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Senior Parents

Important Events for Senior Students and Parents

  • Individual Personal College Application Assistance: Available every day during break, lunch and after school.

  • College Fair:  Thursday, September 8th, 6:00-7:30pm in the SPSV Gym

Students can now register at StriveFair.com to receive their barcode.

  • College Rep Visits: September through March.  All visit dates/times are available in Schoology and in PowerSchool Announcements. Rep visits will be offered for all students during lunch.

  • College Essay/UC Personal Statement Workshop- October 11th, 9:30AM- 12PM

  • Small Group College Application Workshops:  Available in the Fall, during ADV/Study. Please check Schoology for dates.

  • FAFSA The Free Application for Federal Student Aid Workshop- DATE PENDING , Application available beginning October 1. Filling out the FAFSA is required to access any of the billions of dollars that get handed out each year in college grants, loans, and work study awards.The application opens October 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024.

  • CSS/Financial Aid/PROFILE: Additional application required for many private colleges and universities (register at http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile). Check with individual schools to see if this is required.

College Application Deadlines

University of California: Applications are open to create accounts and start filling out  NOW.  Application submission October 1- November 30, 2023. Late applications are not accepted.  (www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply)

California State University: The Fall 2024 application will be available on October 1, 2023.  Application submission October 1 - November 30, 2023.  (www2.calstate.edu/apply)

Private/Independent Colleges and Out-of-State: Varies by School. Applications are available online now!  Most private colleges and universities use the Common Application. Early Action and Early Decision dates: Nov. 1st or Nov. 15th.  Regular decision Dec. 1, Jan. 1, Jan. 15, Feb. 1 or even later; check individual college’s website for exact deadline. (www.commonapp.org) 

 SAT and ACT Entrance Exams

The University of California will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may still be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or course placement after you have been accepted.

California State University CSU has approved the removal of the SAT and ACT standardized tests from undergraduate admissions processes. This means that SAT and ACT scores will not be used for determining who gets admitted into the CSU for Fall 2023 Admissions.  

Out-of-State and Private Universities may remain ‘Test Optional’. See individual school websites for further information.    

Senior College Application Timeline: 12th Grade

FALL

  • Narrow your list of colleges to between 5 and 10. Meet with a counselor about your college choices.

  • Consider taking the SAT or ACT: Many seniors take the SAT/ACT, Aug-Dec. Be sure to have your entrance exam test scores sent to the colleges you’re applying to. There is a cost to send scores.

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): To apply for most financial aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA.  October 1 is the first day you can file the FAFSA.

  • Complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®: PROFILE is an online application used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to determine eligibility for their aid dollars.

  • Prepare early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible. 

  • Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendations if you need them. Give each teacher or counselor a Brag Sheet of your academic record and your extracurricular activities. For each recommendation, please allow 3 weeks notice before the due date. 

  • Complete all Early Action/Early Decision Applications by the deadlines provided. There is a cost for sending most applications

  • Write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read drafts if you’re submitting essays. If you’re applying for Early Decision, finish the essays for that application now.

  • Request Transcripts to be sent to colleges. Applications through Common App will be completed by Mrs. Smith.  Please contact Mrs. Delgado, Registrar, to request Official hard copies to be sent to all other schools.

  • Keep a Record of all Usernames and Passwords created for applications.

  • Apply for Scholarships-See list here, or in Schoology, in the Senior College Counseling folder.  

WINTER

  • Complete all Applications by the deadlines provided. There is a cost for sending most applications

  • Have your high school send a Mid-Year transcript — only if requested

  • Apply for Scholarships-See list here, or in Schoology, in the Senior College Counseling folder.  

SPRING

  • Keep active in school. If you are waitlisted, the college will want to know what you have accomplished between the time you applied and the time you learned of its decision.

  • Visit your final college before accepting. You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. Notify your counselor of your choice. 

  • Inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1. Colleges cannot require your deposit or your commitment to attend before May 1. Talk to your counselor or adviser if you have questions.

  • Send your deposit to one college only.

  • Waitlisted by a college? If you intend to enroll if you are accepted, tell the admission director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted.

  • Make an appointment with a college admission counselor to resolve any admission or financial aid problems.

  • Notify your high school to send a final transcript to your college.

  • Review your financial aid awards: Not all financial aid awards are the same, so it’s important to choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family. Be sure to note what you have to do to continue receiving financial aid from year to year, and how your aid might change in future years.

Apply for Scholarships-See list here, or in Schoology, in the Senior College Counseling folder.