Organization is the key to college application ease. Know your deadlines, how to apply to (and communicate) with each college on your list. Be sure to list ALL of your colleges in your Naviance portal: "Colleges I am Applying To" and update your list with the college admissions decisions throughout the year. This is primarily how you will track transcript, teacher, and counselor recommendation information. Your guidance counselor or the college and career center can assist you with questions.
IMPORTANT: Keep up your grades - SENIOR YEAR GRADES MATTER TO COLLEGES - College acceptances are conditional. Know your colleges' policies: some 4 year colleges require applicants to report non passing grades (D or F) to them, others do not. Read your offer of admission letter to learn that college's policy!
HOW TO USE NAVIANCE STUDENT:
- Colleges I am Thinking About: You probably started this list in sophomore or junior year. Continue to add to this list over your junior/senior summer and then you will move the colleges where you intend to apply to the list below to help you manage your applications.
- Colleges You Are Applying To: Add the schools to the Colleges I'm Applying to List in Naviance, when you know you plan to submit an application. Within this tab, you will be able to see application deadlines, transcript request features and other features that may be necessary during the application process. You will work closely with your guidance counselor to submit necessary documents (letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. if required).
- Teacher Recommendations: Ask your teacher, in person, if they will write you a letter of recommendation. If they agree, in the fall you will 'officially' request a teacher letter of recommendation to your teacher through Naviance. Your teacher will upload his/her letter via the link you send them in your 'invitation' via the Naviance program.
- Counselor Recommendation Letters: Go to main page of your Naviance Student account. Scroll to the bottom to find "Resources to get Ready", and open the "Document Resources" link. Download and print the first 3 documents, plus the "Senior Packet Instructions". These will become your "Letter of Recommendation/Senior" packet. Forms include: Due date form, Student Self Evaluation and Resume for Seniors {guidelines. Make an appointment to turn in the (files 1-3) completed sheets to your counselor at least 3 weeks before you need to submit your first recommendation letter.
ACT/SAT Scores (Note: some colleges have kept these tests "optional" for class of 2024) Check with your college's website to confirm policy.
Sending scores (i.e., non UC/CSU Schools): You will need to go directly into your ACT and/or CollegeBoard (SAT) account and have your scores sent to your schools of choice.
Student Portal Accounts on College Websites: Check your emails often. After submitting your application, you will likely receive an email linking you to each college's specific portal. Your college portal will keep you updated on items received, missing, and/or needed. This is also where many colleges will notify you of their admission decision to their campus and inform you of next steps.
REMINDER - Keep your Naviance account updated. This database is used throughout the college application process.
In addition:
- Explore out of state options. WUE - Western Undergraduate Exchange and RACC - Regional Admissions Counselors California
- Thinking about a GAP Year after high school? Read this article to learn more and get familiar with colleges who actually encourage students to consider that as an option!
Different schools use different application systems: For non UC/CSU schools, you will either complete their own individual university application, a common application or a coalition application.
When filling out an application, be sure you have a copy of your transcript(s) with you as well as your activities resume. You will likely be asked to 'self report' grades as well as list (or upload) extracurricular activities, awards, employment, etc. Gather this information ahead of time to make your process easier.
UC Application :
Opens to view/begin Aug. 1 each year. Application submitted, Oct. 1- Nov. 30
Opens to view/begin Aug. 1 each year. Application submitted, Oct. 1- Nov. 30
CSU Application
Opens Oct. 1, each year. Submission deadline Nov. 30.
Opens Oct. 1, each year. Submission deadline Nov. 30.
- Be sure to download and use their helpful application guide.
Common Application (over 900schools): Opens August 1, each year.
- You may begin your application online anytime after August 1st of senior year. The application also requires school counselor input. Download a counselor packet from your Naviance portal "Document Resources" on your welcome page. Complete this packet and make an appointment with your counselor to turn it in. Counselors will need at least 3 weeks notice to write a letter of recommendation.
- If you need any teacher recommendation letters they will be able to upload them to Naviance after you invite them via the link in your Naviance portal. Remember to verbally ask them first.
Institutional Applications (some schools may provide you with an option to submit THEIR own college/university application):
- See specific college website for the application info and submission details. There may be essays and personal statements required.
- Approximately 90+ schools used to exclusively use this application. As of 2022, that has changed and schools still using this platform, are also on the Common App. If a school offers more than one application option, it is up to the student to decide which one they prefer to use. There is no preferential treatment based on which application is used.
College Application Worksheet: The attached google link may help you stay organized with college admissions and your applications. Open the document and save a copy as your own!
College Essays UC Insight Questions and Common Application Essay prompts are attached below. Also go to the UC guide for information on tips for completing the Insight Questions. You might also go to The College Essay Guy for resources, tips, tools, and webinars for essay assistance. We are happy to assist you in C&CC with this as well!
- NOTE: Be careful who you ask to read your essays/personal statements. The best feedback comes from people who do not know you well (as college reps most likely do not know you well either). Ask for informative and constructive feedback.
Community College Both DVC and Las Positas send college representatives to talk to graduating seniors about their (post high school) application process in the Feb/March time frame of senior year. Those visits will be announced via announcements and on this site and seniors will sign up via their Naviance portal. Both colleges offer early admissions programs for SRVHS graduating seniors and the biggest benefit of taking advantage of those programs is EARLY COURSE registration at each college. DVC and Las Positas.
Transcripts: Many colleges ask applicants to send official copies of their high school transcripts when they apply. Request these to be sent via your Naviance account.
- Other non-SRVHS transcripts: If you attended other high schools, or took college classes, you may also need to send those transcripts.
- Mid Year Transcripts: A mid-year transcript is the record of your first 7 semesters of high school coursework. Some colleges may ask for these to be sent. Seniors Needing a Midyear Transcript for College Applications: Place your order
Please read carefully all communications from the colleges you've applied to, so you know if you need to send a mid-year transcript!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs.O'Grady, SRVHS registrar with questions!
