Parents Page | How to Get to College

Resources and tips

Parents who are invested and interested in their students preparing for, applying to, and attending college are most likely to see their students succeed.

See how you can help

How can I help my student succeed?

The best way to make sure your student is prepared to attend college is to educate yourself on what students should achieve in each grade.

Click on a grade level below to see what’s expected each year:

6-8th grades

Make sure your student begins a student planner on CSUMentor to stay on track all the way through applying to college.
Visit the ACT EXPLORE website to look up convenient dates for your student to take the exam, which assess academic progress and will prepare them for the ACT in high school.

9th grade

10th grade

Have your student register for the ACT EXPLORE, ACT PLAN, and PSAT exams and check with his or her school counselor for exam dates.

11th Grade

Have your student:

Register for the EAP exam to judge his or her math and English readiness at CSU Success.
If your student is taking Advanced Placement courses, make sure he or she registers for the AP exams in the spring.
Register for the SAT and ACT at least one month before the exams.

12th Grade

EARLY SEPTEMBER:
Register for the October SAT or ACT.
October 1 – November 30:
Apply to the CSU early—the deadline is November 30! Also, begin to apply for scholarships.
January – March:
Apply for financial aid by March 2.
March – May:
Register for the CSU’s ELM and EPT exams, unless you are exempt.
Late spring:
Students taking AP classes should register for the AP exams.

Videos

Paying for College

The CSU offers one of the best values in higher education nationwide.
Find out more

Cost of Attendance

Did you know the CSU offers one of the most affordable university educations in the country? See costs by campus and how the CSU compares to other institutions.