Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2024 - College, Life & Career - February 2024
***CAREER EXPLORATION***
Sign up now for the NW Youth Careers Expo
The annual NW Youth Careers Expo will take place on March 19 at the Oregon Convention Center during the school day. The Careers Expo shows students the region's amazing diversity of career opportunities, along with the skills and education needed for those jobs. The Expo includes hands-on learning, demonstrations, mock interviews, career workshops and the chance to talk directly with professionals about college-and-career options.
Interested? See Mr. Blue to register now.
In-Demand Trade Careers
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician
Want to learn more? Here are some other resources from BestColleges.com* to help you explore options:
- The Value of Trade Schools in Today's Economy
- The Pros & Cons of Trade School
- A Parent's Guide to Trade School
- The Fastest Routes to a Skilled Trade Job
*While BestColleges.com provides some great articles and resources; however, you will find mostly searches for online training programs on their website.
Senior To Do List
7th Semester Grades or Mid-Year Reports - Mid-Year Reports are automatically being submitted no later than February 12 to all Common Application colleges -- you don't need to request anything. If you did not apply using the Common Application and need mid-year grades submitted to a college, please email collegecounselors@centralcatholichigh.org and include 'Mid-Year Transcript Request' in the Subject line. Please list the name of each college requiring mid-year grades in your email.
Check Application Portals - Be sure to check your emails and application portals for college admission decisions and updates. Portals also give you access to financial aid and scholarship awards. Many colleges post awards online prior to mailing award letters.
Update Naviance with Admission Decisions - Please update the admission decision for each college in your "Colleges I'm applying to" list in Naviance Student as you hear back.
No Post-High School Plans Yet? Drop by the Counseling Center and ask Mr. Ruiz to schedule an appointment with Mr. Blue or Ms. Calcagno for support.
Parent/Guardian To Do List
Support your senior - Continue to support your student through the process but also make an effort to talk with them about something other than college or post-graduation plans.
Complete the required financial aid forms as soon as possible - All colleges will use the FAFSA. Make sure all colleges your student is applying to are listed on it. The ORSAA or WASFA can be submitted by undocumented students who aren't eligible to use FAFSA. Additionally, some colleges might also require the CSS Profile.
Compare financial aid awards - Check out "Questions to Ask About Your Financial Aid Package" to help you understand financial aid award letters from colleges and compare them. While the article refers to Expected Family Contribution (EFC) instead of the new Student Aid Index (SAI), the infomation in the article is still very relevant.
***UPCOMING EVENTS***
Application Drop-In Sessions at CC
We are continuing to offer Drop-In Sessions for seniors who want help with applications for college or scholarships. Seniors are welcome to join us for any or all of the following sessions:
- February 8 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
- February 14 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
- February 22 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
- February 28 at lunch in the Counseling Center Conference Room
Portland Gap Year Fair - February 13
Check out the free Gap Year Fair at Cleveland High School from 6 to 8:30 pm on February 13. Attendees get the most up to date information about gap year basics, tips for researching & planning a gap year, navigating the college deferral process, and which programs are accepting applications. Click HERE to register in advance.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
The Waiting Game
By now a number of seniors have submitted college applications and are waiting for admission decisions. Congratulate yourself on surviving a process that seemed very overwhelming and confusing at the onset!
While you're waiting, there are some things that you can do:
- Keep your grades up! All admission offers require that you successfully complete high school. If you lack motivation and your grades drop, you may have a lot of explaining to do to your college.
- Visit college campuses and talk with current college students to learn more about their experience.
- Continue your involvement in extracurricular activities and service. Give your high school and community something to remember you by and make a positive difference in things that have been important to you.
- Hang out with friends and agree ahead of time that you will not talk about post-high school plans for a while.
As admission decisions start rolling in, remember this...
- Feel pride if you were admitted, don’t give up if you were not. It isn't over yet, especially if you're on a waiting list.
- Be sensitive and considerate to others who haven't received admission to their top choices.
- Consider an alternate plan if you're on a waiting list.
- Keep track of scholarship awards from all colleges as we’ll ask for this information later this spring.
***PAYING FOR COLLEGE***
FAFSA Updates
We recently learned there will be a delay in delivering FAFSA data to colleges until mid-March. If the announced timeline remains in place, students may not receive financial aid award offers until the middle of April, or even later. As we learn more, we will keep you posted as well.
What you can do now?
- Be sure to submit FAFSA by the priority deadline posted by each college. After submitting FAFSA online, students will receive an email when they can access their FAFSA Submission Summary by logging in to StudentAid.gov. Students will be able to make corrections to their FAFSA once their eligibility has been calculated.
- Students need to pay particular attention to any communication from colleges regarding FAFSA and financial aid.
- Submit the CSS Profile if required by any of your colleges.
Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters
Once a student has applied for admission and the FAFSA (and CSS Profile if required) is submitted to a college, the financial aid process is initiated for you. A financial aid award letter from each college will be sent based on their awarding timeline. The award letter provides the details of your financial aid package. The goal is to provide students with financial aid awards well before the May 1 candidate reply date. It is possible some colleges will extend the deadline if there is a significant delay in accessing student financial aid data as explained above.
The financial aid package is a collection of different types of financial aid from multiple sources. It is intended to help you fill the gap between what your Student Aid Index (formerly Expected Family Contribution) and the cost of attendance (COA). After you receive the award letter, students will need accept or reject each source of financial aid. The college will not increase other aid to compensate if you reject part of the financial aid package, such as loans.
What if the award does not meet your need?
If you find yourself needing to appeal your award package, you should do so sooner rather than later. Many colleges offer financial aid on a first-come, first-serve basis. Before starting the appeal process, be sure it’s warranted and that you’re prepared. Click HERE for suggested steps.
Free Resource: SwiftStudent is a free, digital resource that provides financial aid appeal letter templates for students and families. You can learn about the financial aid appeal process, review eligibility requirements for making an appeal, and customize a financial aid appeal to start the conversation with your college financial aid office.
Did you apply to Oregon State University or University of Oregon?
OSU - If your GPA went up this past semester and you may qualify you for more scholarships from OSU, you can upload your unofficial transcript to your Beaver Basecamp portal by February 15.
U of O - Log into your applicant portal and update your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) by February 15.
Questions? Contact your OSU or U of O admission counselor or Ms. Calcagno.
Oregon Promise - Community College Scholarship
- Complete the Oregon Promise application by June 1.
- File a FAFSA or ORSAA and list one Oregon community college.
- Possess a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.0 or above.
Interested in Becoming A Teacher?
Scholarships for Future Teachers - In addition to school-based financial aid opportunities, there are nationwide, statewide, and local scholarships specifically for future teachers. These awards are offered by different organizations and people who wish to support those making the choice to become educators.
Rise to Teach Scholarship Program - The program is a partnership initiative between PCC, Portland State University (PSU) is a scholarship and student support program with a special focus on recruiting individuals from historically underrepresented groups to the teaching profession. Due April 5
MORE SCHOLARSHIPS
FEBRUARY
Chinese American Citizens Alliance National Essay Contest - The competition will be held virtually on March 2 and is open to all high school students in Oregon and SW Washington. Participants are given 90 minutes to compose an essay in English not to exceed 500 words on a contemporary topic concerning the Chinese and Asian American communities. Chinese Ancestry is not a requirement for this competition. Register by February 27 at 5 pm PT
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest - The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution invites all high school students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the contest. Students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Due February 15
Hispanic Scholarship Fund - Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage with at least a 3.0 GPA, and U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA. Due February 15 at 5 pm PT
OSAC Scholarship - Oregon residents can apply for multiple scholarships with one application. We will automatically upload 7th semester transcripts for all students who apply through OSAC. The Early Bird deadline is February 15 and the regular deadline is now April 1.
MARCH
African American Catholic Community of Oregon (AACCO) Scholarship - AACCO is awarding scholarships to African American seniors graduating from Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Portland. Seniors must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher. Applications are available in the Counseling Center. Due March 15
Animal Welfare Institute - Seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work and/or advocacy, and intend to pursue a career that will seek to reduce animal suffering and protect vulnerable species. Due March 16 at 8:30 pm PT
Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) Scholarship - Each year COSA sponsors or assists in processing five $1,000 college scholarships. These scholarships are given to Oregon seniors attending a 2- or 4-year college or university, trade or professional/technical school. Due March 1
Doodle for Google Scholarship - Design your own Google logo based on the theme given and stand a chance to get your artwork published all over the globe! Entries are judged on the State, and National levels based on creativity, originality, and communication of theme. Due March 14
Ford Scholars Program - The program supports students who have significant financial barriers to college. In addition to meeting 90% of unmet college costs including tuition, fees, room, board, personal costs. Scholars also receive academic and emotional support, professional guidance and leadership development. Applicants must be residents of Oregon who plan to enroll full time at a two- or four-year college in Oregon. Due March 1
Harrington Family Foundation Oregon Community Leadership Scholarship - This is a renewable scholarship program for current Oregon high school seniors who are emerging leaders, and plan to attend an Oregon trade school, college or university. Due March 10
Horatio Alger Targeted Scholarships - The Association offers several scholarship programs that either require an applicant to pursue a specific degree or attend a specific university. The following criteria applies to all programs:
- High school senior
- Critical financial need ($65,000 or less adjusted gross income per family is required)
- Integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- United States citizenship
For more specific eligibility criteria, please check the Scholarship Program listings. Due March 15 by 9 am PT
Multnomah Athletic Foundation Loprinzi Scholarship - Candidates should be a good student, community minded and involved, an athlete and have financial need. Due March 1
Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling Scholarships - These scholarships are for high school seniors from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the coming Fall. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative, unweighted GPA or higher. The application will open in mid-late February. Video essay submission due March 15 at Midnight PT
Portland Community College Future Connect Scholarship - Future Connect is both a scholarship and support program for students who identify as first-generation or low-income and planning to attend Portland Community College. Due March 1
Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP) - RSP provides scholarships and support to high-achieving, low-income students who will be the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be an Oregon resident or planning to attend a four-year college in Oregon or Illinois. Due March 1
The Links, Inc. Academic and Arts Scholarships - Recipients will be selected from graduating African American seniors who have demonstrated scholastic potential, high achievement, and leadership ability. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and be a resident of the metropolitan area of Portland (Multnomah, Washington or Clackamas County) or Vancouve (Clark County). The scholarships can be used at any accredited four- or two-year college. Due March 10