College Hub
Whether you're just beginning your college search or preparing your applications, we’re here to guide and support you. Browse the resources below or schedule an appointment with our College and Career Center staff to talk about your goals and next steps.
College Planning
The most critical thing to consider when looking at colleges is the match between college and student. Finding a college that offers a major you want is great, but chances are your interests and major will change before you graduate. Make sure the school is a good fit and feel for all of your needs, not just academic.
College Planning![]()
Applying to College
Applying to college can be a daunting task, but you don't have to do it alone! Take advantage of the MANY resources available in the College and Career Center. Workshops are scheduled! Please see the previous page or below for links. One-on-one meetings can also be booked with college and career center staff to assist you. Don't be afraid to contact college admission reps at the schools you are interested in. Their entire purpose is to help you get admitted. Everyone wants to see you succeed, so reach out, rally your support team and get to work together!
Not sure what major to choose?
Explore different college catalogs and scan through the full list of programs. See what stands out to you—then dive deeper to find specific classes that spark your interest. You'll be surprised how quickly you start to figure out what excites you and what doesn’t. This exploration can even help you identify a possible major and minor!
Explore different college catalogs and scan through the full list of programs. See what stands out to you—then dive deeper to find specific classes that spark your interest. You'll be surprised how quickly you start to figure out what excites you and what doesn’t. This exploration can even help you identify a possible major and minor!
- Application Workshops: Join us for an informative workshop in the College & Career Center where we’ll break down the application processes for UC, CSU, and the Common App. Learn what’s required for each and how to stay on track. These workshops will take place in the College & Career Center and are for seniors only. Sign-up forms will be available in the upcoming Wildcat Weekly.
- TBA
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- Applying to the University of California (UC) System?
- Applying to the California State University (CSU) System? The application period will begin on October 1.
- Applying to Private/Out-of-State Colleges?
Finding the Right College
The most critical thing to consider when looking at colleges is the match between college and student. Finding a college that offers a major you want is great, but chances are your interests and major will change before you graduate. Make sure the school is a good fit and feel for all of your needs, not just academic. Consider things like:
- Can I get in to this school?
- Can I afford to attend this school?
- Do most students live on or off campus?
- How many students are there?
- How big (or small) are the classes?
- What is the distance from home?
- What is the weather like?
- What sports and clubs are available?
The answer to these questions will be different for every student, so it is strongly advised that students make independent decisions and not be influenced by where their friends are applying.
How to learn more:
- College Fairs: Meet different Colleges at Lunch: Please check the College Admissions Rep Visits under the College Planning section.
- Sierra College Preview Day
- Avoid Rank Websites and Publications: Their data can be screwed or misleading and often their criteria are irrelevant to your specific needs and interests. Just because a publication thinks a school is great does not mean that it is great for you. You get to determine that for yourself and create your own rankings!
Other Resources While Researching Colleges:
- AICCU (Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities): AICCU represents California’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities, advocating for student access and success in higher education.
- BigFuture (by College Board): BigFuture helps students plan for life after high school by providing tools for college exploration, career planning, and financial aid guidance.
- CaliforniaColleges.edu: CaliforniaColleges.edu is the state’s official college and career planning platform, supporting California students with tools to explore, plan, and apply for postsecondary opportunities.
- Scoir: Scoir (pronounced like "score") is our college and career research platform. Every Whitney High School student has an account and just needs to activate it through the invitation in their Rocklin USD email. If the invitation has expired, please email the College and Career Center to request a new one. Scoir includes great college research and application tools that all students should explore!
Sierra College
Dual Enrollment:
- Whitney High School offers many courses that qualify for college credit at Sierra College known as Dual Enrollment. The classes are taught by Whitney High teachers on the high school campus. The credit for these courses will show up on the college transcript from Sierra College. Click here to learn more.
Academic Enrichment:
- Academic Enrichment refers to high school students not required to pay for any Sierra College class while taken as a high school student. These are college courses that will follow students as they apply to other colleges and/or a university. The credit for these courses will show up on the college transcript from Sierra College.
Sierra College Workshops:
- Students planning to take a Dual Enrollment course or would like to take advantage of an Academic Enrichment course at Sierra College will also need to enroll as a Sierra College student. Workshops are available during PAWS/Lunch on scheduled Tuesdays. Please check the Wildcat Weekly for dates, times, and to sign up.
Sierra College Representative:
- Mr. Alistair Turner, Sierra College Enrollment Specialist
- aturner@sierracollege.edu
- (916) 660-7374
Useful Links:
Information for College Admissions Professionals
Thank you for your interest in Whitney High School students. We truly value the insights and opportunities you provide to both our students and staff, and we greatly appreciate your partnership.
If you have special programs, resources, or mailing lists you'd like to share, we welcome the connection—please don't hesitate to reach out. Please click here to schedule a visit to our campus.
We’re excited to continue building meaningful partnerships between our school and yours. We also hope you'll join us for the upcoming Placer County Foothills High Schools Consortium College Night on Monday, October 5th, 2026, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Del Oro High School, featuring participation from 8 high schools across the region. Breakout sessions will be held 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you are interested in participating, please click here to register. Thank you and we hope to see you there!
WHS School Profile
Whitney High School – Home of the Wildcats
701 Wildcat Blvd. Rocklin, CA 95765: www.whs.rocklinusd.org
(916) 632-6500 Fax (916) 435-2542
School Profile 2026-2027 CEEB CODE: 053-937
Principal: Scott Collins
9th Grade School Counselor: Katherine Carlson
Assistant Principal: Lisa Gack 10th Grade School Counselor: Kristyn Cardosi
Assistant Principal: Kelly Krasner 11th Grade School Counselor: Roisin LeRoy
Assistant Principal: Penny Shelton 12th Grade School Counselor: Mac Blate
Superintendent: Roger Stock
Rocklin Community
The city of Rocklin lies 20 miles northeast of Sacramento. With a population of approximately 77,700, Rocklin offers the best of both a rural community and a thriving suburban city. It is growing at about 1.19% each year while it remains rich in history and community spirit. Rocklin maintains the small-town atmosphere of a closely-knit community dedicated to excellence in education, recreation, and family life. Rocklin has a median household income of $720,000 . Sierra College, located in Rocklin, provides opportunities for high school students to enroll in dual programs as well as enrichment activities while attending Whitney High School.
Whitney High School
Whitney High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school with an enrollment of 2150 students. Senior class size is 494. Whitney High School is one of the two comprehensive high schools in the Rocklin Unified School District., Whitney High School has established itself as an exceptional academic institution. The academic year is divided into two semesters, each 18 weeks in length. The school offers students up to eight classes on an alternating schedule of 80-minute blocks, with a 30-minute student support session (Intervention) offered each day. The school features a television broadcast studio, theater, technology center, culinary arts program, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and a JROTC program.
Award Winning Programs: BITA (Architectural and Structural Engineering), Broadcast (WCTV-19), Culinary, Dance, Digital Art (graphics), Future Business Leaders of America, Music (choral & instrumental), Publications (yearbook), Theatre
Our Aspiration: The mission of Whitney High School, a leader in providing diverse student opportunities, is to ensure each student achieves personal goals, develops individual purpose, and becomes college and career-ready. Each student will be a strong self-advocate in a culture distinguished by character, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity that promotes safety and social growth. Whitney High School... FIND PURPOSE. FIND PASSION. FIND YOU.
Graduation Requirements
All students at Whitney High School must complete 250 credits to meet the graduation requirements. The credit requirements include:
Language Arts: 40 Credits Science: 30 Credits
Math: 30 Credits Social Science: 35 Credits
Foreign Language: 10 Credits Physical Education: 30 Credits
CTE/Technology: 10 Credits Visual/Performing Arts: 10 Credits
Health: 5 Credits
Whitney High School students must demonstrate competency in all Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs), which incorporate the California State Standards. Therefore, Whitney High School does not issue letter grades of “D” or “F.” Any student earning below 70% in a course or failing to demonstrate mastery will receive a “No Credit” (NC) and must retake the course if it is required for graduation.
Students must also complete a minimum of 25 hours of documented community service through non-profit organizations. Those who perform over 150 hours of service are awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award.
Grading System
Whitney High School’s instructional methods are designed to promote mastery of academic standards. The school uses both a weighted (5.0) and an unweighted (4.0) grade point average system. The grade scale is as follows: A = Distinguished, B = Commendable, C = Mastery, and NC = No Credit (indicating that the student has not met the minimum standards for the course).
Advanced Placement Courses, Advanced, Honors, and Dual Enrollment Courses:
Whitney High School currently offers 19 AP courses in the following subjects: Statistics, Calculus AB and BC, World History, U.S. Government & Politics, U.S. History, Microeconomics, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics I, Physics II, Environmental Science, Seminar, Spanish Language, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language & Composition, and English Literature & Composition.
Dual Enrollment Courses: Intro to Digital Filmmaking (Fall—AAD 0079), Intro to Crime Scene Investigation (Fall—ADMJ 0080/Spring—ADMJ 0080), Tutoring Elementary Students in Reading (Fall—EDU 0007), Intro to Elementary Education (Spring—EDU 0010), Intro to Environmental Sciences (Fall—ESS 0001), Intro to Environmental Science Lab (Spring—ESS 1L), Intro to Kinesiology (Fall—KIN 0081), Physiology of Fitness (Spring—KIN 0083), Intro to Digital Design (Spring—AAD 0070), and Intro to the Built Environment (Spring—BI 0005)
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Course
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# of Tests
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% Scored 3 or Higher
|
Course
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# of Tests
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% Scored 3 or Higher
|
|
Biology
|
69
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87%
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Calculus AB
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92
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87%
|
|
Calculus BC
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92
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76.1%
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Chemistry
|
42
|
73.8%
|
|
Computer Science A
|
28
|
60.7%
|
Language Composition
|
165
|
91.5%
|
|
English Literature
|
122
|
86.1%
|
Environmental Science
|
20
|
80.0%
|
|
Microeconomics
|
114
|
79.8%
|
Physics 1
|
51
|
64.7%
|
|
Physics 2
|
23
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60.9%
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Psychology
|
173
|
83.8%
|
|
Physics C: Mechanics
|
7
|
28.6%
|
Statistics
|
54
|
55.6%
|
|
World History
|
110
|
93.6%
|
US History
|
183
|
85.8%
|
|
US Government
|
96
|
88.5%
|
WHS transcripts reflect a weighted grade for honors and AP courses but not for advanced or dual enrollment courses. Dual enrollment students receive high school credit on the WHS transcript and college credit on a separate transcript from Sierra College. The counseling department recommends that students take no more than three advanced, honors, or AP courses in a given school year
Post-secondary Plans:
From the class of 2026, 96 % of the graduates sought post-secondary education immediately after graduation: 46.9% matriculated to a four-year degree-granting institution, 42.1% to community college, 42.9% entered a CTE program at Sierra College, 15 students enrolled in the military (Military Academy, ROTC College Program, Enlistment, National Guard).
WHS College Application Info:
WHS College Application Info:![]()
WHS College Application Info:
- Address: 701 Wildcat Blvd., Rocklin, CA 95765
- CEEB Code: 053937
- Graduation Date: June 4, 2027
- GPA Scale: 4.0 (unweighted) / 5.0 (weighted)
- Class Rank: Not reported
- Scheduling System: Semester
- Entry Date: August 2023 (unless transferred)
- Senior Counselor: Mac Blate
- Email: mblate@rocklinusd.org
- Phone: (916) 632-6500 ext. 6416
- Class of 2027Size: 494 students
- Total School Enrollment: 2150 students
SAT/ACT Exams
SAT/ACT Exams![]()
Required for California Universities?
The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems no longer require the SAT or ACT for admission or scholarship consideration. However, many private and out-of-state colleges and universities may still require one of these exams.
To support our students, Whitney High School will continue to offer both the PSAT and SAT testing options. Please check back regularly for updated testing information. You can also visit the College Board website and search for Whitney High School to view test dates and registration details.
If you are considering applying to a private or out-of-state college, be sure to research their specific SAT/ACT requirements. Some institutions may still require one of the exams for admission.
For a complete list of colleges that require SAT or ACT scores for the 2024–2025 academic year, please visit:
PSAT/SAT Exams
- The SAT includes two required sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math—each scored out of 800 points. There is also an optional Essay section, which consists of three components, each scored out of 8 points. It is recommended to take all three parts during the same sitting, as some colleges require scores from all sections.
- The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a standardized test typically taken by high school sophomores and juniors as preparation for the SAT. It assesses skills in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math, with each section scored out of 760 points for a total possible score of 1520. Beyond serving as practice for the SAT, the PSAT also functions as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program when taken in 11th grade. While the PSAT does not directly impact college admissions, it offers valuable feedback on academic strengths and areas for improvement, helping students identify where to focus their efforts before taking the SAT. Click here to review a list of private colleges that require the PSAT Exam.
- Click here to learn more on the CollegeBoard website.
- Click here to review the recommended 100 important words you should know for the SAT Exam.
- Go to sat.org/practice if you need free study resources.
ACT Exam
The ACT is a standardized achievement test that assesses the knowledge you've gained in school. It includes five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing test. (Tip: It’s recommended to take all sections, including Writing!)
Each subject area is scored individually on a scale of 1 to 36, and a composite score is calculated as the average of the four main sections (excluding Writing).
Click here to register for the ACT.
Upcoming Exam Dates
PSAT EXAM:
This will be offered at WHS on October 17, 2026. Please look for notices from RUSD as well as information on the Weekly Wildcat.
SAT EXAM:
Sign up through the CollegeBoard site:
Whitney High Schools Code: 053937
SAT CollegeBoard Exam Dates: (NOT LINKED! Go to the CollegeBoard site)
Dates that WHS is a SAT testing Site:
Sept. 12, 2026; Nov. 7, 2026; March 6, 2027; May 1, 2027; June 5, 2027
ACT EXAM:
Sign up through the ACT at https://www.act.org/
Dates offered at WHS/RHS as a test site for the ACT:
December 12, 2026
April 10, 2027
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid and Scholarships![]()
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is funding that helps students pay for their education after high school. It can come in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study opportunities. Financial aid is intended to supplement what you and your family can contribute toward the cost of college or career programs.
To find out if you're eligible for financial aid, you must complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)—depending on your eligibility status. These applications determine your qualification for various types of aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Students planning to take advantage of Sierra College's two years of free tuition must complete the FASFA or CADAA form to qualify. Sierra College will also host in-person and virtual FASFA/CADAA workshops during the school year to provide more information.
Financial Aid Workshops:
- The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) High School College and Career Centers host FASFA/CADAA workshops during the school year. All high school families from any campus are welcome to attend any of the sessions listed below:
- Rocklin High School: To Be Announced
- Whitney High School: Monday, November 9th, 5:30-7:00pm in Library (Sierra College facilitating)
- Victory High School: To Be Announced
Steps to complete a FASFA form:
- Create an FSA ID here: Create Account | Federal Student Aid
- Personal information: Name, Date of Birth & Social Security Number
- Account Information: create a username, enter your non-school email address, & new password (must include: uppercase, lowercase, 1 number & be at least 8 characters long)
- Permanent Address: Enter Address, City, State, Zip code, and & your mobile phone number.
- Communication Preference: Email or Postal Mail (recommend email); optional are email or text message. Select your language preference.
- Challenge Questions: Select 4 questions & input answers: used to help you retrieve our username/password if you are locked out of your account.
- Confirm & Verify: verify all is correct or edit, then agree to the FSA Terms and Conditions.
- Enable Two-Step Verification: Enter your phone number & email address for verification. Set up the Authenticator App by downloading the app & scanning the QR code provided.
Note: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online.
Other Resources:
- FASFA on the Web - Live Help
- Phone: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 1-334-523-2691 | TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-730-8913
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FSA ID problems:
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Phone: 1-800-557-7394
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Email: IDverification@ed.gov
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- U.S. Department of Education
If you do not want to complete the FAFSA, then your parent can fill out this form or if you are over 18 years old, Rocklin Unified School District FAFSA or CADAA Opt-Out Form
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards granted based on criteria such as academic achievement, special talents, religious affiliation, ethnic background, personal interests, or even random selection. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Other Options
- Grants: Grants are financial awards typically based on a student's financial need. These do not need to be repaid.
Exception: The California College Promise Grant provides two years of free tuition at California Community Colleges for all eligible California residents—regardless of financial need. - Scholarships: Scholarships are financial awards given for a variety of reasons, including academic achievement, special talent, religious affiliation, ethnicity, personal interests, or even random selection. Like grants, scholarships do not need to be repaid.
- Work-Study: The Federal Work-Study Program offers part-time jobs for students, on or off campus. Students earn money through work, so there is nothing to repay.
- Education Loans: Loans are borrowed funds from the federal government or a financial institution. Unlike grants or scholarships, loans must be repaid—with interest.
- Types of Loans:
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Subsidized Loans: The federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled in school.
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Unsubsidized Loans: Interest accrues while the student is in school, and the student is responsible for paying it.
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Fillable/sharable WHS Letter of Recommendation Profile (brag sheet)
Fillable/sharable WHS Letter of Recommendation Profile (brag sheet)![]()
Fillable/sharable WHS Letter of Recommendation Profile (brag sheet)
