Staying Informed Counseling webpage

Viking Voyage – monthly newsletter

Skyward (monitor your student’s grades, attendance, etc.)

NKHS High School Main Website

Sophomore, Junior, Senior Calendar

College Researchwww.wois.org

www.checkoutacollege.com Community and technical college search and information

www.collegeboard.org

Explore College Websites (usually takes about 45 minutes per

college)

College Visitations preview days

Selecting a School• LOCATION, MAJORS, COST, ADMISSION RATES, SIZE,

STUDENT LIFE…YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR STUDENT.

• A student’s College List should include a broad range of colleges

“SAFETY” SCHOOLS – student well exceeds admission requirements

“MATCH” SCHOOLS – student matches or exceeds admissions requirements

“REACH” SCHOOLS – admission requirements are very competitive, regardless of whether the student has exceeded admission requirements (historically very low admissions rates)

• Application fees range anywhere from $45-$90. Applying to a large number of schools can be expensive and counterproductive.

4 year College Admission Requirements

Washington public 4-year colleges require the following:

English – 4 years Social Science – 3 years Math – 3 years including algebra I, geometry, and

algebra II and meaningful math in Senior year World Language – 2 years of the same language Lab Science – 2 years (biology, chemistry, or

physics) Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts - .5 of a year Academic elective - .5 of a year Standardized testing to include SAT or ACT (with

writing)

**** REVIEW THE WEBSITES FOR THE COLLEGES TO WHICH YOU INTEND TO APPLY BEFORE YOU APPLY!

4 Year College “Need to Know”

Admissions Requirements – refer to college website for specific details

PSAT Date: October 18, 7:45am to 11:00am Recommended for all college-bound juniors

SAT www.collegeboard.com ACT www.actstudent.org

Deadlines Seniors: most colleges will accept up to December

test results Juniors: plan to take the SAT/ACT this spring

GPA & Rank Transcript Request Private vs. Public Institutions Letter of Recommendation Procedure

College Admissions Grades (in rigorous courses) Recommendations Essay(s) Extra-curricular activities including leadership and

community service Test Scores

**Be sure to truly represent yourself and your areas of passion

How to Distinguish Your Application

Extra-Curricular Activities Volunteer Work Hours Paid Work Hours Leadership Clubs/Sports/Music Clubs and memberships outside of school

Personal Statement Difficulties you have overcome Challenges you have met Area of passion Reasons for wanting to go to college Edit, edit, edit

College ApplicationSee college or universities for requirements and deadlines

State schools have their own on-line application

Most private schools use Common Application or SendEdu

***Transcripts ***Test Scores

2 Year College “Need to Know”

Accuplacer/Placement Test Seniors – Spring fall registration usually occurs around early

June

2 Year vs. 4 Year decision Smaller Class Sizes Cost Difference Housing Maturity SAT/ACT not required for admissions into

community college AA/AAS Transferable Degree

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Night Attend in December of Junior and Senior

year @ NKHS Commons College Financial Aid Speaker FAFSA Information

Application window begins January 1st

Seniors: apply ASAP to maximize your eligibility for awards

What can you do now? FAFSA4caster

Scholarships

Main Office contact Karen Lawlis 396-3116

School Website: www.nkschools.org

www.thewashboard.org

Check out websites of colleges/university of interest to stay informed of their scholarships

Out of State Scholarship (WUE)

Out of State Exchange Programs (reduced tuition for out-of-State applicants (WUE) Student must have legal residency in WUE state

○ Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah Washington, Wyoming

Students can receive a discounted rate through the completion of their Bachelor’s degree ○ Over 145 public institutions are participating

Some majors are not eligible Some colleges/universities have limited availability

○ May require evidence of academic performance To apply:

○ Check WUE box on your online admissions application or contact the admisions office of your prospective colleges

For more information go to www.wiche.edu/wue

Q & A