12th Grade Planning

Thinking about taking a light course load?  Colleges expect students to maintain the rigor and academic success they have previously achieved throughout high school.  And, why not?  Students should begin college well prepared to do college-level work.

"The habits you form now - your academic strength conditioning - will either help or hurt you in your transition from high school to college.  Keep in shape for the rest of the year!"  

Stanley E. Henderson, Senior Academic Administrator

Class of 2025,

We will be meeting in the Nest within the first few weeks of school and you should have the following prepared for the visit:

• Finding the Right Fit College Application Worksheet (Remember to use CollegeData.com to determine your chances of admission.)
• Resume (Use Sea Hawk Resume template in the 12th Grade Planning File Cabinet.)
• SAT or ACT:  Last year, you should have already taken the SAT and/or ACT at least once.  But, if you haven't, you still have another chance this fall.  

Most private schools will require the applicant to submit two letters of recommendation in addition to the school counselor's evaluation that completes the Secondary School Report (Common Application).  Also, if you are planning to complete a Sea Hawk Scholarship Portfolio (February), you will need one letter of recommendation from a teacher.  At RUHS, we have a new process that will allow your teachers to write a more influential letter on your behalf.  In person, ask your teacher to write a letter for you and present the following two documents:

• Sea Hawk Resume
• Letter of Recommendation Profile

This year will begin the third year of the new Common Application.  It's actually an easy application to complete if you remember two things:

1). First, you have to establish a Common Application account at www.commonapp.org. Using that username and password, you will...

2). "MATCH" your Naviance account to your Common Application account.  This is very easy and is done on your Naviance account under the "COLLEGE" tab.  

In order for your teachers to send a letter of recommendation to colleges, you must "sign" the FERPA.  This is done through your Common Application account after you have completed the Education section of the application.  

See Mrs. Bishop or Mrs. Menschner in the Nest with any questions.  

• Most seniors apply to 5 - 10 colleges/universities.  If you are applying to more than ten colleges, be aware of the application fees.  Generally, these range between $50 - $100 per application.
• Maintain a master list/calendar that includes upcoming test dates, application due dates, financial aid application forms and deadlines and other materials that you may need.
• See the college counselors in the Nest if you need assistance with fee waivers.
• If you must take the SAT or ACT one more time, September or October would be the last recommended test date. Sign up early!
• Log in to Naviance to complete "Colleges I'm Applying To."  This section must be completed so that RUHS staff can submit various documents, including transcripts, electronically.  This can be updated throughout the application season.
• If you are applying to at least one Common Application college, give your school counselor the Common Application Student Report to School Counselor Form immediately after you have submitted those specific applications.  Your school counselor will send the "Secondary School Report" which includes an evaluation/recommendation and your official transcript. 
• If your are applying to Common Application colleges, you will also need two letters of recommendation.  Hopefully, you have already asked your teacher(s) to write you a letter of recommendation.  Immediately after you submit your Common Application, please notify your teachers by giving them the Common Application Student Report to Teacher (Letter of Recommendation) form. They will upload your letter of recommendation through Naviance.
• You may begin completing and submitting the Common Application this month.  
• You may begin completing the UC application this month.  However, you cannot submit the UC application until November 1st.  Start early to avoid costly mistakes!
• Many out-of-state colleges (i.e. University of Oregon, University of Arizona, Oregon State, etc.) are ready for you to submit their applications.  

• Finalize your college choices!
• Prepare Early Decision or Early Action applications as soon as possible.
• By now, you should have already received your letters of recommendation from two teachers.
• Complete your application essays based on each university's requirements.
• If you have not had your test scores sent to the college(s) to which you are applying, be sure to contact the College Board or the ACT to have them sent.  If you have been granted a SAT or ACT fee waiver, you may be eligible for an additional four score reports sent at no charge.  See Mrs. Bishop or Mrs. Menschner for more details.
• You may begin applying to the Cal State universities at www.csumentor.edu

SUBMIT YOUR FAFSA AS SOON AS YOU CAN!

(Class of 2024: You and your parents may file your FAFSA beginning December 1st using 2023 tax information.)

• November 1 - 15:  For Early Decision admission, colleges may require test scores and applications between these dates.  
• Complete your application essays; proofread them carefully for mistakes.
• You may now submit your UC applications, beginning November 1st.

UC/CSU Application Deadline = November 30

SUBMIT YOUR FAFSA AS SOON AS YOU CAN!

(Class of 2024: You and your parents may file your FAFSA beginning December 1st using 2023 tax information.)

You may be getting admissions decisions from out-of-state public schools at this time.  

• The Common Application colleges and many out-of-state schools will require that you send a "mid-year" report that includes your first semester grades. Fill out and return a mid-year report/transcript request in the Nest.
• Optional: Complete a Sea Hawk Senior Scholarship Portfolio
• Stay focused - NO SENIORITIS!

• File income taxes early, if possible.  Some colleges will want copies of your family's tax returns (or other tax documents) before finalizing financial aid offers.

• Here it is - the moment you've been waiting for!  By mid-April, you should be receiving acceptance letters and financial aid offers.  
• If you make an immediate decision, let your school counselor, Mrs. Bishop and Mrs. Menschner know so that we can celebrate with you by announcing your decision. Congratulations!
• If you have questions about housing opportunities, call the college right away.  You'll probably be required to make a deposit.

• MAY 1st:  Colleges cannot require a deposit or commitment to attend before May 1st, but you may commit before May 1st if you've made a decision.  
• By May 1st (postmarked), you must inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid. Every college provides specific instructions.
• Send your deposit to ONE COLLEGE only.
• Wait-listed by a college?  If you will enroll if accepted, contact the admissions counselor/director with your intent and inquire about strengthening your application.
• Contact the college's financial aid office if you need to resolve any financial aid problems.

JUNE 2025

Can you believe it's over? Congratulations, Class of 2025!

You still have one more important assignment -  

• A final transcript must be sent to your college upon high school graduation.  Submit your request to Mrs. Clausen by May 24th.
• Also, the NCAA Eligibility Center will require a final transcript to complete the eligibility process.