FRESHMAN YEAR

• • Take college prep courses to meet admission standards.

  • Attend tutoring available after school for academic support. Please see your counselor for more information.

  • Take elective courses that will help you explore your interests.

  • Begin your Academic Planner at www.californiacolleges.edu. Start a profile at www.raise.me.

  • Join clubs, do extra-curricular activities to help you meet new friends and get you involved with CVHS.

  • Start communicating with your high school counselor about your options after high school.

  • Sign up for summer school to make up classes needed for graduation or college.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

• • Continue taking the required courses to meet 4-year university admissions standards.

  • Take part in community service/volunteer programs.

  • Continue to communicate with your high school counselor about your college plans.

  • Consider taking ROP (Regional Occupational Program) classes the following year to meet vocational

    • graduation requirement and to explore vocational career option.

  • Visit the College & Career Center.

  • Start visiting college campuses.

  • Sign up for summer school if any classes need to be made up for graduation or college.

JUNIOR YEAR

• • Review with your counselor the classes you need to take for graduation and university/college admissions. Continue taking the required courses to meet 4-year university requirement.

  • In October, take the PSAT/NMSQT to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions for recognition and scholarships.

  • Register for the ACT and SAT early. Take the ACTs and SATs more than once to get the best possible score to send to colleges. Most juniors take the SAT/ACT in the spring (and again in the fall of their senior year).**

  • Research majors and colleges/universities that provide programs of a specific major. Visit campuses, school websites to learn more about programs, school campus, and specific admissions requirements.

  • Continue with extra-curricular activities, community/volunteer work.

  • Take summer school to make up classes for graduation and college.

  • Make college list

  • Visit colleges

  • Do research

  • Start Senior Brag sheet

  • Review progress towards graduation (check classes, units and grades)

SENIOR YEAR

• • Meet with your counselor to discuss graduation and college/career options.

  • Continue taking challenging classes for an easier transition into college.

  • Last chance to take the ACT or SAT. In the fall, register for the ACT or SAT as soon as possible. December is the last month for Seniors to take the SAT for UCs/CSUs (some campus deadlines vary!).**

  • October – November: Apply to the UCs/CSUs. Some community college applications are open at this time.

  • October - February: Apply to private colleges or technical schools. Check with specific schools for application deadlines.

  • October – March 2: Apply for financial aid (FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov or CA Dream Act https://dream.csac.ca.gov/). The deadline is March 2nd for Cal Grants but apply early.

    • After submitting FAFSA/CA Dream App: Check Cal Grant status at webgrants4students.org

  • February: Attend CVEF Scholarship workshop.

  • March: Deadline for CVEF Scholarship applications.

  • Throughout the year:

    • Check email and college portals regularly for updates and requests

    • Visit the College/Career Center for college and scholarship information

    • DO NOT GET SENIORITIS !!!!!! Colleges and universities admit conditionally and expect students to maintain grades throughout senior year. Admission can be rescinded based on senior year grades.

**Class of 2021 and Class of 2022: UCs and CSUs will NOT be using SAT or ACT for admissions. Most private colleges are test optional. You may need the SAT or ACT for military academies or other.**