Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2022 - College, Life & Career - December 2021
I'll be checking my emails periodically over break. If you have a question please email me and I will respond as soon as possible.
Wishing you all a restful holiday season,
Ms. Teri Calcagno
College Counselor
CAREERS
Career and Trade Schools in Oregon
The Oregon Goes to College website helps students explore their options. There are links to most trade and career schools as well all of the state's public and private colleges and universities. Specialty schools are categorized to make it easy to find training for particular careers too.
These categories are also used on their map of Oregon colleges. You can search for
- tattoo schools in Eugene
- trucking schools in Medford
- health career schools in Portland
- cosmetology schools in the Gorge
- and more!
Click HERE and explore all your options.
check out this helpful resource focusing on items to consider when exploring training at a for-profit institution. Click HERE for details.
COLLEGE
Student To Do List
Application Submission - Pay attention to the application deadlines. If you add a college, be sure to request a transcript through Naviance Student. If the college requires a recommendation, complete the Recommendation Request form HERE.
Letters of Recommendation - If you are applying to a college that requires a recommendation and have not requested them through College Counseling yet, don't forget to complete the request form above. You will also need to complete the Letter of Recommendation Info survey in the "Important To-Do's and Tasks" section in Naviance Student.
Check Application Portals - Early Action application admission decisions will be coming soon. Check your email and application portals. You might have good news already!
Update Naviance with Admission Decisions - We love to hear how you about admission decisions! Update the decision for each college in your "Colleges I'm applying to" list.
Scholarships - Get serious about looking for and applying to scholarships. Explore the scholarships listed below. Check out our last newsletter for advice on applying for scholarships.
Parent/Guardian To Do List
FAFSA - If you haven't already done so, complete the FAFSA soon as possible.This is required by both two- and four-year institutions for all federal and state financial aid, federal student and parent loans, and most scholarships --including OSAC scholarships!
CSS Profile - Some colleges require the Profile in addition to FAFSA. Check to find out if any college on your student's list requires it.
Spend time with your student - It is important to take a break from talking about plans for after high school. Many seniors are being asked these questions from well-meaning relatives and friends as well. Enjoy some time together without worrying about what's next or focusing on deadlines.
Sources of Student Financial Aid
Federal Aid - Federal aid is the largest source of money for students with demonstrated financial need through grants, loans and work study. The FAFSA is required for consideration.
Institutional Aid - This varies by college. The admission application might not automatically trigger consideration for institutional aid. Always read the college's materials to find out about the aid offered and if additional forms or applications are needed for consideration. When in doubt, contact the college's financial aid office. The FAFSA is often required to be eligible. Some colleges might also require the CSS Profile as well.
Private Aid - Private aid typically is awarded by sources other than colleges and the the government. Filing a FAFSA might be required for consideration.
Financial Aid Award Letters
A 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 your ability to pay, known as your expected family contribution (EFC), and college costs or the cost of attendance (COA). After you receive the award letter, you may be asked to return a signed copy of the letter in which you 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.
Learn more at FinAid.
What if the award does not meet your need?
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.
SCHOLARSHIPS
OSAC Scholarship Application
- Must be an Oregon resident
- OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually. You don't need to be a merit scholar or a student with financial need to be eligible for some of these scholarships.
- APPLY - HERE. You will need to wait to complete your application until you have final grades from 1st semester; however, you can complete most of the application beforehand.
- FAFSA/ORSAA is required to complete your OSAC application.
Early Bird Deadline - February 15 by 5 pm PST. Error-free applications will be entered into a drawing for one of several $1,000 Early Bird scholarships.
FINAL DEADLINE March 1 by 5 pm PST.
Oregon Promise - Community College Scholarship
The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps to cover tuition for Oregon residents at any Oregon community college.
- Must be an Oregon resident for at least 12 months.
- File a FAFSA or ORSAA application and list one Oregon community college.
- Possess a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above by the time of application.
- Complete the Oregon Promise application by June 1!
Featured Scholarships
Equitable Excellence Scholarship - Seniors can apply by submitting an essay describing how they exhibit courage in pursuing what's possible, display strength in managing challenges and share wisdom with others. Due December 17.
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes – This scholarship program honors student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and strong leadership skills in sports, in their schools, and within their communities. Due December 17.
Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship - Scholarship for students attending an approved trade-related program (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing or Construction Management) at an accredited two-year school. Due December 31.
Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship - I Weigh is all about radical inclusivity and allyship, creating a community where no one feels alone. To apply for one of three $5000 scholarships, share a 400-600 word essay about your story. Applicants may also add a link to an original art piece, song, vlog, or any piece of original content that shares what makes you, you. Due December 14.
Pride Foundation Scholarship - Current and future leaders in the LGBTQ+ community facing significant barriers may apply for over 60 scholarships with one application. Due January 7.
Terry Crews "Creative Courage" Scholarship - Students 16 years of age or older can submit a link to an original art piece you've created. Whether your passion is painting, photography, drawing, music, sculpture, or any other art form, share a piece that you are proud of and that demonstrates your artistic vision. Due January 12.
Transgender First Scholarship - Scholarships for students who identify as transgender or non-binary. Due December 31.
Scholarships Awarded by the College or University
Check the Financial Aid and Scholarship websites for each college on your list. Is there a separate scholarship application needed for some scholarships? If so, make sure you find out the deadline and access the scholarship application as soon as possible.