College Application Steps for
Former Foster Youth

Do the following in the stated month:

August

Step 1: Register to take either (just one) the SAT (part I) or ACT test

Step 2: At the start of your senior year in high school (the first week of school) meet with your advisor to be sure you have or will have taken all the classes (A-G coursework) you need for admission to CSUSM.

September

Step 3: Take the SAT or ACT – this must be done by the end of December.
Step 4: Request the test results be sent to California State University San Marcos.

October

All must be completed by October 31

Step 5: Fill out and summit the California State University San Marcos Application

Step 6: Have your social worker mail a letter stating that you have been an award of the court and in the Foster Care System to:

Office of Admissions & Recruitment
California State University San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92069-0001
Email: apply@csusm.edu Phone 460-750-4848

Step 7: Fill out the University Village Application (On Campus Housing)
All foster youth must live at University Village their freshman year.

Step 8: Fill out the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Application -- Including 2 recommendation forms and mailed to:

           EOP Craven Hall 4100
           California State University San Marcos
           333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
           San Marcos, CA 92069-0001

ATTN: Norma Larios email: eop@csum.edu or fax to: 760-750-3300

Step 9: Fill out the application for the California Chafee Grant Program.

Step 10: Fill out the ACE Scholars Services application.

November

Step 11: Make sure you did all the applications stated in OCTOBER and hope there is still room for you.

Step 12: Make sure your EOP file is complete (i.e. application/income information, and 2 letters of recommendations). If you have not been told that your EOP application is complete by November 30, email Norma Larios: nlarios@csusm.edu.

January

Step 13: Fill out the form for the Federal Personal Identification Number (PIN)
You will need this PIN number for all your financial aid.

Step 14: Fill out the form for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) By March 2nd

Step 15: Get your Grade Point Average (GPA) Verification form your high school counselor and have it mailed to:

           California Student Aid Commission
           Cal Grant Operations
           P.O. Box 419077
           Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9077

(Deadline March 2nd)

Step 16: Register to take the ELM/EPT (Entry Level Math and English Proficiency Tests).

Step 17: Once you have been accepted to Cal State San Marcos go to the Checklist for Admitted Students.

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