The senior year “counts”! This year should demonstrate your readiness for college. All offers of admission from colleges are conditional pending the successful completion of your senior year. Complete your four-year plan!
During the summer, begin preparing for college applications by (1) updating your list of extracurricular activities, (2) pre-writing your application essays, and (3) refining your college search in order to develop a “top 10” list. Do not apply to colleges just to “see if you can get in”. Apply to colleges that are appropriate choices for you to fulfill your goals.
In August before school starts, meet with the counselor to discuss your senior year and plans for college. Select courses that bridge the gap between high school and college. Get and keep a copy of your transcript; you will need it to fill out applications.
If you have not taken an Honors or AP class, this is your opportunity to experience a little of college-level studies while in high school. Or, you may enroll concurrently at a local community college in an elective course. If you enroll in a local college course, it is your responsibility to request a transcript and have it sent to the Registrar at the High School. Check your High School transcript to ensure that credit has been given for all courses.
After carefully selecting your senior classes, work to achieve and maintain a 3.0 GPA to be ready for many four-year colleges, or a 3.5 GPA to be eligible for more selective colleges like UC.
In September, register online for the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, or the ACT if you choose to re-take any of these exams.
October 1-November 30: Apply to CSU campuses you have selected. Apply early! Remember that Cal poly, SLO, is part of the CSU system, and early application is critical to selection.
November 1-November 30: Apply to UC campuses you selected. Look beyond Berkeley, UCLA, and UCSD! All ten colleges in the UC system offer excellent opportunities for learning.
January: Complete the FAFSA online. This document is the basis for financial aid eligibility. All students should submit this application.
March 2: Deadline for Cal Grants! The Registrar will submit your Cal Grant GPA only with your approval. (Parent approval required if you are under 18). Please respect deadlines.
March-April: Determine if you need to take placement exams in English or Math for college. Your test scores on the SAT or ACT may exempt you, or you may qualify by AP English exam scores.
May: Take AP exams. You can earn college credit by achieving passing scores.
June: Participate in the end of high school activities and especially your graduation day!