Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2023 - College, Life & Career - September 2022
***WELCOME BACK SENIORS***
Classroom check-ins: We are presenting to seniors in their Government classes (including We The People) over the next two weeks to explain the college recommendation and transcript request process. Click HERE to review the Recommendation Request instructions.
College essay writing: All senior English teachers will be offering dedicated classroom time and guidance on writing college essays this fall.
College Counseling appointment requests: Seniors should request an appointment with Ms. Calcagno through our Counseling Department Assistant Mr. Ruiz. Keep in mind, your school counselor is also knowledgeable about basic college information too.
Uncertain about post-high school plans? Mr. Blue is a good support for seniors too. Mr. Ruiz can also help set up those appointments too.
Get Reminders About College & Career Events
Parents and guardians: We have a limited number of people who can join a class. If you would like to join Remind, please click HERE for your instructions.
***CAREER EXPLORATION***
Career Finder for Students
Community Partners Needed
As we seek to educate and celebrate the multiple pathways available to students after high school we are looking to partner with the Central Catholic community. If you or your organization are interested in providing career learning opportunities, please contact Mr. Blue.
AREAS OF INTEREST
Job Information
Internship opportunities
Job Mentoring or Shadowing
Apprenticeship education
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
You're Invited...
College Application Drop-in Sessions - We will be hosting some sessions for seniors who would like assistance completing their college applications. No sign-up is required. Feel free to join us for any or all of the following sessions:
- September 9 at lunch in Room 12
- September 14 from 8 to 9 am in the Commons
- September 27 from 2:45 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
Senior College Planning Night on September 28 at 6:30 pm in the CC Commons - Seniors and their parents/guardians are invited to learn more about the four-year college admission process. We will go over timelines and next steps for senior year. This session will be recorded for those of you who are unable to join us.
Virtual Paying for College Nights - The College Place Oregon and the Oregon Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators will offer two Virtual Paying for College events for seniors and families later this month. There will be a "Paying for College" presentation as well as the opportunity for participants to privately ask questions. Financial Aid Administrators will answer questions live during the presentation and families will be able to ask questions anonymously.
- September 27 at 6 pm (presented in English) - Register at https://bit.ly/PFCOR2022
- September 29 at 6 pm (presented in Spanish) - Register at https://bit.ly/PFCS2022
College Visits at CC
Representatives from a variety of four- and two-year colleges and universities will be on campus to meet with students. The admission representative typically presents information about their institution and then allows time for students to ask questions. Students should make the effort to meet with college representatives when they visit CC or host evening receptions. It gives college reps an opportunity to get to know you, answer your specific questions, and lets them know that you are genuinely interested in their institution. It is to your advantage to learn as much as you can about a college before you apply or visit the campus.
- Which colleges are visiting CC? Visits will be advertised in Naviance Student under the "What's New" section, daily announcements, and outside the Counseling Center.
- How do I sign up for a visit? Students sign-up for visits in Naviance Student. Then, pick up a College Visit pass from the Counseling Center and have the teacher sign it at least one day in advance of the scheduled visit.
College Campus Visits
While seniors are allowed to miss school time for campus visits, they should try to minimize missing classes whenever possible. The following days are recommended for scheduling a campus visit:
- October 7 & 10 (Teacher Inservice Days)
- October 12 (National Testing Day)
- October 25 (Wellness Wednesday)
- November 4 (Teacher Planning & Conferences)
- November 11 (Veterans' Day)
Click HERE for resources on making the most of your campus visit.
College Fly-In & Diversity Programs
Many colleges would like to enroll more students from first-generation, lower-income, or various racial and ethnic backgrounds. They often host additional events focused on culture and diversity to increase representation from underrepresented student groups. These weekend or multi-day programs, often known as ‘fly-in programs,’ let students experience campus and get to know the students and faculty who bring the college to life.
Traveling to campuses for multiple visit programs can be extremely expensive, especially for students looking at colleges far from home. College Greenlight compiled a list of over 90 fly-in and diversity programs. Click HERE for details.
College Fairs & Upcoming Events
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber & Hispanic Scholarship Fund College 101
College 101 offers a free, bilingual, college preparation workshop. The programs are designed to help middle and high school students – and their families – prepare, plan, and pay for college. Session topics include preparing for and applying to college, choosing a college that’s the right fit, writing a personal statement, researching financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and understanding the real cost of a college education. Participants can choose to receive information in either English or Spanish.
Reserve your spot HERE as soon as possible.
Saturday, Sep 24, 2022, 10:00 AM
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Real Talk HBCU Edition
Real Talk events were created to provide Black students and their families with the tools they need to start planning for their future. Participants will connect with Black college reps across the country, financial aid experts with insider tips on finding scholarships, college students who’ll give your students a realistic view of campus life, and Black professionals in tech, sports, and entertainment.
Real Talk: HBCU Edition is a two-night event for students to see the many options available to them. There are more than 100 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Students will get help comparing and find options that deserve a spot on their college list.
Night 1 on Wednesday, September 28, at 4 pm PT features:
- Claflin University
- Dillard University
- Howard University
- Norfolk State University
- Spelman College
Night 2 on Thursday, September 29, at 4 pm PT features:
- Fayetteville State University
- Hampton University
- Morehouse College
- Morgan State University
- Texas Southern University
After this event, students and their families will have a better idea of which HBCUs to consider, and what students will need to start doing to stand out during the application process.
Register HERE to participate in one or both nights.
Portland PNACAC College Fair - October 9 & 10
When:
October 9 from Noon to 3:30 pm
October 10 from 9 am to Noon
Where: Doubletree Lloyd Center
Common Application Assistance
The Common Application is accepted by over 1000 colleges and universities. A complete list of colleges accepting the Common Application can be found HERE. All students started working on the Common App last spring in their English classes. Join us for any of all of the optional College Application Drop-in Sessions listed above for dedicated time to work on applications and received assistance.
Should you take the SAT or ACT?
Many colleges and universities will not require students to submit ACT/SAT scores to be considered for Fall 2023 enrollment. We also know that public universities in Oregon, Washington and California will not require a test score for admission or scholarships.
Consider the following:
If the SAT/ACT is optional for your colleges, should you take it?
You need to think about your application packet as a whole. Basically, colleges are assessing two things:
Your academic achievements: GPA, college prep courses and possibly an ACT or SAT score.
Some colleges will also want to know what you do beyond the classroom. You will have the opportunity to tell colleges who you are through your personal essay and your list of extracurricular activities including hobbies, service, family responsibilities, work, etc.
How do you know if your GPA is strong enough for admission?
Use the Naviance Student scattergram tool to compare your GPA data with Central Catholic students who have applied and been admitted to each college.
You can also Google search for [name of college] class profile, then click on the result from the college website. On this page, search for info about the incoming GPA range for admitted students. If your GPA falls within or above the range, test scores might not be as significant.
What about test scores for merit-based scholarships? If a college offers merit scholarships and is test optional, they are likely not requiring a test score for scholarships; however, they might require something else. Check out the requirements for each college on your list, so there are no surprises.
ACT Test Dates 2022
- October 22 - Register by September 16
- December 10 - Register by November 5
My recommendation is to skip the optional Writing section. Since the College Board has eliminated the optional essay portion for the SAT Test, almost all colleges are no longer requiring this section.
Register HERE
Free ACT Prep HERE
SAT Test Dates 2022
- October 1 - Register by September 2
- November 5 - Register by October 7
- December 3 - Register by November 3
REGISTER HERE - Most, if not all seniors should already have a College Board account. DO NOT create a new one -- use the one you have!
FREE test prep - Khan Academy is a very good resource and you can link it with your previous SAT Test.
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition, impact-driven undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to 10-15 exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics. Applicants must have at least a unweighted 3.7 GPA and be a US citizen. The Cameron Impact Scholar is unique among their peers in their desire to directly impact their communities and in the world at large. Scholars aspire to contribute to positive forces for change and plans to tailor their education to that end. The scholarship covers the full tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. based college or university that the recipient chooses to attend. Due September 9, 2022 at NOON Pacific Time