2-Year Community/Junior College

• Use College Board's Big Future search tool to narrow down your college search

• Your my.cherrycreekschools.org account will also let you use Naviance's college search engine

• Explore the Common Application this allows you to fill out one application for many different schools

• Talk to your Endeavor counselor to identify college visits to participate in

Fall

• Narrow down your search using the tools above

• Make a list of the schools, application fees, deadlines, test requirements, and contact information for each college

• If required by the schools, take the ACT or SAT (typically in the Fall before graduation or earlier)

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), this form becomes available on October 1st every year

• Apply for private scholarships as well (see 'Paying for College' at the top of this website)

• Prepare your application materials, each school has a different deadline and some are as early as November

• Ask a counselor or teacher for letters of recommendation

• Ask your counselor or front office staff for help sending your transcripts to your colleges

Winter

• Continue tracking application due dates and finalize your applications

• Keep applying for private scholarships - millions of dollars go unclaimed every year!

Spring

• Keep active in school, some schools will double check your senior year grades even if you're already accepted

• Colleges typically make decisions in March and April and will send you a financial aid offer at that time

• Inform colleges of whether or not you plan to attend (even if your plan is to not attend)

Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is a partnership between 13 Colorado Community Colleges. CCCS includes local schools like Arapahoe Community College, Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, and Red Rocks Community College.

CCCS's website helps to compare and contrast these schools, their programs, costs, and even apply.

Technical, Trade, and Vocational colleges all provide industry specific degrees, training, and certifications. Trade school graduates can pursue careers as occupational therapy assistants, mechanics, respiratory therapists, electricians, and paralegals. Many of these in-demand fields offer above-average salaries and strong projected job growth.

Trade schools in the Denver area include:

• Arapahoe Community College

• Community College of Aurora

• Front Range Community College

• Community College of Denver

• Colorado Mountain College (Glenwood Springs)

• Emily Griffith Technical College

• Pickens Technical College