The College Center

Welcome to College Center at Carlmont!

The College Center is located in the A-wing, next to administration, adjacent to the Counseling Office. The center is run by Connie Dominguez.

Mrs. Dominguez offers individualized appointments and workshops to Carlmont students on how to prepare for and apply strategically to colleges and how to find resources to help pay for college (scholarships/financial aid).

To view Carlmont's School Profile (includes where senior class is admitted each year), click here.

Some General Tips on Preparing and Applying to Colleges

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.    

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

  • The California State University system accepts the SAT or the ACT exam.
  • The University of California system accepts the SAT or ACT Plus Writing exam "and" two Subject tests from any different areas. (Note: UC campuses do not accept Math I).
  • To view dates and to register visit www.collegeboard.com (for SATor subject test) and www.actstudent.org (for ACT or ACT Plus Writing).
  • UC campuses and most CSU campuses accept test dates through December of senior year. 
  • Colleges recommend students begin testing during the spring semester of their junior year. Current Juniors will take the SAT for the first time in March, May or June and/or the ACT/ACT Plus in February, April 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, scholarships, student/parent loans, and workstudy. The follow is a list of how to apply for financial aid: 

1. The FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) is the main application students and parents complete to apply for financial aid.  Current seniors can begin the online FAFSA application on Jan 1, 2009. For now, you can estimate your financial aid eligiblity by going to www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

2. The Cal Grant Verification form is used (along with the FAFSA application) to apply for state grants and due March 2nd, 2009. Mrs. Dominguez will visit American Goverment and Economics classes the first week of December to provide Seniors with a Cal Grant Verification form. She then electronically submits the Cal Grant Verification form to the CA Student Aid Commission. 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 an institutional financial aid application or the CSS Profile (known as "The Profile"). The CSS Profile is located at www.collegeboard.com Check the private college/university financial aid web page for application requirements and deadlines.

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. 

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 ( 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)