Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2024 - College, Life & Career - April 2024
Senior To Do List
Finish strong! As you get closer to the end of your senior year, it might be tempting to slack off. Make sure your final transcript shows your continued focus on learning as you finish your high school career.
Update Admission Decisions in Naviance Student - As admission decisions come in, please update your "Colleges I'm applying to" list in Naviance Student. Next month, you will be asked to complete the Graduation Survey to let us know your plans for next year.
Report all scholarship offers & special recognition - If you were offered any scholarships or received special recognition (ie. Honors at Entrance, Honors College/Program admission), click HERE to self-report all offers even if you are not accepting them. We will print all your information next to your name in the Commencement Program.
Check out CC's Job & Internship Board - See info below if you're looking for a job.
Scholarships - Continue to research and apply for scholarships. Check out the scholarships listed below!
Get ready to make a decision on what you will be doing next year - The Make Your Decision Tool is a simple way to help you compare your options. If you are planning to attend a four-year college next fall, you would typically need to decide by May 1. This year many colleges are pushing back their decision deadline to accommodate FAFSA delays.
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
Help your student make a decision - If your student will be attending a four-year college next fall, they usually need to decide by May 1; however, we are seeing a number of colleges push back their deadline to accommodate FAFSA delays. The Make Your Decision Tool is one way to help students organize their thoughts about each of their options. It directs students to utilize College Scorecard providing information on student completion, debt and repayment, earnings, and more for individual colleges.
***JOB OPPORTUNITIES***
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.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
If you are planning to go to a four-year college, below are things you typically need to do by May 1. Many colleges have pushed back the deadline because of FAFSA processing delays. Be sure to check and see if your colleges have extended their deadline. If you are trying to decide between colleges with different deadlines, see Ms. Calcagno or reach out to the college and ask for an extension.
- Deposit at only one college! In your acceptance packet from each college, there should be instructions. Read and complete everything carefully. Inform any other colleges that you will not be attending there. It may open up spots on the Waiting List for other students.
- If you have been offered a financial aid package, complete all forms and documents to accept any or all financial aid. You can choose to accept or decline any part of your financial aid package.
- If you're feeling stressed, remember that your choice is not completely irreversible. If you choose a college, even start classes, and feel it was a wrong decision, you can always consider transferring. I do recommend giving yourself time to adjust to your new environment first. A transfer involves work; however, if you to make a change it is possible.
- Some colleges may try to encourage you to make a decision before the deadline. Unless you applied an Early Decision program that committed you to enrolling, you are not required to decide before May 1 or later if your college(s) have extended their deadline.
Upcoming Events
Drop-In Sessions at CC
We are continuing to offer Drop-In Sessions for seniors who want help with applications, scholarships or financial aid. Seniors are welcome to join us for any or all of the following sessions:
April 5 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
April 10 from 8:30 to 9:10 am in the Commons
April 15 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
April 24 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm in the Commons
Portland Community College Preview Day - April 19
Learn about Portland Community College's programs and services 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
Interested in going to Preview Day with other Central Catholic students? See Mr. Blue to register and get more details before April 8.
Students admitted to U of O are invited to learn more about next steps with our Regional Admission Counselor Caleb Roher at 9:50 am in the Commons. Be sure to get your Visit Pass signed by your 4th Period teacher at least one day in advance.
Paying for College
Analyzing Financial Aid Offers
Be sure to also check out the Financial Aid Offer Comparison Google Sheet from Oregon Goes to College linked in the button below.
Understanding Loans and Indebtedness
Grants, scholarships, work-study, and other forms of gift aid do not always cover the full cost of a college education. Many students find that they must supplement their savings with government and private loans. The federal education loan programs offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than most consumer loans, making them an attractive way to finance your education. Students can better understand loans and repayment plans by using online resources, such as the Loan Calculator through Finaid.org or by talking to the Financial Aid Office at the college the student will be attending next fall. Under certain circumstances, the federal government will cancel all or part of an educational loan. This practice is called "Loan Forgiveness." The borrower's loans are paid off in exchange for military service, public service, teaching, or volunteer work.
Parents of dependent students can take out loans to supplement their student’s aid package. The federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), available through the Direct Loan Program, lets parents borrow money to cover any costs not already covered by the student’s financial aid package, up to the full cost of attendance. There is no cumulative limit.
It is critical for both students and parents to be very careful about taking out loans, especially private student loans, to cover the cost or attending a college. It is always better to minimize your debt, and pay as much as possible from current income along the way.
APRIL
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
Good in the Hood Scholarship - The Good in the Hood Multicultural Music, Arts & Food Festival is awarding academic scholarships to eligible high school graduates and college students. By April 30
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.
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
OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union - The Scholar Program recognizes graduating seniors who have achieved a 3.50 or higher unweighted cumulative GPA and earned a varsity letter in an OSAA-sanctioned sport or competed in an OSAA-sanctioned activity. By April 30
PCS Structural Solutions Scholarship - Student who are planning to pursue a two- or four-year degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and identify as BIPOC or are individuals underrepresented in STEM fields are invited to apply. By April 24
Peninsula Odd Fellows Laptop Award - Graduating seniors in the Portland Metro/Vancouver area with a strong record of community service are eligible to apply for one of five laptops. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 10.
Resilient Roots Scholarship - When students are resilient, they're rooted in the things that matter and the things they want to achieve. This scholarship recognizes students who faced challenges in high school that have motivated you to draw strength to rise, grow, and flourish, this scholarship is for you. By April 15 (11:59 pm PT)
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
Student-View and Oregon Senior Scholarship Programs - Participating seniors are eligible for awards ranging from $500 to $10,000. Complete their college survey to be entered in for a chance to win. The survey asks your opinion about colleges in Oregon and the surrounding area. There are no right or wrong answers and it should only take 15 to 20 minutes to complete everything. By April 23
United Negro College Fund Boule' Foundation Scholarships - Seniors of African descent with at least a 3.0 GPA who are US citizens are encouraged to apply for up to $7000 in scholarships to attend the four-year college of their choice. By April 25 by 8:59 pm PT
MAY
Beans for Brains - Scholarships for students who have a 3.0 GPA and who know how to knit and/or crochet. The scholarship closes on May 1 or when they reach their limit of 300 applications.
Central Oregon Community College Foundation Scholarship - Students planning to attend COCC may apply for scholarships and they can be renewed for two additional years. By May 1
Citizens Helping Citizens Scholarships - This program will provide need-based scholarships to seniors from underserved and historically underrepresented communities that will help to alleviate financial burdens of attending a four-year or two-year college. Preference shall be given to students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities who are first-generation to college and/or from low-income backgrounds. By May 5 by 2 pm PT
David Heller Memorial Scholarship - Seniors with at least a 3.25 GPA are welcome to apply for this scholarship. By May 5
Faith Hope and Love Jesus, Inc College Scholarship - Open to childhood cancer and blood disorder survivors who are pursuing post-secondary education at a college or university within the United States. By May 1
Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for students of Chinese descent who are continuing onto higher education. Applications must be received by May 17 at 5 pm
Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP) - The 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. By May 1
Rotary Club of Lake Oswego Scholarships - Graduating seniors who live in Lake Oswego are encouraged to apply for Rotary Club scholarships. By May 1
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund - Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership capability through a balance of extracurricular activities, community service and a track record of academic achievement. Graduating high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and planning to attend a two- or four-year college in the Fall are eligible to apply for these scholarships. By May 1
The Bill of Rights Institute's MyImpact Challenge - This a civic engagement contest promotes and fosters a robust understanding of citizenship to get students active in their communities now. Student service projects can win up to $10,000. Submission is open to US citizens and US-based young people. Submissions must be received on May 19 by 11:59 pm PT.
United Negro College Fund Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program - In partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, this program is a scholarship and professional development program aimed at supporting students who wish to pursue a career in K-12 education. Open to all majors with a preference for students majoring in education, teaching, or related courses of study. Submissions are due by May 20 by 3 pm PT
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 392 Scholarship - Applicants must be a member of JROTC or a child or grandchild of a veteran. To apply, create a self profile highlighting your accomplishments, need for assistance, and future goals. Submit to Ms. Calcagno no later than May 2.
Oregon Promise - Community College Scholarship
Who is Eligible?
- Complete the Oregon Promise application by June 1.
- File a FAFSA or ORSAA and list at least one Oregon community college.
- Have at least a 2.0 unweighted GPA or above.
Did you know? Students can save money by being enrolled at a public four-year university and a community college with Oregon Promise. If there are gaps in your financial aid award at a four-year university such as OSU or U of Oregon, check out the options below. You most can still live on-campus in most cases and take classes through both institutions.