Junior and Senior Timelines

The following are taken from California State University Mentor website, http://www.csu.mentor.edu/. Although these guidelines are written for the California State University system, they apply, in general, to the University of California system and various colleges and universities in California and beyond.

11th Grade Suggested Courses and Activities

Students:

Check with your high school counselor to make sure you are taking the college preparatory classes needed for CSU admission, including Algebra II or advanced math or English.

Strive for "A"s and "B"s, which are especially important during your junior and senior years.

Register in October for the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test), a practice exam for the SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test I), which is required for several national scholarships, such as the National Merit Scholarship, the National Achievement, and the National Hispanic Scholarship, and may be needed for admission.

Take the PSAT and use the results to see where you are strong and where you need to i

If taking AP (Advanced Placement) subjects, register to take the AP exams in the spring. Scoring well on the test(s) will give you college credit for these courses!

Use CSU's Diagnostic Writing Service at www.essayeval.org to have a university essay reader evaluate your writing skills.

Start thinking about when to take college entrance exams, the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or the ACT (American College Testing). Register for the exam one month before the test date. If you take the exam in the spring or summer, you will get the results in time to see if you need to retake the test in the fall. Discuss this with your counselor.

Families and Students:

Attend college information programs and meet with CSU campus representatives when they visit your high school.

Visit one or more of the CSU's 23 campuses. Contact the Outreach Office at the campus to schedule a tour and get information about academic programs, admission requirements, and financial aid. Bring your student transcripts or a list of courses completed since the 9th grade.

Prepare for the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Testing) by reviewing test preparation books with sample questions. Attend a workshop on how to prepare for these entrance exams. Financial Aid may be available for some workshops or for the test fee; check with your counselor.

12th Grade Suggested Courses and Activities

Students:

There are lots of things to accomplish this year, but each step outlined below will get you closer to reaching your goal of graduating high school and going to college!

Take advanced math such as trigonometry or analytic geometry/calculus, English, and other courses required for CSU admission.

Review class schedules with your counselor to ensure that you are meeting all of your college preparatory requirements.

Maintain good grades ("A"s and "B"s) in all your courses. This is especially important for college admission.

Early September: Register for the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT ( American College Testing). Your high school counselor will provide registration forms and information about fee waivers.

October: Begin the CSU application process on CSUMentor. Be aware of application deadlines!

Families and Students:

Visit CSU campuses you are interested in and meet with admission and outreach representatives.

Attend college information programs, and talk to CSU representatives when they visit your high school.

Check frequently with high school counselors or career center directors for scholarships awarded by schools, local companies, and community groups.

October 1 - November 30: Very important: Apply to CSU campuses for next fall during this initial admission application filing period (some campuses may continue to accept applications after November 30).

January: Complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

February: Be sure your financial aid application including GPA (grade point average) for Cal Grant is on file with the California State Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Your high school must submit your GPA for Cal Grant consideration by March 2.

March and April: Unless your test scores or approved college courses exempt you, take the English Placement Test (EPT) or Entry Level Math (ELM ) exam at a CSU campus. These tests are required of all new students prior to enrollment in the CSU.

May: Take the AP (Advanced Placement) exams for any Advanced Placement subjects you have taken. Scoring well on the test(s) will give you college credit for these courses.

June: Congratulations! Your hard work paid off and you reached your goal of graduation!

Summer Take part in summer orientation programs for incoming college freshmen.