What should I do this summer?

✔️ Register for SAT or ACT tests. Check with your counselor to see if either test is offered at your school.

🌟 Tip: Visit Kahn Acadamey to take SAT practice tests!

✔️ Visit colleges or attend college fairs and talk to college admissions counselors.

✔️ Make a calendar for important dates and deadlines.

✔️ Develop a list of several college choices (technical, 2-year, 4-year, apprenticeships). Identify your top college choices and request information.

✔️ Search for and apply to scholarships. Save money for college expenses.

🎓 What Do I need To Graduate from High School?

Preparing for Your Senior Year

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✔️ Earn required credits – Students at Burlington-Edison High School must complete 30 credits to graduate from high school. Every class you take in high school counts towards graduation.

✔️ Meet standard on state assessments – You must take and pass state assessments in English language arts, math, and science or take and meet the standard through one of a variety of state-approved alternatives.

✔️ Complete your High School and Beyond Plan – Starting in 7th or 8th grade you will create a plan to help you think about your future and choose classes that prepare you for your goals after high school.

👆Click here to learn more about B-EHS Coursework and Credit Requirements

🌟 Good to Know:

• Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Matters- The higher your GPA, the more college and scholarship options you will have available.

• Pay attention in class and keep track of your grades in Skyward

• Use a planner to stay organized and write down assignments, due dates, and other responsibilities

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be an advocate for yourself and ask for support from your counselors, teachers, family members, and mentors.

📚 PICKING THE RIGHT HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES IS IMPORTANT!

All About High School

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The classes you take in high school prepare you for your post-high school plans. Whether you choose to pursue an apprenticeship or a technical, 2-year, 4-year college, or military academy, you will want to learn their admission requirements.

💭What Classes Should I Take?

MATH IS IMPORTANT: 👆Click here to check out the math courses we offer at B-EHS.

• Most college programs, apprenticeships, and military options require you to take math. Taking more math in high school may mean taking less math in college and opening more post-high school options.

• Taking four years of high school math will help you get ready for college and can help you save on tuition costs!

🌟 Things to Know:

• The B-EHS graduation 30 credit requirements may not be the same as college admission requirements.

• 4-year colleges have the most selective requirements, and Technical and 2-year colleges have less selective requirements.

• Make sure to look at the academic and class requirements for the colleges (2-year, 4-year, or technical) you are interested in attending.

💭What Are Colleges Looking For? 👆Click on this link for the 📚Course Catalog Website to view courses offered at B-EHS

A challenging class schedule, including courses where you can earn college credit. Examples include Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International, College in the High School, Running Start, or CTE Dual Credit that can lead to a career credential or associate’s degree.

• Electives that match your career and college interests including career and technical education programs of study.

• Some colleges may have additional entrance or admission requirements such as taking the SAT or ACT.

• Consider taking academic classes for your elective requirements such as foreign language and/or multiple lab sciences.

👤 Building Your College Profile

Building Your College Profile

English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

💭Are you involved in school activities? Colleges want to know!

👆Click Here to check out the B-EHS Clubs & Activities

Colleges don’t only consider your grades. They want applicants who contribute to the campus and/or the community. Specific activities can make you a more competitive applicant and help you build your work resumé. They should also be documented in your High School and Beyond Plan that is required for high school graduation. The level of commitment and leadership in your activities matter more in the admission review process than the number of activities.

💭What Kind Of activities Should I Pursue?

• Athletics

• College access programs

• Community service

• Faith-based/religious programs

• Family responsibilities

• Jobs or internships

• Music, drama and arts

• Summer programs

• School clubs

• Student government

Start Building an Activities Log & Resume

🌟 Good to Know:

Keep Track! Some applications require an activities log/resumé. This list of your extracurricular activities provides a sense of your involvement in and outside of school. You should also include a short description of your involvement for each activity.

Keep in Mind: Your activities log/resumé can also be useful when you apply for scholarships and jobs.

No Time To Be Involved In School Activities?

Share your experience! Colleges understand that many students have work, family and other responsibilities. Many applications include a section where you can write about yourself or your circumstances. For example, many students need to work multiple jobs to support their family. This is considered leadership.

Congratulations! You’ve almost made it to your last year of high school. Now is not the time to get senioritis. You still need to do a number of things to graduate from high school and prepare for college.

💭Am I On Track To Graduate?

✔️ Make sure you have all the credits needed to graduate.

✔️ Check-in regularly with your teachers about your grades.

✔️ Continue completing other graduation requirements, such as:

• Meet Credits Required (30 credits for the classes of 2021 and Beyond) and courses required

• Meet a Graduation Pathway

• Meet High School and Beyond Plan by completing Advisory—Including: (1) Junior job shadow; (2) student-led conferences and (3) exit presentation.

💭What Should I Do My Senior Year?

To Do:

✔️ Schedule an advising appointment with your counselor or college and career teacher.

✔️ If you are enrolled in dual credit courses, talk to your teacher and counselor about taking AP, IB, or Cambridge exams to earn college credit.

✔️ Take the SAT or ACT.

🌟 Tip: Visit Kahn Acadamey to take SAT practice tests!

✔️ Complete the FAFSA or WASFA starting on October 1st of your senior year.

✔️ Discuss a college budget with your family Work to maintain or increase your GPA with senior year grades. Colleges and scholarships require you to send fall AND spring official transcripts.

Don't Freak Out!

If you have questions, make sure to talk to a counselor, teacher, mentor, peer or family member who can help you prepare or refer you to someone who can help.

🏫 RESEARCHING COLLEGES

Research Colleges

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College search takes time. Schedule a few hours each week to work on researching colleges.

💭How do I research colleges?

✔️ Visit: wcan.org/resources/college-map for a list of colleges in Washington state

✔️ View college websites

✔️ Sign up for college mailing lists

✔️ Attend college fairs

✔️ Tour colleges

💭What should I consider?

• Type of college – technical, 2-year, 4-year

• Location – distance from home, weather, urban or rural, etc.

• Degrees available – associate’s, bachelor’s, certifications and apprenticeships

• Programs available – subject areas or majors offered

• Public vs. private – public colleges are partially funded by government funds and private colleges are not directly publicly funded

• Special focus – colleges that focus on a specific interest or student population such as arts, single-sex, religiously affiliated and specialized-mission colleges

• Diversity – the types of cultures, languages and demographics represented on campus or in the community

• Size – number of students, campus size, class size, city population, etc.

• Cost of attendance – in- or out-of-state tuition, college fees, books, transportation and housing

• Selectivity – measured by the percentage of students who get accepted based on admission requirements

• Graduation rate – number of students who graduate within 4 or 6 years from that college

🌟Good to Know!: Community colleges offer 2-year degrees with a path to transfer to a 4-year school and some offer bachelor degree programs.

🌟Don't Forget! Consider the admissions requirements and determine if the school is a reach, solid, or safety for you. It is recommended that you apply to at least one school in each category:

• Reach – You might not get in, but it’s worth applying to because it’s your dream school

• Solid – You’re a competitive applicant and will likely get accepted

• Safety – You’ll definitely get accepted, and it’s a backup in case the others don’t work out

Talk to:

• Your high school counselor or HS college and career center adviser

• College admissions counselors or representatives who visit your school

• Family members, teachers, mentors and community members who have been to college

🏫 PARTS OF A COLLEGE APPLICATION

Parts of a College Application

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All colleges have an application. Typically, you can submit a vocational, technical, 2-year or 4-year college/university application online and sometimes in person, or by mail.

💭What Do I need to apply to most colleges?

• Your official transcripts from high school and college if you have earned college credit

• Your test scores from the SAT or ACT

💭What additional steps might I need to complete a 4-year college application?

Personal Statement – a way for the college to get to know you and why you are interested in the school

Short Answer Responses – additional questions that may focus on specific concepts, such as diversity, culture and examples of persistence/overcoming adversities.

Activity Log/Resumé – a list of extracurricular activities that can include clubs, sports, jobs and anything you do outside of school.

Letter of Recommendation – a letter from a teacher, counselor, coach, etc. that can speak to your qualities, characteristics and capabilities.

💭Anything Else?

You may need to pay a fee in order to submit a college application. However, you may eligible to receive a fee waiver:

• If you are a College Bound Scholarship student

• If you receive free and reduced-price lunch

• If you participate in programs like TRiO, Upward Bound, or GEAR UP

• If you are a youth in foster care

• If you took the SAT or ACT with a fee waiver

Contact your high school counselor, college admissions office, National Association for College Admission Counseling, or The College Board to inquire about fee waivers.

🌟Good to know! Some programs like apprenticeships, vocational and technical certifications have a unique application process.

Check out lni.wa.gov for more information on apprenticeships or visit sbctc.edu for vocational and technical training programs.

🌟Don't Forget! You could be competing against MANY other applicants. Make sure your answers are a clear and true representation of who you are and how you have prepared yourself!

🏫 HOW TO APPLY

How to Apply

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Tips for applying:

✔️ Complete and submit at least three college applications in the fall.

✔️ Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA or WASFA as early as October 1 to ensure you have options to pay for college.

✔️ Use a professional email address with your name. Check your email often, as you will receive important, time-sensitive messages.

✔️ Talk to your counselor if you are unable to pay application fees. You may be eligible for college application fee waivers.

✔️Keep track of deadlines using a spreadsheet or to-do list.

✔️Proofread, review and revise college essays. Have at least one other person (mentor, counselor, teacher, etc.) look over your finalized application.

✔️ Check the status of your college and financial aid apps to make sure they have been received. You typically can do this via the online college portal, email or phone.

✔️ Be sure to save all parts of your college application; you may be able to reuse them for other college or scholarship applications.

✔️ After you submit your application, you should receive a confirmation message. If you do not, contact the college admissions office to find out the status of your application.

💭What is the common application?

The common application, or common app, is a college admissions application that is used by over 700 colleges in the U.S., including many private colleges in Washington. Once the common app is completed, it can be sent to any number of participating colleges. The common app is used exclusively for eligible 4-year colleges and universities. To start the common application, visit commonapp.org.

💭2-year college application process?

✔️ Apply online, by mail or in person.

✔️ Submit the FAFSA or WASFA.

✔️ Take a placement test at the college. Some colleges also accept transcripts or other info to determine placement.

✔️ Schedule an academic advising appointment.

Quick Links for:

• Types of Colleges

• University Bound

• Community College Bound

• Factors to Consider

• College Application Types

• Making Your College Decision

• Transitioning To College

Chapter 5 - Applying for College

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🏫 Making Your Decision

Making Your Decision English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

You’ve submitted your college applications and now the waiting game starts. This can take anywhere from a month to several months, depending on the type of school. Colleges will likely communicate their decision through email, mail or their online portal. Don’t forget to check with the college admissions department if you have questions.

💭I just received a decision from a college, what does it mean?

• Accepted – You were accepted. Congratulations!

• Waitlisted – You have not been accepted or denied. The college is waiting to see how many students will accept their offer to determine if they have more space.

• Denied – You were not accepted. Consider exploring other college options.

Deciding what college to go to can be difficult, but finding the right school for you will help you succeed and graduate. Talk to your high school counselor about your options.

💭How do I compare Colleges?

Financial: Consider how much of the cost of attendance will be covered by grants and scholarships.

Think about how you and your family will cover the money gap for your entire college education.

Academics: Check if the academic major you are interested in is available at the college. Consider the types of academic support available (e.g. writing center, math tutoring, disability services, etc.).

Social: Determine if the college is a good social and cultural fit for you (e.g. diversity, student groups, mentorship opportunities, etc.).

Think about what type of environment you like (close to home, big campus, rural setting, etc.).

Don't Forget: Once you have made your college decision, you must notify the college by confirming your enrollment. For many 4-year colleges, the deadline is May 1.

Good To Know! This is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Take time to think through what each college has to offer. Don’t be afraid to get input from family members, teachers, or mentors.

🏫 Transitioning To College

Transitioning to College English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

You’ve been accepted to the college you’d like to attend, but there are still many steps to take before you start your classes.

💭What do I need to do before I start College?

✔️ Confirm your acceptance by submitting your enrollment verification and deposit by May 1 or your college’s deadline.

✔️ Accept your financial aid award. Don't forget to notify the College & Career Teacher, Dalila Rodriguez!

✔️ Schedule your advising and orientation appointments.

✔️ Apply for housing if you are choosing to live on campus.

✔️ Submit your immunization records. Access these records from your doctor or school district.

✔️ If you are eligible, sign up for student support programs (i.e. TRIO, EOP, CAMP) that will help with academic advising, tutoring, financial aid, etc.

✔️ Register for classes.

💭Steps for 4-Year Colleges:

1. Pay your new student/enrollment confirmation fee. If you’re unable to pay the fee, contact your admissions office and ask to defer your deposit.

2. Request an official transcript from your high school and any colleges where you earned credit. Send transcripts to your college as soon as final grades are posted.

💭Steps for 2-Year Colleges:

1. Submit any other requested financial aid forms by the deadline.

2. Complete the math and English placement steps for your college.

Good to know! If you’re at a 2-year community or technical college and plan to transfer to a 4-year college in the future, talk to your adviser about which courses to take. Not all 2-year courses will transfer to specific 4-year colleges.

💭What is Orientation?

Most colleges require new students to attend an orientation, where you learn about campus resources, register for classes and meet your peers. Some college orientations are in person and others are online. Attend an in-person orientation if you can! You may also be invited to attend a summer transition program focused on preparing you for your first quarter.

Quick Links for College Exploration (Search Engines)

• • College Navigator

  • College Scorecard

  • BigFuture

  • The Princeton Review

• College Virtual Events

• Virtual Campus Visit Series: For HS Students

• WUE: America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program!

Chapter 6 - Enrolling in College

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Picking the Right High School Classes

English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

💰 Ways to Pay For College

Chapter 4 - Paying for College English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

Ways to Pay for College English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

💭How Much Does College Cost?

College costs are different at different schools. Each college estimates the Cost of Attendance (COA) by adding together some or all of the expenses: Tuition, Fees, Room and board, Transportation, Books and supplies and Other living expenses

💭How Do I pay for it?

The cost of college can be overwhelming, but there are many different resources to help you pay for college. People often use various sources of financial aid to pay for college in addition to what they may have saved or earn from their job. Financial Aid resources include any grant or scholarship, loan, or work-study offered to help you meet your college expenses.

💭How Do I Qualify

• Financial Aid

• In order to be considered for financial aid, you need to complete the FAFSA or WASFA your senior year and every year while in college.

• Each college determines financial aid eligibility for federal, state and institutional types of aid based on awarding policies at that campus.

• Scholarships

• There are thousands of scholarships that can help you pay for college. Different scholarships have different application requirements. Most scholarships require that you complete the FAFSA or WASFA. Visit the B-EHS Scholarships to view our Local Scholarships!

Types of Financial Aid:

Scholarships – Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.

Grants – A form of gift aid, usually based on financial need. A grant does not need to be repaid, unless, for example, you withdraw from a school and owe a refund.

Work-Study – A financial aid program (federal or state) that allows a student to work on-campus or with approved off-campus employers to earn money to pay for college expenses.

Loans – Money you can borrow and repay over time, with interest added in most cases.

Keep in mind: Knowing the different types of financial aid is only the first step. You may not need to take out financial aid to cover the full cost of attendance.

💰 Scholarships

Scholarships English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

💭What are scholarships?

Scholarships award money for education expenses based on criteria such as academics, athletics, community service or financial need. Community organizations, colleges, religious institutions and private companies are examples of scholarship providers. Regardless of your background or immigration status, there is likely a scholarship for you!

💭Where can I look for scholarships?

Your high school counselor is a good place to start. Here are some places to begin your research:

Visit the B-EHS Scholarships to view our Local Scholarships!

TheWashBoard.org: thewashboard.org

FastWeb: fastweb.com

Beyond Dreaming Scholarship List: scholarshipjunkies.org/beyond

The colleges you are interested in or local organizations such as the B-EAF, Act Six, College Success Foundation, and Washington State Opportunity Scholarship.

You may also be eligible for one of these state programs such as the College Bound Scholarship (Chapter 3) or Passport to Careers. Talk to your counselor to see if you are eligible.

💭How Do I apply for scholarships?

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

2. Research scholarships you are eligible for.

3. Submit your applications. Make sure you follow instructions carefully!

💭What TYPES of scholarships can I apply for? Are you...

Academic/Merit: Based on GPA, test scores and/or coursework

Athletic: Based on athletic performance

Creative: Based on talent in art, music, dance

Community service: Based on involvement in your school or community

Diversity: Based on race, ethnicity, family heritage, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Need: Based on financial need

Other: Leadership, alumni, etc.

DO RESEARCH

Is the scholarship renewable? If yes, learn about the renewal requirements. If it’s not, think about how you are going to replace these funds the following year. Is it portable? Can you take the scholarship with you if you transfer schools? Some scholarships are bound to specific colleges.

💰 All About FAFSA

All About FAFSA English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

💭What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to apply for financial aid. Completing the FAFSA is free and gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for vocational, technical, 2-year and 4-year colleges. Based on the info you provide, each college will calculate your financial aid award.

💭When should I apply?

• As early as October 1 of your senior year.

• Make sure you know the financial aid priority deadlines for the colleges you are interested in.

Tip: You need to submit the FAFSA every year while in college.

💭Who is Eligible to Apply?

U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents should complete the FAFSA. Some undocumented students may be eligible

for the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

💭What Info Do I need to provide?

Basic info, such as legal name, birthdate, etc. Parent and student tax/income information and Your list of colleges

💭Do I need a FSA ID?

An FSA ID gives you access to your FAFSA info and serves as your legal signature. You AND one parent (biological or adoptive) will need to create an FSA ID (username and password). Be sure you and your parent use separate email addresses. If your parent is undocumented they should not create an FSA ID. They will instead print, sign and mail a signature page

💭What information do I need to create an FSA ID?

Basic info, such as social security number (SSN), legal name, birthdate, contact info, etc.

💭How Do I Complete it?

1. Create a Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID) at fsaid.ed.gov

2. Use your FSA ID to log in and complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov

3. Check for an email confirming you have successfully submitted the FAFSA.

🌟DON'T FORGET: Be sure to write down the answers to your challenge questions in the application and store them in a safe location with your FSA ID.

💰 WASFA

All About WASFA English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

Information for undocumented students

The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is the first step to apply for financial aid for some undocumented students who live in Washington state. Completing the WASFA is free and gives eligible students access to state financial aid to pay for vocational, technical,2-year and 4-year colleges in Washington. Undocumented students with or without DACA should complete the WASFA. If you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, check out the “All About FAFSA” handout and do not complete the WASFA.

💭Who is eligible to Apply?

Eligibility is based on immigration status. Students must meet individual program and residency requirements. For specifics, use the eligibility questionnaire at readysetgrad.org/wasfaelig

💭When Should I do it?

File as early as October 1 of your senior year. Make sure you know the financial aid priority deadlines at the colleges you are interested in. (Often the WASFA deadline is not listed, but it is the same as the FAFSA deadline.) You need to submit the WASFA every year while in college.

💭How do I complete it?

1. Go to readysetgrad.org/wasfa and click on “Start a New WASFA.”

2. Complete the eligibility questionnaire.

3. Create an account and save your login and password.

4. Complete and submit your application.

💭 What is the parent signature on the WASFA?

You will need to send an email invitation to one parent (biological or adoptive) to electronically sign your WASFA. Be sure you and your parent use separate email addresses.

Don’t Forget: Your parent’s signature is needed to complete your application. Your parent must electronically sign within 72 hours of being invited.

💭 What info Do I need?

Basic information, such as legal name, birthdate, etc. Parent and student tax/income info, Your list of colleges (Washington state colleges only), Your DACA number if you have one

💭 Is my family's information protected?

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and colleges that access your application only use your information to determine eligibility for state financial aid. Campuses are not permitted to use the information for other purposes or share the data with other parties.

If you have questions about the WASFA, contact the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) at 1-888-535-0747, option 2 or email wasfa@wsac.wa.gov

📜Understanding Finacial Aid Award Letters

Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters English | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

After filing the FAFSA or WASFA, you’ll receive a financial aid award letter from each college you applied to. Your financial aid award from each college will be different. You will not know which school will fit in your budget until you review ALL of your financial aid award packages.

TYPES of Student Loans:

You can choose to fully or partially accept the different types of loans offered or decline them entirely.

Subsidized loans: The government pays the interest while you are in college. If you qualify, this is your best option.

Unsubsidized loans: Interest gets added to the amount you borrow as soon as you begin college.

Parent loan: A loan your parent can take on your behalf to pay for your college expenses. Your parent is legally tied to the loan and its repayment.

A federal loan has lower interest rates and better repayment options than a private loan and is determined by the FAFSA.

A private loan can come from banks, colleges and private organizations. Typically, they have higher interest rates and less favorable repayment options. Like unsubsidized loans, private loans gain interest as soon as you borrow the money.

TYPES of Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Money awarded based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses.

Grants: Form of gift aid, usually based on financial need.

Work-study: On-campus or off-campus employment that allows you to earn money for college expenses.

Loans: Money you borrow and have to repay over time with interest.

Yay! I got my award letter...

💭WHAT NOW?

1. Review the offer and compare it against the expenses you need to cover for your specific college. Some expenses listed in your cost of attendance (COA) will be billed by the college (tuition, room and board for dorms, etc.) while others, such as books and personal expenses, are recommended estimates.

2. Inform the college of any changes and private scholarships since submitting your FAFSA or WASFA.

3. Accept the awards for the college you’re planning to attend. Make sure you know about the deadlines for accepting your financial aid offer.

4. Contact the financial aid office at the college if you have questions.

🌟GOOD TO KNOW:

Accept grants, scholarships and work-study before loans to reduce your debt after college. Avoid private loans and credit cards, if possible.

Quick Links:

Financial Aid (applying, types, deadlines, etc.)

FAFSA Student Checklist: Information to Collect

How to create an FSA ID

All about the FAFSA

All about the WASFA

Financial Aid Calculator

Breaking Down Your Award Letter

Award Letter Comparison Tool

Student Aid Report (SAR)

Federal Student Loans

The College Bound Scholarship

• Scholarships (search engines, deadlines, nominations, etc.)

  • Scholarships 101

• WUE: America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program!

• Understanding College Costs

• Which Application Should I Use?

• How to Create an FSA ID

• Types of Federal Student Aid

• Understanding Your Award Letter

• How Much Should I Borrow