1. AHS Seniors…Yes, You!!! What’s Next??? Begin Your Journey Now
Post High School Planning for the Class of 2018

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. Education pays! Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
This chart clearly illustrates the differences in median earnings levels and unemployment rates based on the level of education attained after high school
And while the percentages in these categories may fluctuate over time given the state of the national economy, the ratios tend to remain constant, with the bottom 2 categories, “Less than a high school diploma” and “High school diploma”, consistently having the highest rates of unemployment and the lowest median earnings levels
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

4. Work Spend time creating a resume that will help get you a job!
If interested in working in the food industry, get your food handler certification.
Find people to use as references, and ask them for their contact information.

5. 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:
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
There are several military programs that help service members pay for college, including ROTC. Find out which college assistance programs could help you get the degree you want.

6. GAP Year Programs and Opportunities
Check out the GAP Year resources in the counseling center.
Think big! Travel the world, find an internship in a field that interests you, volunteer in the U.S. or abroad.
Even if you are planning to take a GAP Year, you should still complete college and scholarship applications your senior year. Many colleges and scholarship organizations allow students taking a GAP year to defer a year.

7. FINANCIAL AID
All students should apply!
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid– Never pay to complete it!
AHS will host a Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, September 20th at 7pm in the IVC. A Financial Aid representative from SOU will give an overview of the process and answer questions.
Fill out the correct application online for the school year.
Application is available online October 1st .

8. 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 are interested in careers that don’t require a four year college degree, such as a vocation in mechanics, culinary arts, or dental assisting, can receive a certification in two years or less.
Tuition is much lower than at a public university in Oregon, and might be completely or mostly covered if you qualify for financial aid, or the Oregon Promise. With work study, and living at home, the first two years of college could be debt-free.

9. Benefits of Attending a Community College Continued:
Students can complete their General Education requirements the first two years and then transfer to a four year college.
Students can spend more time and less money exploring different majors at a Community College.
Community College professors are hired to teach their class, not do research and publish. You will not be in classes with 200 – 300 students and taught by a teaching assistant. Most CC classes are small with a max of students

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

11. Benefits of Starting at a Four Year University
Public vs Private – finding a good fit for you, financially and academically
Most of the large financial aid and merit scholarships at four year universities are awarded only to incoming freshmen. If you qualify for these it might make more financial sense to go directly to a four year university, instead of starting at a community college. Examples: UO Pathways and PSU Tuition Free scholarships.
If you know what you want to major in, you can get an earlier start on the program’s required classes.

12. Four Year University Transcript Review
No grade below C- (exceptions)
Visual or Performing Art (California Schools)
Course Rigor – check university admissions requirements

13. 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.

14. TAKE THE SAT/ACT ON OUR CAMPUS!!
We are a test site for both tests but only on certain ACT dates (December, February and April)
We have limited space, so sign up early. There are also testing centers in Medford and Grants Pass.

15. Make a List of Colleges
Safety Realistic Reach

16. COLLEGE VISITS 2017-18 Date Time Location Colorado College 9/13/17
11:25 AM
Counseling
Western Oregon University
9/25/17
 TBD
Evergreen State College
9/28/17
8:30 AM
Whitman College
10/2/17
2:00 PM
Oregon Tech
10/3/17
12:30 PM
Whitworth University
10/4/17
8:15 AM
Lewis & Clark College
11:30 AM
Pomona College
2:40 PM
University of Portland
10/9/17
University of Oregon
10/12/17
11:00 AM
Central Oregon CC
11:40 AM
Linfield College
10/23/17
Pacific NW College of Art
11/9/17
Art Room
Univ. of Southern California
11/7/17
University of Puget Sound
11/13/17
9:30 AM
Portland State University
11/15/17
Library
PSU Admissions on the Spot
11/16/17

17. The “Common App”
Go to  With this online application you can apply to numerous private schools and some public schools.
Enter all information about your school and counselor (and two teachers that have agreed to write your letter of rec.) under “EDUCATION”.
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.
With the common app your counselor will upload your transcript.

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

19. Meet with your counselor
Discuss your plans for after high school
Ask for a letter of recommendation – usually only needed for private schools and honors colleges
Most Common Application schools require letters from two teachers and your school counselor. Use the Recommendation Request form and give at least two weeks notice.
Access college resources/ handbooks etc… Get the facts!
Sign up for an ASPIRE Mentor: get help with your college search, essays, scholarships, financial aid and more!

20. SCHOLARSHIPS
You can start your search for scholarships now!
National and various other scholarships are posted on the bulletin board in the Counseling Office and listed in the school announcements.
Listen for the Elks Scholarship application information in November.
The OSAC Scholarship Application will open in November. Apply for many scholarships with one application! Early bird deadline is February 15th - Final deadline is March 1st.
Local Scholarships will be available online at our website in early December. Most of these applications will be due in mid February.
Get an early start on scholarship applications and apply to as many as possible!

21. Please encourage your parents to attend!
College Information Night for Seniors and their Parents Wednesday, October 7:00 pm in the IVC
Please encourage your parents to attend!