Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2024 - College, Life & Career - March 2024
***CAREER EXPLORATION***
Sign up now for the NW Youth Careers Expo - March 19
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.
Job Opportunities
Mr. Blue continues to build a list of job openings for students who are looking for work through our Job & Internships Board* linked below. Positions include part-time, full-time and summer positions.
Student: Looking for a job? Click on the button below to view all opportunities. We will be updating the board as new openings come in, so keep checking back.
Parents/Guardians: Interested in hiring students? Please send your information to Mr. Blue at dblue@centralcatholichigh.org and we'll add it to the job board.
*Central Catholic High School is a vehicle for sharing this information. It is the responsibility of students and families to fully investigate these opportunities.
Senior To Do List
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 - For students planning to attend a four-year college, the May 1 Candidate Reply Date can be daunting to them. Some colleges are pushing back the reply date to accommodate the FAFSA delays causing some confusion as well. Take time to look over options and timelines with your student and decide the best overall fit for next year.
Compare financial aid awards - Check out "Financial Aid Questions You Need to Ask" to help you and your student understand financial aid award letters from colleges and compare them.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
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:
- March 6 from 8:30 to 9:10 am in the Commons
- March 12 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
- March 20 at lunch in the Counseling Center Conference Room
- March 21 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
Portland Community College Preview Day
Learn about Portland Community College's programs and services on April 19 from 9 am to 1 pm on the PCC Cascades Campus. During Preview Day, attendees will:
- Get valuable information on how to prepare to attend PCC
- Hear about programs, degrees, and certificates
- Spend time interacting with PCC faculty and staff
- Learn about financial aid and other scholarship opportunities
Click HERE for registration information and details. Interested in going to Preview Day with other Central Catholic students? See Mr. Blue to register and get more details before April 5.
Admission Decisions & Next Steps
Most college admission decisions should be released by the end of March or early April at the latest. Students need to check their email and application portals for admission decision updates and information.
Admission News
Once you have an admission offer(s), it is time to start really exploring the best fit for you. Participate in admitted student events, tour campus and evaluate all financial aid a scholarship offers. The Make Your Decision tool is a great resource to help you make a decision by May 1 unless your college is extending the enrollment deadline.
NOTE: Due to FAFSA delays this year, some colleges and universities have changed their enrollment deadlines and financial aid priority dates for students planning to enroll in the fall of 2024. OSU and University of Oregon now have a June 1 deadline. Be sure to check with your college(s) to see if they have extended the deadline.
Denial News
It is never easy to be denied admission to a college and hard not to take the decision personally. Please keep in mind that Admission offices receive thousands of applications. Often, your denial has more to do with the large volume of applicants than whether or not you are qualified for admission. Redirect your energy to those colleges who have welcomed you.
Appeal Efforts
Some colleges will consider appeals. If you were not admitted to your top choice school then
you may want to appeal. Components of an appeal are determined by each college but may
include: a statement of purpose, additional grades or information, and/or an offer to interview. Contact Ms. Calcagno if you would like help with this process.
What to Do if You're Waitlisted
Each year, many students are placed on a waiting list for a college. They're asking you, "If we have room later, would you like to be considered again?" Persistence may pay off! Respond to the offer and express your interest. But --- have a backup plan! As most students won't get off the waitlist until after the deadline, you still need to consider enrolling at another college by May 1. Click HERE to learn more about waitlists and how to improve your chances of getting off one.
No Offers of Admission
If you find yourself in this situation:
1. Don't panic!
2. Contact Ms. Calcagno immediately to schedule a meeting.
Making Sense of Financial Aid
For most students, the cost of college will be a major factor in the decision about where to attend next year. It's important to compare financial aid offers carefully.
Wait for all your financial aid offers - If you applied for financial aid, each college will let you know the amount, type, and source of money you are eligible to receive. This is also called your financial aid package or financial aid award. Most colleges send out a letter or an email shortly after they send an acceptance letter. Most public universities often upload this to your applicant portal in mid-March or early April.
NOTE: This year, the FASFA has been delayed after the U.S. Department of Education has made changes to simplify the form. As a result, FAFSA processing times have been delayed. Colleges will not receive financial data for students until mid-March, meaning students shouldn’t expect financial aid packages or award letters until end of March or April.
Consider all the costs - The cost of college is more than just tuition. Keep in mind the cost for housing, transportation, and other costs. Some financial aid offers will give you information about the cost of attendance (COA), including estimates for these other expenses. Others might not, so you will need to find that information on the college’s website. If you’ve earned a scholarship from another organization, check with your college’s financial aid office to ask how it might affect your financial aid offer.
Calculate what you will actually pay - Don’t focus on the sticker price of a college or the amount of financial aid a college offers. What matters is what you will actually pay, also known as the out-of-pocket cost.
Pay attention to the type of aid - Not all financial aid is created equal. Gift aid, such as grants and scholarships, does not need to be paid back. Loans do! Borrow responsibly and only accept what you need. In general:
- Federal loans are better than private loans: Loans made by the federal government are better than loans from banks or other private sources since they usually have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options.
- Subsidized loans are better than unsubsidized loans: Subsidized loans are better because the federal government pays the interest on your loans while you are in school.
- Student loans are better than parent loans: Parent loans should be a last resort.
Get help! Financial aid offers can be very confusing. Check out "Financial Aid Questions You Need to Ask" for helpful suggestions and link to Award Letter Comparison tools. You can also ask for help from the college’s financial aid office, Ms. Calcagno, or a trusted adult.
Changes to your financial situation - If you or a member of your family loses a job or income or if you have other financial issues, contact your college’s financial aid office immediately.
- Financial aid appeals: You can ask for a review of your financial aid offer. Your college's financial aid office might have a template to follow or you can use Swift Student to help guide you for free. Once done, submit your appeal to the financial aid office to start the conversation.
- Enrollment deposit waiver: Most colleges require you to pay a deposit to hold your spot. You can ask for the fee to be waived if are unable to afford the enrollment deposit. Work with Ms. Calcagno to navigate this option.
Make your decision - Consider more than just what you will pay for college. Choose a college that is a good fit for you academically, socially, AND financially.
Follow up to make sure you receive aid - Once you have a made a decision about where you plan to attend college, you need to notify the college. You may need to complete extra paperwork to accept your financial aid package. You should also notify the colleges you will not attend.
~ Some content provided by Oregon Goes to College
Oregon Promise - Community College Scholarship
- Complete the Oregon Promise application anytime before June 1
- File a FAFSA or ORSAA application and list one Oregon community college.
- Possess a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.0 or above.
Scholarship Deadlines Extended
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. Deadline extended to March 11.
OSAC Scholarships for Oregon Residents - Oregon residents can apply for multiple scholarships using one application. FAFSA/ORSAA is required to complete your OSAC application. Deadline extended to April 1.
MORE SCHOLARSHIPS
MARCH
African American Catholic Community of Oregon (AACCO) Scholarship - AACCO is awarding a $2500 scholarship to an African American senior graduating from a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Portland. Seniors must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher. Due March 15
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter & P.I.N.K Ivy Foundation, Inc. Scholarships - Applications for Black college women and graduating high school seniors are now open. Due March 31
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 PST
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Stephen Feinberg Multi-Year Scholarship - The program awards academically talented and highly motivated African-American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in all discipline areas, and is renewable for up to four years. Due March 31 at 8:59 PM PT
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
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 31
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. Qualified applicants must have critical financial need ($65,000 or less adjusted gross income per family is required), possess integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and US citizenship. Due March 15 by 9 am PST
Ninth Circuit Civics Contest - The contest is open to high school students. The theme of the contest is “70 Years Later— The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education.” In an essay of 500-1,000 words or in a 3-5 minute video, students are asked to discuss what impact they think Brown has had and why that is the case. By March 15 no later than 11:59 pm PT
Oregon Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF) Scholarships - OJCF offers scholarships for the pursuit of formal education and Jewish overnight camps. To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be Jewish residents of Oregon and demonstrate financial need. Due March 29
Organization of Latino Actuaries (OLA) Scholarship - The OLA furthers its mission of increasing the number of Latine actuaries by awarding academic scholarships to Latines who will be attending a US college/university next school year and are interested in the actuarial profession. By March 31
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. Video essay submission due March 29 at Midnight PST
Paul Duong Memorial Scholarship - The scholarship is for seniors who have attended the Asian American Youth Leadership (AAYL) Conference or will attend this year. Scholarship winners will be announced at the AAYL Conference and may be asked to read their essays to conference participants. Due March 4
Pi Alpha Zeta Chapter Scholarships - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was established by five African American women under the principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood. The local Chapter awards an annual scholarship to women in the Portland metro area inlcuding Clark County. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Due March 31
Shui Kuen and Allen Chin Scholarship - Applicants must have had a parent or been currently/formerly employed at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Students may be of any ethnic heritage and have at least a 3.0 GPA. You must be a senior planning to enroll full-time in a two- or four-year college. Financial need will be a consideration. Due March 29
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. The scholarships can be used at any accredited four- or two-year college. Due March 10
APRIL
Albina Rotary Club Foundation-Neil Kelly Memorial Scholarship - Applicants must have at least a 2.75 GPA and live in the designated North/Northeast Portland area (NE 42nd Ave. west to the Willamette River, I-84 North to the Columbia River including all of North Portland) Click HERE to access the Applicaiotn Guide. By April 1
Chinese American Citizens Alliance Scholarships - The scholarships below are open to qualified students of all ethnicities in Oregon and Clark County (WA). Selection will be based on the following: scholarship, leadership in school, and community activities. Due April 1 by 11:59 pm PST
Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Men's College Scholarship - The scholarship is available to any male, graduating high school senior who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall. Current or future membership in a fraternity is not required. Due April 1
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes - This award honors students currently working on an inspiring service project or have done so within the past 12 months. By April 15
National Catholic College Admission Association (CCAA) Scholarship - The National CCAA Scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 award that is given to 16 randomly selected seniors from various geographic regions who will attend one of their National CCAA member colleges or universities in the Fall. Due April 1 by 11:59 pm PST
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) Scholarships - NCLD offers annual scholarships and awards that celebrate the work and achievements of those students and leaders working to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 with learning and attention issues. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD. Reviewed on a rolling basis until April 13.
- The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship - Graduating high school senior who will enroll in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with LD and/or ADHD in the fall.
- The Anne Ford Scholarship - Graduating high school senior who will be enrolled in a full-time bachelor’s degree program in the fall.
National High School Essay Contest - In a 1,000 to 1,500-word essay applicants will identify what they believe will be the biggest challenge to face the Foreign Service in the future. The essay should describe this challenge and clearly define how American diplomats can help mitigate it. Due April 1 by 8:59 pm PST
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) Scholarships - The scholarships below are offered through the OCF. Due April 1
- Oregon College Savings Plan Diversity in Leadership Scholarship - Underrepresented and diverse students pursuing higher education in Oregon.
- Pence Construction Diversity in Leadership Scholarship - Underrepresented students of color in pursuing a degree in Construction Engineering Management. Oregon residents are eligible, with a preference for Multnomah County residents. Must be enrolled full-time and majoring in Construction Engineering at Oregon State University.
- St. Andrew's Society Scholarship - Oregon high school graduates who were born in Scotland or who have a parent or grandparent who was born in Scotland, or who have demonstrated a significant commitment to Highland dancing, piping, drumming, Celtic harp or Highland fiddle.
- Thornton Scholarship - For economically disadvantaged Black male graduates of Portland-area high schools who are enrolling at an institution of higher education anywhere in the United States.
Oregon PTA Teacher Education Scholarship - This scholarship is open to Oregon residents who are studying for a teaching degree at an Oregon public college or university. Due April 15
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