College Awareness

CUSD hosts first College & Career Family Night

CUSD's first-ever district-wide College and Career Family Night will equip students and families with knowledge and resources for navigating the path toward higher education and successful careers. Mark your calendar and register today!

March 19, 2024
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Argus/Endeavor Multipurpose Room
2555 Lawrence St., Ceres

This event is geared toward students in grades 6-12 and their families. Planned event highlights include:

  • Presentations, workshops, and Q&A panels with college and career experts

  • Representatives from multiple career sectors

  • FREE dinner, prizes, and interactive activities

Register today at https://forms.gle/DvTXymMh7vKatGHE8!

Ceres Unified Partners with CCGI

The California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) is a nonprofit that partners with school districts across California to advance college and career readiness.  It is free to students, educators, and families.  See https://www.californiacolleges.edu/#/.

What can CCGI do for me?

CCGI provides many services, including supporting students in doing research about the career they may want, and the colleges they may want to attend.  The website can educate families about financial aid and the college-going process.  When it’s time, Ceres students should launch most of their college applications from the CCGI website.

Will students engage with CCGI at school?

Yes.  Ceres Unified students will have four college readiness lessons each year from 6th grade to 12th grade.  In each of these lessons, students will have activities to complete in CCGI.

How do I log in to CCGI?

All Ceres students in 6th through 12th grade automatically have a CCGI account. Log in using your ceresud.net email address.  If you have trouble or do not know your password, talk to your Learning Director.

Applying for College

Ceres Unified students should use CCGI to apply to the following colleges:

  • Junior College or Community College

  • Any California State University (CSU)

  • Any University of California (UC)

Simply log in to your account at www.californiacolleges.edu, click on “College”, and navigate to “Apply to College”.   Talk to your Learning Director for support.

Most private colleges use the Common App, found at www.commonapp.org.  But first check your school’s requirements or talk to your Learning Director.

For out of state colleges, check requirements with the college. 

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program provides a discount on out of state tuition at many public universities in Western US states.  Check them out at https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/, but notice application deadlines can be very early.

Important CUSD Web College and Career Links

CUSD Master Scholarship List

Central Valley High School Learning Director Website

Ceres High School Learning Director Website

Post-Secondary Options

California Community Colleges

California State University

University of California

Common App for Private Colleges

Apprenticeship Programs

Military

Other College and Career Information &  Resources

CAPPEX- College Planning Information

College Board

US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Occupation Outlook

What about the SAT?

Most Ceres students will not need to take the SAT test or the ACT.  Junior Colleges and Community Colleges have never required these tests.

The CSU system has suspended the use of SAT/ACT exams in admission for the 2021 and 2022 academic year. 

The UC system has suspended the requirement of the SAT or ACT through 2024, and plans to eliminate these tests after that. 2021-22 and 2022-23 applicants will be “test optional”, meaning the test is not required for admission.  2023-24 and 2024-25 will be “test blind”, meaning the test won’t be used at all in admission processes. After 2025, the goal is to put a new test in place of the SAT.

Many private universities and out of state universities have adopted similar attitudes toward the SAT or ACT, but students should check with their desired schools to verify admission requirements.

Ceres Unified School District is committed to ensuring that students who need to take the SAT are able to access it, though that number of students is very small right now.  Talk to your Learning Director early if you believe you need to take the SAT.