4-Year College Readiness Planning

Freshman Year

• Review graduation requirements options for regular diploma and Scholars Diploma.

• Become familiar with the UC/CSU a-g subject requirements, click here.

• Work on your grades! Aim for A’s and B’s in all of your classes.  Use your STEMWorks time each day to maximize your studying efficiency. 

• Start thinking about your academic and career goals.

• Use a website such as career cruising to do career searches and find your interests.

Sophomore Year

• Review your Four-Year Plan.

• Keep your grades up. Maximize your usage of STEMWorks to work in study groups and collaborate with your peers. 

• Make preliminary inquiries about colleges and the programs they offer.  Utilize your counseling center resources for a starting place, a search of California Colleges is a great place to start.

• 10th Graders may take the PSAT (pre-SAT) test in the fall at RSAHS.

Junior Year

• Juniors at RSAHS may take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall.

• Enroll in an SAT Preparation course.

• Take the SAT and/or the ACT in the Spring. 

• VISIT COLLEGE CAMPUSES (with your family and with RSAHS Field Trips)

• Develop a resume using online sources, or assistance from RSAHS faculty, staff or other adults.  You can also build a resume on Career Cruising. 

• Apply for scholarships. Register with FASTWEB for resources. 

• Apply for a PIN (electronic signature) for online FAFSA.

• Start talking to teachers, coaches, administrators, counselors, and people in the community about letters of recommendation. Use a brag sheet and submit to each of your letter writers. (you can find a copy of it on the guidance home page)

• Athletes: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

• Interested in the military? Not sure about what career to choose? Take the ASVAB – sign up in the guidance office.

Senior Year

• Must complete the SAT and/or the ACT by December for UC/CSU admission.

• Turn in your Senior Letter of Recommendation Packet to your counselor. Read the scholarship bulletin and apply for all eligible opportunities.

• Narrow your college choices. Be sure you are aware of ALL DEADLINES and APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.

• CSU Application period: October 1st to November 30th at CSU Mentor.

• UC Application period: November 1st to November 30th.

• Check each private school and out of state school's websites for application deadlines and requirements. Many colleges and universities use the Common Application

• Apply for Financial Aid. If you haven't done so already, apply for a PIN (electronic signature) for online FAFSA.

• Research information about Cal Grant.

• Attend Financial Aid Workshop available throughout Riverside Unified School District.

• Complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 2nd.

• In the spring, sit down with your parents and list the pros and cons of each school you are considering. Compare up to three colleges side by side using College Board Compare financial aid awards

• Some private colleges/universities require you to apply for Financial Aid using the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE.