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Navigating Your College Application Process

NAVIGATING YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
 
Please click on the sections below to see the different pathways for navigating your college application process!

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

www.deltacollege.edu/ www.cccco.edu

Time to apply:  Spring semester for best course selection.
Fee to apply: none. 
Testing: not required for admission
  • Math and English placement based on high school coursework, grades, and GPA
  • No letters of recommendation.
  • No essays.
  • Must be 18 or have a high school diploma to enroll.
  • Some Community Colleges have residence halls.
  • If you are interested in attending a community college other than SJDC, visit that school’s website for more information.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY

 

Time to apply: October 1 – November 30.

Fee: $70 per campus

Testing required: No SAT/ACT testing requirement

  • Students must satisfy A-G course requirements.
  • Minimum GPA to apply: 2.5, but 2.0 can apply with supplemental app questions
  • No letters of recommendation.
  • No essays.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply

Time to apply: October 1 – November 30, but can begin application Aug. 1st
Fee:$80 per campus.
Testing required: No SAT/ACT testing requirement 
  • Students must satisfy A-G course requirements.
  • Minimum GPA to apply: 3.0
  • No letters of recommendation.
  • Four personal insight questions are required.  Each response has a maximum of 350 words.  
 
 

PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Time to apply: Varies
Where to get applications: Check institution websites
  • Common Application available at www.commonapp.org
  • Most private and out of state colleges will require teacher and counselor recommendations.  Give your teacher and counselor recommenders at least 3 weeks notice!  
  • Final deadline to request a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor is October 1st.  
  • Provide them with a resume and SCOIR questionnaire.  
  • Writing recommenders a thank you note is polite and recommended.
  • Remember to “invite” and “assign” your teacher and counselor recommenders.  
  • Fee for applying: varies.
  • Testing required: Will vary, check with colleges for their SAT/ACT requirement.
  • Recommendation required: varies. Usually required or encouraged for most private colleges. 
  • Essays are usually required. 

 

THE WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE(WUE)

 http://wiche.edu/wue
WUE is a program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).  Students who are residents of WICHE states may enroll at participating two and four-year college programs outside of their home state at a reduced tuition rate.  
TESTING INFORMATION
See the requirements under each type of college
Scores must be sent directly from ACT or College Board to colleges or universities. 
Request score reports.  Scores are not on your transcripts.
 
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
  • Everyone is strongly encouraged to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  It is available beginning in December at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • Ask private colleges for specific financial aid and scholarship information. We recommend all students apply early! 
  • Some private colleges require the CSS Profile: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/ and have some early deadlines.
Click on the button below to be brought to the financial aid section of our counseling site.
 
TRANSCRIPTS
  • Saint Mary’s is partnered with Parchment to send official transcripts electronically.  
  • Parchment: www.parchment.com
  • UCs do not want a transcript when you apply.
  • Some CSUs want a transcript when you apply.  Read their website and pay attention to e-mails.
  • San Joaquin Delta College wants your final transcript in June.
  • Private schools want a transcript.  If you apply through the Common App your counselor will upload your transcript when you apply.
Every Student Will Need To Send Their Final Transcript Through Parchment in June!
 
GENERAL TIPS
  1. Save copies of EVERYTHING.
  2. DEADLINES are absolute! You must stay on track with due dates for college, scholarship, financial aid, and housing applications.
  3. Have a “good” e-mail address and read all messages carefully!  Check your spam folder often, too.
  4. After your applications are submitted, you will receive an email from each school.  Some will advise you to set up a portal.  Check your emails and portals frequently, as colleges use this as a primary source of communication with you.