AUGUST

1. Check the accuracy of your transcript. Any problems see the Registrar.

2. Check your "Graduation Status" to be sure you will satisfy all the courses and credits required for graduation. You must also pass the High School Exit Exam.

3. If you want or need interviews with a prospective college on their campus, make your appointments early in the fall. Appointments are filled very quickly after September.

SEPTEMBER

1. Register to take the October or November SAT I, SAT II, or ACT if needed.

2. Write or e-mail the admissions office requesting paper application materials if needed. Most colleges use on line applications, and consider using the Common Application for multiple colleges if available.

3. If you are applying Early Decision or Early Action, begin working on your application. Check the due date.

4. If you plan to graduate at the end of first semester, pick up a Request for Early Graduation application from your counselor.

5. Attend college representative meetings held at Gunn and area presentations in the evening or on weekends. Keep informed by listening for announcements, reading the Daily Bulletin, picking up the Look Who's Coming, checking the Master Calendar in the College & Career Center, checking the C&CC web site and Gunn Connections.

6. If applying to private colleges, check their deadline for the Profile financial aid form. Some deadlines are as early as October 15th.

OCTOBER

1. Printed applications for the University of California and the California State Universities will be available in the College & Career Center. Both have on-line applications and prefer you do the application on line. CSU's start accepting on line applications in October.

2. Begin working on your applications and first drafts of any required essays.

3. Attend the annual Palo Alto College Fair. The fair alternates each year between Paly and Gunn.

4. Letter of recommendation request forms are due to the teachers you have chosen. Provide a stamped, addressed business size envelope for each college. Early action/early decision recommendation forms are due to your counselor.

5. Register for the December SAT's or ACT if needed. Last test date that some colleges will accept.

NOVEMBER

1. November is the application-filing period for University of California and California State University campuses.

2. Determine which colleges will receive your ACT, SAT I, and/or SAT II Test scores. Scores to colleges must be requested directly from the testing service.

3. Scholarship information begins to arrive in November. Watch for announcements concerning eligibility and deadlines. See the College and Career Center Coordinator for more details regarding scholarships available from colleges and other private agencies. Check the web site and the scholarship drawer in the C&CC often.

DECEMBER

1. The first week of December is the final deadline for giving your counselor and teachers requests for letters of recommendation due by the first of February.

2. Student Aid application (FAFSA) will be available in the College & Career Center. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM UNTIL AFTER JANUARY 1st. (A Financial Aid Workshop is usually held in January to assist families in filling out the applications.)

JANUARY

1. Parents should attend the Financial Aid Workshop.

2. The FAFSA Financial Aid Forms can be filed after January 1. Check for final filing deadlines.

3. Prepare well for your first semester exams since the first semester grades have a major impact on private college admission decisions.

4. Applications for Community Colleges begin arriving. Attend visits from the Community College Representatives.

FEBRUARY

1. Check your graduation status with your first semester grades and credits to make sure that you are signed up for the proper second semester courses.

2. Read announcements and check the web site for scholarship information.

MARCH

1. Meet the registration deadlines for Advanced Placement (AP) Tests.

2. If you applied to a UC campus, expect a letter concerning your admission status. Notify your counselor of the admission decisions.

3. Check in the College and Career Center and on the web site for local scholarship information and comply with application deadlines.

APRIL

1. Admission and financial aid applications for community colleges should be sent by this time.

2. Attend information meetings and visit campuses in order to make an informed college selection.

3. Expect to hear from most private colleges by mid-April. Please share the admission decisions with your counselor.

4. Notify colleges that you won't be attending to allow them to release those spots to other students.

MAY

1. Notify the college of your intent to register.

2. Send tuition deposit to your chosen college by the deadline.

3. Be certain your housing request information is filed appropriately and by the priority deadline.

4. Check if placement exams are required at your chosen college.

5. Report scholarships, awards, or honors you have received to the College and Career Center Coordinator to be included in the Awards program.

JUNE

1. Request your Final Transcript be sent to the college you will attend by filling out the request form available from the registrar. Remember to include an addressed and stamped business size envelope with your request form and the transcript fee if you have used your 2 free transcripts.

2. Complete the survey for the "College Application Guide" to receive your cap and gown.

3. Return applications for on-campus orientation programs to the campus you will be attending.

4. Attend the Awards Program and graduation.

5. Congratulations! You are a Gunn High School Graduate!

Good Luck