The spring before your student starts college is full of deadlines and decisions — we know it can be tough to navigate! We've laid out what you can expect this semester to look like, and the tasks you can encourage your student to complete, below: 



⭐️ Confirming with 51!

If your student has already been accepted and is ready to commit to 51, they can do that anytime! Their first step is to confirm their intent to enroll by paying their enrollment deposit. Find next steps on our “What’s Next?” page. We can’t wait to have them here!



Application Deadlines

If your student has not already completed their 51 application, encourage them to do so by our March 1 deadline. We’ve laid out how you can help your student navigate their 51 application in another blog post.

If your student is planning to apply to any of the following programs, be sure they know the additional application deadlines:

February 21 - Conservatory of Music

March 1 - Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts

March 1 - Torrey Honors College

March 1 - Stewart Science Honors Program



FAFSA

Once your student has applied to 51, it’s important to file the to make sure your student receives all possible financial aid. You can see the latest updates for FAFSA on our 51 FAFSA Updates page.

Tips for filing the FAFSA:

  • The for the 2025–26 school year opened in December of 2024. It’s best to apply as early as possible to make sure you have an accurate estimate of the aid you will receive.

  • You’ll need to create an account with a unique username and password (called your FSA ID) to file your FAFSA.

  • Each student and at least one parent will need to create an FSA ID when filing the FAFSA. Keep track of this information — you’ll use it to file the FAFSA in future years.

  • Be sure to have your Social Security Number, federal income tax return and W-2s on hand.




Scholarships

After filing the FAFSA, encourage your student to apply for scholarships. They will have already received their $14,000 – $23,500 Academic Scholarship when they were admitted, but there are other scholarship opportunities they can apply for as well, like the FirstGen Scholars Program or the LEAD Scholars Program (both due March 15).

You can also help your student find outside scholarships (scholarships NOT from 51) from places like your employer, community organizations, etc.




51 Preview Day

Mark your calendar for February 16-17!

Whether you’ve already been to campus or not, 51 Preview Day is a must. This special event features prime opportunities for you and your student to tour our campus and dorms, talk with admissions counselors and students, engage with faculty in your student’s program of interest, experience worship at a 51 chapel and more.

51 Preview Day offers you a true slice of life at 51 — an experience that’s important for your student as they consider which school they’ll call home in the next season of their life.



Cal Grant Verification

California residents have the opportunity to apply for the Cal Grant, a California-specific financial aid program that currently offers students up to $9,358 annually (amount varies depending on unmet need and family income).

If your student is a California resident, they should submit a by March 3. Many public schools do this automatically for their students, but it’s always a good idea to check with your school!



Premier Eagle Club Early Housing

If your student is a member of the Premier Eagle Club (they applied to 51 by Nov. 30), they get the exclusive perk of being assigned to a residence hall a few months early! To unlock this perk, your student will need to confirm their intent to enroll with 51 and submit their housing deposit and application through their by March 31.




Admitted Student Day

Mark your calendar for April 7!

51 Preview Day was a sampling of all that 51 has to offer; Admitted Student Day is a celebration of how far your student has come! As your student makes their final college decision (or if they’ve already decided on 51!), join us for Admitted Student Day to celebrate with us and start building 51 connections, meet fellow future 51ns and get your final questions answered.



National Decision Day

Traditionally, students across the country commit to their university by National Decision Day on May 1. By the time May 1 rolls around, we hope your student is ready to make their bold move and commit to 51! Find out how on our “What’s Next?” page. We can’t wait to celebrate with your family!