• UC Application Link 
• UC Personal Insight Questions Link

• CSU Application Link
• CSU Academic Preparation Brochure
• CSU Student Success Academic Prep and Early Start
• CSU Paying for College
• CSU High School Student Success

• Common App Link
• What is Common App?
• Common App-Application Dictionary
• Common App Details Info Sheet
• Common App-How to approach the Essay
• Family Resources from Common App

• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Link

• California Community College Link

DOWNLOAD FREE HELPFUL COLLEGE MATERIALS HERE

DOWNLOAD FREE COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE HERE

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES:

• MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE
• SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE
• LAS POSITAS COLLEGE
• Link to all California Community Colleges

PRIVATE CAREER TECHNICAL COLLEGES:

• San Joaquin Valley College (Modesto)-Business & Criminal, Trades & Industrial, Medical & Dental, and more!

• Universal Technical Institute (UTI)-Automotive, Diesel, Marine, Motorcycle, CNC Machining, Collision Repair, Welding

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION:

• CODESTACK ACADEMY FOR STUDENTS AGE 18-SPONSORED BY SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

         ​​​​​​Las Positas College-Concurrent Enrollment 

         Modesto Junior College-Dual Enrollment Info

         San Joaquin Delta College Early Start Concurrent Enrollment Information

To qualify for the SAT fee waiver, students must be in 11th or 12th grade and qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Other qualifications include students who live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or is homeless, or is a ward of the state.

To ensure timely issuance of fee waivers, be sure to fill out the current year National School Lunch Program Application at the beginning of each school year on the TUSD website here. 

To receive a fee waiver at West High, students need to bring in a copy of the letter received from TUSD Food Services showing they are approved for free or reduced lunch for the current school year to the Career Center. Upon presenting a copy of the letter, if the student is eligible, a fee waiver will be issued to the student at that time by the Career Center Technician.

• College Board Website
• 2023-2024 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
• SAT Student Fee Waiver Brochure-English 2023-2024

FREE SAT PRACTICE CLICK HERE

PSAT/NMSQT is offered to juniors (Grade 11) in October each year. Taking this test may qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Dates and fees are announced in early fall.

AP (Advanced Placement) information can be found on the College Board website here

SAT tests may be optional for college admissions purposes. Check the admissions page of the college website you plan to apply for to get updated information. 

To qualify for the ACT fee waiver, students must be in 11th or 12th grade and qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Other qualifications include students who live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or is homeless, or is a ward of the state.

To ensure timely issuance of fee waivers, be sure to fill out the current year National School Lunch Program Application at the beginning of each school year on the TUSD website here.

To receive a fee waiver at West High, students need to bring in a copy of the letter received from TUSD Food Services showing they are approved for free or reduced lunch for the current school year to the Career Center. Upon presenting a copy of the letter, if the student is eligible, a fee waiver will be issued to the student at that time by the Career Center Technician.

• ACT Website
• ACT 2023-2024 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
• ACT Fee Waiver Information

ACT tests may be optional for college admissions purposes. Check the admissions page of the college website you plan to apply for to get updated information. 

• Most scholarship requirements include community service, good grades, and letter(s) of recommendation. Make sure to check the listing regularly as they are updated periodically.

  If you are a scholarship winner, please plan to attend Awards Night in May date TBD.
  This is an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements and to possibly meet the Donor/Foundation in person.

  Listed by APPLICATION DEADLINES (CLICKABLE LINKS Provided Below) 
  Prepare your application materials (such as essay/personal statement, current transcript, ink signed LORs, proof of community service log sheets) and apply for as many as you can. Make sure to note if hard documents are needed, or if it is an online submission via website, or postal mail required, or email with attachments. Plan ahead for deadlines! 

• October 1, 2025 The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest are intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools in good standing with their state boards of education or a recognized accrediting organization such that a General Educational Development (GED) test is not required to receive a high school diploma. United States citizenship is not required. The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality, and being worthy of trust cooperation, courtesy, and contributing to the welfare of others personality, self-control, ability to assume responsibility, ability to inspire others, and a decision-maker devotion to and support of one’s country, supporting service members and veterans, working for causes that make one’s community stronger, and appreciating the cultural and historical importance of America’s unique population. Please see your Counselor or Mrs. Price if you want to be nominated for this.
• Oct 2, 2025 Military Scholarship Event, Stockton, Ca
• October 31, 2025 VFW - Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 57,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” Flyer & QR Code - Click Here
• November 12, 2025 - Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship, Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. High school graduates are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
• November 30, 2025 Central Valley Scholars (Undocumented, LGBTQIA, First Gen, Disability, Black Student, Student Parent, Women of Color, Justice Impacted)
• December 31, 2025 Cirkled No Sweat Scholarship create and complete a student portfolio on the Cirkled In platform Flyer - Click Here
• TBD Deadline Sacramento Post Scholarship Program LOR, Narrative, Community Service, etc. 
• Jan 16, 2026 - San Joaquin Engineers Council for seniors pursuing engineering degrees, San Joaquin Engineers Council Application - Click Here
• TBD Deadline - eQuality Applicants for all scholarships must have demonstrated service to the LGBT+ community. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
• February 27, 2026 California Wine Grape Growers Foundation Each year the Foundation awards six scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California wine grape grower. The six scholarships are for either a University of California or California State University Four Year Program ($8,000 each) or for a California Community College Two Year Program ($2,000 each).

• March 1, 2026 Deadline The Retired Teachers Association is offering $1,500 scholarships to high school seniors living in San Joaquin County. Please have students interested in pursuing careers in teaching complete and submit their applications to the Career Center by March 1, 2026. 

• March 15, 2026 Sonoma State University Center for Academic Access & Student Enrichment (CAASE) Scholarship Program for the 2026 - 2027 academic year

• Lorna Boothroyd K-5 Teacher Scholarship: Available to TUSD class of 2026 seniors interested in becoming teachers at the K-5 grades.

• https://sanjoaquincf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lorna-Boothroyd-K-5-Teacher-Scholarship-Flyer-2026.pdf

• Bill Pollard Jr. Scholarship: Available to class of 2026 seniors attending a school in Tracy, CA, interested in a business-related major and career.

• https://sanjoaquincf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Bill-Pollard-Jr.-Scholarship-Flyer-2026.pdf

• VG Capital Scholarship: Available to class of 2026 seniors attending a school in Tracy, CA, interested in a career in the medical or business fields.

• March 26, 2026 Deadline Kristin Smart Scholarship - Graduating female Senior from San Luis Obispo or San Joaquin County, Plans to attend a 2 or 4-year accredited college or university in 2026.3.25 or higher cumulative GPA, Evidence of Community Service, Interest in a Career in Architecture, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement, or International Studies, Awardee must show evidence of acceptance to a 2 to 4-year college prior to accepting the award. In the event that an award recipient attends a California 2-year college, the award will cover actual tuition, fees, and books. (Not to exceed amount of minimum award)

• April 10, 2026 Deadline Italian Catholic Federation Roman Catholic Italian Decent 3.2+GPA

• April 17, 2026 Deadline Robert and Catherine Lagorio The Robert & Catherine Lagorio Scholarship was established to support students from San Joaquin County pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

• April 17, 2026 Deadline Arturo Vera Art Scholarship - The Arturo Vera Memorial Art Scholarship was established by Arturo and Ana Vera to support young people who are pursuing their passions in the Art field.

• April 17, 2026 Deadline Avi Raina - In his short span of life, Avinash “Avi” Raina, made an impact on people that usually takes a lifetime. To continue his legacy and passion, the “Avi Raina Scholarship” was established to benefit local High School Seniors. To learn more about Avi, visit the Avinash Raina Foundation website.

• April 17, 2026 Deadline VG Capital The VG Capital Scholarship fund was established to support high school seniors pursuing higher education to establish a career in the medical or business fields. Scholarships will be granted to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while participating in extracurricular activities such as community service, sports, and employment.

Most scholarship requirements include community service, good grades, and letter(s) of recommendation. Make sure to check the listing regularly as they are updated periodically.

Listed by APPLICATION DEADLINES (CLICKABLE LINKS Provided Below) 
Prepare your application materials (such as essay/personal statement, current transcript, ink signed LORs, proof of community service log sheets) and apply for as many as you can. Make sure to note if hard documents are needed, or if it is an online submission via website, or postal mail required, or email with attachments. Plan ahead for deadlines! 

If you are a scholarship winner, please plan to attend Awards Night in May Date TBD.
This is an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements and to possibly meet the Donor/Foundation in person.

• June 15, 2025/Oct 15 American Trucks Vocational - 1 scholarship for $2,500 will be awarded twice a year to students who are currently enrolled full-time in a secondary vocational school, technical institute, or are high school seniors who are enrolled in one of the aforementioned institutes. One scholarship will be awarded for the fall semester and one scholarship will be awarded for the spring semester each year.
• June 15, 2025/Oct 15 Extreme Terrain Student Scholarship 1 scholarship for $2,500 will be awarded twice a year to students who are pursuing a Biology or a related degree in Environmental Studies. One scholarship will be awarded for the fall semester and another for the spring semester each year.
• July 31, 2025 Deadline - Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
• August 31, 2025 Cooking Up Joy Scholarship The Cooking Up Joy Scholarship is open to all US citizens entering or attending a university, college, or trade school in the United States as a full-time student. You do not have to be a culinary student to apply. This scholarship is open to students of any and every major, as well as, both undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above to be eligible. In addition to submitting a plate, students will also need to submit a completed scholarship application form. The following materials should be submitted to david.kranker@budgetbranders.com by August 31st.
• September 5, 2025 Pizza Hut Foundation 
• September 15, 2025 Deadline - The Gates Scholarship - Eligibility requirements: A high school senior, Pell-eligible, A US citizen or permanent resident, In a good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university. An ideal candidate will also have: An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class), Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities), Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.). Application deadline: Phase I of the application opened July 15, with a submission deadline of Monday, September 15, 2025, 2:00 PM PT.
• September 30, 2025 Deadline Coca - Cola Scholars Foundation 3.0+ GPA 
• September 30, 2025 Deadline Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship (1) $2,500 award, No minimum GPA or income, No essay needed.
• September 30, 2025 Home Depot Path to Pro Open to high school seniors, high school graduates, and GED equivalent holders, Applicants must plan to enroll or be enrolled in an approved trade-related program at an accredited two-year school in the U.S., Excludes employees and dependents of employees of The Home Depot
• September 30, 2025 Sparkforce Scholarship - Minimum GPA is 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for community, trade, or technical college students, or 3.0 for university students, among other requirements. See list of Manufacturing Fields - Here
• October 1, 2025 Be Bold Scholarship
• October 15, 2025 Michael Rudometkin Scholarship for students who have done community service
• Oct 28, 2025 Chi Fil A Community Scholar
• November 3, 2025 Good Tidings Community Service Scholarship Application is open. Our scholarship aims to reward low-income high school seniors who have committed themselves to community service. We are offering 10 scholarships for $10,000 to each winner. High School Senior graduating in 2026A resident of one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Yolo. Winners must volunteer a minimum of 1 shift (~2-4 hours) for our Good Tidings' Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway Program in Burlingame, CA taking place from December 6 - 21, 2025. Must plan on attending college, vocational, or continuing education. 
• Accepting entries September 1st – November 30th. Announced 1/2/26. DMV Driving Safety
• December 1, 2025 Hagan Scholarship  Must have achieved a 3.50 Cumulative Grade Point Average. Must enroll in an eligible four-year or higher not-for-profit College or University the first fall semester following high school graduation. The Hagan Scholarship cannot be used to attend a community college or online institution. Must maintain a four year or less graduation schedule in college, or complete the equivalent of a four year degree if in a professional program. Must work 240 hours from January 1, 2025 until commencement of the 2025 fall semester in college. Employment must be regularly scheduled work performed under supervision for compensation. Work can be full-time or part-time, or a combination of the two. Applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2023 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $100,000. and Other Requirements.

• Burger King James W. McLamore Whopper Scholarship Award (December 15, 2025 Deadline): Up to 3 recipients for this $1,000 scholarship. Must complete an essay answering the question: How will receiving this scholarship help you achieve your goals? APPLY NOW!

• Burger King General High School Senior Track Scholarship (December 15, 2025 Deadline): $1,000 scholarship. Must complete an essay where you describe a moment when you had to overcome a major obstacle and what you learned from it. APPLY NOW!

• December 31, 2025 Healthcare Leaders Scholarship

• January 31, 2026 eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships to honor and encourage northern and central California students for their service to the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community see the Apply page

• Yardi Scholars for Environmental Justice (February 13, 2026 Deadline): Four-year scholarship program for students from all majors who want to learn the changemaking skills needed to address complex environmental challenges and create lasting environmental solutions. This program is open to current California Senior applying to UC Santa Barbara for Fall 2026. Students accepted into the Yardi Scholars program receive a four-year scholarship, participate in multidisciplinary coursework, learn from hands-on community projects, and join a community of peers, mentors, faculty, and professional connections. APPLY NOW!

• May 1, 2026 Cal HOPE Courage Award Scholarship The CalHOPE Courage Award Scholarship celebrates California high school seniors who turn setbacks into success, whether coming back from family hardship, injury, or the pressures that come with school and sport. Eligibility - Click Here

FAFSA and California Dream Act (CADAA) application opens for the 2025-2026 application on December 1, 2025. 

An FSA ID is required for students and parents/guardians to electronically sign your applications. There is not a separate application to apply for Cal Grant. West High sends Cal Grant GPA verifications electronically to the State of California. The State of California pulls the information from FAFSA/CADAA to determine Cal Grant Status. Have your 2023 income tax information available to file and choose the year 2025-2026 FAFSA/CADAA. Priority deadline to file is March 2, 2025, after the December 1, 2024 application release. However, if you are attending a California Community College you may still apply until September 3, 2025. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible once the application opens to determine your financial aid status. It is recommended you apply for FAFSA/CADAA even if you feel you won't qualify. Colleges and universities use this information to determine eligibility for financial aid and scholarships available at their campuses. When you receive confirmation your FAFSA/CADAA was accepted, be sure to read and follow all the directions provided. Ask your counselor if you have questions. 

The following links provide additional information to assist with your financial aid applications:

• Class of 2025 Scholarship & Financial Aid Information Handout
• Start your FAFSA application here
• Cal Grant Program Income Ceilings 2025-2026 here 
• Middle Class Scholarship Income Ceilings 2025-2026 here
• CA Dream Act Application Here 
• California Student Aid Commission (Cal Grant) Information Here
• Create your Cal Grant account through Web Grants 4 Students Here
• Creating the FSA ID 
• Is My Parent a Contributor Handout for FAFSA
• California Student Whose Contributor does NOT have a SSN Handout

NROTC Scholarship Navy - Click Here

NROTC Pre-Med - Click Here

US Army Minuteman Scholarship - 
The Minuteman Campaign is a U.S. Army Cadet Command initiative to offer Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) scholarships to candidates that self-select for service in a Reserve component. 

The GRFD scholarship provides full tuition and fees or room and board ($12,000 per year) for up to four years at a public or private school. This program provides well-trained officers to the Reserve Components and improves the total Army force. 

If you are a high school senior interested in receiving an Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship and commissioning into the Army Reserve, the GRFD Minuteman Scholarship provides you an excellent opportunity.

Navy NROTC Scholarship Benefits:

• Get a full tuition scholarship to the participating Navy ROTC school of your choice.
• Go on three summer training cruises with Navy surface ships, aviation squadrons and submarines.
• Use the scholarship money to pay for tuition and fees or room and board.
• Receive a $250 monthly stipend that increases throughout the collegiate years.
• Choose from a wide range of career options, like nursing, aviation, surface warfare, submarine warfare and special warfare.
• Enjoy a traditional college experience while preparing to serve as a Naval Officer.
• Travel the world with purpose upon graduation while leading a team as an Officer.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2025

• Navy ROTC https://www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/nrotc/
  - CLICK HERE FLYER
  - CLICK HERE NURSING FLYER
  (The purpose of the Navy ROTC Program is to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy's unrestricted line communities, the Navy Nurse Corps and the Marine Corps. As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps.
  
  The Navy ROTC Scholarship Program awards scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process. Selected applicants receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits OR Room and Board at the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.
  
  The Navy ROTC Scholarship Program is available to qualified students who graduate from high school before August 1 of the year they intend to start college.
• Navy ROTC Marine Option Scholarships

Download Application HERE

Email to: maparker@tusd.net

NOTE: To apply for a work permit, you must already be hired or offered a job. Work permits are NOT required to apply for jobs. See the links above to read the Work Permit Info and Instructions and to print the Work Permit Application. Complete the student, parent, and employer sections, including the FULL Social Security number (required by state law), all signatures, and initials.  Drop off the completed form at lunch or after school to the Career Center for processing. Allow 24 hours turn around time for Official work permits to be processed.

Visit the California Department of Education website below for more information on work permits: 

CDE WEBSITE HERE

WORK EXPERIENCE: E-mail your counselor for instructions and eligibility. If you are approved for work experience, notify Mrs. Parker by email so your work permit can be re-issued to reflect work experience information and hours.

NOTE: Work permits expire 5 days after a new school year begins each year per state law OR when you turn age 18 OR receive a high school diploma, even if  you are still age 17 at the time of graduation.