When should I start preparing for college admission?

You should start preparing in freshman year of high school. This includes focusing on grades, exploring extracurricular activities, and beginning to think about your interests and potential career paths.

What are the most important college admission deadlines?

Key deadlines include: Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15), Regular Decision (January 1-15), FAFSA opens (October 1), and CSS Profile deadline (varies by school). Our timeline tracker helps you never miss a deadline.

How many college admission tasks are there?

There are 374+ tasks across all four years of high school, including academic preparation, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college research, applications, and financial aid.

What is included in the admission timeline?

The timeline includes tasks for: A-G requirements tracking, standardized test prep (SAT/ACT/AP), college research and visits, application essays, letters of recommendation, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), and scholarship applications.

Learn California aid programs - Sophomore Year College Admission

Overview

California offers excellent financial aid programs for residents attending in-state colleges. Here's what you need to know!

Cal Grant Programs

Cal Grant A

For: Students with 3.0+ GPA
Covers: Tuition at UC, CSU, or private colleges
Awards: Up to $13,752 (UC), $5,742 (CSU), $9,358 (private)
Requirements: Meet income/asset limits

Cal Grant B

For: Low-income students with 2.0+ GPA
Covers: Living allowance (Year 1), then tuition + allowance
Awards: $1,656 living allowance, plus tuition in later years

Cal Grant C

For: Career/technical education students
Covers: Training costs at community colleges

UC-Specific Programs

Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

For: California residents with family income under $80,000
Covers: All UC systemwide tuition and fees
How to apply: Automatic with FAFSA submission

Middle Class Scholarship

For: Families with income up to $234,000
Covers: Portion of tuition based on income
How to apply: Automatic with FAFSA submission

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit FAFSA

Opens October 1 each year
California priority deadline: March 2
Apply at studentaid.gov

Step 2: GPA Verification

Your school submits your GPA to the state
Confirm with your counselor

Undocumented Students

The California Dream Act provides access to state aid:

Apply at dream.csac.ca.gov
Same programs available as FAFSA filers

Resource

California Student Aid Commission

Cal Grant Programs

Cal Grant A

For: Students with 3.0+ GPA

Covers: Tuition at UC, CSU, or private colleges

Awards: Up to $13,752 (UC), $5,742 (CSU), $9,358 (private)

Requirements: Meet income/asset limits

Cal Grant B

For: Low-income students with 2.0+ GPA

Covers: Living allowance (Year 1), then tuition + allowance

Awards: $1,656 living allowance, plus tuition in later years

Cal Grant C

For: Career/technical education students

Covers: Training costs at community colleges

UC-Specific Programs

Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

For: California residents with family income under $80,000

Covers: All UC systemwide tuition and fees

How to apply: Automatic with FAFSA submission

Middle Class Scholarship

For: Families with income up to $234,000

Covers: Portion of tuition based on income

How to apply: Automatic with FAFSA submission

Learn California aid programs

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Cal Grant Programs

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant C

UC-Specific Programs

Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

Middle Class Scholarship

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit FAFSA

Step 2: GPA Verification

Undocumented Students

Resource

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Learn California aid programs

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Cal Grant Programs

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant C

UC-Specific Programs

Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

Middle Class Scholarship

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit FAFSA

Step 2: GPA Verification

Undocumented Students

Resource

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks