Senior Year Reminders

Oct 1

FAFSA and CSS Profile open (FAFSA sometimes earlier)

Nov 15

SB Scholarship Foundation Honors and Art scholarships due

Nov 30

UC and Cal State applications due

Jan 31

SB Scholarship Foundation general scholarships due

Mar 2

Cal Grant deadline for California residents

May 1

Enrollment deposit due at most U.S. colleges

Fall of senior year

Make sure your full college list is in your high school's platform (Naviance, SCOIR, or MaiaLearning), with each school marked "Applied."

Submit UC and Cal State applications by November 30. Aim to finish a week early; the application sites slow down near the deadline.

Send official test scores only to colleges that require them. Many accept self-reported scores until you enroll.

Check whether any of your colleges require a self-reported academic record (STARS). See which colleges use it.

Watch your email closely, including spam and promotions folders.

Set up each college's applicant portal as instructed, and keep your logins in one safe place.

Check your portals often for missing items, holds, next steps, and admission decisions. Some colleges ask for transcripts from other high schools or colleges attended.

Keep demonstrating interest where it counts: open college emails, attend virtual events, and visit where appropriate.

Submit video recordings, or request/accept interviews where they're offered.

Keep your grades strong. Colleges review senior-year grades, and offers of admission can be withdrawn.

Write thank-you notes to your recommendation writers and interviewers.

Need-based aid requires the FAFSA, and some colleges also require the CSS Profile.

Both open by October 1 each year. File early: each college sets its own aid deadline, and early applicants' deadlines often fall in November.

California residents: submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2 to be considered for a Cal Grant, and confirm your high school has sent your GPA.

Santa Barbara County students: the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara Honors (South County) and Art scholarships are due November 15. General scholarships are due January 31.

Check each college's website for merit scholarships. Some require a separate application or an earlier deadline.

Interested in private scholarships? Create an account on a search site such as Fastweb. 

Early Decision and Early Action results typically arrive mid-December through February.

Most UC and Cal State decisions arrive by mid to late March.

Most Regular Decision results arrive mid-March through early April.

Deferred? If the college accepts updates, send any meaningful new achievements and a short note confirming your continued interest.

Waitlisted? Opt in by the college's deadline to stay on the list, and still place a deposit elsewhere by May 1.

Stay in close contact with your BCP counselor as decisions come in, especially after a deferral, waitlist, or denial.

Admitted Early Decision? Accept by the required deadline, then withdraw your other applications, as long as your aid offer makes the college affordable.

For other U.S. colleges, make your final choice and submit your enrollment deposit by May 1 (at UC, this is your Statement of Intent to Register). Deposit at one college only.

Compare financial aid offers side by side, looking at your net cost rather than the sticker price.

International universities set their own reply deadlines. Follow each one's instructions.

Is housing competitive at a college you're considering? It may be smart to place a housing deposit early, even if you're not sure you'll attend. Check whether it's refundable.

After you enroll, send final transcripts from your high school(s) and any college you've attended. Missing this deadline can put your admission at risk.

After you enroll, send official SAT, ACT, and AP scores if they apply to you.

Keep checking your new college's portal for orientation, housing, and placement steps.