Seniors
So many questions about my senior year…where to start?
Welcome Seniors!
There is a lot happening this year and it goes quickly! My goal for each of you is to Enroll, Enlist or Employ after graduation. I hope the information below will help you navigate this year.
Most of this information is posted on the Career Center website, so please be sure to visit the website often! Take time to familiarize yourself with the website.
If you or your parents/guardians have questions, please ask! You can set up a time to meet with me at https://sites.google.com/asd.wednet.edu/ahscareercenter/home/welcome
I look forward to working with you!
Mrs. Rodino
Most frequently asked questions!
Can I apply for scholarships now? Yes! Below are links to the Scholarship Page. I recommend creating a profile on theWashBoard.org and Dollars for Scholars. Dollars for Scholars opens on Feb 1st, but you can create your profile now!
You should also be requesting Letters of Recommendation and have a current copy of your transcript. When requesting Letters of Recommendation, complete a Brag Sheet and give the recommender at least 2 weeks.
When should I apply to college? If you are planning to apply to a 4 year school, see application deadlines below. If you are planning to apply to a community or technical college you have some time. You can apply in the spring.
Colleges, Universities and Community/Technical Colleges
Applying to a 4 year College/University
If you are planning to go to a 4 year college, you should be applying soon. If you are applying to a Washington State College or University, be sure to know the application deadlines. You can find all the deadlines at -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ngrqgQIfne70Aq3Kozg-8EyD7Ua8b1a0/view
Applying to a Community/Technical College
You have time if you are planning to apply to a Washington State Community or Technical College. I suggest applying in February or March. You can see when all the schools begin and end their quarters here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q_AL4L12y-aOdQeYPjXqEL07_jC891Ta/view
Applying to a College out of State
If you are thinking about applying to an out of state college in the West, be sure to look at the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). This program provides students with reduced tuition.
Majors in College
If you are not sure which colleges have the major you are interested in pursuing, check out the "Program Search '' on the "Career Planner '' page of your HS&BP. You enter a major and it shows you which colleges in WA state have that major.
Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available on October 1st. FAFSA covers Fall, Wnter, Spring and Summer.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to federal student aid—the largest source of aid— to help you pay for college or career/trade school.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid. Some private aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
Create and FSA ID now. There is a 1 to 3 day waiting period for the FSA ID to be verified and you cannot complete the FAFSA without it. You will find links to create the FSA ID, worksheets and videos on the Financial Aid page.
Washington State Financial Aid Application (WAFSA)
The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who don’t file a federal FAFSA application. People who complete a WASFA are applying for state aid. There are various reasons to complete a WASFA instead of a FAFSA:
A person may not be eligible for federal aid due to:
Citizenship or immigration status, including being undocumented.
Defaulted federal student loans.
Repayments owed on federal grants.
A person may choose not to apply for federal aid due to:
Family members who do not want to file the FAFSA.
Other personal reasons.
After you complete the WASFA, the college(s) or program(s) you choose will determine whether you meet state residency requirements and state financial aid eligibility. State financial aid could include Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, Passport to Careers, National Guard Grant, or State Work Study.
Scholarships
If you are looking for scholarships, you can start applying now! Please check out the Scholarship Page on the Career Center website.
You can create profiles on theWashBoard.org as well as Dollars for Scholars. Dollars for Scholars does not open until Feb 1st, but you can create your profile now and be ready!
There are also scholarships listed on the APS Scholarship page.
Letters of Recommendation
If you are planning to apply for scholarships or college, you may need letters of recommendation. I recommend getting 2 academic references and 1 community reference.
Before you request a letter, be sure to complete a Brag Sheet which can be found here - https://sites.google.com/asd.wednet.edu/ahscareercenter/home/welcome/resources Make sure you give the recommend at least 2 weeks to write your letter!
Transcripts
If you have not signed up for a Parchment Account to get your transcripts, do that now! Directions can be found here - https://sites.google.com/asd.wednet.edu/ahscareercenter/home/welcome/resources
Apprenticeships and Community/Technical Schools
You have options if you are not sure college is for you!
Apprenticeships
Have you considered an apprenticeship? Learn more about WA State’s Apprenticeship program on the Labor and Industry website.
Community/Technical Schools
Many of the community and technical colleges have hands-on programs. You can take just a couple of classes or pursue a degree. There are so many options.
Here are a few:
Everett Community College - Areas of Study: https://www.everettcc.edu/programs/prof-tech-ed/amtec
Skagit Valley College - Areas of Study: https://www.skagit.edu/academics/areas-of-study/planning-guides/
Bellingham Technical College - Areas of Study: https://www.btc.edu/index.html
Military
Each year, I have the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) at the High School at least 3 times a year. Normally, they are offered in October, January and March. If you are interested in joining the military be sure to watch the Career Center website for sign ups.
There is also a link to Practice Tests on the Career Center website for the ASVAB.
Finally, on the calendar on the Career Center website, I list when our military reps will be here during lunch. If you don’t see a certain branch scheduled and are interested in learning more, please see Mrs. Rodino and she can provide you with contact information.
Employment
Did you know there are jobs that will train you after you graduate? For example:
Skagit Regional Health has a Medical Assisting program.
Northwest Ambulance has a EMT Academy.
Apprenti offers apprenticeships in many different IT positions.
Atarashii offers apprenticeships in the fields of Cosmetology, Hairdesign, Barbering, Esthetics and Manicuring.
If you are looking for a job now, you can check out the Employment Page of the Career Center website.