College

CONTENTS

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PLAN

Information & Planning Guides

Search for Colleges

CollegeStats.org: A database of more than 3,000 colleges and universities to find the best opportunities for you

Common Application: Explore more than 1,000 colleges nationwide and apply to multiple colleges using one application

GoCollege.com: Explore local schools, majors, and how to pay for school

Iowa Private Colleges: Information about Iowa's 25 private colleges

Iowa Regent Admission Index: Admission requirements for Iowa's 3 public colleges - University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University

Peterson's College Search Tool: Use search filters to narrow down options based on location, offered majors, tuition, and more

Transfer In Iowa: Iowa's Regent universities and community colleges have joined to create this website dedicated to the seamless transfer of credits from community colleges.

PREP

ACT

Register for the ACT: Cost is $63 without writing and $88 with writing; fee waivers are available in the counseling office for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch 

Free ACT Test Prep

SAT

Register for the SAT: Cost is $60; fee waivers are available in the counseling office for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch

Free SAT Test Prep

PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Competition

Students wishing to enter the National Merit Scholarship Competition should take the PSAT at Washington in October of their junior year. 

VISIT

Questions to Ask

60 Questions to Ask on your College Tour: Want to know what life’s really like at your dream school? Chat up the real experts on campus—the students.

Campus Visit Questions: Want to find the right fit for college? Visit the colleges that interest you, and ask LOTS of questions while you’re there.

Visit Info

CampusTours.com: Video tours, photorealistic interactive campus maps, mobile walking tours, and custom multimedia applications

College Rep Visits to Washington: A list of admissions counselors and when they will be at Washington (TBD for 2023-24)

APPLY

Admissions 101

Deadlines decoded: Information on Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admission

Requesting a Transcript

Current Students: Request a transcript be sent to a college, training program, or potential employer by completing an official transcript request. Forms are available in the counseling office.

College Applications

Be sure to let your counselor know if you are utilizing the Common App, Coalition App, or any other electronic delivery system.

Email your resume to your counselor if you need a letter of recommendation.

DO NOT bring stamped and addressed envelopes to the counseling office.

Graduates: Former students who have graduated should contact counseling secretary Kim Weiland at kweiland@crschools.us or 319-558-2142.

School Report Forms

Please check with your counselor to determine if they submit documents online or as a paper copy mailed directly to each school.

If submitting online, be sure to enter your counselor's information as soon as possible, especially if requesting a recommendation letter in addition to a transcript.

If submitting via mail, see the screenshot below for more information on how to access a paper copy of the School Report form.

The Common Application Optional Report, Mid-Year Report, and Final Report do not need to be submitted until later in the year.  Optional Reports are filed if there is a change in the student’s school performance, Mid-Year Reports are filed in January or February, and the Final Report is necessary for only the college a student will attend.

FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA 101

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an application form that you must complete and submit to the government in order to receive federal financial aid. Once you fill it out, the government will share your information with your chosen schools.

The form is available on October 1st of each year. You must complete a new FAFSA  each year you attend school.

The Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) offers free assistance in filing the FAFSA. Students and families can sign up for an in-person or virtual appointment by using the registration link below.

Visit https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/fafsa-faqs for a more detailed look at FAFSA info.

If you're ready to complete your FAFSA, the direct link is https://fafsa.ed.gov/. 

Scholarships

Finding Scholarships

The CRCSD Scholarship Page is a comprehensive website dedicated to helping Cedar Rapids students find college scholarships. You’ll find links to the financial aid offices for colleges in the state of Iowa, award search engines, and more!

Applications for scholarships available to Washington students only will be posted when available.

For information regarding scholarship opportunities from specific colleges, students should search the college’s web pages for a complete listing of scholarships and financial aid programs offered by the college.

Scholarship Tips

Apply for as many scholarships as you can!  Someone will be awarded the money...why not you?

Look for scholarships available at each college to which you've applied.

Ask for recommendation letters early!  Most people are happy to write one if given plenty of notice.

Prepare a resume with academic, extra-curricular, leadership, and service information.

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships available through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation are posted on the CWR Senior website (scroll to the bottom for specific scholarships, their criteria, and applications).

Applications are linked as viewable Google documents - please be sure to make a copy so it can be filled out and submitted.