College & Career Center
The College & Career Center at Steele Canyon is your launchpad for the future! In partnership with teachers, families, colleges, universities, and community organizations, we empower students to explore opportunities and confidently plan their next steps after high school. Conveniently located in the Counseling Office, the Center provides personalized support with college applications, financial aid, Dual & Concurrent Enrollment, and career exploration. Whether you're discovering your interests or finalizing your plans, we’re here to guide, encourage, and celebrate every student’s unique path to success.
College & Career Readiness
What is CTE?
CTE classes at Steele Canyon High School provide students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for college, careers, and industry certifications. Through real-world training in pathways such as technology, healthcare, business, and skilled trades, students develop valuable skills for future success.
How to be College & Career Ready with the CTE Pathway:
Complete CTE Pathway with a C or better in the capstone course and One (1) below:
ELA & Math 3 on one, 2 on the other
or
College Credit Courses (one semester with a grade of C- or better)
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What is the SBAC Test?
The 11th Grade SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) test measures students’ progress in English Language Arts and Mathematics to ensure they are on track for college and career readiness. The assessment helps schools identify student strengths and areas for growth while providing important information for academic planning and support.
How to be College & Career Ready with the SBAC Test:
Complete the following:
English Language Arts (ELA): 3 or better
AND
Mathematics: 3 or better
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What are A-G Requirements?
California A-G requirements are a series of high school courses students must complete to be eligible for admission to California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) schools. These courses cover subjects such as English, math, science, history, world language, visual/performing arts, and college-prep electives.
How to be College & Career Ready with the A-G Requirements:
Complete A-G course requirements with a grade of C or higher and ONE (1) Below
3 or higher in AP Exam
or
ELA & Math 3 on one, 2 on the other
or
College Credit Courses (one semester with a grade of C- or better)
or
CTE Pathway Completion
What are College Credit Courses?
SCHS students have the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school by taking approved courses through local colleges or enrolling in dual enrollment classes taught right on the SCHS campus by our own teachers. These programs help students get a head start on college, explore career interests, and gain valuable academic experience.
How to be College & Career Ready with College Credit Courses:
Complete the following: Two semesters of college coursework with a grade of a C- or better, academic or CTE subjects where college credit are awarded
What are AP Classes?
AP (Advanced Placement) classes offer SCHS students the opportunity to take college-level courses while in high school. These rigorous classes help students challenge themselves academically, prepare for college expectations, and potentially earn college credit through AP exam scores.
How to be College & Career Ready with AP Classes:
Complete the following:
Pass 2 AP Classes (C or better)
or
Pass 2 AP exams (3 or better)
or
Pass an AP Course* (C or better) and Pass 1 AP Exam* (3 or better) *Subjects cannot match
What is a biliteracy seal?
The California State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. This achievement celebrates students’ multilingual skills and highlights their readiness for college, careers, and a global society.
How to be College & Career Ready with a Biliteracy Seal:
Complete the following :
3.0 GPA or higher in all English classes
or
Pass ONE of these tests: SBAC (3 or better) English AP Exam (3 or better) SAT Eng Section (Score 480 or better)
AND
3.0 GPA or higher in 4 years of language classes
or
Pass a Language AP Exam (Score of 3 or better)
College Admissions
Students applying to a UC/CSU 4-year college directly from high school
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Walk-in meetings are available for quick questions before school, after school, between classes, lunch
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If you are in crisis and need to speak with someone right away, you can come at any time (please get a teacher pass)
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Email your Counselor or Academic Advisor to make an appointment for a longer meeting
Meet all application deadlines
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Application period for CSU schools are October 1-November 30
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Application period for UC schools are November 1-November 30
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Private schools’ deadlines differ depending on school. Find out when the deadlines are so that you do not miss out on any opportunities.
Rec Letters, FAFSA, & Transcripts
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Letters of recommendation must be requested a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. You are required to fill out the Recommendation Letter Survey on Naviance Student (Under the "About Me" tab). This includes many private schools which are now using Common Application.
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Need help filling out your college application? Counselors are available for College Application Workshops in October and November
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Apply for FAFSA starting October 1; deadline is March 2.
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If you are accepted to a school, make sure you meet all deadlines and check your email often. This includes requesting official transcripts through Naviance Student (Under the "Colleges" tab), sending your intent to enroll, registering for housing, and sending any necessary deposits. You also must earn all C’s or higher during your senior year. If you miss a deadline or earn a D, the college may rescind your acceptance.
Students applying to a 2-year/community college directly from high school
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Apply to the college of your choice online
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Take your placement test
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Make an appointment with a community college counselor to choose your classes
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Register for your classes on the date you are assigned
Taking College Classes as a High Schooler
The class schedules for Summer and Fall Semester classes at Cuyamaca & Grossmont are now posted. Follow these Concurrent Enrollment Instructions to get registered. Students can enroll in up to 2 classes per term and get weighted credit (similar to weighted credit in AP and honors classes at Steele) for up to 4 college classes over the course of your high school career, though students may take as many college credit classes as they desire. If you are wondering what classes you could take that are transferable to UC/CSU schools, here is a list of Common College Courses taken at Cuyamaca.
Why should you consider taking Community College classes while you are in high school?
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Community College classes are tuition free while you are in high school. Students may only have to pay for books, if required, and a nominal student services fee.
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All Community College credits earned go with you to 4-year colleges and universities so you don't have to take those classes again.
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4-year colleges and universities value Community College courses in the admissions process just as highly as AP courses, so students are more competitive to get into 4-year colleges having taken community college courses.
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Most students can take all of their Community College courses online instead of having to go in person to classes.
If you have questions about the registration process, please come to the Counseling office or email your Counselor directly.
High School Student Pages
All of the information on this page is geared toward our local Community Colleges, but you may also attend the following:
High School Students at Southwestern
NOTE: This college asks for a principal to sign your authorization form.
You can put your grade level Assistant Principal and email your counselor what classes you are trying to sign up for.
High School Students at San Diego Community Colleges
Make sure to click "TAKE A COLLEGE CLASS AT CITY, MESA OR MIRAMAR COLLEGE (CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT)"
Financial Aid
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The federal government uses this form to determine your eligibility for aid, including: grants, work-study, scholarships and loans. FAFSA on the Web is the online version of a paper FAFSA. Last year, more than 850,000 students received financial aid in California.
Why would I want to complete my FAFSA on the Web instead of on paper?
The truth is most families need help to pay for college. Financial aid is a lifeline for many of our students in California, especially those from underserved communities.
How do I get started?
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Starting October 1, you can apply with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing. There is financial aid to help you achieve your educational dreams.
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CSAC is here to help you with your financial aid journey. Get started today at csac.ca.gov/apply
College Visits
🎓 Interested in going to college?
Sign up to hear college representatives speak right here at SCHS in the Counseling Office!
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This happens every year in the fall — a great opportunity to connect directly with colleges and get your questions answered. Learn valuable tips on how to apply, find out what colleges are looking for, and discover what to expect once you’re on campus. Don’t miss this chance to get insider advice and start planning your future! 🌟
Career Spotlight
What are Careers Really Like?
Interested in learning what different careers are really like? Each spring, guest speakers visit SCHS to share their firsthand experiences from a variety of fields — from business and healthcare to the arts and technology. Don’t miss this chance to explore your interests and get real-world insight into potential career paths. For more information or to sign up, visit the Counseling Office!