Your College Journey Starts Here
Your Path to
College Starts Here.
At STEM Academy of Hollywood, every student receives personalized guidance from 9th grade through senior year — covering A-G requirements, college applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
Mayra Alonso
College Prep, Grade by Grade
College readiness is a four-year journey. Here's what you should be doing each year to stay on track.
Build Your Foundation
Start strong from day one
- Meet with your counselor to review A-G coursework plan
- Focus on GPA — aim for 3.0+ unweighted
- Join clubs, STEM projects, and community service
- Create a college and career folder to track activities
- Explore Biomedical or Engineering pathway interests
- Take PSAT 8/9 (free, in school)
Explore & Strengthen
Deepen your interests
- Take challenging coursework — Honors and AP where eligible
- Take the PSAT 10 (October – free)
- Research college types: UC, CSU, Community College, Private
- Begin exploring majors aligned with your STEM pathway
- Seek internship or shadowing opportunities
- Start building your activity list and résumé
Test, Research & Plan
The critical preparation year
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT (October) — National Merit eligibility
- Prepare for and take the SAT or ACT (spring)
- Begin college list research — visit campuses virtually
- Meet with Ms. Alonso to review your college list
- Research scholarships and start early drafts
- Request letters of recommendation from teachers
Apply & Finalize
Make it happen
- Submit UC/CSU applications by Nov 30
- Submit Common App / Coalition App for private schools
- Complete FAFSA (at studentaid.gov) or CADAA if undocumented — California priority deadline is March 2, 2027; federal deadline June 30, 2027
- Apply for scholarships — local, state, and national
- Confirm letters of recommendation are submitted
- Commit to your school by May 1
15 Required Courses for UC & CSU
California's A-G requirements are the 15 courses you must complete with a C or better to be eligible for the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.
History / Social Science
World History, U.S. History, and one semester of Government/Economics
English
College prep English composition and literature — all four years of high school
Mathematics
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II minimum — Calculus or Statistics highly recommended
Laboratory Science
Biology, Chemistry, Physics — at least two with lab components
Language Other Than English
Same language for both years; 3 years strongly recommended for selective UCs
Visual & Performing Arts
Art, music, theater, film/video, or dance — one full year in a single discipline
College-Prep Elective
An additional year from any A-F category, or an approved elective like AP courses
Meet Ms. Alonso
Mayra Alonso is dedicated to helping every STEM Academy student discover their path to higher education. From freshman orientation to senior Decision Day, she provides individualized support at every step of the journey.
Whether you need help building your college list, navigating A-G requirements, tackling financial aid, or finding scholarships — her door is always open.
Schedule an Appointment ↗Pay for College — Know Your Options
Financial aid is available for every student. Filing early is the single most important step — many awards are first-come, first-served.
California & Top Universities
STEM Academy graduates have been accepted to some of the most competitive universities in the nation.