Your High School Game Plan for College - College Checklist

Freshman

1. 1. Take college preparatory classes, including a-g algebra or a-g geometry and an a-g foreign language

   2. Take the Education and Career Planning 1A course. In this class you will make your 4 Year Plan, which will outline the courses you will take in grades 9-12

   3. Attend local College Fairs

   4. Take Advisory or work on your own to develop strong study skills and test taking skills

   5. Participate in school and community activities – remember it’s the whole “package” that counts grades, course rigor, volunteer work, community service, and leadership…that’s what the colleges are looking for! 

   6. Create your www.californiacolleges.edu account How to Create your californiacolleges.edu account 

   7. Make a copy of this google doc “Activity Record” or create your own and begin filling it out by listing of co-curricular activities and awards and honors and community service activities with descriptions of what you do

   8. and begin filling it out by keeping copies of report cards, list of co-curricular activities and awards and honors, community service activities with descriptions of what you do

   9. Start thinking about colleges, visit colleges during breaks and summer

   10. Join some clubs!  In January – look into joining CSF (California Scholarship Federation)

   11. Research standard college entrance essay questions, begin thinking about how you would answer

Sophomore

1. 1. Continue #1-10 on the freshman level, don’t forget about #4 and #5…very important!

   2. Continue to participate in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, sciences.

   3. Continue researching colleges – visit websites like www.californiacolleges.edu , campus visits, and college fairs. Make a list of colleges you would like to attend. 

   4. Discuss career choices and college with parents, ES, and guidance counselor, look into our CTE program.

   5. Update your “Activity Record” (see #7 Freshman Year).

   6. October – take PSAT/NMSQT (practice SAT) test for 10th grade and 11th graders. 

   7. Look at costs and projected possible financial aid - is it practical? List pros/cons.  Use https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/  or College Board's Net Price Calculator 

   8. Summer: do your research - Create a balanced list  of reach, match, and safety colleges and go to their websites to not the freshman application requirements, regular application deadline, and early application deadline (if they have one and what are the requirements).

Junior

1. 1. Continue with full academic program; maintain grades, study (review freshman, sophomore steps).

   2. Assume leadership roles in activities.

   3. Attend college fairs, visit colleges and meet with representatives, narrow down your possible college choices by using websites and discussing with counselor. Use www.californiacolleges.edu to do research and save your information!

   4. Create your Reach, Match, Safety list .  You can use this or create your own, make a copy 

   5. Take CTE or Community College courses this year or during your senior year.

   6. Investigate scholarships online and discuss with guidance counselor.  See our school website page Scholarship Information 

   7. Update your “Activity Record” (see #7 Freshman Year).

   8. October – take the PSAT/NMSQT (practice SAT in your junior year the scores count towards the National Achievement Program)

   9. January 1 to March 2 – Early Grads Only- submit your FAFSA online (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) make sure to contact Guidance for Instructions for submitting your Cal Grant Application

   10. March, April, May, June – optional - take the SAT Reasoning and/or ACT

       1. What is "test optional" and should I take the SAT or ACT,  find out more here 

       2. For a list of colleges that require the SAT or ACT look here 

   11. Summer – practice writing college applications, practice writing your college essay and review for content, grammar, punctuation, readability.

   12. Time to decide! Applications due next year!

   13. Get detailed financial aid info

   14. Summer: do your research - Create a balanced list  of reach, match, and safety colleges and go to their websites to not the freshman application requirements, regular application deadline, and early application deadline (if they have one and what are the requirements).

Senior

1. Take a full academic program! Study and maintain your grades (review freshman, sophomore, junior steps)

2. Continue to update your “Activity Record” and to be active in school and community (see #7 Freshman Year)

3. Collect letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, administrators and community leaders.

4. Attend college fairs, meet with representatives attend college nights.

5. Make a final decision about College, make sure you meet requirements, double check deadlines, selecting a college major can be helpful, get advice from your counselor.

6. Write any essays to be included in applications.

7. Be aware of scholarships available by checking newsletter and online resources.

8. September through December take all necessary college entrance tests (SAT Reasoning or ACT with writing). SAT and/or ACT may be optional at your college. Make sure your official test scores are being sent to the colleges to which you are applying, if they are optional at your college, you can choose not to send them.

   1. What is "test optional" and should I take the SAT or ACT,  find out more here 

   2. For a list of colleges that require the SAT or ACT look here 

9. Write thank you notes for all assistance received.

10. October 1 through November 30 - submit your college admissions applications to CSU and UC.  Check deadlines for early decision applications and private colleges.

    1. CSU Extra time to apply!   Several CSU campuses have extended their application deadlines for freshman applicants.   Visit CSU's  application dates & deadlines page and use  Is Your Campus Still Accepting Applications?  

11. Check deadlines for private and out of state college applications and submit on time, check their websites for freshman admission deadlines.   The Common Application is accepted by many colleges and allows you to apply to several using just one application.  Go directly to the college website to apply for those colleges that do not use The Common Application.

12. October 1 through March 2 -apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Note: CWCS will submit your GPA to the CalGrant program for ALL 12th graders who have Not opted out, per your Master Agreement (contact ES or Guidance to find out if you opted out).

13. Spring - make your selections, apply for housing and meal plans, recieve and accept financial aid offer, notify whichever colleges you're not planning to attend.

14. June – have your school send your final transcripts to the college of your choice. Decision time!  Finalize Financial aid info