1. Identify the colleges or universities you would like to attend. Discuss your selections with your parents, teachers, and counselors. Visit the school's website, download an on-line application, and if possible meet with the admission officer or visit the campus. Observe all deadlines for each application. The California State filing period for applications is from October 1st to November 30th. The University of California filing period for applications begins November 1st and ends November 30th. The deadline for most private universities and colleges is between mid-December to early January.
2. Register for the SAT I/II exams and release College Board Scores to the schools of your choice. The school code is 057152. If satisfied with test results, send those scores to the schools you are applying to immediately. December 1st is the last remaining test date accepted for SAT I/II by the University of California school system.
3. Notify your teachers, instructors, or mentors that you would like to request a letter of recommendation from them. Select faculty, staff, or administrators who have personal knowledge of your ability, talents, and gifts. Discuss with them your academic record, extra-curricular interests, and personal ambitions as well. Remember to provide them on a timely fashion with the proper forms as well as appropriately addressed and stamped envelopes.
4. Review your school transcript to check for any discrepancies or errors in either course load or grade calculation. Complete a transcript request form for it to be sent to the school(s) of your choice.
5. Draft college application essays as early as possible. Have friends, family, teachers, and the college counselors proofread essays. Write in an original and authentic manner, but be concise and direct. Consult your writing instructor or handbooks for tips and suggestions; and attend the Application Writing Workshop at school.
6. Ask the college counselors any questions about any part of the college application process you do not understand. If applying to private colleges or universities, submit the Secondary School Report to the counseling office by the first week of November, and hand in all the paperwork for Mid-Year Reports. Remember to bring appropriately addressed and stamped envelopes.
7. When sending the completed applications by mail, make sure you have met all deadlines, completed and signed all forms, and sent all required materials. If sending by regular mail- consider sending via certified mail. If you are applying online, avoid doing it at the last minute as servers get crowded and you might experience some technical difficulties which might negatively affect your application process.
8. Take initiative. Be responsible. Stay informed. MEET ALL DEADLINES!!!!