Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2024 - College, Life & Career - October 2023
***CAREER EXPLORATION***
Career Path Exploration for Students
Check out potential career paths through Naviance Student. Login and go to "Careers" and select "Explore Roadtrip Nation Videos" to get started looking at options. The assessment tools in the Self Discovery section can also be helpful in figuring out potential careers based on interest and strengths.
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
***TO-DO LISTS***
SENIORS
Determine Your Path - Are you uncertain about going to college or would like to explore other options such as apprenticeships, taking a Gap Year, military enlistment, work, etc? Our Counseling Department Assistant Mr. Ruiz can help you set up an appointment with Mr. Blue.
College Search - Learn more about two- and four-year colleges by attending college visits at CC or research colleges on your own through college fairs and campus visits.
Watch the Senior College Planning Night recording - If you were unable to join us in person in September, click on the links below to watch the presentation recording about the four-year college admission process.
Senior College Night Recording Part 1
Senior College Night Recording Part 2
PDF of the presentation slides - You will find direct links to some items referred to during the presentation.
College Applications - If you are applying to four-year colleges, begin working on applications now. Applying through the Common Application? You will need to match your Common App to Naviance Student. It will allow us to send your transcript and recommendation (if needed) to colleges once you request them. Click HERE for instructions.
Letters of Recommendation - If a college requires a recommendation letter, your initial request should be submitted at least four weeks prior to your application deadline. There is some flexibility; however, teachers and counselors need time to do a good job on their letters and still have their other responsibilities too. See details below about the process.
PARENT/GUARDIAN
Watch the Senior College Planning Night recording - If you were unable to join us in person in September, click on the links below to watch the presentation recording about the four-year college admission process.
Senior College Night Recording Part 1
Senior College Night Recording Part 2
PDF of the presentation slides - You will find direct links to some items referred to during the presentation.
Recommendation Letter input - We welcome input from parents/guardians to assist with the counselor recommendation letter. Click HERE and share input about your senior.
Net Price Calculator - Work with your student to complete a Net Price Calculator for each college on their list. This will give you an estimate of what each one will award in financial aid and scholarship. See details about it below.
Get ready to submit FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - The FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year will open in December. Sign up for a virtual Financial Aid Night (listed below in Paying for College). They will send out the recording to everyone who registers even if you cannot watch live.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
College Application Drop-In Sessions
We are continuing to hosting sessions for seniors who would like assistance completing their college applications. No sign-up is required. Seniors can join us for any or all of the following sessions in the Commons:
- Every Tuesday from 7:25 to 7:55 am
- October 4 from 8:30 to 9:10 am
- October 11 from 2:45 to 3:30 pm
- October 19 from 2:45 to 3:30 pm
- October 25 from 2:45 to 3:30 pm
- October 31 from 2:45 to 3:30 pm
Requesting a Recommendation Letter
Once you have determined if your college requires a teacher recommendation, what do you do after your teacher agrees to write for you?
You will need to complete the First Teacher Recommendation Input survey under the "Tasks from My School" section in Naviance Student. If your college requires two teachers, complete the Second Teacher Input survey for your other teacher.
What if you need a counselor recommendation?
Complete the Letter of Recommendation Info survey also under the "Tasks from My School" section in Naviance Student. We also expect students to provide a resume of activities. There is a Resume tool in Naviance Student or students may email their resume to collegecounselors@centralcatholichigh.org and we'll upload it into Naviance for them.
How will your recommender access the survey and upload their recommendation?
After completing the above surveys, you will need to complete the Transcript & Recommendation Request Form (also found in Naviance Student). Be sure to match your Common Application and Naviance Student to allow us to submit your recommendation and transcript electronically as shown in the "How to Request Recommendations" slides below.
What if my college does not want recommendations?
If a college does not require any recommendations, students may request an Initial Transcript by submitting the Transcript and Recommendation Request form referred to above.
***COLLEGE FAIRS & UPCOMING EVENTS***
Can't make it to the college fair in Portland? The virtual college fairs feature hundreds of different colleges and universities from the US and worldwide. Don't miss these free, one-day events for high school students, transfer students, and families. Click below to register for each program and to see the list of participating colleges.
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON ADMISSION EVENTS
UO Evening Admissions Receptions
Receptions are open to all high school seniors and their family members to meet with admissions staff, current students, and learn more about UO. For more information and to register for fall events.
October 4 - Oswego Hills Vineyard, West Linn
October 17 - McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale
October 23 - Nike World Headquarters, Beaverton
On Campus Visit Opportunities
Duck Preview is an open house hosted on tow different Fridays this fall - October 13 or November 3. High school juniors, seniors and their family members are welcome to attend and learn more about UO. Space will fill quickly - click HERE to register ASAP.
Campus Tours Calendar – Can't make it to Duck Preview? Students and families can sign up for a tour at their own convenience.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY VISIT OPPORTUNITIES
OSU Beaver Open House
Connect with academic colleges and learn about our major/program options, take a campus tour, see a residence hall, eat at a dining center and hear more about what it's like to be an Oregon State student. Talk to current OSU students, staff and faculty at this day-long campus open house. Space fills quickly - click HERE for details and to register soon.
Friday, October 6
Friday, October 27
Saturday, November 4
Friday, November 17
Please note: All of these dates have identical content, so you only need to attend one.
Can't make it? Students and families can schedule a campus tour HERE.
OSU-Cascades Beaver Preview Days
Tour campus with a current student, find out what makes a strong admission application and get your financial aid and scholarship questions answered. This is the perfect time to learn more about becoming a Bend Beav.
Friday, October 13 – Click here to register
Saturday, November 4 – Click here to register
Can't make it? Students and families can schedule a campus tour HERE.
PREVIEW DAY AT PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Get to know Portland State University and experience our dynamic urban campus for yourself at Preview Day on October 21 from 9 am to 2 pm. This event is for high school juniors, seniors, and guests. Attendees will have the opportunity to go on a campus tour, learn about our academic programs, financial aid, student resources, and admissions. High school seniors can apply to PSU during Preview Day and we’ll waive the $60 application fee (International students are not eligible for the fee waiver).
Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Plus, all attendees can get FREE tickets to the PSU Vikings Volleyball match vs. the University of Montana after Preview Day at 7:00 PM on Saturday, October 21 in Viking Pavilion.
***PAYING FOR COLLEGE***
FAFSA and ORSAA/WASFA Changes
You may have heard that the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be changing this year for students planning to enroll in college for the 2024-25 school year. Due to lots of behind the scenes programming, the FAFSA will not open until sometime in the month of December. ORSAA and WASFA, alternate forms for undocumented students living in Oregon and Washington respectively, will open as soon as possible, but most likely in December as well. This is a one time change in timelines. Next year, FAFSA be open again in October.
Paying for College Virtual Nights
Once again, we're teaming up with OASFAA to bring you two virtual Paying for College events. Families can participate from their own homes and even ask anonymous questions through the Q & A feature.
Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30 pm - https://bit.ly/PFCE2023 (English)
Jueves 26 Octubre 6:30 pm - https://bit.ly/PFCP2023 (En español)
What is the CSS Profile?
How Much Will a College Really Cost?
What is a Net Price Calculator?
Net Price Calculators are available on every college's website and allow prospective students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account.
What does Net Price mean?
Net Price is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student would likely receive.
Complete a Net Price Calculator for each institution on your list. Students and families will need to work together to provide the required information.
Search for Net Price Calculators on each college's financial aid page or search HERE.
SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH ADVICE
THINK LOCAL
Let EVERYONE know you are looking for scholarships. Your parent/guardian or grandparent might work for a company or belong to an organization that offers scholarships to dependents or descendants; it never hurts to ask. Check out the Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, churches, foundations and other local organizations, which often offer scholarships based on a variety of factors. There is often less competition for these, since they are awarded locally.- OSAC Scholarships (OR residents) -OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually. Oregon residents planning to attend a two- or four colleges as well as trade schools will find potential scholarships HERE. The application will open in November but cannot be submitted until after first semester grades are available. You can also check out Oregon Promise - Community College Grant - HERE.
- The WashBoard (WA residents) - Washington residents have access to a database of scholarships that might be a good fit. Create an account and start your search HERE.
SEARCH FOR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
There are lots of free search sites for scholarships. You should never have to pay to find or apply for scholarships. Here are some helpful sites:
Fastweb
Oregon Gear Up Scholarship List
STAY ORGANIZED
It can be challenging to keep track of all the different scholarship deadlines and requirements. Check out the scholarship tools including the Scholarship Tracking Worksheet developed by the University of Portland HERE (unde the "Scholarship Applications" section).
FEATURED SCHOLARSHIPS
The scholarship opportunities listed below partner with a broad range of colleges to offer scholarships and additional opportunities for their scholarship recipients. Interested students must apply directly to their campus partners. Each campus has their own application and selection process.
The Bonner Program provides a scholarship award to students in exchange for a weekly commitment to intensive and meaningful service with a local community organization over the four years as an undergraduate student with their campus partners.
The Stamps Scholars Program was founded with the purpose of enabling extraordinary educational experiences for extraordinary students. Through partnerships with institutions across the nation and the U.K. Scholars receive annual awards that range from $5,400 to $75,000 per year with additional funds for enrichment activities such as study abroad, academic conferences, and leadership training.
UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
OCTOBER
AES Engineering Scholarship - The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by an evaluation of the essays that are submitted for it. Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible. Due October 8
National YoungArts Foundation Scholarship - Up to $50,000 for young artists in grades 10-12 or ages 15-18 with talent in cinematic arts, dance, design arts, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing. Due October 13 at 8:59 pm PT
NSHSS Foundation STEM Scholarship - $1,000 scholarships for underrepresented students with a 3.0 GPA or higher who plan to study a STEM field. Due October 13
The Skanner Foundation Scholarship - Amounts range from $1000-$3000 based on applicant's response to one of three essay topics and completion of 20 hours of service within the last 12 months. Due October 8
U.S. Bank Student Scholarship - Up to $20,000 for completing a series of financial education online learning modules. Due October 30
Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy Scholarship - Students have the opportunity to express themselves in a 3-5 minute democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Entries must be submitted to the sponsoring local VFW Psot by October 31 Midnight.
NOVEMBER
Act Six Scholarships - Promising multicultural leaders are invited to apply for full-need, full tuition scholarships to attend George Fox University. They look for young people who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities at home. If interested, complete the Act Six Interest Form soon. If you are eligible now, they'll send you a link to add Act Six to your Common App, which you can use to apply to Act Six by the November 28 deadline.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship - Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis, in a U.S. college or university. Due November 13 by 11:59 pm PT
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards - Up to $4,000 open to high school seniors of Hispanic/Latino descent with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA who have demonstrated leadership in the classroom and community. DACA students are eligible to apply. Due November 13 by 11:59 pm PT
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships - Up to $55,000 renewable scholarships for high-performing high school seniors with demonstrated financial need who want to attend a four-year college. Due November 16 by Midnight
Lewis & Clark College Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarship - This full-tuition scholarship recognizes incoming first-year students of exceptional academic achievement. Only students who attend high school in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington are eligible to be considered for the scholarship.* To be considered, students must apply to L&C through the Common Application using either their Early Action or Early Decision program. Due November 1
Seattle University Sullivan Leadership Award - Each year, Seattle University selects nine incoming freshmen to receive the Sullivan Leadership Award. This award covers the entirety of their undergraduate tuition, housing, and meals for four years of study. Competitive candidates are not only strong students and leaders, they also demonstrate a commitment to justice and the well-being of others through service in their communities and school. Students must apply for admission to Seattle U by November 15 and submit the Sullivan Leadership Award Application by November 30.