Senior Timeline
and Checklist
SUMMER
Important Dates:
August 1- UC Application and Common Application open. For UC, you may begin filling out the application, but the submission window is between November 1-30th. Look at the UC Personal Insight Questions link for more information.
To-Dos:
- Take the interest surveys, work on your resumé, and add colleges to "Colleges I am Thinking About" in Naviance.
- When you have decide on your colleges, move them to "Colleges I am Applying To" list in Naviance.
- Start thinking about your college essays and drafting ideas.
FALL
Important Dates:
September 15: Complete your Senior Post-Grad Plan Survey.
October 1: CSU application window opens.
October 1: Application for Financial Aid opens today (FAFSA or CADAA)
October 10: (tentative) Financial Aid Night at California High School –perhaps a virtual event will be scheduled.
October 12: SAT School Day at Cal (optional)
November 1: UC application window opens.
November 30: Application deadline for UC and CSU applications.
December 19-22: Finals week for Semester One
To-Dos:
- Read your emails for counseling and college information and updates.
- Attend college visits in the College & Career Center (sign up prior on Naviance). Many schools will be doing virtual events this year.
- Narrow your college list.
- Enter your list of colleges in Naviance –keep this list updated as you make changes, add/delete applications.
- If required by the colleges you are applying to, request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselor.
- Research the SAT/ACT policies for the colleges on your list. If needed, register for October or November SAT, ACT, or Subject tests. SAT offered at Cal in October!
- Attend Financial Aid Night in October –may be virtual.
- Get started on FAFSA or CADAA application. Deadline is March 2.
- Complete CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile, if required.
- Edit and begin submitting your college applications.
- Request transcripts to be sent to colleges in Naviance, if required.
WINTER
Important Dates:
January: Jostens typically visits after Winter Break to take orders for graduation announcements and caps and gowns. Be on the lookout for announcements!
February: Diablo Valley College (DVC) and Las Positas visit early in February to discuss their application process and answer questions. It is important to attend these meetings if you plan to attend in the Fall! Contact the College & Career Advisor for more information.
To-Dos:
- Apply for scholarships. Search Naviance, daily announcements, and the College & Career Center for updated scholarship lists.
- Submit financial aid information for colleges, paying attention to due dates.
- If admitted to a college Early Decision, you must withdraw all other applications.
- Attend Community College information session
SPRING
Important Dates:
May 1: Deadline to file Statement of Intent for college of choice, for most colleges.
May 1-12: AP Testing
May 4-8: Complete Senior Survey, update colleges in Naviance, Senior checkout info.
May TBD: Senior Awards- A special event where we acknowledge students who have received prestigious scholarships and awards for college.
May 26- June 1: Finals Week for Semester Two
June 2: Graduation
To-Dos:
- Report all admission decisions in Naviance. You should receive all letters by April 1st. In most cases you have until May 1st to decide and submit your Statement of Intent to enroll at one college.
- If you are waitlisted, visit the College & Career Center to discuss recommended steps.
- Write thank you notes to those who helped you with your application process. Let the people who wrote your letters know where you were accepted and where you are attending!
- Take required placement tests by the colleges/universities.
- Ensure your AP scores are sent, if applicable.
- Complete CHS Senior Graduation Survey and request your final transcript be sent to the college you are attending in Naviance.
- Celebrate your graduation!