Transcript Requests

Information about requesting transcripts can be found on this page.

College Visits

Students who want to learn more about private and public colleges from both far and near need only come to the Counseling Office and sign-up to meet with an admissions representative. This can help students develop a sense of what life might be like for them at a particular school. A current schedule of visits can be found on the AHS calendar on the homepage. 

You can also visit prospective campuses. Many offer tours and open houses and overnight programs for your college exploration needs. Visit the website of the institution of your choice or browse through the offerings at college-visits.com.

Important College Information Dates

College Application Information Night

Wednesday, September 4th
7:00-8:30pm

Early decision/early action packet (deadlines before 12/1)

due September 16th

Letter of Recommendation packet (deadlines 12/1 and later)

due October 7th

Drop-in help with applications

Throughout college application season.

• Break and lunch in the Counseling Office

• Advisory in the Atrium

Community College Info Sessions & Lunchtime Fair

Coming in the spring; check school calendar for dates.

Xello for College Applications

All AHS students have individual Xello accounts where they can conduct college searches and easily access information such as acceptance rates, majors offered and application deadlines. You will use the Xello to manage the college application process, from adding schools to your list to tracking deadlines and submitting required materials to colleges. Xello syncs with the Common App and other types of applications and is a great organizational tool for students and parents.

Xello can be accessed via the waffle.

College Application Information Night Notes 

11th Grade Parent Information Night (posted 5/2/21)

11th Grade Financial Aid Night Notes (presented 5/27/20)

College Application Information Night Video and Powerpoint (presented 9/4/24)

College Essay Writing – Tips for Parents and Students (presented 5/1/24)

Secondary School Report /
Counselor Letter of Recommendation Form 

This resource is for students applying to colleges that require a secondary school report to be completed by their counselor, and for those who will need letters of recommendation from their counselor/teachers for private colleges, out-of state colleges, and some scholarship applications. The UCs and CSUs do not require a letter of recommendation.

Counselors ask that the form is completed and turned in by posted deadlines for any student applying to colleges that require a secondary school report (all Common App colleges) and for counselor letters of recommendation for scholarships. Please note that counselor letters are often NOT counted toward the number of letters of recommendation colleges require. Students applying to colleges that require teacher letters of recommendation should ask teachers early and in person. Sending request to a teacher through Xello should not be done unless you've already secured that teacher's agreement to write on your behalf.

• Student Form
  Before you begin, make sure you are signed into an AUSD Google account (and not accidentally filling out the form from a personal Google account). This form can be edited after it is submitted. We recommend filling out the basic information right away and pressing submit. This will let counselors know you are paying attention and give you a sense of what is expected. It will also email you a link to further edit the form at your own pace.

• Parent Guardian Brag Sheet
  (Link is also in main student form.) Send link to one parent or guardian for them to fill out and submit.

• Teacher Feedback for Counselors
  (Link is also in main student form.) Send link to 3-5 teachers for them to fill out and submit.

Financial Aid Night

October 12, 2022- 12th Grade Financial Aid Night
Please reach out to your assigned Counselor for a copy of the PowerPoint Presentation.

April 12, 2023- 11th Grade Financial Aid Night (check back for presentation link)

Cal Grant Programs

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply for the FAFSA or CADAA by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Grants are for students attending University of California, California State University or California Community College, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.

There are three kinds of Cal Grants — A, B and C — but you don’t have to figure out which one to apply for. Your eligibility will be based on your FAFSA or CADAA responses, your verified Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges you list on your FAFSA and whether you’re a recent high school graduate.

Cal Grants are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, and do not have to be repaid. In addition to meeting the financial criteria and Cal Grant requirements, you must:

• submit the FAFSA or CADAA application and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline

• be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria

• be a California resident for 1 year

• attend a qualifying California college

• not have a bachelor’s or professional degree

• have financial need at the college of your choice

• have family income and assets below the minimum levels

• be enrolled or plan to enroll in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate

• be enrolled or plan to enroll at least half time

• have registered with the U.S. Selective Service, if required to do so

• not owe a refund on any state or federal grant or be in default on a student loan

• not be incarcerated

• maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as established by the school. Recipients who do not meet the standards are ineligible for Cal Grant payment and will not use eligibility during the terms they are ineligible for payment.

Checklists

Use these checklists to keep yourself organized and on top of important dates and activities during your Junior and Senior year.     Junior checklist     Senior checklist