Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2024 - College, Life & Career - December 2023
***CAREER EXPLORATION***
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.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
Student To Do List
Application Submission - Pay attention to the application deadlines. submit the Transcript & Recommendation Request Form (also found in Naviance Student) as soon as possible. Make your requests at least four weeks in advance if your college requires recommendations and they have not already been written for an earlier deadline.
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 Teacher and/or Counselor Recommendation survey in the "Tasks from My School " section in Naviance Student. Click HERE for details about requesting recommendations.
Application Drop-In Sessions - We are continuing to host sessions for seniors who would like assistance with their college or scholarship applications. No sign-up is required and you are welcome to join us for any or all of the following sessions:
- December 7 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
- December 13 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
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. Once you have submitted an application through the Common Application, you can connect your Common App information to the College Board's BigFuture Scholarship Search. Click HERE for instructions. Be sure to explore the scholarships listed below. Lastly, check out our last newsletter for advice on applying for scholarships.
Parent/Guardian To Do List
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.
Complete the necessary financial aid documents as soon as possible - The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available no later than December 31! See details below to help you get ready for it. If your student has colleges requiring the CSS Profile, it can be completed now. Click HERE for a list of participating institutions.
If you missed out on attending the Paying for College webinars live, we recorded them. Please feel free to watch the videos:
***FINANCIAL AID***
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required by both two- and four-year institutions for all federal and state financial aid, federal student and parent loans, and some scholarships. The 2024-25 FAFSA will be available no later than December 31!
What You Can Do Now:
Make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account—and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available.
Find out if one or both parent(s) will need to be contributors and provide their info on your FAFSA form.
If your parent(s) will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account. Even if a contributor doesn’t have a Social Security number, they will be able to create an account when the 2024–25 form goes live.
Watch the “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” playlist to understand what information and documents you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA form.
Not eligible to complete FAFSA?
- ORSAA - The Oregon Student Aid Application is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Do NOT complete the ORSAA if you are (1) a U.S. citizen, (2) a legal noncitizen with an Alien Registration number, or (3) an international student who is in the United States with a valid visa. not sure which form to complete? Click HERE to learn more.
- WASFA - The Washington Application for State Financial Aid is for Washington residents who are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status. The WASFA can also be used in limited circumstances by other select applicants who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA. People who complete a WASFA are applying only for state aid.
Both of the above forms will be available no later than December 31 as well.
CSS Profile - Some colleges require the Profile in addition to FAFSA and it is available now. Check to find out if any college on your student's list requires it. Click HERE for a list of participating institutions. Check out these helpful tips and resources before starting the Profile - HERE.
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 what your Student Aid Index (formerly Expected Family contribution) and college costs or 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.
Check out next month's newsletter for more details about award letters and financial aid appeals.
***UPCOMING EVENTS***
Potrland Community College Preview Days
PCC offers Preview Days to introduce students to their different opportunities on each campus from 9 am to 11 pm. Meet instructors and staff plus explore financial aid and learn about scholarships. Click HERE for details.
Upcoming Preview Days:
January 12 - Rock Creek Campus
Febuary 16 - Southeast Campus
April 19 - Cascade Campus
We will have more details about group visits with CC students for the Preview Days at Southeast Campus & Cascade Campus in our January newsletter.
***OTHER WAYS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE***
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 PT. 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 PT.
Oregon Promise - Community College Grant
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 an unweighted cumulative 2.0 GPA or above by the time of application.
- Complete the Oregon Promise application by June 1!
Featured Scholarships
DECEMBER
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 18
Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship - Scholarship for students planning to enroll in an approved trade-related program (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing or Construction Management) at an accredited two-year school. Due December 31
Reach For Your Peak Scholarship - Get Schooled is awarding scholarships exclusively to high school juniors and seniors living in Oregon & Washington States to support your education goals after graduation. Due December 31
The Gold Law Firm Challenge Yourself Scholarship - The scholarships are awarded to students who have spent their early education taking part in challenging skill-building activities such as Scouts, acting or theater, debate club, and speech. Due December 18
Transgender First Scholarship - Scholarships for students who identify as transgender or non-binary. Due December 31
JANUARY
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship - Scholarships of up to $10,000 per year for high school seniors nationwide who showcase leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship. Due January 4
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship - Scholars receive up to $35,000 over four years and benefit from a four-year comprehensive program. Applicants must be a minority high school senior, US citizen, have evidence of financial need, demonstrate a record of academic excellence, and demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service. Click HERE to watch their scholarship application webinar about the application process. Due January 10 by 2 pm PT
Live Mas Scholarship - Submit a video (2 minutes or less in length) by January 3 5 pm PT that addresses these questions:
- What is your passion and how are you currently pursuing it or planning to pursue it?
- How do you plan to use your passion to make your community, country and/or world a better place?
- What is your education plan and how will it help you pursue your passion and create a positive impact?
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 5
Teen Changemakers Essay Contest - Student will write a 500-1000 word essay. This year's prompt: "At school and within your community, how will you be a source of strength and inspiration through your vulnerability in sharing about your mental health, and allowing others to do the same?" The contest is open to students in grades 9-12. Due January 12