Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
UC/ CSU Filling periods
California State University October 1st - November 30th (Due to Covid-19, dates vary)
University of California - November 1st - November 30th (Due to Covid-19, dates vary)
For Private Universities- Check the individual application dates, deadlines, and enrollment requirements.
Common application: is used for undergraduate admission to many private and out-of-state universities.
Community Colleges in California - Students can apply up until a few weeks before classes start. Check the individual college website for a link to their application.
Autobiographical Sketch
Counselors will use your autobiographical sketch to learn more about you and it will also help them write your letter of recommendation
Requesting Letters of Recomendation from Counselors/ Secondary school reports
It is your responsibility to provide all materials to your counselor by November 15th or at least 3 weeks prior to your first college application due date.
Make sure that you give your counselor all required materials or he/she will not be able to submit the materials on time. Required documents usually include:
*Please see the counseling office for further information.*
Transcript Requests
To request a transcript please complete a transcript request form in the counseling office.
Current Students:
Former Students:
*For additional information please contact the registrar
Donni Jo Pipkin
The San Rafael High School CEEB Code is
053222
This code is required for college entrance testing, financial aid forms, and on college applications
ACT academy.act.org , khanacedemy.org/test-prep
SAT www.collegeboard.com
Free Preparation online at:
www.act.org, www.collegeboard.com
BEFORE THE TEST:
ON TEST DAY
Admissions testing is needed for:
Junior/Community Colleges
* No Tests are required to register for and take community college classes.
California State University System - Requires either the SAT or ACT as part of the eligibility index calculation. This requirement is suspended for the Fall 2020 applications.
University of California System - Requires either the SAT or ACT as part of the eligibility index calculation. This requirement is suspended for the Fall 2020 applications.
Some majors, at some UC's, such as Engineering and other sciences recommend two SAT II's in different subject areas, usually math and science.
Private/Independent Colleges - in most cases require either the SAT or the ACT test. A handful may require the SAT II Subject Tests. It is college-specific as to whether they take the best score from one sitting or the best portions from multiple sittings or whether they require any Subject Tests. Check with each individual school's policy.
Proctored Practice Tests SAT, PSAT, ACT, Subject Tests in Marin at Compass, 700 Larkspur Landing Cir, Ste, 235.
RSVP by calling 1-800-620-6250 www.compassprep.com
PSAT: The PSAT is offered for free at SRHS mid-October, and all sophomores and juniors are required to take it. The score from the junior testing will be used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholars and Hispanic Scholarship. Note: The PSAT will reflect the changes to the SAT I except that it will not include an essay. Students register for the PSAT in the Counseling Office beginning October 1st. The last day to register is two days prior to the exam and generally costs approx. $25. Alternative test dates, other than SRHS's, may be available, first come first serve basis, at other locations such as Marin Catholic HS, Branson's, San Dominico, Marin Academy. Check with individual schools for correct information. FEE WAIVERS ARE AVAILABLE from Counseling.
It is recommended that students try both the SAT and ACGT to determine which style T IS RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS TRY BOTH THE SAT AND ACT TO DETERMINE WHICH STYLE OF TEST THEY PERFORM BETTER ON.
ACT: The ACT is the American College Test and, for most colleges and universities, is an alternative to the SAT I. The test is three hours and sections cover math, reading and science reasoning. It test information that you have learned as apposed to the SAT REasoning which requires applying knowledge. There is an optional 1/2 hour essay required by UC and some other colleges. For information concerning registration and testing dates, visit www.act.org
TOEFL: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is usually required by colleges for students who have been to high school in the USA for less than four years. In general, the test is given in August, Oct., Nov., Jan., March, and May. If a student's SAT Critical Reading score is not as high as the student might like, it may be advisable to take the TOEFL, even thougth it is not required, to show the student's skills in the use of English as the test is different than the SAT or ACT. More information can be obtained at www.ets.org/toefl The test has three sections: listening comprehension, structure and written expression, and reading comprehension.
It is generally agreed that students do better on standardized tests when they have prepared for them. At minimum, it is recommended that students take a practice test a week or two before the test date in order to become familiar with the test instructions, the types of questions and how to pace oneself.
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to prepare for college tests. There are books available in the College and Career Center as well as software programs that prep a student for the tests. One of the books most often recommended is 10 Real SATs, which is available at bookstores and the College Career Center. Free online services are available at www.khanacademy.org, www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/act-online-prep and www.collegeboard.com .
Day Before the Tests
Gather together: photo ID, test admission ticket, 2 sharpened #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils) and a soft eraser, calculator w/ fresh batteries. Get a good nights sleep.
Day of the Test
Eat breakfast and bring a health snack and water. If you have to bring a cell phone, make sure it is turned completely off. All electronic devices brought to the test could be grounds for dismissal. Arrive at the test no later than 7:45. Allow extra time if you are uncertain of the test's location.
During the Test
Eat and drink during the breaks. Do easier questions first. Fill in entire circle with your pencil, use all the time available, go over questions you skipped or had trouble with if you have time at the end.
Free/very low cost practice tests throughout the county by major SAT/ACT prep companies:
www.compassprep.com, www.princetonreview.com , www.kaplan.com