1. Begin Your Journey Now: Post High School Planning AHS SENIOR class of 2015

2. What are my options?  Apply to a Community College or 4 year university – public or private.  Apply to a Technical/Trade School (Culinary, Art etc…)  Take a GAP Year (Apply to college senior year and defer to travel or work)  Military.  Work.

3. Military  Whether you feel called to serve or are just curious, meet with a recruiter and find the facts, figures and tools to help you make an informed decision about joining the Military and one of its five major branches:five major branches  Army  Marine Corps  Navy  Air Force  Coast Guard There are several military programs that help service members pay for college. Find out which college assistance programs could help you get the degree you want.

4. Benefits of Attending a Community College  Many students may want to consider the 17 Oregon Community Colleges as an option after high school.  Community Colleges have an open door policy and will accept all students regardless of your GPA. SAT/ACT tests are not required.  Students who don’t need a 4 year college degree, such as a vocation in mechanics, culinary, or dental assistants, can receive a certification in 2 years or less.  Tuition is ½ price of a public university in Oregon. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant could have most of tuition paid for. With work study, and living at home, the first 2 years of college may be debt- free.

5. Benefits of Attending a Community College Continued:  Students can complete their General Education requirements the first 2 years and then transfer to a 4 year college. Universities have reserved spots for transferring Juniors.  Students can spend more time and less money to explore different majors at a CC.  Community College professors are hired to teach their class, not do research or publish works. You will not be in classes with 200 – 300 students and taught by a teaching assistant. Most CC classes are 30 -40 students

6. Four Year Universities: Be prepared! Watch Deadlines! Get Started !

7. Transcript Review  No grade below C-  Visual or Performing Art  Course Rigor

8. Take SAT/ACT this fall:  3 opportunities for each test before applications are due.  Many colleges take a super score of highest test scores.  Consider colleges that are on FairTest.org. which don’t require SAT/ACT scores.

9. TAKE THE SAT/ACT ON OUR CAMPUS!!  We are now a test site for both tests all year.  We have limited space, so sign up early.  The SAT October test date is already full in the valley.

10. Meet with your counselor:  Discuss your plans for after high school.  Ask for a letter of recommendation – private schools only.  Students need 2 Teachers and their Counselor. Use Recommendation Request form and give at least two weeks notice.  Access college resources/ handbooks etc… Get the facts!

11. Use Our Resources! Sign-up for an ASPIRE mentor through Jen Marsden. Get help with:  College search  Essays  Scholarships  Deadlines and more!

12. Make a List of Colleges Safety Realistic Reach

13. Attend College Representative Visits @ AHS  DateSchoolTimeLocation 9/24/2014Willamette University9:40 AMUpper Commons 9/24/2014College of Idaho9:40 AMUpper Commons 9/25/2014Gonzaga University11:15 AMCounseling Office 10/7/2014University of Portland11:30 AMCounseling Office 10/14/2014Whitman College12:15 PMCounseling Office 10/14/2014Seattle University2:20 PMUpper Commons 10/14/2014Corban University2:20 PMUpper Commons 10/16/2014University of Oregon9:40 AMUpper Commons 10/22/2014University of Puget Sound9:40 AMUpper Commons 11/3/2014Portland State University9:40 AMUpper Commons

14. Common App -- How to invite your teachers & counselors 3 steps:  (1) Go to http://commonapp.org / http://commonapp.org /  (2) Enter all information about your school and counselor (and two teachers that have agreed to write your letter of rec.) under “EDUCATION”.  (3) Go to “SCHOOL FORMS” and check YES on the boxes to waive your right (this gives the letter of rec. more credibility since you waive your rights to see it afterwards). Then send invite to your counselor and teachers.

15. DEADLINES PAY ATTENTION to application deadlines. California State Schools -- November 30 th. Know the difference between Early Decision and Early Action.

16. FINANCIAL AID  Ashland High School will host a Financial Aid night in early December. A Financial Aid representative from SOU will give an overview of the process and answer questions.  All students should apply!  FAFSA is a free application – Don’t pay!  Fill out the correct application online for the 2015-16 school year.  Application is NOT available until January 1 st.

17. SCHOLARSHIPS Look for National Scholarships now!  -Online  -Posted on our bulletin board in Counseling  -In school announcements  -In Grizzogram OSAC – Oregon Student Access Commission– Available online in November. Apply for many scholarships with one application! Early bird deadline is February 15 th - Final deadline is March 1 st. Local Scholarships will be available online at our website by winter break. All applications will be due February 20th. Apply early!

18. Senior Parent Night Tuesday, October 7 @ 7:00 pm Encourage your parents to attend!

19. Talk to a student next to you for just a minute about any questions that may have come up….