After Applying

Next Steps: Seniors

College Portals

What are College Portals?

Did you apply to 4-year universities? If so, you will likely need to set up portals for the campuses you applied to. Many universities, including CSU, UCs, and privates, use student portals to communicate with students.


These portals often include the following:


  • Application Status

  • Missing or Required Documents

  • Accept/Decline Admission

  • Financial Aid Status

  • Personal To-Do List

  • Ability to Update your Personal Contact Information


Most campuses will send an email with directions on how to set up your portal.


Make sure you are regularly checking your portals for "To-dos" and other updates. Many students miss deadlines because they are not regularly checking their portals.

Campus Portal Tracker Worksheet

College Portal Tracker

To keep yourself organized you may want to use this sheet to record your portal information for your schools.


Make a copy to use online or print out the sheet. To use online, click "File," and then "Make a copy."


Making a Final College Decision

Need some help making your final decision after your acceptances? This article outlines some helpful things to consider!

Need some help organizing your pro/con list for the schools where you were accepted? Check out this handy worksheet!

Compare Financial Aid Offers

One way to help make your decision is to compare your financial aid offers. This online tool helps you do this!

The College Essay Guy gives a 3 methods for thinking through your options.

Mid-Year Transcripts

Some 4-year universities may require you to send a mid-year transcript by February. Make sure to check your portals and or emailed communication from your schools to see if this is needed.


To request an official mid-year transcript, you will usually request this through Naviance. You can find more information on how to request your needed transcripts here.


Final Transcripts

All universities will require you to send a final transcript after graduation. This must be requested before graduating and will be sent in June after transcripts are finalized.


To request an official final transcript, you will request this through Naviance. You can find more information on how to request your needed transcripts here.