College Center » Senior College Checklist

Senior College Checklist

It's your SENIOR year!!!
FALL SEMESTER:
  • Make an appointment with Mrs. Penman if you have not already done so. 
  • Begin working on your Senior Portfolio. See the Naviance tab on the College center webpage for instructions.
  • Apply for a Community College Account as a first or 2nd choice. It's free and there's no commitment to attend should you decide to go to a 4-year university.
  • Take your SAT, ACT and/or Subject Tests early, especially if you did not take them junior year. Students applying to the University of California or the California State University System should not take their exams beyond December. If you are applying to out of state or private colleges, these exams should be taken as early as possible. Check with individual colleges for details. Visit College Board and ACT for registration dates and deadline. REFER TO THE CSU/ UC/ PRIVATE SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR SAT UPDATES FOR THE 2021- 2022 SCHOOL YEAR AS THINGS HAVE CHANGED. SAT/ACT is not a community college requirement.
  • Determine if SAT/ACT/Subject Tests are required by the university you hope to apply to this fall. Some universities require the Subject test for admissions to certain majors. Always review these requirements at each individual college.
  • The University of California will release their application online starting August 1st. 
  • The California State Universities application site will open starting on October 1st. Applications are submitted October 1 – November 30th. (Extended to Dec 4th)
  • Your California Statewide Student ID number is located on your transcript in the lower left hand corner. 
  • If you are applying to multiple private and out of state universities take advantage of the Common Application. The Common Application is available starting August 1st. Visit the following website for details: www.commonapp.org 
  • Create a dates and deadlines timeline so that you are prepared to tackle all applications in a timely manner. You might try using the College App Organizer. 
  • Create an email address that is professional and that is not offensive to admission representatives. Colleges use email to contact students regarding any information they need or that may be missing. 
  • Sign up at the College Career Center for all college representative visits. 
  • Many colleges have their applications available online and it is very important that you begin to familiarize yourself with the information required to complete the applications. It's recommended that you print out a copy and begin to complete these forms. If you find that you need assistance make an appointment with Mrs. Penman or your Academic Counselor. 
  • Pay close attention to the school bulletin or read the bulletin because announcements are made regarding information nights offered by out of state and private colleges. You may to create an account with College Week Live at www.collegeweeklive.com. This is a very innovative way for you to discover new university and interact online with college representatives. 
  • Student athletes who plan to play sports at Division I or II must begin to complete their NCAA forms on the NCAA Eligibility website.
  • Attend College Night 
  • Attend Financial Aid Workshop like Cash for College. 
  • Attend College application workshops hosted by the College Center & the Boys & Girls Club College Bound Program.
  • A pin number is required to complete the FAFSA online beginning October 1st. Two pin numbers are required to complete the FAFSA one for the student and one parent. Visit www.pin.ed.gov to order your pin numbers. 
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by October 1 – March 2 
  • Cal Grant GPA Verification Forms will be submitted by LAUSD. This will enable students to be eligible for California Grants that cover full tuition cost at UC, CSU and partial assistance for Private California Universities. 
  • Some private colleges require the CSS Profile which you may begin to submit as early as October 1st. You may go to www.collegeboard.com or visit the CCC for a registration form. 
  • If letters of recommendation are required by your university then download a copy of the Senior Brag Sheet on the web under Letters of Recommendation. It is a courtesy to provide teachers and counselors with a minimum of 3 weeks to write letters. You must provide envelopes and stamps for all letters to be mailed. 
  • If possible, plan to visit colleges over Winter Break to help finalize your decisions. All universities have information days or open houses for more information visit individual campus websites. You can also utilize Naviance to search for schools and do virtual tours. 
  • Study for your finals! Colleges reserve the right to recalculate your GPA to determine whether or not you still meet their minimum eligibility index.

YOU'RE ALMOST THERE!!!

SPRING SEMESTER:

  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 2nd (California deadline). You may submit it at www.fafsa.gov Please keep in mind, that individual campuses may want your financial aid completed sooner. So check individual deadlines! 
  • Be sure to keep up with all requested documents asked for by universities. All information is sent to you so it is your responsibility to meet these deadlines. Down load a copy of College App Organizer to help you organize all your dates and deadlines. 
  • If attending a LA Community College, be sure to complete the Online Orientation and schedule an appointment with a counselor to make your fall schedule.
  • Complete the Community Scholarship application to be considered for a scholarship. Listen to school bulletin for dates and deadlines. 
  • Check housing deadlines and submit proper forms/deposit fees. 
  • Over Spring Break you may want to visit universities to help finalize your admissions decision. Double check websites for any preview days. 
  • Award letters will begin to arrive during the spring. You should compare award offers to help you make the best decision in terms of which college to attend. You may visit this website to help you compare offers: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/awardletteradvanced.phtml 
  • Complete the Senior Portfolio in Naviance. See the Naviance tab on the College Center website for requirements. 
  • Regular decision acceptance letters begin to arrive in March, but most admissions and financial aid award letters arrive in April. Keep in mind, that May 1st is National Acceptance Day and you must submit your Intent to Register to the university of your Choice and pay the deposit if required. The Intent to Register form is a very crucial form to submit because it will result in a void of your admissions offer. 
  • Prepare for final exams!!! All campuses reserve the right to review your final grades. 
  • See the Counseling Office to order your final transcript. All universities will want an official final transcript from Canoga Park High and they will have a very strict deadline.