All Seniors should complete the FAFSA, which opens October 1. You can set up your FSA ID now.
FAFSA - The "Free Application For Student Aid" is required for all students applying for financial aid and opens in October each year. You may get more funding the earlier you apply. Some colleges require families to complete the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Alternatively, you can complete the WAFSA for Washington State Financial Aid
Orcas Scholarship Book - Available each spring, these scholarships are specific to Orcas students. Contact Jamie, or the front office if you have questions or need help.
GoingMerry - a large database of opportunities that helps you track and apply.
WashBoard - College scholarship database for Washington students.
Washington Student Achievement Council - Applying for financial aid is the only way to know for sure whether you qualify to get money for more education beyond high school. This site will help walk you through the process.
Paying for College in Four Steps - a comprehensive guide with LOTS of links and resources by the College Essay Guy
The College Scorecard - find the right financial fit.
Big J Consulting - real data about how much aid schools gave in past years.
Big Future - CollegeBoard tips for estimating the true cost of the schools you are considering.
FinAid! - A comprehensive website for the financial aid novice.
College Express - Get matched to colleges and scholarships that really fit you.
Fast Web - A database of more than 180,000 scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans.
CSS - The CSS Profile is a form many private colleges and universities require, in addition to the FAFSA, for those applying for financial aid.
College Board - Information for students, parents, and educators with links to the various programs College Board offers: College Search engine, PSAT, SAT I and II, AP Tests, financial aid, and test prep information
Specific scholarships/opportunities:
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) - an agreement among WICHE’s 16 members, through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students.
Washington Opportunity Scholar - for students attending CTE and 4-year programs in Washington.
The Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation - The Maxwell Foundation provides financial resources to student leaders from Washington state. Up to $5000/year for freshmen starting at a 4-year private college.
Horatio Alger Association - National, state, specialized, and trade school scholarships to assist high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives.
Ewing C. Kelly Scholarship/Kelly Foundation: High school seniors in Washington State are eligible. Applicants will be judged on citizenship, academic achievement, and financial need. Each award is worth $2,500 and winners will be notified in April.
Husky Promise - The Husky Promise is our guarantee to Washington state students that we will not let financial challenges stand in the way of discovering their potential or achieving a UW degree.
For students pursuing culinary arts and/or hospitality check out the WebstrauntStore Scholarship Program (2 x $5000).
Jack Kent Cook Foundation - scholarship programs designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard and have financial need. Includes a "Young Scholars" program open to rising 8th graders. Sign up to get info.
For students pursuing Early Childhood Education: potential for a full scholarship if you are working at least part-time at a licensed daycare facility:
For students interested in STEM: https://padlet.com/samuelgarson/stem-scholarships-rai83ye302u0u3ko