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CCC - Test Page
College & Career Center
Plan what comes after Ponderosa.
College, careers, financial aid, testing, work permits and the military, with help for students and their families in one place.
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Questions? Ask us
Cammie Escobar
Phone: (530) 677-2281, ext. 2224
Email: cescobar@eduhsd.k12.ca.us
Drop-in hours: 8am-4pm
Location: College & Career Center
Coming up
PSAT
Monday, during school
Pay the $20 fee online or at the Finance window to finish registering.
ASVAB (fall)
Monday, 1-4 pm
Required for military enlistment. Open to all interested students.
Sign upFinancial Aid Night
Thursday, 6-8 pm · Oak Ridge HS
For seniors and parents: FAFSA, Cal Grant and loans explained.
See the calendarCourse Options Fair
Friday, lunch · Large Gym
Explore next year's classes, CTE pathways and dual enrollment.
See the calendarSeniors & parents
The FAFSA is open. File by March 2, 2027.
California requires every senior to file the FAFSA or turn in an opt-out form. Filing doesn't commit parents to paying for college. It unlocks grants your student can't get otherwise.
Start with your grade
9th Freshmen
Freshman year: build good habits
Freshman planning page
Students- Learn what you need to graduate, and what colleges require (A–G).
Compare requirements - Map out your four years of classes.
Sequence of classes - Take a career interest quiz to see what fits you.
California Career Zone - Join a club or activity you enjoy.
Activities & clubs
- Set up your Aeries parent account to follow grades and attendance.
Aeries portal - Know who your student’s counselor is and how to reach them.
Counseling directory - Review graduation requirements together.
Graduation requirements
10th Sophomores
Sophomore year: explore
Sophomore planning page
- Take the PSAT for practice on Monday, Oct 19.
SAT & PSAT dates - Try free, personalized SAT practice.
Khan Academy SAT - Try hands-on career classes through CTE and ROP.
CTE & ROP courses - Earn college credit early at Folsom Lake College.
Dual enrollment steps (PDF)
- Learn how dual enrollment works before signing up.
FLC dual enrollment - Talk about summer plans: a job, volunteering or a program.
Jobs & volunteering board - Under 18 and hired? Your student will need a work permit.
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11th Juniors
Junior year: research and test
Junior planning page
- Take the PSAT on Monday, Oct 19. For juniors it’s also the National Merit qualifier.
SAT & PSAT dates - Decide if and when you’ll take the SAT or ACT.
ACT dates - Start a college list and visit a few campuses.
CaliforniaColleges.edu - Choose senior classes at the Course Options Fair, Jan 22.
- Review the fall junior presentation from Counseling.
Junior presentation (PDF) - Student athlete hoping to play in college? Start eligibility early.
NCAA eligibility - Plan a productive college-bound summer together.
10 tips for juniors (PDF)
12th Seniors
Senior year: apply and pay for it
Fall senior newsletter (PDF)
- File your FAFSA (required in California) by March 2, 2027.
Student FAFSA guide - Need recommendation letters? Fill out the brag sheet first.
Brag sheet (PDF) - Apply for local scholarships. Applications open Nov 1.
Local scholarships - After you file, check that your Cal Grant GPA arrived.
WebGrants for students
- Complete the parent section of the FAFSA.
Parent FAFSA guide - Come to Financial Aid Night: Thu, Nov 12, 6–8 pm at Oak Ridge HS.
- Not filing? The opt-out form is required for Senior Check Out.
FAFSA opt-out form (PDF) - Read the senior presentation for this year’s timeline.
Senior presentation (PDF)
I want to…
Explore every path
There's no single right next step. Compare your options.
4-year university
UC, CSU and private colleges. Start by checking your A-G courses.
Community college
Free tuition at Folsom Lake College for first-time, full-time students (12+ units).
Career & technical
Train for a skilled job through CTE, ROP or an apprenticeship.
Military
Meet PHS recruiters for every branch and take the ASVAB on campus.
Can't find what you need?
Stop by the College & Career Center or email cescobar@eduhsd.k12.ca.us. CEEB school code: 053373.
Page last updated October 8, 2026