12th Grade "To Do's"

The following are items that students should consider handling during the 12th grade.  Look at the "Resource Library" for more information about the following:

Academics:

1. PE!  Students in PFAA must complete 20 PE credits to meet graduation requirements.  If you do not plan to complete these credits by taking dance classes at Natomas Charter School, you must exercise and utilize PE Logs to earn these credits.  PE Logs are available in the front office, in the Media Center, and in the online Resource Library.  Turn in completed PE logs to the academic counselor.  All PE Logs must be turned in to the academic counselor by the first week of the spring semester of your senior year.  20 PE credits= 400 hours of exercise.
2. Outside classes: Students who must complete online classes or other classes outside of Natomas Charter School must submit final grades and official transcripts to the academic counselor by the first week of the spring semester of your senior year.
3. Finish strong!  Your grades in the 12th grade will still be reviewed by college admissions counselors and could affect your acceptance status.  Don't be shy about talking to your teachers if you need additional support.  Also meet with the academic counselor to develop organizational and study skills.  Utilize the online homework help and study skills resources listed on the Resource Library link.

College Preparation:

1. College entrance exams: Register for a test preparation course.  Take the SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests during the fall semester of your senior year if you haven't done so already.  The CSU and UC systems require that you complete these exams by December of your senior year.
2. College enrichment: Attend college information fairs and participate in youth leadership conferences.
3. College exploration: Visit universities with your family or with organized college tours to get a better understanding of the college environment that you prefer.
4. Advanced Education: Talk to the academic counselor about taking community college classes as a high school student for enrichment and to impress college admissions committees.

College Applications:

1. Apply for college! The UC and CSU application deadline is November 30th during your senior year.  Private and out-of-state college application deadlines vary.  Begin the community college matriculation process around February or March during your senior year.
2. Community College application process handout
3. Support programs: Apply for programs that provide academic counseling, tutoring, and financial stipends.  Some examples of these programs include EOP, EOPS, TRIO, Journey, Summer Bridge, Puente, Umoja, etc.
4. May 1 = Deadline to sumbit the SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) to the university of your choice.  Failure to do so by May 1 may result in the loss of your acceptances to universities.  Be sure to also secure university housing before this deadline.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

1. March 2 = Priority deadline to apply for the FAFSA and for the Cal Grant financial aid applications.  Attend a free "Cash for College" financial aid application workshop for help on the FAFSA (see the Resource Library link).
2. Community college students can apply for the BOG Fee Waiver to waive the cost of classes.  The application is available on each college website.
3. Apply for scholarships to earn free money!

Career Exploration:

1. Utilize the career exploration website tools listed in the Resource Library to assess your career interests and to learn more about a variety of career paths.
2. Attend college and career workshops and student career conferences.

Community Involvement:

1. Practice your time management skills and build your résumé by participating in extracurricular activities and community service.  See the Resource Library page for a list of opportunities.