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SENIORS GET STARTED
STEP 1: Complete the SENIOR FALL SURVEY
Summer/Fall 2025
☐ 1. Create a CollegeVine account and start researching colleges and learn which colleges are a Reach, Target and/or Safety colleges. You can also do this using Naviance log in using your LAUSD log in.
☐ 2. Create your college list using the College List Organizer and calendar your deadlines for all of your colleges, scholarships, and financial aid applications and documents that have to be submitted.
☐ 3. Are you applying to Private Colleges & Universities? Start the Common Application opens August 1st
Start your Brag Sheet, ONLY if you're applying to Private Colleges & Universities on the Common Application. The Brag Sheet helps your teachers and Counselor write the letter of recommendation.
UC's do not require letters of recommendation.
CSU's do not require letters of recommendation however the CSU/EOP Program does require a letter of recommendation form form 2 teachers and/or 1 teacher and 1 coach.
☐ 4. Are you applying to UC's? Start the UC application it opens August 1st
☐ 5. If you're applying to highly selective private colleges make sure to register for the SAT or ACT a 2nd time.
☐ Start Writing
-CSU EOP Application- 5 autobiographical statements
-UC Application- 4 Personal Insight Questions (PIQ’s) of 350 words each
-Common Application- Personal Statement of 650 words
-Supplements for your other colleges & universities that you are applying to
-Scholarship Essay requirements…
☐ 3. Research scholarships. Check out the scholarships page there are so many organizations that are waiting for you to apply for their scholarships. You should never pay for scholarship information.
☐ 4. FINANCIAL AID: The FAFSA application will open in December, more information is to come.
☐ 5. CSS Profile: If you're applying to highly selective private colleges on this LIST, you will have to file the CSS Profile. It is imperative that you learn the CSS Profile deadlines for each of your colleges. You will need your parent's help with this, don't surprise them too late.
Important dates
Important dates
Application Opens: October 1st
Application Deadline: November 30th
Cost: $70 Per Application (Fee Waiver is Built-in the Application)
Website to Apply: https://www.calstate.edu/apply
When are EOP Recommendations Due?
SAT & ACT: *The California State University (CSU) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses.
Application Opens: August 1st
Application Deadline: November 30th
Cost: $80 Per Application (Fee Waiver is Built-in the Application)
Website to Apply: HERE
Step By Step Powerpoint on Applying: HERE
Letters of Recommendations required? NONE
Personal Insight Questions Tip Sheet
SAT & ACT: *The University of California (UC) no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all UC campuses.
Applying to Private Colleges & Universities ?
You can apply to Private Colleges and Universities using either of the website below:
Common App Over 1,000 member colleges
Coalition App 170 member colleges
COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS
o Mrs. Mena or Mrs. Marquez: request In-Person
o Mr. Malmed: Request In-Person
Letters of RecommendAtion
Letters of RecommendAtion
Need a letter of recommendation? How do you know if you need one?
Cal State Application (CSU app) does not require letters of recommendation
Only for the CSU EOP Program.
UC Application (UC app) does not require letters of recommendation
Private Colleges typically require letters of recommendation, you have to check the Common Application under College Info tab what is required.
Start your Brag Sheet, especially if you're applying to Private Colleges & Universities on the Common Application.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS- Follow your specific teacher’s process for requesting letters of rec. some may prefer in-person, other’s email, check in with them
Matching Naviance with your Common Application
What is Naviance?
Naviance is a College & Career tool for students to be able to...
Complete a variety of career inventories and assessments
search colleges
check out the scattergram and identify if the college is a Reach, Match and/or Safety
add your college list
add your teachers so that they can send your letters of recommendation
Counselors use this to send your letter of recommendation, the school profile & transcripts
Do you need a fee waiver to apply to college?
Community College: All applications are free of charge.
California State University (CSU) Application: The fee waiver is built into the application and it is based on your response for the adjusted gross income question in the Financial and Parental Information Section.
University of California (UC) Application: The fee waiver is built into the application and it is based on your response for the adjusted gross income question in the "About You" Section- See sub section "Your Household".
Common Application Fee Waiver: Complete the Household Information Form and See Mrs. Marquez
Need help with College Essays? Check out the...
Out of State College Resources
Western Undergraduate Exchange: Out of State colleges with tuition discounts :-)
College & University Fly in Programs: Get flown out to visit colleges out of the state!
Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Colleges that will change your life, check them out!
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