1. Who’s gonna help me navigate Senior year????
Mr. Wilson (A-E)
Ms. Zwahl (F-Lo)
Mr. Hinnenkamp (Lp-Rh)
Mrs. McGahan (Ri-Z)
Counseling Office:
Mrs. Thomas (Career and College Specialist)
Career Center:

2. Things to think about… Graduation Requirements
Options after High School
Steps in the process
Timeline

3. Graduation Requirements
Subject Credits College (CADR*)
Fine Art
English
Personal Finance .5
Health .5
Physical Education 1.5
Math (at least)
Career-Technical (CTE) 1.5
Science
Social Studies
Electives
Foreign language (at least)
HSPE /HSBP
Total Credits 22
(*College Academic
Distribution Requirement)

4. YOU MUST MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO WALK!
NO EXCEPTIONS!

5. Options after high school:
Community, Technical, Trade School (two year programs)
Four Year University
Career
Military
Apprenticeships

6. IT PAYS TO LEARN

7. Military Service Army Navy Air Force Coast Guard Marine Corps
Benefits:
Training and experience
Pay and allowances
Money for college
Free health care
Retirement benefits

8. Apprenticeships
You learn by doing the work, and actually get paid at the same time.
Not only do you earn a living wage, but you also get health care and other benefits.
You must have a strong work ethic, be drug free, be in good shape, and have a GED or HS diploma.
For more info about wages and benefit information go to: For detailed infor about programs in WA go to:

9. Apprenticeships and Pay
Carpenters--$20-$40/hr.
Electricians--$19-$55/hr.
Painter--$12-$40/hr.
Shipbuilding--$19-$42/hr.
Sheet Metal--$23-$47/hr.
Drywall--$9-$40/hr.
Truck Drivers--$10-$47/hr.
Divers--$33-$81/hr.

10. Vocational/Technical College
This is a great option for those who like to learn by doing.
The emphasis is on hands-on learning in a specific skill area.
There are a wide variety of offerings.
Some programs take two years or longer, others take one year or less.
These areas of careers are in high demand. Did you know that auto motive technicians hired by mercedes and BMW make 200,000 starting??? Something to think about.

11. Community Colleges
There are many excellent community colleges in this area.
All offer 2 year degrees that can be transferred to 4 year schools.
Cost is much less than 4 year colleges.
Often have smaller class sizes, and more opportunities to get help.
I often hear community colleges referred to as less and not seen in a positive light by students, but community colleges are cheaper, they provide you time to explore options if you are unsure about what you want to do, and they offer more flexibility for those who need to attend in the evening.

12. DIRECT TRANSFER AGREEMENT
Allows students who complete their AA, AS or AAS degree to transfer to most bachelor’s degree programs in the state of Washington.
Accepted by: 
University of Washington
WWU
Central Washington University
Seattle University
Cornish College of the Arts
The Evergreen State College
Eastern Washington University
Gonzaga University
Washington State University
Pacific Lutheran University
Whitworth College
Seattle Pacific University
Saint Martins University

13. Community College, Trade School & Technical
edu
Community College, Trade School & Technical
Must have diploma or GED to qualify for financial aid.
Usually are less expensive and often smaller class sizes.
Offer many types of degrees designed to get you a job.
Additional information:
It’s best to apply and register in spring of your Senior year to get the best course selection.
Most require a placement test to decide English and math placement for courses.
Check out the Careers Brochure in the counseling office for a list of schools and the degrees they offer.

14. Four year colleges and universities:
In addition to the minimum core requirements we already reviewed you will need:
SAT or ACT (SAT II for some schools)
Competitive GPA
Personal Statement/Essay or other writing piece
Meet the deadlines
Visit with college reps as they come to the career center
Find good college websites that help you determine good fit

15. Western Undergraduate Exchange
Some states in the WUE
Idaho
Colorado
Oregon
Montana
Hawaii
Arizona
15 Member States
Student pays 150% of in-state tuition
Over 11,500 students participating in 100 institutions
Check the website:

16. Steps to determining a good fit!
Size of School
Location
Campus Life (college experience!)
Academic Programs
Graduation Rate
Affordability
Athletics
Relax! There are nearly 4000 colleges in the United States alone. There is one that is right for you!
Check out college websites and research the personality of the school!
Visit your top choices! You wouldn’t buy a pair of jeans without trying them on!
Apply to enough schools to cover your bases. One or two reach schools, one or two “decent chance” schools and one or two “safety” schools. Consider local schools too.   

17. College Application Process
Getting Started:
Naviance is your friend!
Search for colleges that match your interests.
Link to college websites to apply.
Create a Brag Sheet that recommenders can use if you need a letter.
Request transcripts to be sent to colleges.

18. College Application Process
For Common Application schools, create an account at and then “match” the account in Naviance.
Start on your personal statement/essays now.
Give your recommenders at least 2 weeks notice.
Know your deadlines!

19. College Admissions– What are they looking for?
Rigor of coursework
Did you go beyond core minimums? Have you challenged yourself?
AP/ Honors/ Running Start?
Grade Point Average
Activities
What have you done?
Are you passionate about something?
Test scores– how important are they?
Essay or Personal Statement
What can you contribute to their campus?
Have you overcome a challenge or obstacle?
Grade Trends

20. TIPS on GOOD COLLEGE APPS
Letters of Recommendation and Counselor portion of applications
Ask early… at least 2 weeks in advance
Be organized and specific…tell Counselors due dates!
Letters of Recommendation are not needed for WA State Colleges!
When writing your college essays:
Answer the prompt.
Be your best self.
EDIT EDIT EDIT.
Make sure to have at least one adult read your essay!

21. Examples of average admitted GPA and test scores for WA PUBLIC
SCHOOL
GPA
SAT
ACT
CWU * 20
EASTERN
3.27
970 21
EVERGREEN *
20-28
UW SEATTLE **
27-32
WSU *
21-27
WESTERN **
22-28
*Admitted 50% range CR and M
**Admitted 50% range CR, W, and M

22. Did you know?
CWU:
Applicants with a 3.4 cumulative GPA or higher and who have satisfied the CADR requirements will be automatically admitted regardless of ACT or SAT score to Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
EWU:
Applicants with a 3.3 cumulative GPA or higher and a minimum SAT 1100 or ACT composite 24 who have satisfied the CADR requirements will be automatically admitted to Eastern Washington University in Cheney.
WSU:
Applicants with a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher (or top 10%) and who have satisfied the CADR requirements will be automatically admitted regardless of ACT or SAT score to Washington State University in Pullman.
CADR=College Academic Distribution Requirement

23. Don’t forget the return on your investment!!! College is WORTH it!
Apply early to be considered for scholarships; Scholarships are found on Naviance and also through the Career Center.
Make sure to complete the FAFSA or WASFA (more later)
Watch out for scams.
Visit

24. HOW MUCH WILL COLLEGE COST?
SCHOOL
TUITION
ROOM/BOARD UW
$10,753
$11,691
WSU
$10,916
$10,874 SU
$40,500
$11,499
HARVARD
$43,280
$15,383
EDCC
$3,756 (year)
$10,140

25. Net Price Calculator: tool to estimate college cost

26. FAFSA and WASFA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is how you and your parents/guardians let the federal government know you are heading to post high school programs in the fall of This is one of the most important steps you must take senior year.
The FAFSA ( opened to families on October 1. Start the process ASAP.
Washington state has a program for students who are unable to file a FAFSA due to their immigration status (Dreamers) to still qualify for state aid. This program is called the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Students and families can access and complete the WASFA at The WASFA also opened on October 1.
Students will complete the FAFSA or WASFA every year they are in college.

27. FAFSA

28. WASFA www.readysetgrad.org/wasfa

29. FSA ID – you need one to complete the FAFSA!

30. Common Financial Aid Myths

31. SAT and ACT School code: 480-649
Both the ACT and SAT are widely accepted college admissions tests. Most 4 year schools require one or the other. Not required for enrolling at a community college.
SAT: two tests (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math); Optional Essay; Check to see if schools want you to take the Essay.
ACT: four subject tests (English, math, reading, and science); writing is optional.
SAT Register at
December 3 – (deadline November 3)
January 21 – (deadline December 21)
ACT Register at
December 10 - (deadline November 4)
February 11 – (deadline January 13)

32. KEY DATES October 1 – FAFSA and WASFA open for families to complete
October 20 – College Planning Night (6-8 PM at LHS)
October National College Fair in Seattle
October 4, 11, 18, and 25 – Naviance help in the Counseling Office from 2:00 to 3:00 PM
December 1-January 31: Priority College deadlines
Note: Upcoming college visits can be found in Naviance at the Family Connection “Colleges” tab