If you plan to apply to a 4-year school, please see the application deadlines below.  If you are planning to apply to a community or technical college, you have some time to prepare.  You can apply in the spring.

Colleges, Universities, and Community/Technical Colleges

Applying to a 4-year College/University 

If you plan to attend a four-year college, it is recommended that you apply early.  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/10EGn8pdmoRahZz5I7VLApQ8Z1tcVzC4U/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.

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 request 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 two weeks' notice.

If you are planning to apply for scholarships or college, you may need letters of recommendation.  I recommend obtaining two academic references and one community reference.  

Before you request a letter, be sure to complete a Brag Sheet, which can be found here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q_3q4m3j7KgEWnMoWTmqDv4ddxWeLZIV/copy

Make sure to give yourself at least two weeks to write your letter.

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.

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.

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 may include the Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, Passport to Careers, the National Guard Grant, or State Work-Study.

Apprentices can get grant money to help pay for expenses

WA Grant isn’t only for traditional college students. WA Grant for Apprenticeship includes funding for qualified apprentices in a variety of programs in Washington. 

Eligible apprentices can receive money to cover costs associated with their apprenticeship program.

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 community and technical colleges offer hands-on programs.  You can take just a couple of classes or pursue a degree. 

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

Each year, I take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) at least three times a year at my high school.  Normally, they are offered in October, January, and March.  If you are interested in joining the military, be sure to check the Career Center website for sign-up information.

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 the times when our military representatives will be here during lunch.  If you don’t see a certain branch scheduled and are interested in learning more, please see Mrs. Rodino, who can provide you with the contact information. 

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.