Stockton- Hey seniors! This is our last year meaning it’s time to apply for college! Here’s everything you need to know about applying so you don’t have to stress.
First, if you haven’t already, you should join the 2026 Google classroom made by Lincoln’s College and Career counselor Mrs. Dickson. This classroom has everything you’ll need to know. Ranging from resources to help with scholarships and websites that you’ll need in order to apply and be informed.
Many seniors are unsure about what they want to do after high school. That is okay! There are plenty of people in the same boat. Going to a community college is a great option, where you’re able to switch majors when you discover what you want to be.
Every year, rumors swarm about Delta College. They say it’s a bad college, it’s not recommended to go there, if you go there you’re not smart and so much more. But in the end it’s just a great community college that’s a good option for anyone. There are many useful reasons for attending Delta. Tuition is cheaper than spending a fortune on a 4-year college. Also, you’re closer to home which could help you save money on living expenses. In the end this is just a local college that’s helpful for lots of students. If Delta is best for you, save your money and be more successful and do not believe everything you hear.
If you’re hesitant to apply for college because you think it’s too expensive, scholarships are available. Dozens of scholarships are out there for various things. Being Black or Hispanic, or achieving high academics in school are examples of some of the more common ones. Explore available scholarships that are best for you in your senior Google Classroom.
Make your Common App account even if you’re not planning on going to a 4-year college! Applying to 4-year colleges even if you’re unsure if you want to go to a community college or not will benefit you in the end. Being safe rather than sorry is always the way to go. In the end, you can always decline the acceptance and go with your preferred college. Common App is super simple to sign up for, it’s just very time consuming. The process is long with lots of steps that get your account ready. This website keeps track of colleges you’ve applied to, applications you’ve made, and everything along those lines of that.
Did you know that it costs money to apply for college? It’s usually around $40-$100 per application but some require more. Some colleges allow free applications while waiver fees are out there too. A waiver fee is a payment that is excused, mainly due to financial hardships. The most common fee waiver is for individuals who can’t afford court filing fees or immigration application fees. You can get one of these waivers in just a few steps:
- Get the form from the institution you’re attending (either online or in person)
- Explain your reasoning and provide financial documentation.
- Submit the form along with your documents to where you’re attending.
College essays are essays that you need to write in order to get into some 4-year colleges. California state colleges (CSU) do not require essays, but California universities (UC) do. Applications for the Fall of 2026 open August 1st and close December 1st. If you haven’t started your essay, it’s best to start as soon as possible because you may have to write multiple drafts, depending on your selected choice. An example of a CSU is Sacramento State and an example of a UC is UC Davis.
Many students get stuck on what to write, how to format, or what to include to make it their best work. There are teachers on Lincoln’s Campus that are willing to help you. Mrs. Meredith is a great English teacher who is willing to help you structure your essay and fix any grammatical errors. Other teachers like Mrs. Hodson are available, as well. If you want more detailed help, Mrs. Dickinson is in the library in the College and Career Center. She knows more about college than anyone else here. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help because you want your essays to be as good as possible!
Don’t be late to submit your essays and applications for college. Spots fill up fast so the sooner, the better. Remember, December 1st is the latest. It’s best to have everything submitted early on while your classes are easy and manageable, so you have less to worry about in the end.
