM through the PACE Promise. Meeting these requirements ALSO prepares students for admission to most California public and private universities and colleges. However, the competition for limited openings at CSUSM is eliminated because of the PACE Promise. To ensure that program goals are met, students and parents agree must meet specific academic benchmarks and to take advantage of support systems as needed.


2. What are the key graduate benchmarks for SMUSD students must meet to qualify for admission via the PACE Promise?
   Students must . . .
   1. Be continuously enrolled in the San Marcos Unified School District beginning in 9th grade and graduate from a San Marcos high school.
   2. Complete all A-G coursework required by CSU admission policies with grades of a C or better.
   3. Meet CSU eligibility index requirements.
   4. Participate in the CSU Early Admission Program (EAP) requirements in mathematics and English during their junior (11th grade) year and meet assessments requirements before enrollment to CSUSM.
   5. Take the SAT Reasoning or ACT Exam.
   6. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
   
   
3. How will my student be supported?
   Support services are in place to help students stay on track. These include tutoring, summer school, counseling, and help with college entrance exam preparation. Please contact your student's counselor for specific details about the services offered. Support from home is also critical. Parents must agree to attend PACE Promise activities, meet with the school counselor, and ensure their students access to any program services needed to stay on track.


4. How can I know-- before it's too late-- if my child is on-track for the PACE Promise?
   A middle or junior high school student is considered on-track if he or she completes each semester with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher and earns a grade of C or better in both math and English. Parents of students in grades 7 and 8 can track their students progress towards grade-level benchmarks at each six-week progress report and at the end of the semester.
   • The High School PACE Promise benchmarks are based on the student's cumulative grade point average and successful completion of classes each semester. Parents of students can track their students progress towards grade-level benchmarks at each six-week progress report and at the end of the semester.Counselors and teachers welcome parent and student inquiries at any point during the school year. Frequent parent contact supports student success in powerful ways.
   


5. My entering seventh grader is behind in his skills. He didn't do well in elementary school. Will the PACE Promise still work for him?
   The middle school years are the time to get ready for high school. Your student can still be very successful; your concern and encouragement are vital to your child's success in middle school, high school, and college. PACE can work very well for students who need extra time to reach grade-level standards, but they must begin to take their studies seriously as soon as possible.
   
   
6. What if my freshman does not meet the benchmarks during one or more semesters? Sara did not earn a 2.0 in her A-G classes last semester and she got a D in her math class. Does that mean she's out of PACE for good?
   Students make mistakes; it is not required they have perfect records. Rather, the semester benchmarks are guidelines that, if met, will assure that students meet the key benchmarks upon graduation. An A-G course in which a student earns less than a C can be retaken, usually during summer school. A support class that would help her raise her math grade may be available at some sites. During the following semesters, by sustaining improved grades, her cumulative grade point average may increase to the benchmark level.
   There are MANY ways to make up for a weak semester or two. The difficulty comes when poor habits are deeply ingrained, skill-level does not improve to grade-level standards, and a grade-point average is so low that to balance it, a student would have to earn perfect grades in all future classes. It's easy to repair the damage of a brief lapse in effort; it's more difficult as time goes on, though not necessarily impossible. Please be sure to contact your child's counselor immediately for assistance in bringing her academic success.


7. What about financial assistance?
   Tuition Assistance - Students who meet all the benchmarks may receive financial assistance. Once unmet financial need is determined to exist by Cal State San Marcos, the PACE Promise may assist students who have met the benchmarks.
   All PACE-eligible students must do the following to be considered for monetary aid:
   • Complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application which determines eligibility for various grants, including Pell grants
   • Apply for Cal-Grants and for EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) status and grant.


8. What if I need more information on the program?
   Please contact your student's counselor or the PACE Promise Office at (760) 752-1257.