1. Begin Your Journey Now: Post High School Planning
AHS SENIOR class of 2017

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:
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 and free if you meet the requirements for the Oregon Promise. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant could have all of their 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 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 next test day is in October so don’t delay.

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. COLLEGE VISITS 2016/2017 DATE SCHOOL TIME LOCATION Sept. 16th
COLLEGE VISITS 2016/2017
DATE
SCHOOL
TIME
LOCATION
Sept. 16th
Evergreen State University
2:00
Counseling
Sept. 22nd
FAFSA/College Financial Aid Night
7:00
IVC
Sept. 26th
University of Portland
8:15
Pacific University
Sept. 28th
Gonzaga University
2:40
Sept. 30th
St. Olaf College
11:40
Oct. 3rd
Whitman College
Oct. 4th
College Fair at SOU
TBA
SOU
Corbin University
Lewis & Clark College
12:00
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Oct. 5th
Whitworth University
1:00
University of Oregon
1:30
Library
Oct. 10th
Linfield College
Oregon State University
Oct. 19th
Willamette University
10:00
Oct. 27th
University of Puget Sound
2:30
Nov. 16th
Portland State University

14. Common App -- How to invite your teachers & counselors
3 steps: 
(1) Go to 
(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 30th.  
Know the difference between Early Decision and Early Action. 

16. FINANCIAL AID
Ashland High School will host a Financial Aid night on September 22nd at 7pm in the IVC. 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 school year.
Application is available October 1st this year.

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 15th - Final deadline is March 1st.
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 Wednesday, October 12 @ 7:00 pm in the IVC
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….