College Bound Celts
Course Requirements Matter
Please ensure your student is enrolled in the courses required for admission to their intended college or program.
For example:
Many engineering programs now require completion of Pre-Calculus in high school.
Some colleges, particularly those outside Oregon, have specific laboratory science requirements for admission.
Many colleges in California and Texas require a year of consecutive art.
Pay attention to foreign language requirements.
Students should research college admission requirements early to ensure they remain on track.
Pay Attention to Deadlines
Graduates, Early Application deadlines are approaching quickly around November 1.
Deadlines vary by institution, so students should regularly review both their college websites and SCOIR accounts for important dates and requirements.
Continue Challenging Yourself Senior Year
Colleges want to see students continue taking rigorous coursework throughout their senior year.
Maintaining a strong academic schedule demonstrates readiness for college-level work and reflects a student's commitment to their educational goals.
Use a Personal Email Account
When applying to colleges, scholarships, or financial aid programs, students should use a personal email address rather than a school email address.
Monitor your email! Colleges and scholarship organizations communicate important information regarding applications, financial aid, registration requirements, and next steps.
Open your College Portals after you apply.
Use Your Legal Name
The name used on college applications, FAFSA forms, transcripts, and other official documents should match the student's legal name as it appears on their Social Security card.
Name discrepancies create issues.
Requests for Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation
If your student needs a counselor to submit transcripts or letters of recommendation, please encourage them to plan ahead.
McNary serves over 1700 students and each counselor has a very large caseload. Processing these requests takes time, especially during peak application season.
The average time needed is at least 2-3 weeks.
Understand How College Financing Works & Build Your List Accordingly.
I'm here to support in that. You want both a "yes" to the program you desire and for the finances to work out.
Most scholarships COME FROM the COLLEGES - which is why it's important to build the right list.
Do you need help with outside scholarships? Go to your college/career center. We can help you build a list suited for you. Look at the Scholarships tab on the website, as well.