12th Grade:

September

  • Take challenging classes in core academic subjects – senior grades DO count
  • Register for SAT and/or ACT if you need to raise your scores
  • Student-athletes send transcripts and SAT/ACT scores to NCAA Clearinghouse eligibility
  • Meet individually with your guidance counselor
  • Seniors and parents are invited to participate in the college representative visits on DCA campus
  • Contact teachers for letters of recommendation
  • Begin to complete college applications
  • Request official transcripts to be sent to colleges on your list, except UC and CSU campuses
  • Request SAT/ACT scores to be sent to colleges
  • Submit PROFILE registration form for schools requiring it at www.collegeboard.com
  • Stay involved in school and community-based activities
  • Attend Senior College Planning Night
  • Attend the College Financial Aid Night

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October

  • Plan interviews with colleges of interest
  • Send in “early action” applications
  • Give all recommendation and secondary school evaluation forms to teachers and counselor to complete

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November/December

  • Send in UC and CSU applications as early in the month as possible
  • Continue to look at scholarship information and deadlines
  • Keep your grades up. Colleges do look at semester and end of year grades
  • Write thank you letters to teachers and counselor who sent letters of recommendation
  • Mail ROTC (if applicable)
  • Register for your FAFSA pin number
  • Attend Senior College Application Workshop (if needed)

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January/February

  • As soon as possible, file your FAFSA form anytime after January 1
  • Request mid-year transcripts are sent to colleges that request them
  • Inform your counselor if you receive acceptances from colleges
  • Pursue scholarship options

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March/April

  • FAFSA due March 2
  • Watch for Student Aid Report (SAR) to arrive regarding the amount of student financial aid
  • Decide which college you will attend before May 1 deadline
  • If you plan to attend a CSU, take your reading and math placement tests

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May/June

  • By May 1st, notify the school you plan to attend
  • Complete intent to register forms and pay the required deposit
  • Sign and return financial aid award letter
  • Fill out loan applications
  • Take CSU Placement Exams
  • Fill out housing forms
  • Request your final transcript from the counseling office to be sent to the college you plan to attend
  • Student-athletes must request final transcript to be sent to NCAA
  • Send thank you notes for any scholarships you may have received