.....I applied; what's next?
Next Steps After Applying: (4-year colleges only)
Check your emails. Each campus sent you information to create its college portal. A portal is an account that allows you to view your application status, admission decision, and financial aid package; upload documents; S.I.R., and apply for housing.
Note: Do this immediately and check your portals daily. Colleges may require additional information or documents.
Note: Check your SPAM folder for any college emails
Note: Meet all deadlines! Colleges will not extend deadlines due to student negligence.
(youtube: video link)2. Do not send transcripts/scores until asked to do so.
You usually don't have to send anything until the end of the school year. Although the deadline is in July, you want to request your transcript to be sent when you pick up your diploma in June. School staff usually goes on vacation in July.
Note: Some students may be required to send a midterm transcript (end of Semester 1 of your Senior year).
3. If your "planned" courses for semester 2 differ from what you input on your college applications, you must report them to every school you applied to.
Semester 2 is approaching. When you view your semester 2 courses, ensure they match what you input on your college applications. Tell your counselor if you need to add or change a course. If your final Semester 2 courses differ from those you input on your applications, then you need to call each college admission office and ask for a link to report your discrepancies.
4a. Complete your FAFSA/CADAA (Financial Aid) by March 2nd!!!
Attend the Financial Aid Workshop before completing the FAFSA/CADAA: (sign up with Ms. Nguyen)
English version (12/7th)
Spanish version (1/18th)
(click here to be directed to the Financial Aid section)Your FAFSA or CADAA will be sent to the colleges. Each college will determine your financial aid package (grants/ scholarships amount you will receive if you attend its school).
4b. Apply for additional scholarships!
Most students will not receive 100% of the free money needed for college. You should apply for additional scholarships offered by national/state/local organizations. Check out our district Scholarships webpage:
(click here to be directed to the PUSD scholarship webpage)5. Check your college portals for your FINANCIAL AID PACKAGES!
Expect to see the following offers:
CAL GRANTS
PELL GRANTS (FAFSA applicants only)
UNIVERSITY GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS
Middle Class Scholarschip (MSC)
WORK STUDY
LOANS
Compare financial aid packages to determine which colleges you can afford.
6. Maintain your 12th Grades.
If you withdraw from a course or change your coursework, you must inform each campus in writing. Poor grades can impact your acceptance. Note: If your grades/GPA change significantly, your college will rescind your admission offer!!!!
7. Admission decisions: (usu. February - March)
For some colleges, you may receive admission decisions sooner than February or later in April.
UC and CSU have a deadline of MAY 1st!!!
Private Colleges: Deadlines vary. Check each school's portal.
Note: You may receive a "waitlist" status. To secure a college, you need to SIR to a college that has accepted you.
Depending on your financial aid status, a registration fee may apply. From this point, you will receive additional testing information (placement exams), housing information, orientation registration, etc.
(click here to be directed to the S.I.R. page)Request a transcript to be sent to your college no later than June 15th to avoid any technical issues.
Private colleges: varies
(click here for electronic transcript request: Parchment)Note: If your grades/GPA change significantly, your college will rescind your admission offer!!!!