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For Incoming or Current Seniors

You have reached your last year of high school. While you may fall into senioritis here and there, it is important that you finish off strong. 

 

If you feel alone in paving your path to college, know that there are programs designed to support you throughout the way. 

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Important Reminders: 

  • How can a student Stand Out To Colleges? Contact colleges to introduce yourself and request information and applications for admission. Ask about financial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines. Sign up online for college mailing lists to receive information and alert admissions offices of your interest.

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Resources for 12th Grade Students and Parents: 

Student's Checklist:

  1. Stay organized and keep track of all college and scholarship deadlines in a journal or online.

  2. Stay involved in extracurricular activities, and seek leadership roles if possible.

  3. Make scholarship applications your part-time job.

  4. Continue working on college essays.

  5. Continue to take the most rigorous coursework you can. Colleges want to know that you are dedicated to learning as much as you can!

  6. Work hard all the way to graduation—second-semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility.

  7. Make a list of people to ask for recommendations and ask them as soon as possible.

  8. Possibly take the SAT and/or ACT again

  9. Complete a profile on the UC app, Black Common App, CSU app and the Common App, and/or Coalition App after Aug 1 during summer before senior year

  10. Complete the FAFSA (and possibly CSS) in October (The earlier you submit, the more money you can get)

  11. UC deadline (for 2022, submit between November 1-30; starting 2023, submit between Oct 1 - Nov 30)

  12. Regular decision deadlines  (varies by school; typically early January)

  13. If deferred/waitlisted, possibly send a letter of continued interest

  14. May 1: National Candidates Reply Date (deadline to commit to a school, deposit funds)

  15. Get to know college campuses! Visit local campuses, attend fly-in programs, or use free online virtual tours. Attend online information sessions and webinars hosted by colleges you are interested in.

  16. Contact alumni from your high school at various colleges for more information on those colleges (ChangeMakers can connect you with current college students)

Parent's Checklist:

  1. If the process to go to college is unfamiliar to you, know that there are programs that can help guide your child to go to college. 

  2. Talk to your child about college plans as if they will definitely go to college.

  3. Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades—stay involved.

  4. Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.

  5. Address your concerns about whether your child can or should go to college.

  6. Use the College Scorecard to instantly compare expenses and projected loan payments across schools that your child is interested in attending.

  7. Read “Parent Power” to access ideas for remaining involved in your child’s progress.

Information collected for these checklists based on ChangeMakers' experiences and information from the U.S. department of education, Questbridge, Piedmont High School, and College Essay Guy. 

Reach out on Instagram @WCCUSD_CHANGEMAKERS
Or through Email: ec.changemakers@gmail.com.

Do you have anything to add to our lists? 

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