Applying to California's public universities system

There are two public university systems in California -- The University of California and the California State University.   A list of Carlmont's "A-G" requirements are located on-line at http://www.ucop.edu/doorways. 

Carlmont students meet with their Guidance Counselors indvidiually each year to review their progress in taking UC/CSU admission requirements. Students are also informed about college admission exams and tips on how to fill out on-line college and financial aid applications through classroom presentations and workshops held in the College Center .   

Private / Independent or Out-of-State College and Universities

The College Center also provides students with information about private and/or out-of-state colleges and universities. In general, students are encouraged to assess the social and academic deminsions they are looking for in the college experience 

For example: close to 300 private colleges and universities accept the Common Application. This application streamlines the application process (similar to having to complete one UC on-line application that can be used to apply to any of the 10 UC campuses or one CSU on-line application).  Many colleges accepting the Common App will also request students submit a "Supplemental." For more informatio visit the Common App website www.commonapp.org  

Carlmont students that would like more information about applying to private colleges should visit the College Center or their guidance counselor.

Some tips on College Admission Exams (SAT/PSAT/ACT)  

• Students interested in applying to a California State University and/or private college or universities can submit scores from the Reasoning Test (SAT) or the ACT exam.
• Students interested in applying to any University of California campus and/or selective private colleges or universities can submit the Reasoning Test (SAT) or the ACT Plus Writing exams "and" two Subject exams (SAT II) in any different areas. (Note: UC campuses do not accept Math I while Math II is not required but prefered if declaring Engineering as a major.)
• To view exam dates and how to register visit www.collegeboard.com (for SATor subject exams) and www.actstudent.org (for ACT or ACT Plus Writing).
• When should students take college admission exams? UC and CSU campuses will accept test dates through December of senior year. However, colleges recommend students begin testing during the spring semester of their junior year.  Most current Juniors will take the SAT for the first time in March, May or June.  If you are taking AP exams in May, it is recommended to take subject exams (in the same area) in May.

$$ Financial Aid $$

Financial aid comes in the form of grants or scholarships, loans, and workstudy. Several applications students should focus on completing to find money to help pay for college.

1. The FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) is the main application that most colleges (public and private) use as a base-line to develop the student's financial need. The FAFSA is used to seek federal (Pell) grants and/or student or parent loans.  Current seniors can begin the FAFSA on Jan 1, 2008 on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov

2. The Cal Grant Verification form is used to apply for state grants and due (along with the FAFSA application) by March 2nd (every year). Parents who wish to have their senior opt out of completing the Cal Grant form with Mrs. Dominguez, should contact her before this date.

3. In addition to the FAFSA and Cal Grant, most private colleges will also require students complete their financial aid application or the CSS Profile (known as "The Profile"). The CSS Profile is locate at www.collegeboard.com This additional financial aid application is often used to determine merit-base or need-base money granted by the institution (such as endowments).

4. Private scholarships are also a source of money for college. Seniors are encouraged to search for local, state, and nation-wide scholarships available on-line or posted in the College Center.  To hear about scholarships through the College Center, join the College E-list. 

5. Seniors applying to private or out-of-state colleges or universities, should check the Financial Aid web site for CSS Profile and/or priority financial aid deadlines.

Carlmont parents and students who wish to hear about upcoming college application workshops should join the College Center's e-list by emailing Mrs. Dominguez at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it (Please include the grade level the student is currently enrolled in.)

Connie Dominguez, M.S. ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it )
Director of College Advising
Carlmont High School
(650) 595-0210, Ext. 3110
(Fax: 650-306-8806)