Senior Timeline for the

Illustrious Class of 2009!

August/September

What Exams does the University of California System (UC’s) Require?

· SAT Reasoning (or ACT Plus Writing) & SAT Subject Test (3 Subjects)

· Tip: Do not take Math Level 1 if applying to UC’s (SAT Subject Test)

What Exams do Cal States Require?

· SAT Reasoning or ACT

By when do Universities want me to take these Exams?

· December of 2008

How much are Exams?

· SAT Reasoning fee is $41.50

· SAT Subject Test Basic Fee is $18.00 plus $8 per subject (Language Test with Listening: $19)

· ACT Plus Writing fee is $43.00

· ACT Basic is $29

· Note: If you qualify for free or reduced lunch you may get your fee waived. See the college corner for more information.

How can I qualify for Fee Waivers?

· Receive Free or Reduced Lunch

Recommendations:

· Make sure to verify the deadline to submit test scores with each school you are planning to apply to.

· Mail your registration slip before the posted deadline. You should receive your registration slip in the mail or email from the SAT or ACT programs at least one week before your scheduled exam date.

September/October/November

What do Universities Require?

California Community Colleges

• Must graduate from High School, Earn a GED or be 18 years or older

• No SAT’s or ACT required

• You can apply at any time during your Senior Year

California State University System

• Must complete A-G requirements/College Prep Courses

• Performance on standardized Tests: SAT or ACT

• Minimum score is based on Eligibility Index for students with 2.99 GPA or lower. GPAs below 2.00 do not qualify for regular admission.

• Students with GPA of 3.0 and above are accepted with any score

University of California

• UC-approved A-G courses (3.0 or higher)

• Performance on standardized tests:

• ACT Assessment Plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test

• SAT Subject Tests in two different subject areas (history/social science, English literature, history and social studies, mathematics [level 2 only], science, or language other than English).

• Quality, quantity, and level of coursework throughout the entire high school program.

• Participation in activities that develop talents, leadership and unique abilities.

• Personal Statement/Essay Requirement

Private Schools

• Check with school website, since these schools have different requirements

When are Admissions Applications Due?

· Cal State Applications Due: November 30, 2008

· Apply Online: www.csumentor.edu

· UC Application Due: November 30, 2008

· Apply Online: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/

· Private Colleges and Universities (In and Out of State): Due Dates Vary

· Apply Online: http://www.commonapp.org

***Cal States may require an EOP application.

December/January/February

What Forms do I need to Apply for Financial Aid?

1. FAFSA Form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Go ONLINE: www.fafsa.ed.gov/ (Request a pin # for you and one of your parents)

2. GPA Verification Form (Signed by your College Counselor or Academy Counselor)

3. CSS Profile is a financial aid form that many of the private universities require.

Only Private Universities require this application but not all of them

Go ONLINE: https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/

When are my Financial Aid applications due?

January 1, 2009 – March 2, 2009

CASH 4 COLLEGE: Get personal assistance with financial aid forms at local high schools.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION!!! A) Requests will be denied if you do not give your teacher/counselor a two week notice before your application is due. B) NO RECOMMENDATION WILL BE WRITTEN FOR YOU IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE: i) RESUME OR BRAG SHEET, OR ii) A SUPPORT LETTER FROM A SPONSOR (Coach, Club Teacher etc…) OR VOLUNTEER/EMPLOYMENT SUPERVISOR.

March/April

• AP Exam Payments are DUE (March)!!!

• Cal States and UC’s begin to send out acceptance letters (You can also check your application status online)

• Register and take Placement Exams (EPT/ELM for CSU’s and AWPE for UC’s)

• Make sure you provide all required documents. If something is missing, it will delay the admission process.

• Very important to take SAT’s by December to ensure timely processing of application.

• Ask Universities about Housing and Financial Aid Status.

May/June

• AP Exams are TAKEN (1^st and 2^nd weeks of May)!!!

• Financial Aid Awards are Received

• Financial aid will include grants, work study and loans.

• UC’s and many of the private universities require that you make a decision and commit to their school by May 1^st

• Although, you may have received an acceptance letter, they school may retract their acceptance if you do not meet all their requirements during your last high school semester.

• Community College Students: Begin your Enrollment and Contact the Financial Aid and EOP’s Offices

• University Students: Order your transcripts before you graduate; Transcripts are due by July 15

WARNING: SENIORITIS IS BAD FOR YOUR ACADEMIC HEALTH. EVEN WHEN YOU GET ACCEPTED THEY CAN DENY YOU DURING THE SUMMER AFTER YOU GRADUATE.

Come to the College Corner if you have any questions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!