Key tasks:

• Check in with your school counselor to make sure you're on track to graduate.

• Ask for letters of recommendation from teachers/counselors/advisors.

Learn more:

• Talk to your school counselor. Make sure that you are on track to graduate. Also it may be helpful to ask questions about the application process and what’s the best path for you.

• Recommendation letters: If the colleges you're applying to require letters of recommendation, start asking for them. Ask teachers, coaches, counselors, advisors that truly know you and can speak on your academics, involvement inside/outside of school, and more. Don’t wait until the last minute because they may not be able to accommodate you! Give them AT LEAST one month.

  • Make sure your brag sheet is up to date! 

  • Tip: have your brag sheet physically AND digitally (ex. google doc) so that the person writing your LOR can access it at any time. 

• Grades and extracurriculars: Although it’s your senior year, your grades still matter! Stay involved and on top of your work.

• Keep working on your personal statements.

• Take the SAT/ACT if you have decided to take the SAT. Remember, SAT/ACT are no longer required to apply for a UC/CSU and most private universities. 

Key tasks:

• CSU and UC applications officially open.

• Keep working on your college applications.

• Finish personal statement drafts and show them to at least 3 people.

Learn more:

• CSU and UC Applications officially open!

• Finalize your college choices: Finalize which colleges you will be applying for. Look at your grades and your SAT/ACT scores and break down your list into three categories. 

Safety, Match, Reach.

• • Safety school: Schools that you are almost certain you will get into (your ACT/SAT scores and your GPA are higher than the school’s median)

  • Target school: Schools that are likely to admit because your ACT/SAT scores and your GPA are at the school’s median.

  • Reach school: Schools where your chance of acceptance might be low because your GPA and/or SAT/ACT scores are below what the medians are.

• Check out these guides for a general overview of the UC, CSU, and private college applications:

  • UC Application Overview | CSU Application Overview | Privates (Common App)

• Work on your applications everyday. Applications are very stressful and can be overwhelming. Make a list of all of your tasks and work on a small part of it everyday.

• Finish your personal statement drafts and show them to at least 3 people:

  • Someone who knows you very well (a friend or family member)

  • Someone who doesn't know you as well and can point out if anything is missing from your essays (a counselor or advisor)

  • Someone who can provide feedback on grammar and structure (an English teacher).

• Request your transcript early. Most universities don’t need your transcript right away. However some private colleges may ask you for them, so be prepared and request them in advance from your school counselor.

Key tasks:

• Turn in CSU and UC applications by November 30th.

• Apply for financial aid.

Learn more:

• November 30 is the last day to submit your UC and CSU applications!

College Applications

• Finalize your personal statements and complete the UC and CSU applications.

• UC applications require you to describe your extracurricular activities.

  • Here is a guide on how to explain your extracurricular activities effectively.

• CSU applications include an additional application to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides support and services to first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students. If you are eligible, we recommend that you fill out the application. You will need:

  • Short essays

  • 2 recommendation letters (letters don't have to be submitted by Nov 30. The deadline for your recommenders to submit letter is January).

  • Learn more about EOP here

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• If you are applying to private colleges, you might need to submit your financial aid applications early, as some private colleges award financial aid on a first come first serve basis.

• Submit your FAFSA OR the California Dream Act (for undocumented students). This is required by ALL UCs, CSUs, community colleges, and private colleges.

• Private colleges might also ask you to submit the CSS financial aid profile (this is separate from the FAFSA and CA Dream Act).

  • Learn more about the CSS Profile here.

• Scholarships: Start looking into some scholarships that you’re interested in applying for. (check the deadlines so you can time manage and prioritize).

Key tasks:

• FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application opens

• December is the last month to take and submit your SAT/ACT to universities!

• Remember, SAT/ACTs are OPTIONAL

• Check your email regularly for updates.

Learn more:

SAT/ACT

• DECEMBER is the last chance for you to take the SAT/ACT and still be able to send it to the universities you applied to.

• SAT/ACT scores must be SENT to the UCs and CSUs by January. Go online to College Board to send your score for FREE (apply for a fee waiver during checkout and select “Reduced Lunch Program”).

• Even if you applied to multiple UCs and CSUs, you only need to send your scores to ONE UC and ONE CSU and the rest of the campuses will receive your score.

Financial aid

• Most universities require you to submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application.

• Look into the universities that you have applied to, so that you can get an idea of the aid you may be able to receive.

College Applications

• Confirm Applications: Around this time you should be receiving emails from colleges confirming that they have received your application and will also provide you with a link to set up your portal. (ex. Red portal, applicant portal ,etc)

• A portal is a web page where students can keep track of their admissions process and provide the university with extra materials (if needed).

• It is extremely important that you check your email OFTEN (at least once every few days) for any emails from colleges. Failure to respond to certain emails on time can result in your application being withdrawn from consideration.

• If you are emailing the university/college make sure you always include your applicant number or student ID number.

• Early acceptances: If you submitted an early action or early decision, you should be receiving a decision around this time period.

Key tasks:

• April: FAFSA or the California Dream Act priority deadline.

• Keep checking your email regularly for updates.

• Keep searching for scholarships.

Learn more:

Financial Aid

• March 2nd is the last day to submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act application.

College applications

• College admissions decisions usually start to come out as early as February. Check your email regularly so that you can see if any updates have been made to your portal.