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College Information & Application Guide

The SPSV Counseling Department and College Advisor are available throughout senior year to help students and families navigate the college search, application, and financial aid process.

  • Counselor in the Classroom – September and October: General college information, application planning, and important senior-year deadlines.

  • One-on-One College Advising – September & October: Individual meetings with the College Advisor to discuss college choices, application plans, and next steps.

  • Individual College Application Assistance: Available daily during break and lunch.

  • Small-Group College Application Workshops: Offered throughout October, November, and December. In-person workshops will be prescheduled and posted in Schoology.

  • In-Person College Essay Support- Oct 14th, 9AM-12PM with SPSV English teachers.

  • College Representative Visits – September through March: College representatives will visit SPSV during lunch or A-C-C days. Dates and times will be posted in Schoology.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The FAFSA is an important part of the financial aid process. Completing the FAFSA can provide access to federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. For students entering college in Fall 2027, families will complete the 2027–28 FAFSA. The federal government has announced that the FAFSA is expected to be available by October 1, 2026.

Important: Many colleges and states have financial-aid priority deadlines that occur earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline. Families should complete the FAFSA as early as possible. 

Complete the FAFSA through Federal Student Aid

Cal Grant

California students should also complete the requirements for Cal Grant consideration. The required information must be completed by the student. SPSV does not automatically submit Cal Grant information on behalf of students. California Student Aid Commission – Cal Grant

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) can provide eligible students with reduced tuition at participating public colleges and universities outside their home state. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

Scholarships

Students should actively search and apply for scholarships throughout senior year. Scholarship opportunities are posted on the SPSV website and in the Senior College Counseling folder in Schoology.

College Application Deadlines

University of California (UC) Application period: October 1 – November 30, 2026

  • Apply to UC campuses through the UC application.

  • No letters of recommendation are required for the general UC application.

  • Students must complete the very  important section of Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) as part of the application.

  • Students should carefully review individual campus requirements.

  • University of California – Apply

California State University (CSU) Application period: October 1 – November 30, 2026

  • Apply through Cal State Apply.

  • No letters of recommendation are generally required.

  • No traditional college essay is required for the standard CSU application.

  • Individual programs may have additional requirements or supplemental materials.

  • California State University – Apply

Private, Independent & Out-of-State Colleges: Deadlines vary by college.

Applications are available now for many colleges. Most private colleges use the Common Application. Always check each college's website for its specific deadlines and requirements.

  • Early Action/Early Decision: November 1 or November 15

  • Regular Decision: December 1, January 1, January 15, February 1, or later

  • Rolling Admission: Applications may continue to be accepted after traditional deadlines.

Typical requirements may include:

  • Counselor and/or teacher letters of recommendation

  • College essay/personal statement

  • Supplemental essays and questions

  • Official transcripts

  • Standardized test scores, if required or recommended

  • Common App

Senior College Application Timeline

FALL 2026

  • Narrow your college list to approximately 5–10 schools that are a good fit academically, socially, and financially.

  • Meet with the College Advisor to review your college list and application strategy.

  • Attend college application workshops and seek individual assistance as needed.

  • Complete Early Action/Early Decision applications by each college's deadline.

  • Begin and complete college essays and supplemental essays.

  • Request letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors when required. Give recommenders at least three weeks' notice whenever possible.

  • Provide recommenders with your Brag Sheet and information about your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

  • Request transcripts according to SPSV procedures. Contact the Registrar for official transcripts and other required documents.

  • Complete UC and CSU applications during the October 1–November 30 application period.

  • Create and maintain a record of usernames and passwords for all college application accounts.

  • Complete the CSS Profile if required by the colleges to which you are applying.

  • Search and apply for scholarships throughout the fall.

  • Attend college representative visits at SPSV.

WINTER 2026–27

  • Complete the 2027–28 FAFSA as soon as it becomes available.

  • Complete any additional state or institutional financial aid requirements.

  • Complete all remaining college applications by their individual deadlines.

  • Check email and college portals frequently for admission updates, requests for documents, and financial-aid "To-Do" lists.

  • Have the SPSV Registrar send a mid-year transcript when required.

  • Continue applying for scholarships.

  • Visit colleges, attend admitted-student events, and continue researching your options.

SPRING 2027

  • Review admission decisions and financial aid offers carefully.

  • Compare the total cost of attendance, not just the scholarship or financial-aid amount.

  • Visit colleges, including admitted-student programs or open houses, whenever possible.

  • If you are waitlisted, follow the college's instructions and communicate your continued interest appropriately.

  • Notify colleges of your final enrollment decision by the applicable deadline.

  • Submit your enrollment deposit to ONE college after making your final decision.

  • Review housing, orientation, placement testing, and other enrollment requirements.

  • Notify SPSV of your final college choice.

  • Continue monitoring your college email and portals through graduation.