High School Seniors: There's Still Time — But Not Much. Attend a Free Workshop This September
If your student is a high school senior, September is one of the most important months of the year. Four free college planning workshops are coming to the Bay Area — here's why your family needs to be there.
If your student is a high school senior, you're in the most important stretch of the college planning process — and most families don't realize how little time they actually have.
Early Decision deadlines start in October. Regular Decision deadlines follow in November and January. The FAFSA opened in December. And the decisions your family makes in the next 60 days will shape your options for the next four years.
That's why College Planning ABC is hosting four free workshops across the Bay Area this September — specifically designed for families with seniors who need a clear plan right now.
What These Workshops Cover
In just 90 minutes, Manuel Fabriquer will walk senior families through:
- Finalizing your college list — how to balance reach, match, and safety schools with real affordability in mind
- FAFSA & CSS Profile strategy — what to do before you submit to maximize your aid eligibility
- What admissions officers look for — how to present your senior's story compellingly across different types of schools
- How to fund college without sacrificing your retirement — the conversation most families never have until it's too late
- What to do this month — a concrete action plan for where your family is right now
These aren't generic presentations. Manuel has worked with hundreds of Bay Area families through senior year, and he knows exactly what questions parents are asking — and what answers they actually need.
Workshop Dates & Locations
All four workshops are free and open to the public. Seats are limited, so register early.
Almaden Community Center, Rm 3 6445 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95120
- Wednesday, September 3 — 6:30–7:30 PM
- Saturday, September 12 — 10:00–11:00 AM
Morgan Hill Community Center 17000 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
- Tuesday, September 9 — 6:30–7:30 PM
- Tuesday, September 16 — 6:30–7:30 PM
Why Senior Year Is Different
Junior year is about building the list and preparing. Senior year is about executing — and the margin for error is much smaller.
The families who come out ahead are the ones who walk into application season with a strategy: a college list that's realistic and affordable, a financial aid approach that's been thought through, and a clear sense of what their student's application needs to say.
The families who struggle are the ones who figure this out in December, after the Early Decision deadlines have passed and the best merit aid opportunities are gone.
September is your window. Don't let it close without a plan.
Who Should Attend
These workshops are designed for Bay Area families with high school seniors who want to:
- Lock in a smart, affordable college list before applications open
- Understand how to maximize financial aid before submitting the FAFSA
- Walk away with a clear action plan for the next 60 days
If your senior is already deep in applications, you'll still walk away with something valuable — there's always a strategy that can improve your outcome.
Reserve Your Spot
Space at each workshop is limited. Don't wait until the week of — these fill up.
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Manuel Fabriquer
Content creator and writer sharing insights and stories.
