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Monterey High School

Senior Pathways Checklist

Monterey High School · Senior Action Guide
Monterey High School
Senior Action Guide

Your Path
Starts Here

Pick your path below. Check off tasks as you complete them — your progress saves automatically.

👋 Feel free to contact me: Luis Sanabia [email protected]
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4-Year University

Choose your application system below — each has its own process, deadlines, and requirements.

🏛️ CSU
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🐻 UC
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📝 Common App
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Applications
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Research CSU campuses and find your best fits There are 23 CSU campuses across California. Explore programs, location, campus culture, and admission rates to build your list. CSU Campus Finder Due: September
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Create your Cal State Apply account All CSU applications go through one portal — Cal State Apply. Fill in your personal info, activities, and academic history early. Cal State Apply
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Submit your CSU application The CSU application window opens October 1 and closes November 30. Don't wait until the last day — submit early to avoid technical issues. Window: Oct 1 – Nov 30
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Create and regularly check your student portal for every CSU you applied to After submitting your application, you will need to create your own student portal for each CSU campus you applied to. Check it often — schools will ask you to submit documents, complete tasks, or verify information. Failing to complete a required item can result in your application being denied or your admission being rescinded. Don't wait for an email reminder; log in and check proactively. Check weekly after applying
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Official transcripts Only submit transcripts if your university has requested it. You must notify Monterey High if you need to submit an official transcript. Request a Transcript
Financial Aid
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Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application Opens October 1. File as early as possible — Cal Grants and CSU grants are limited. FAFSA CA Dream Act
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Create your WebGrants 4 Students (Cal Grant) account After submitting your FAFSA or Dream Act, create a WebGrants 4 Students account to check your Cal Grant status, claim your award, and manage your school of attendance. This is separate from your FAFSA account. WebGrants 4 Students Cal Grant deadline: Mar 2
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Research and apply for scholarships Search local community scholarships, school-specific awards, and national databases. Apply to at least 5 — many deadlines fall in February or March. Fastweb
Decision & Commit
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Review your admission decisions and financial aid offers CSU decisions typically arrive February–April. Compare your actual out-of-pocket cost at each campus — not just the sticker price. Feb–April
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Complete housing application CSU housing portals can often open before you commit to your school. Make sure you check your portals to ensure you get priority, when it comes to housing. Not every school guarantees housing, even for Freshmen.
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Submit your Intent to Enroll (commit!) Accept your spot by May 1 — National Decision Day. Decline your other offers so other students can have those spots. Deadline: May 1
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Register for and attend your CSU orientation After committing, your CSU will invite you to sign up for orientation. This is one of the most important steps — orientation is typically when you will meet with an academic advisor, create your college schedule, and register for your first semester classes. Missing orientation can delay your ability to register for classes and impact your first semester. Sign up as soon as the portal opens. Sign up ASAP after committing
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Send your final transcript after graduation In May, before graduation, you will receive a Senior Checkout List, which will include a document so you can request where you want your final, official transcript to be sent. This is the student's responsibility to inform Monterey High where they would like the transcript to be sent. It does not happen automatically.
Applications
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Research UC campuses and build your list There are 9 undergraduate UC campuses. Research programs, selectivity, campus vibe, and location. Apply to multiple — admission rates vary widely by campus and major. UC Admissions Due: September
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Create your UC Application account One application covers all UC campuses you apply to. The portal opens August 1 — set up your account and start filling in your info early. UC Application
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Write your 4 UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) Choose 4 of 8 prompts and write 350 words each. These are your main essays for the UC — start early and get multiple rounds of feedback. Your counselor can review drafts. UC PIQ Prompts PIQ Writing Tips Drafts due: October
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Complete the Activities & Awards section The UC asks for your extracurriculars, honors, volunteer work, and jobs in detail. An extracurricular is anything that you're involved with or do that is outside of the classroom. UC Activities Guide
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Submit your UC application The UC application opens November 1 and the deadline is November 30 at 11:59 PM PT. Submit a few days early. No Exceptions. Absolutely zero. Deadline: Nov 30
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Create and regularly check your student portal for every UC you applied to After submitting your application, you will need to create your own student portal for each UC campus you applied to. Check it often — schools will ask you to submit documents, complete tasks, or verify information. Failing to complete a required item can result in your application being denied or your admission being rescinded. Don't wait for an email reminder; log in and check proactively. Check weekly after applying
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Official transcripts Only submit transcripts if your university has requested it. You must notify Monterey High if you need to submit an official transcript. Request a Transcript
Financial Aid
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Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application File as early as possible after October 1. UC Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan can cover full tuition for families earning under $80K — but you have to apply for aid to get it. FAFSA CA Dream Act UC Blue & Gold Plan
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Create your WebGrants 4 Students (Cal Grant) account After submitting your FAFSA or Dream Act, create a WebGrants 4 Students account to check your Cal Grant status, claim your award, and manage your school of attendance. This is separate from your FAFSA account. WebGrants 4 Students Cal Grant deadline: Mar 2
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Research and apply for scholarships Search local community scholarships, school-specific awards, and national databases. Apply to at least 5 — many deadlines fall in February or March. Fastweb
Decision & Commit
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Review UC admission decisions and financial aid offers UC decisions typically arrive mid-March. Compare your actual net cost at each campus and attend any accepted student events before deciding. Mid-March
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Complete housing application UC housing portals can often open before you commit to your campus. Make sure you check your portals to ensure you get priority when it comes to housing. Not every UC guarantees housing, even for Freshmen.
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Submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) Accept your spot by May 1 — National Decision Day. Decline your other offers so other students can have those spots. Deadline: May 1
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Register for and attend your UC orientation After committing, your UC will invite you to sign up for orientation. This is one of the most important steps — orientation is typically when you will meet with an academic advisor, create your college schedule, and register for your first semester classes. Missing orientation can delay your ability to register for classes and impact your first semester. Sign up as soon as the portal opens. Sign up ASAP after committing
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Send your final transcript after graduation In May, before graduation, you will receive a Senior Checkout List, which will include a document so you can request where you want your final, official transcript to be sent. This is the student's responsibility to inform Monterey High where they would like the transcript to be sent. It does not happen automatically.
Applications
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Research colleges and build your Common App school list Common App is used by 1,000+ schools, including private and out of state universities. With so many schools to choose from, it's important to do your research about which schools you may want to apply to. Explore Schools Due: September/October
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Create your Common App account and fill in your profile Complete your personal info, activities list, honors, and academic history. This shared section applies to every school you add — fill it out carefully. Common App
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Write your Common App Personal Essay (650 words) This is your main essay — it goes to every school you apply to. Choose a prompt that lets you tell a story only you can tell. Start early and revise multiple times. You can receive support with editing your drafts from Mr. Sanabia, your counselor, or a teacher. Utilize your resources! Essay Prompts Essay Writing Tips Drafts due: October/November
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Complete supplementals for each school Many Common App schools may require additional information that is being asked by that specific school. Supplementals can include additional essays, short answers, or just more information about you. Supplemental Essay Help
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Request letters of recommendation Most schools require letters of recommendation from 2 teachers, but some may require more. Please note that a counselor will also need to write a letter of recommendation for you. This can be your assigned counselor or Mr. Sanabia, whoever you feel knows you better and can write a stronger letter. Give at least 2 weeks notice. Brag sheets can be useful as well. Brag Sheet Ask by: October
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Submit Early Decision or Early Action applications ED/EA deadlines are usually November 1 or November 15. ED is binding — only apply ED if a school is truly your first choice and you've compared financial aid. ED vs EA Explained Deadline: Nov 1–15
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Submit Regular Decision applications Most RD deadlines fall on January 1 or January 15. Submit a few days early — don't risk a technical issue on deadline day. Deadline: Jan 1–15
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Create and regularly check your student portal for every school you applied to After submitting your application, you will need to create your own student portal for each college you applied to. Check it often — schools will ask you to submit documents, complete tasks, or verify information. Failing to complete a required item can result in your application being denied or your admission being rescinded. Don't wait for an email reminder; log in and check proactively. Check weekly after applying
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Midyear Report Your counselor will be submitting a Midyear Report for you. This will include your grades and GPA from the first semester of your Senior year. This will allow colleges to take into account your most recent grades so they can make a better determination for your college admissions decision.
Financial Aid
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Complete the FAFSA Opens October 1. File as early as possible — some institutional aid is first-come, first-served. Required by almost all Common App schools. FAFSA Application Opens: Oct 1
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Complete the CSS Profile (if required) Many private colleges require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA for institutional grant aid. Check each school's requirements — deadlines can be as early as November. CSS Profile Schools That Require It
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Create your WebGrants 4 Students (Cal Grant) account After submitting your FAFSA or Dream Act, create a WebGrants 4 Students account to check your Cal Grant status, claim your award, and manage your school of attendance. This is separate from your FAFSA account. Please know that if you are awarded a Cal Grant, it can only be used at a school that is located in California. Cal Grants cannot be used for schools outside of California. WebGrants 4 Students Cal Grant deadline: Mar 2
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Research and apply for external scholarships Many private colleges "stack" outside scholarships on top of your aid package. Apply to at least 5 scholarships through national databases and local sources. Fastweb
Decision & Commit
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Compare financial aid award letters Don't just look at the sticker price — compare your actual out-of-pocket cost after grants and scholarships. A higher-ranked school isn't always the better deal. March–April
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Complete housing application Housing portals typically open in April or May. Act quickly — popular options fill fast and many private colleges have limited on-campus housing.
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Attend accepted student days and campus visits If you're choosing between schools, visit before you commit. Campus culture and gut feeling matter more than rankings.
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Submit your enrollment deposit (commit!) National Decision Day is May 1. Pay your deposit, decline your other offers, and celebrate — you did it. Deadline: May 1
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Register for and attend your college orientation After committing, your college will invite you to sign up for orientation. This is one of the most important steps — orientation is typically when you will meet with an academic advisor, create your college schedule, and register for your first semester classes. Missing orientation can delay your ability to register for classes and impact your first semester. Sign up as soon as the portal opens. Sign up ASAP after committing
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Send your final transcript after graduation In May, before graduation, you will receive a Senior Checkout List, which will include a document so you can request where you want your final, official transcript to be sent. This is the student's responsibility to inform Monterey High where they would like the transcript to be sent. It does not happen automatically.
📚

Monterey Peninsula College

MPC is right in your backyard — affordable, flexible, and a proven launchpad to UC, CSU, or a great career. Go Lobos!

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Start Here — Explore MPC
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Explore the programs and degrees MPC offers Before applying, take some time to explore what MPC has to offer. MPC offers a wide variety of degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways — from Nursing and Business to Welding, Computer Science, and the Arts. Knowing what's available can help you choose the right educational goal and set you up for success from day one. MPC Program Finder
Part 1 — Apply to MPC
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Apply through CCCApply — it's free! MPC's application runs through Open CCCApply. After submitting, look for a "Welcome to Monterey Peninsula College" email with your 9-digit student ID. This email is important — keep it! MPC New Students Guide Apply by: March–May for Fall priority
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Complete Orientation Orientation is optional but highly recommended — it walks you through campus resources and sets you up for success. Online, in-person, and class options are available. MPC Next Steps
Part 2 — Financial Aid & Free Tuition
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Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) This unlocks grants, the MPC Promise, and the CCPG fee waiver. File early — some aid is limited. Submit the FAFSA if you're a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; submit the CADAA if you're undocumented. FAFSA CA Dream Act (CADAA)
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Apply for the MPC Promise Grant — potentially FREE tuition for 2 years If you're a first-time, full-time student (12+ units/semester) and a CA high school grad, MPC may cover your enrollment fees entirely for two years — regardless of income. You must complete FAFSA/CADAA, attend orientation, and set an educational goal. MPC Promise Grant
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Explore MPC scholarships (90+ available!) MPC offers over 90 scholarships based on merit, need, field of study, and more. Many don't require citizenship. The scholarship application typically opens in the fall — ask the Financial Aid office. MPC Financial Aid
Part 3 — Academic Planning & Transfer Prep
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Schedule an appointment with an MPC counselor to create your Ed Plan Your educational plan maps exactly which classes to take each semester to reach your goal — transfer, degree, or certificate. Don't skip this step. Schedule Advising
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Browse MPC's full list of majors and programs MPC offers degrees and certificates in everything from Nursing and Business to Welding and Computer Science. Explore all options before deciding your educational goal — you might discover something unexpected. MPC Program Finder
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Explore ASSIST.org to map your transfer courses ASSIST shows exactly which MPC courses transfer as credit to UC and CSU campuses. This is your roadmap — use it from day one. Community College Transfer Information
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Look into UC Transfer Pathways and TAG programs Some UC campuses offer Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) agreements for MPC students in specific majors. Your MPC counselor can walk you through eligibility. UC Transfer Pathways
Part 4 — Register & Get on Campus
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Register for Fall classes during your priority window Priority registration at MPC is earned by completing orientation + placement early. The sooner you finish those steps, the earlier you can register — and the better your class selection will be. Register for Classes Priority reg: April–May
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Connect with EOPS, tutoring, and other free MPC support services MPC's Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS), tutoring center, and disability services are free and can make a real difference. Ask about them your first week on campus.
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Get your MPC student ID card and parking permit Handle logistics before week one so you're not scrambling. Parking passes and student ID are available through the Admissions & Records office. MPC Student ID Info
🇺🇸

Military Service

Serving our country is a major commitment. We want to make sure you are able to make an informed decision that positively impacts your future and gets you started on the right foot.

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Research & Decision
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Research the different branches of the military Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force — each has different culture, jobs, and commitments. Military Information
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Research your career options before signing Don't sign until you have a guaranteed job in writing — verbal promises aren't binding. Explore the careers each branch offers before meeting with a recruiter so you know what to ask for. Air Force Careers Air National Guard Careers Army Careers Army National Guard Careers Coast Guard Careers Marines Careers Navy Careers Space Force Careers
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Consider ROTC or military academy paths if interested in officer track ROTC is available at many colleges — you serve as an officer after graduation. Academies (West Point, USNA, etc.) are highly competitive. What is ROTC? Air Force Academy Coast Guard Academy West Point Naval Academy
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Talk to a recruiter from the branch(es) you're considering Ask hard questions: enlistment length, job options, signing bonuses, education benefits. You're interviewing them too. You should know that once you contact a recruiter, they will likely continue to contact you. Make sure you're ready to begin that communication with a recruiter. Air Force Air National Guard Army Army National Guard Coast Guard Marines Navy Space Force
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Talk to veterans or active-duty service members Get honest, firsthand perspective from people who have served — not just recruiter talking points.
Testing & Qualifications
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Take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) The ASVAB is used to determine your eligibility not only for Enlistment into your branch of choice, but also the career/job that you can join. This is like the SAT, but for the military. It is very important and highly advised you prepare and study. ASVAB Practice
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Complete a physical exam at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) MEPS is where you will go to receive physical and mental evaluation, prior to Enlisting. This is scheduled by your recruiter. It is often where you will sign your contract to officially Enlist in your branch of choice. Learn About MEPS
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Sign your enlistment contract Read every line before signing. Confirm your job, enlistment length, and any bonuses are in writing. If anything promised to you by your recruiter is not written in your contract, assume it is not true. Even if the contract is in front of you, you do not have to sign until you are ready.
Education Benefits — Know Before You Go
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Learn about the GI Bill (Post-9/11 and Montgomery) The GI Bill can cover full college tuition, housing, and books after your service commitment. Understand the details. GI Bill Info
Enlistment & Preparation
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Begin physical preparation for Basic Training / Boot Camp Start running, push-ups, sit-ups now. The better shape you arrive in, the easier it will be.
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Get your personal documents in order You'll need: birth certificate, Social Security card, passport (if you have one), and high school diploma/transcripts.
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Enter the Workforce

Going straight to work is a valid, smart path. Let's make sure you launch with a plan and not just a paycheck.

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Career Exploration
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Identify your top 2–3 career interests or industries Use tools like CareerOneStop or O*NET to explore careers, salary ranges, and required skills. CareerOneStop O*NET Online
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Research apprenticeship and trade programs Skilled trades (electrician, plumber, welder, HVAC) offer high pay, job security, and earn-while-you-learn training. Apprenticeship Information
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Look into industry certifications relevant to your field CompTIA (tech), OSHA 10 (construction), Phlebotomy, Real Estate License — certifications open doors fast.
Job Search Tools
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Build your resume Include school projects, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and any skills. Keep it to one page. Ask your counselor to review it. Free Resume Templates
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Create a LinkedIn profile A professional profile makes you 40x more likely to be found by recruiters. Add a photo, summary, and your skills. LinkedIn
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Practice interviewing Ask a teacher, counselor, or family member to do a mock interview. Research common interview questions for your industry.
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Start applying to jobs or apprenticeships Use Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and your city's workforce development center. Don't wait until after graduation. Indeed
Life Skills & Financial Foundation
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Open a checking and savings account if you don't have one You'll need direct deposit for most jobs. A savings account with even $500 is a real safety net.
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Learn how taxes work — set up for withholding correctly When you start a job, you'll fill out a W-4. Understanding it prevents a surprise tax bill in April. IRS W-4 Estimator
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Research health insurance options You can stay on a parent's plan until 26, or ask your employer about coverage. Don't go uninsured.
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Make a simple monthly budget Track income vs. expenses. Even a basic spreadsheet helps you build financial habits early that last a lifetime.
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Keep the door open — explore school later Working first doesn't close the door on education. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. Community college will always be there.
Luis Sanabia  ·  College and Career Counselor, Monterey High School  ·  [email protected]
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