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College Application Process

& Additional Career Pathways

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Fall 2025

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Senior Status Letter

Did you receive your Senior Status Letter?

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You should have received a Senior Status Letter from:

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mhmustangs@lammersvilleusd.net

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Will tell you if you are on track for:

2-year college

4-year college

NOT ON TRACK FOR GRADUATION

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Reach out to your Counselor ASAP

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AGENDA

  • Discuss Process Seniors must follow this year for 2 year,

4 year or additional career pathways after graduation.

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  • Review the handout

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  • LOG IN TO NAVIANCE!

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JR. PLANNING REVIEW

Research Colleges

  • By August of 12th grade year - students should have a list of about 10-20 schools they are interested in attending.
  • Started updating “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance.

UC & Private/Out-Of-State Schools

  • Review and start writing college entrance essays.

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Playing College Level Athletics?

  • Email your Counselor to discuss NCAA Eligibility & Register with NCAA Eligibility Center.

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2-YEAR COLLEGE

Eligibility Information

  • No minimum GPA needed for eligibility (open access).
  • Students just need to earn their high school diploma (or equivalent).
  • You DO NOT need to take the SAT or ACT.
  • All Math & English placements are determined by high school transcripts.

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Financial Aid

  • FAFSA (Start: Oct. 1st, 2025; Due: March 2nd, 2026)
  • CA Dream Act (Start: Oct. 1st, 2025; Due: March 2nd, 2026)

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Pathways Within Community College

  • Take classes to earn an AA Degree (Associates of Arts) or AS Degree (Associates of Science).
  • Take classes with the intention of transferring to a 4-year college.
    • TAG Program (Transfer Admission Guarantee)
  • Take classes to earn technical certificates & certifications.

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Benefits of attending a community college

  • Money saver
  • Technical skills/Certificate programs
  • Provides time if unsure about a major

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START APPLYING: JAN. 1ST, 2026

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BENEFITS OF 2-YEAR COLLEGE

Big MONEY Saver

  • CSU roughly $7,000/year; UC roughly $15,000/year; Private roughly $36,000/year (OR MORE!).

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  • Community College roughly $1,300/Year (however, many students receive Aid - so they pay almost nothing).

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Unsure About Major/Career Path

  • Great opportunity for students who have not decided what major or career they would like to pursue.
  • Flexibility to take courses at a much cheaper cost to explore options.

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Technical Skills & Certifications

  • Opportunities to learn technical skills and earn certificates for students not interested in attending 4-year college.
  • Programs related to: Health Care, Transportation, Construction, Energy, Information Technology, and so much more!

START APPLYING: JAN. 1ST, 2025

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4-YEAR:

BALANCED LIST

Group

Total

Description

Examples

Safety

2-3

Schools you genuinely like where your academic profile (GPA, test scores and rigor of coursework) is STRONGER than that of the average accepted students

Non-Impacted CSU Campuses - great option for safety school for MOST students. CLICK HERE

Community Colleges, local CSUs: Stanislaus, admission rates are 60% or higher

Target

3-4

Schools you genuinely like where your academic profile (GPA, test scores and rigor of coursework) is SIMILAR or EQUAL to that of the average accepted students

Varies based on student academic profile, no schools with admission rates lower than 26% are target.

Reach

(optional)

1-2

Schools you truly love, where your academic profile may NOT MATCH the typical accepted student.

Most UC’s, schools with admission rates around 20%

Lottery

(optional)

1-2

Similar to “reach” schools, but these schools are so selective that even the strongest academic profile will not guarantee admission.

“You can only win the lottery if you buy a ticket”

Stanford (4.6% Admission rate), Other schools with 10% admission rate or lower

ALL STUDENTS APPLYING TO 4-YEAR - NEED TO CREATE A BALANCED LIST

Students should create a BALANCED LIST of about

6-10 schools.

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4-YEAR: TESTING

UC/CSU CAMPUSES

  • SAT/ACT scores will NOT be considered for admissions purposes for Class of 2026.

Private/Out-Of-State Schools

  • MIGHT REQUIRE THE SAT/ACT TO APPLY.
    • Many schools are test optional.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to check the website of the college to see if the SAT/ACT is required.
  • Students have until December 2025 to take the SAT/ACT and use it for admission review.
  • Students must release their test scores through collegeboard.

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4-YEAR ELIGIBILITY: GPA

UC Campus

  • 3.0+ needed to apply.
  • Use a specific GPA (college prep classes taken summer after 9th grade - summer after 11th grade).
  • LINK to GPA Calculator.

CSU Campus

  • 2.5+ (some campuses may consider possible admissions with 2.0-2.4 GPA)
  • Use a specific GPA (college prep classes taken summer after 9th grade - summer after 11th grade).
  • LINK to GPA Calculator.

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Private/Out-Of-State Schools

  • GPA the school will use for Admissions VARYS from Campus to Campus.
  • Check College Website.

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4 YEAR: COLLEGE APP TYPES

UC/CSU Campus (Direct to Institution - Portal Style Online)

  • Student will fill out 1 application online. Will select all schools they want the application sent to.
  • Pay per campus you apply to.
    • My UC
    • CSUapply

Common Application or Coalition (Portal Style Online)

  • Utilized by most Private/Out-of-State Schools
  • Student will fill out 1 application online. Will select all schools they want the application sent to.
  • Pay per campus you apply to.

Direct to Institution

  • Some Private/Out-of-State schools are not available via the Common App or the Coalition.
  • Fill out the individual application on the college website.

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4-YEAR: ENTRANCE ESSAY

UC Campus

  • Students are required to complete 4 (of 8) Personal Insight Questions (350 words/response)
  • LINK to Personal Insight Questions Guide

CSU Campus

  • No essay requirement.

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Private/Out-Of-State Schools

  • May require a college entrance essay.
  • Check individual websites to see essay requirement.

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Recommendations/Tips

  • ANSWER THE PROMPT!
  • Follow the word limit, do not go over or under.
  • Share information that WILL NOT be seen in your general application.
  • LINK to College Virtual Workshops - Essay Writing Tips

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4 YEAR: DECISION TYPE

Regular:

  • Standard due date listed on website.

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Early Decision:

  • Can only do this for ONE SCHOOL. Shows a strong interest in this campus.
  • Binding decision - if you are accepted into the school - you are GOING!

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Early Action:

  • Early due date for materials, shows more interest.
  • Can do this for unlimited applications.

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Restrictive Early Action:

  • Can only do this for ONE SCHOOL.
  • Not a binding decision like the “Early Decision” option.

SOME Private/Out-Of-State schools allow you to choose the “Decision Type” - this can dramatically change the due date your the college application materials.

Naviance must accurately reflect your Decision Type! Early applications should be entered in Naviance weeks in Advance.

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IMPORTANT DEADLINES

UC/CSU Application

  • Due November 30th, 2025.
  • Recommend students finish it BEFORE Thanksgiving Break.
    • Friday - Nov. 21st, 2025.

Private/Out-Of-State Application

  • DUE DATES VARY!
  • Students responsibility to keep track of deadlines.

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Community College Application

  • Utilize Spring 2025 to apply.
  • Start application: Jan. 1st, 2026

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FAFSA & CA Dream Act

  • Start Oct. 1st, 2025.
  • Due March 2nd, 2026.

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LETTERS OF REC

UC/CSU Application

  • Do not accept Letters of Recommendation.

Private/Out-Of-State Application

  • May require Letter of Recommendation to apply.
  • Students responsibility to determine if a LOR is needed.
  • May require more than 1 LOR.

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If a Letter of Recommendation is Needed…

  • Student must fill out SENIOR INFO SURVEY on Naviance.
  • Student must ask Letter-Writer at least 3 school weeks in advance.
  • It is recommended that students ask individuals who can speak on their abilities.
    • Interested in Computer Science in college? They should ask their Comp. Sci Pathway teacher at MHHS.

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FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA & CA Dream Act

  • All students pursuing higher education should submit one of the above.
  • FAFSA (for US citizens only) CA Dream Act (for undocumented students)
  • Opens: Oct 1st, 2025
  • Due Date: March 2nd, 2026
  • Please verify your information is accurate in Aeries (Name, address, birthdate). Issues can arise if your information does not match what's listed in Aeries.

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CALIFORNIA STATE LAW FOR ALL 12TH GRADE STUDENTS TO FILL OUT THE FAFSA OR A WAIVER

CLICK HERE for more information

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FINANCIAL AID

Scholarships

  • List available on Naviance (colleges > scholarships & money)
  • Check specific college website for institutional opportunities (primarily private & out-of-state colleges)
  • National Database: Fastweb.com

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Western Undergraduate Exchange

  • “WUE Scholarship” allows students living in the Western Hemisphere (CA, NV, WA, AZ, OR) to attend a college out of state at a reduced cost. (similar to paying UC Tuition)
  • Not available at all schools (search ‘WUE Scholarship Finder’ on Google)

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CLICK HERE for more information

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NAVIANCE

ALL STUDENTS NEED TO ADD EVERY SCHOOL THEY PLAN ON APPLYING TO - TO THE COLLEGES I’M APPLYING TO LIST IN NAVIANCE

Deadline: December 1st, 2025.

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THIS IS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR APPLICATION

Counselors send a variety of materials to colleges through Naviance. If you do NOT add your schools into Naviance, we will NOT know you are applying there - and we will NOT send the materials needed.

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If this happens - the students application is INCOMPLETE! And they will not be accepted into the campus.

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SENIOR GRADES

Senior grades are not included in the GPA used for Admissions for UC/CSU.

HOWEVER - If you do not pass a required class with a C or better, you could have your admission rescinded at the end of the year.

  • It is important to pass all classes Senior year with a C or better.
  • It is important to not have a significant decrease in academic performance during Senior year.
  • If you earn a grade below a C in either semester, or if you change your schedule after submitting your application, you must notify your prospective colleges.
  • You must report all grades earned throughout high school, even if they are not articulated on the high school transcript.

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Common Questions:

  • Use the tip sheet when completing your apps!

Class size, school code and rank information is listed.

  • If a school is not populating in your college application,

that's a sign you are using the wrong class title.

  • MHHS transcripts will not be updated with community service hours until the end of May. If you’re concerned about this when completing applications, please note our process under that academic section of your application.
  • Counselors cannot accommodate individual meetings to review college essays/applications. Please use success to get this support.
  • Complete applications carefully! If there's an error you have to contact the colleges you applied to get that updated. You cannot go back once the application is submitted!
  • If you’re planning to be an NCAA athlete in college, you should have notified your counselor in 11th grade. If you didn’t do that, notify them now!

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All seniors must meet with their counselor at least once in their senior year to go over…

  • Grad Status/senior year requirements
  • Application process and timelines
  • Questions related to college/career planning

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Counselors will email their seniors an appointment link to schedule their individual appointments

  • Seniors are encouraged to schedule an early appointment if planning to apply to 4-year Colleges
  • Missed appointments will likely be rescheduled after applications are due
  • Schedule your appointment wisely! We cannot excuse you from tests or presentations.
  • We encourage you to schedule your appointments during Flex, Adulting, TA or online class periods (If you schedule an appointment during an in person class period, please do not schedule it during a PE or language class as we cannot send passes to the portables or gym)
  • Students can only select 1 appointment slot.

Senior Status Meetings

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Additional Career Pathways

College is not for everyone - and that is okay! There are many other options that do not require a 4-year degree.

Cosmetology & Esthetician Schools

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Institute of Technology

  • LINK to website
  • Programs include: Culinary, Criminal Justice, Medical, Technical, Welding, & more.

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Welding

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Construction

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Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Sciences & Health

  • https://www.kpsahs.edu/
  • Certificate programs in fields such as: Radiologic Technology, Cardiographic Sonography, Nuclear Medicine, Sonography, Medical Assisting & more!

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US Military

  • Speak with your local recruiting office for career opportunities.

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RESOURCES & GUIDES

College Application Tip Sheet for Seniors:

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Naviance How To: Add Colleges to My List

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Naviance How To: Request Letters of Recommendation

  • https://tinyurl.com/NaviLORs

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UC/CSU GPA Calculation:

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RESOURCES & GUIDES

College Week Presentations

  • College Week Recordings

Finding the Right Fit (SuperMatch Tutorial Min. 28:00)

  • SuperMatch - Naviance

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Tips to Strengthen Your Personal Statement

  • Personal Statement

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Behind the Curtain of the College Admissions Process

  • Behind the Curtain

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Career Exploration

  • Career Exploration

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Naviance Tutorial

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Login to Naviance

Take out your Chromebooks!

Step 1: Log into Naviance (MHHS Website > Counseling > Counseling Home > Naviance & College Entrance)

LINK to Naviance login instructions

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Starting in Senior year, students should start creating a BALANCED list of colleges they are going to apply to. Once you decide on a college, add it to your Colleges I’m applying to list (REQUIRED!)

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Questions?