FPU Family Guide

Let's Get Started

Entering college is a team effort between family and students, and it’s never too soon to start preparing. You know the value of good grades, homework and study skills—that’s just the start!
Let Fresno Pacific University guide you on the rest.

The Right Start at the Right Time, Step by Step

From the moment you contact FPU, you’ll work with the same admission counselor until the moment classes start! You’ll also get a faculty advisor to help you with academics. 

Family: Attend back-to-school nights and meet with guidance counselors and teachers. Help your student plan a curriculum.

Students: Talk to your high school counselor about classes that will prepare you for college. See FPU requirements at fpu.edu/admissions/undergraduate. Broaden yourself—join clubs, play sports, volunteer, take electives like music, art or theater. Explore careers through your counselor, family and friends.

Family: Talk to your student about college and majors. Learn about financial aid, scholarships and the education needed for the careers that interest your student.

Students: Explore geometry or algebra II and college prep English. Enrich yourself with summer workshops and camps. Discuss academic plans with your parents and school counselor.

Financial Aid: FPU can be less expensive than you think! Currently, 98 percent of FPU undergraduate students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants and loans. Each student’s aid award is unique and is based on factors such as need and GPA.

Family: Attend college information programs and meet FPU representatives when they visit your area. Visit campus with your student. Develop a list with your student of what they’re looking for in a college. Help your student prepare for the SAT or ACT by reviewing test preparation books and attending workshops.

Students: Check with your counselor to make sure you are taking classes needed for admission. Good grades are especially important from here on.

Test time!

• Discuss with your counselor when to take college entrance exams—the SAT or ACT.
• Taking AP (Advanced Placement) subjects? Register to take the AP exams in the spring.

Contact FPU and schedule a campus visit.

Financial Aid: Research scholarships and grants.

Family: Visit FPU! Contact us at experiencefpu.com/visit-campus. Attend local college fairs and speak with FPU representatives. Make sure your student submits all application materials.

Important dates!

• October 1: The FAFSA application for next year opens, make sure your student completes it.
• February: California residents, be sure your student’s FAFSA is on file with the California State Student Aid Commission, including their GPA. High schools must submit GPA’s to be considered for Cal Grant by March 2.

Students: Review classes with your counselor to ensure you are on track for college admission.

Apply!

• Priority deadline 1: December 1
• Priority deadline 2: March 1
• Final deadline: August 15
• Early September: register for the SAT or ACT. Your counselor has registration forms and information about fee waivers.

Research and apply for scholarships from local companies and community groups. Contact FPU at experiencefpu.com/visit-campus.

Financial Aid:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is how the government determine your family’s eligibility for public financial aid including Pell grants and Stafford loans. The deadline for submitting the FAFSA to be eligible for the California Resident Cal Grant program is March 2. FPU’s school code is 001253.