FEATURED  CAREER AND COLLEGE CENTER EVENTS

When applying to college, you will usually come across three types of applications:

1. The Common Application (Common App): Accepted by over 1,000 colleges nationwide.

2. College-Specific Applications: Some colleges have their own application and do not accept the Common App (For example, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Normandale Community College, and University of California System).

3. The Coalition Application: Used by a smaller group of schools.
   
   

4. The Black Common App: Perfect for HBCU applicants. 

If you are not sure which application to use, ask your counselor!

Common App

• • Common App Application Guide

  • AXS Companion for Common App Support

  • How to Instructions: Completing the Education Section

  • How to Instructions: Completing the Activities Section

  • Common Application Essay Prompts

Organize Your College Applications:

• Use this College Application Tracking Spreadsheet to keep everything in one place

Naviance

• • How to Add Colleges I Am Applying to into Naviance and Request a Transcript  (Required if your are not applying via Common App)

  • How to Instructions: Requesting Teacher Letters of Recommendation

  • How to Instructions: Requesting a Counselor Letter of Recommendation

  • How to Instructions: Matching the Common App to Naviance

STARS

• • Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)

  • List of colleges that use STARS

MN Office of Higher Education: Direct Admissions Program

• • Information on the Direct Admissions Program

  • Direct Admissions: Participating Colleges and Universities

  • How to Participate Instructions: Minnesota Direct Admissions Program

Class of 2026: College Application FAQ's Virtual Information Session 

• Presentation Slides

Senior Year College Application Checklist:

August:

• Many application portals open Aug. 1st! 

• Create application account(s): Common App Account and/or Direct to Institution

• Review applications to note requirements, essays, deadlines, etc. 

• Get your materials together (resume, unofficial transcript, etc.) 

• Draft your personal essay August 

September:

• Follow up with your recommenders (If letters of recommendation are required)

• Begin the online portion of applications

• Retake the SAT/ACT (if necessary)

• Complete the CSS Profile for non-federal financial aid (if required)

October-November:

• Request your transcript and/or a recommendation letter for EA/ED/Priority deadlines (if necessary)

• Review all application materials for errors or missing pieces

• Submit EA/ED/Priority applications and send any supplemental documents (transcripts, letters, test scores) required

• Set up your account for each college’s portal to ensure your materials have been received

• Check your email regularity for college application/decision updates! 

• Create an FSA ID

• Complete your FAFSA application

• Apply for scholarships

December:

• Request your transcript and/or a recommendation letter (if necessary)

• Complete and submit FAFSA

• Review EA/ED acceptances

• Submit regular decision applications and send any supplemental documents required

• Set up your account for each college’s portal to ensure materials have been received

• Check your email regularity for college application/decision updates! 

• Apply for scholarships

January-February:

• Submit mid-year grade reports (if necessary)

• Apply for scholarships

• Prep for any interviews (for more selective colleges)

• Review EA/ED/Priority acceptances

• Review housing options if you’ve decided on your college

• Apply for scholarships

March-April:

• Review acceptance letters and financial aid packages

• Decide on your top schools

• Keep applying for scholarships

May:

• Make your final decision by May 1 and celebrate! 

• Submit your deposit and housing application

• Sign up for orientation

• Send your final transcript

• Notify other colleges of your decision so they can offer spots to other students

• Thank your supporters for all their help!

Naviance is a powerful college and career readiness tool that helps students explore their strengths, interests, and post-secondary options. Available to all Kennedy High School students in grades 9-12, this free resource supports academic planning, career exploration, and college preparation, helping students connect their education to future goals.

Directions to Access Naviance: 

• Google Apps or BPS Log-In > Naviance > 'Continue With Single Sign On' button at the top

• Visual Directions

What you will find in Naviance:

• College Search – Use filters like size, location, cost, majors, and athletic programs to generate a list of colleges that match your interests.

• Scattergrams – View graphical data on past application outcomes to help assess your chances at different colleges.

• Senior Transcripts – Track when your transcripts and applications have been sent to colleges.

• Letters of Recommendation – Seniors can request teacher recommendations and monitor submission status.

• Scholarships – Explore local and national scholarship opportunities under the Colleges tab by selecting Scholarship List or National Scholarship Search.

The Direct Admissions program is designed to make sure you know you have multiple college options in the fall after high school. No more wondering "Will I get in?" With Direct Admissions, you are proactively notified of which colleges and universities you are accepted to - before you even apply!

How does Direct Admissions work?

At the beginning of your senior year, you will receive a personalized survey that lists all the Minnesota colleges and universities that you are proactively admitted to. Here’s what to do next:

1. Check your school email: Look for your personalized survey link and your list of eligible colleges.

2. Explore your options: Use the links in your email to visit each college’s website and learn more about what they offer.

3. Complete your survey: Select the colleges you’re interested in being directly admitted to after you graduate. Once you complete the survey, those colleges will be notified and will reach out with next steps.

4. Follow each college’s process: Even though you’ve been directly admitted, you still need to complete each college’s application process and meet their deadlines to secure your spot. Some colleges may also request additional materials.

Explore your college options:

Not sure what college or colleges to pick? Take some time to explore your options with our College Search Tool. Students can create a MyHigherEd account to save your top choices, then compare your schools with our "View School Comparison" option.

Student Survey

This section helps you understand how to use your personalized survey to take the next step in the Direct Admissions process.

What’s in the email?

You’ll receive an email with:

• A list of colleges and universities you qualify for through Direct Admissions, grouped by region and institution type to help you explore your options.

• Direct links to each college’s website.

• A survey link to select your colleges of interest.

How to use the survey

When you open your survey link, you’ll go through two quick steps:

1. Direct Admissions Form

• This form looks like your email, but now you can select the colleges you want to move forward with.

• Choose as many as you’d like, those colleges will be notified.

2. Additional Information Form

• After you pick your colleges, you’ll see a second form with some additional information for the schools

• You can speed up the FREE application process by completing this optional survey after you have made your college and university selections.

Updating Your Survey

You can make changes to your survey at any time:

• Reopen your survey link anytime. The form will show the last information you submitted, so you can easily review or make changes.

• Add, remove, or change your college selections.

• Update your optional information.

• Each time you submit changes; you’ll get a confirmation email.

Tip: If your GPA changes, you can connect with your counselor to receive a new survey link with updated college options. Always use the survey link in the most recent email to make your selections.

College Communication

After you confirm your interest by making survey selections, each college or university that you select will email you information about your next steps. Some colleges will require additional materials, so check out the College Communication section below for more guidance on how each college or university will communicate with you.

After your survey is filled out

Up to this point the steps have been the same for all colleges: 

• You made your college selections through your personalized survey.

• OHE shared your proactive admission request with the schools you selected. 

Next, depending on the college, you will be asked to do one of the following: 

• Complete the full application – You will receive a link in an email to complete the college’s application and will be asked to submit additional materials (letter of reference, personal essay, etc.). You should supply the requested materials.

• Complete a partially completed or simplified application – You will receive a link in an email to complete the college’s application, but it will ask fewer questions and you might not be required to submit additional materials (letter of reference, personal essay, etc.). Most colleges have eliminated these requirements for Direct Admissions students. That said, some of these materials are used to determine institutional scholarships, so it may still be in your best interest to submit them if you need financial aid.

• Complete an additional information form, but not the application – You will receive a link in an email to complete the college’s “additional information requested form,” but not an application and you will not be asked to submit additional materials (letter of reference, personal essay, etc.)

Short Videos

Direct Admissions is here to simplify your college admissions process. Watch the following videos for a short explanation of the program and personal accounts of participating students. Watch the first video below, created for high school juniors, for an introduction to Direct Admissions.

Video 1: Direct Admissions Overview

Video 2: You Got Your Admissions Letter...Now What? 

• Kennedy High School Quick Facts:

  • School Code: 240265

  • Senior Class Size: 423

  • GPA: Weighted GPA

  • Rank: Kennedy High School does not rank individual students; we use a decile system for reporting students' academic progress.

    • Kennedy Decile Website

• Additional information is available in our 2025–2026 School Profile

FAFSA: 

• Filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in the college financial aid process. This form is required for any student who wants to be considered for federal aid. Many colleges also require a completed FAFSA for students receiving scholarships. In addition, some families complete the FAFSA to access federal unsubsidized student loans, which are available regardless of income.

MN Dream Act: 

• Undocumented students can apply for state financial aid by completing the MN Dream Act Application online.

• Filling Out the MN Dream Act Instructions

• Need Additional Help? MN Dream Act Support Line: 651-355-0615

North Star Promise:

• The North Star Promise program provides tuition-free access to higher education for Minnesota residents with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less, as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application.

CSS Profile: 

• The CSS Profile is a financial aid application administered by the College Board, required by approximately 260 private colleges and universities for undergraduate admissions. In addition to the FAFSA, students applying to these schools must complete the CSS Profile to be considered for institutional need-based aid.

• While all PROFILE schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid, they also require the CSS Profile for a more detailed financial assessment. This allows them to allocate their own institutional aid more precisely.

• To see if a college requires the CSS Profile, check the school's financial aid website or visit the College Board CSS Profile website.

Midwest Student Exchange Program:

• The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) offers residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska the opportunity to attend participating colleges and universities in other member states at a reduced tuition rate. Select institutions in the province of Manitoba also participate.

• For a list of participating schools and more details, visit the MSEP website.

Tuition Reciprocity:

• Minnesota residents can attend public colleges and universities in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba at a reduced tuition rate.

• For details on eligibility and application requirements, visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity website.

Additional Financial Aid Websites/Resources:

FAFSA & Federal Aid 

• Federal Student Aid Estimator (FAFSA 4Caster): Get an early estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and potential eligibility for federal aid before completing the FAFSA.

• U.S. Department of Education: College Affordability and Transparency Center: A tool to compare college tuition, fees, and net price to help families make informed financial decisions.

Minnesota-Specific Financial Aid

• Minnesota Office of Higher Education: A resource to help students understand financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and earning college credit in high school.

• Minnesota Goes to College: Free virtual events related to financial aid, MN Dream Act, scholarships, understanding financial aid offers, and more. 

• Minnesota State Grant Program: A need-based grant for Minnesota residents attending eligible postsecondary institutions in the state.

• Minnesota Work-Study Program: Provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses.

Tuition Assistance & Loan Repayment Programs

• Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Many employers offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing higher education. Check with your employer for available benefits.

College Cost Calculators & Budgeting Tools

• Net Price Calculator Center: Find the estimated cost of attendance for colleges, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.

• Student Loan Calculator (Finaid): Estimate monthly student loan payments and total repayment costs.

• TuitionFit: Provides real college pricing information to help students make informed decisions about tuition costs.

• MyinTuition: Helps students estimate their college costs after financial aid is factored in.

• College Savings Plans Network (CSPN): Provides information on 529 college savings plans, which offer tax advantages to help families save for higher education expenses.

Students thinking about or planning to play college sports should visit the NCAA eligibility website to ensure that they understand the eligibility requirements. The Educational Resources are linked here. 

Four-Year Colleges and Universities are schools that offer bachelor’s degrees, typically taking four years to complete. They provide a wide range of academic programs and majors, along with opportunities for research, internships, and campus involvement. Some four-year schools are public (state universities), while others are private colleges or universities. Admission requirements vary, and students usually need to meet certain GPA, test score, or course prerequisites.

• Bachelor’s Degree: The standard four-year degree, which can prepare you for a career or graduate/professional school.

• Campus Experience: Many students live on campus, participate in student organizations, and access career services to support life after graduation.

Community colleges are two-year schools that offer an affordable way to continue your education after high school. They can prepare you for the workforce with an associate degree or allow you to earn credits that transfer to a four-year college or university. Most community colleges have open admission policies, meaning they accept all students with a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Minnesota Transfer Curriculum: Learn how your credits transfer within Minnesota’s public colleges and universities.

• Transferology: Explore how your courses transfer to different schools.

Technical colleges in Minnesota prepare students for high-paying, in-demand careers in a wide range of fields. Programs cover traditional trades like plumbing, auto mechanics, and electrical work, as well as modern industries such as robotics, cybersecurity, and engineering.

• Minnesota Department of Education: Learn more about career technical education.

Career Speaker Spotlight Series

The JFK Career & College Center also has in-person career speakers from a variety of local businesses almost every Thursday during Academic Seminar (ASEM) throughout the school year.  This is a great opportunity to learn about a variety of careers, ask questions, and network with area businesses.  

• Check the events calendar below often for the specific career speaker presentations and SIGN UP to attend a presentation.

• ALL students are welcome to sign up for a career speaker presentation. 

To sign up for a Career Speaker Presentation, students must go through Naviance (Follow steps below):

• Follow the instructions in this link to sign up.

Additional Career Exploration Resources: 

• Minnesota State Career Exploration Site 

• CareerForce MN

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook

• CareerOneStop

• myOptions Career and College Planning Tool

• RoadTrip Nation

• My Next Move

• O*Net Online

Apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction to help students learn a skilled trade or profession. They allow you to earn a paycheck while gaining hands-on experience, industry credentials, and often a pathway to full-time employment.

• ApprenticeshipUSA

• MN Department of Labor - Apprenticeships

• Minneapolis Electrical JATC

• Digital job board for Bloomington HS students - link

• Kennedy High School: Job Board outside the Media Center by the Main Entrance

• Check out the amazing volunteer and enrichment opportunities for HS students - link

• Find more volunteer opportunities by clicking on the links below:

  • Hands On Twin Cities

  • Doing Good Together

  • Volunteer Match

  • Additional Volunteer Organizations in the Twin Cities

• Class of 2026: College Application FAQ's Virtual Information Session - Presentation Slides

• VIRTUAL FINANCIAL AID NIGHT - Presentation Slides

Contact Your School Counselor (Caseload by Student Last Name)

• Michelle Kammers: A-B

• Ms Zollar: C-Ga

• Mr. Boyd: Gb-Ki

• Ms. Augustin: Kj-Ne

• Ms. Michalek: Nf-Sanc

• Ms. McNeil: Sand-Z

• Ms. Jennings: Career and College Counselor

• How to Request a Transcript Instructions: Class of 2026

• How to Request a Transcript Instructions: Alumni

• How to Access Your Unofficial Transcript: Infinite Campus > Documents 

• Questions About Transcripts: Contact Sundus Munassar in the Counseling Office

Local/Regional Scholarships:

• Students can search for local and regional scholarship application opportunities in Naviance.

• Login to Naviance (Students do this by clicking on their Google Apps and using the Single Sign-On option with their school email account). 

• Click on 'Colleges' > 'Scholarship Search'. As people in the local community and Minnesota contact us about their scholarship postings, we list them at this site. 

National Scholarship Search Websites:

Naviance: 

• • Login to Naviance (Students do this by clicking on their Google Apps and using the Single Sign-On option with their school email account). 

  • Click on 'Colleges' > 'National Scholarship Search'. Students enter their information at the Sallie Mae site for a personalized list of scholarships to apply for. 

  • College-Specific Scholarships: Naviance > 'Colleges' > 'College-Specific Scholarships'

Going Merry: 

• Allows students to apply for multiple scholarships at once with one application. It includes local awards that are less competitive.

Scholarships.com: 

• Offers a wide range of scholarships categorized by GPA, military affiliation, ethnicity, and more. This helps students find niche scholarships with smaller applicant pools.

RaiseMe:  

• RaiseMe allows students to earn micro-scholarships for achievements throughout high school, such as good grades, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. These scholarships are applied to participating colleges.

Niche: 

• Niche provides a wide variety of scholarships based on school, major, location, and personal traits. Students can search and apply for awards through the website's filtering system.
  
  

Fastweb: 

• Aggregates awards from large and small directories. After creating a profile, you can filter scholarships by various data points and receive notifications when new scholarships match your profile.
  
  

ScholarshipOwl: 

• Organizes scholarships by amount, requirements, and deadlines. ScholarshipOwl will also auto-submit applications to recurring scholarships, saving you time.
  
  

Bold.org

• Known for its clean interface and easy search system. You can filter by education level, award category, and deadlines. It even lets you find “no-essay” scholarships.
  
  

Scholly:

• Matches you with scholarships based on your profile. Each scholarship is given a “Scholly score” indicating how well you fit with the scholarship’s requirements.
  
  

CareerOneStop: 

• A U.S. Department of Labor portal with more than 8,000 scholarships. You can filter by keyword, amount, deadline, or state, and find scholarships for vocational, associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs.
  
  

Appily: 

• A platform designed for students to search for scholarships, as well as college applications, internships, and other opportunities. It aggregates scholarships based on your profile and interests.
  
  

Big Future: 

• Operated by the College Board, Big Future offers a scholarship search tool that helps students find awards based on academic interests, family background, and extracurricular activities.
  
  

Peterson's: 

• Peterson’s offers an extensive scholarship search tool and provides information on colleges, grad schools, and standardized test prep.

Unigo: 

• Unigo provides access to a wide range of scholarships and has a search tool that allows students to filter by award type, deadline, and amount.s