Preparing & Applying for College
SENIOR STEPS AS YOU APPLY FOR COLLEGE
EARLY GRADUATION
Are you are thinking of graduating at the end of your junior year or the middle of your senior year?
There's some important things you should know!
You must complete all of your graduation requirements before you can graduate early. Requirements include:
All 24 credits, Essential Skills, and PEP.
You must complete the Early Graduation Application.
Pay any outstanding fees to the Sprague bookkeeper.
Order a Cap and Gown from Jostens if you plan on participating in the graduation ceremony.
Stay up to date on senior announcements about prom, senior photos, and graduation events.
Research requirements around college entry dates and apply for the FAFSA, if you plan on attending college after high school.
EARN COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE IN HS
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and second languages. Students who take (AND PASS) AP exams in these subjects are able to earn college credit.
AP American Gov AP Art History AP Biology
AP Calculus AB AP Chemistry AP English Lit
AP Environmental Sci AP European History AP Physics I
AP Psychology AP Spanish Language AP Stats
AP US History AP Human Geography AP Studio Art
AP Spanish Lit AP English Language & Composition
College Credit Now
College Credit Now provides high school students with an opportunity to earn Chemeketa Community College credits while still in high school. Courses are taught at the high school by qualified instructors, and you can enroll in as many College Credit Now courses as you want for $30 per year. Here is a current list of classes offered:
Winter 2020 High School Course Chemeketa Course Credits
Pre-Calculus Semester 1 MTH 111 5
AP Calculus Semester 1 MTH 251 5
Medical Terminology I HM120 3
Sports Psychology HPE 270 3
Spring 2021 High School Course Chemeketa Course Credits
Pre-Calculus Semester 2 MTH 112 5
AP Calculus Semester 2 MTH 252 5
Medical Terminology II HM 121 4
Young Children I HDF 225 3
Teaching Young Children II, III HDF 247 3
Advanced Engines AUM 151 5
Advanced Automotive AUM 157 6
Chassis and Lab
Advanced Automotive AUM 168 5
Chassis and Lab
Auto Materials & Resources AUM 184 2
Sports Medicine HPE 184 3
Sports Psychology HPE 270 3
Health Services I AH 115 2
Willamette Promise
Willamette Promise provides high school students the opportunity to earn up to a year of college credit and complete technical courses before high school graduation. This is a collaborative approach with Western Oregon University and Oregon Tech. Students enroll in their high school classes and if they meet the college course criteria they then enroll in the college course knowing they have already passed. Here is the current list of courses offered:
Courses Offered College/University Credit
Spanish 101 Western Oregon University 4
Spanish 201 Western Oregon University 4
Spanish 202 Western Oregon University 4
Spanish 203 Western Oregon University 4
Writing 121 Western Oregon University 4
Comm 111 Western Oregon University 3
Chem 221 Oregon Tech 4
Chem 222 Oregon Tech 4
Bio 103 Oregon Tech 4
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EARNING COLLEGE CREDIT WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL PLEASE SEE YOUR COUNSELOR
JUNIOR STEPS AS YOU APPLY FOR COLLEGE
COLLEGE PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION
It's a Plan College Workbook - stay organized with your post-high school plans. This Google Doc workbook has tabs for college and scholarship application information, deadlines, and much more. Using the link above prompts users to create a copy in their Google Drive so you can use this helpful tool.
Oregon Goes to College App - Another tool to help you stay on track and store important information, including a secure area for passwords and Social Security numbers. Download the app for free. Available for iOS and Android.
College Planning Website - Oregon Goes to College - It's A Plan! Great resources for students and families.
College and Scholarship Organization Worksheet - keep track of colleges, activities, scholarships and then compare what they offer to help you with your college decision.
Scholarship Applied/Received Organizer - Easily track scholarships you are applying to, what you've received, all the details, contact information, etc. This information will be very useful should you need to contact them for any reason, especially if your check doesn't arrive at your college in the fall!
Username and password log - There are so many Usernames and Passwords that you will be required to create and remember. It is impossible to remember all of them, so save yourself the trouble and use a log to write them down the moment you create them. Or, better yet, use a safe online App or source to manage all your passwords. You will use these Usernames and Passwords throughout your college career. A great resource is the Oregon Goes to College App which has a section for saving passwords.
Keepass - a free, open source, easy to use password manager.
Guide to International University Admission: If you are considering getting an international degree, then take a look at this guide. It was developed with the guidance of more than 20 NACAC members and foreign government representatives with experience counseling students seeking international study.
OPPORTUNITIES GUIDE - Choosing a college starts with knowing your options. This guide helps high school students choose the right college, understand admission requirements, identify types of financial aid and so much more.
College Planning - Organization Presentation 3:25 (English):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ez2zvD_9RmQMDgHKejemXyPOxU9xxZSO/view?usp=sharing
Planeando para ir a la universidad- Manteniéndose organizado
https://www.loom.com/share/7526dbc0ad2b4634988cc72b72511a24?sharedAppSource=personal_library
APPLYING TO OREGON COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Videos that walk through completing the applications of Oregon colleges can now be found on the APPLY page of the Oregon Goes to College Website. Or, find the FULL PLAYLIST on YouTube.
Oregon Community Colleges - Find your college application deadlines, application fees and watch step-by step videos on how to apply to Public Universities in the State of Oregon (not all colleges have application videos at this time).
Oregon Public Universities - Find your college application deadlines, application fees and watch step-by step videos on how to apply to Public Universities in the State of Oregon (all public schools have application videos).
Some Updated Information from 8 Great Oregon Colleges/Universities:
Oregon Private Universities - Find your college application deadlines, application fees and watch step-by step videos on how to apply to Public Universities in the State of Oregon (all private schools have application videos).
Applying to an Ivy League School - helpful article with links/information about applying to Ivy League schools
CHEMEKETA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Apply for Admission to Chemeketa Community College - make sure you choose the option that you are a "high school graduate" because you will be when you begin classes at Chemeketa.
Chemeketa Foundation Scholarships - Application is available online beginning February 1st and ending March 31st to apply for scholarships.
Chemeketa Scholars Program - 2 years tuition at Chemeketa Community College for students who apply, have a 3.5+ GPA. Application is open from typically the first week in March. Applications must be dropped off IN PERSON to the Admissions Office.
Chemeketa TRIO Program - An educational opportunity for low-income, first generation, and disabled students. The goal of TRiO is to assist students to overcome financial, class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. Once in college, TRiO assists them so that they can earn a college degree. Students complete a separate application to apply to this program. For more information, call 503.315.4293
Chemeketa Completion Program - CCP helps students navigate college systems, access resources and overcome challenges to complete educational goals. A success coach, provides dedicated to you with academic and personal support, connecting you to resources, and walking with you every step of the way.
Chemeketa CAMP Program - The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a federally funded program that supports students from migrant and seasonal farm worker backgrounds during their first year in college. The program provides supplemental financial assistance and support services, with the goal of preparing them to continue their education and obtain a degree.
Job Corp Scholars Chemeketa Program - The Chemeketa Job Corps Scholars program pays for the tuition and fees of students pursuing career technical education and academic programs designed to be completed in one year or less. Students will apply for financial aid to cover non-tuition costs.
THE COMMON APPLICATION
How to Complete the Common Application Step by Step
Part 1: Set up and College Selection (3 mins 6 sec)
Part 2: Profile (5 mins 50 sec)
Part 3: Family (2 mins 14 sec)
Part 4: Education (8 mins 16 sec)
Part 5: Testing (1 mins 52 sec)
Part 6: Activities (2 mins 20 sec)
Part 7: College - Specific Supplements (2 mins 52 sec)
COLLEGE TESTING INFORMATION
Many colleges/universities across the nation are not requiring college testing scores. HOWEVER, please check with each institution about their requirements. Many may not require SAT/ACT scores for admission, yet may use them to decide scholarship awards. It is also important to see if the institution is requiring SAT subject tests. If you have questions about whether to take the ACT/SAT this year please talk to your college and career coach.
Fair Test - site that includes a list of institutions that are test optional or test flexible.
ACT Registration and Upcoming ACT Test Dates
SAT Registration and Upcoming SAT Test Dates
Khan Academy- FREE - Use Khan Academy to create personalized practice tests for the SAT
NEW CHANGES to ACT TEST in 2020 - Find out more HERE
SAT/PSAT Test Prep:
Khan Academy - free practice tests.
College Board - free practice tests and sample questions
Kaplan - PSAT Video lessons, practice quizzes and questions, free PSAT study guide, practice test and explanations.
College Board Official SAT Study Guide
COLLEGE & SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS | LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Writing a College Entrance Essay Video - Great tips from college admissions counselors nationwide on how to write an essay that gets noticed.
College Admissions/Scholarship Essay Tips and Sample Prompts
Tips for writing your college application essay during a pandemic
My Story Essay Presentation 10:42 (English):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z-29Vh4L1w99I3Xqw6vkKzxKNmlBGvc1/view?usp=sharing
Writing A Strong College Essay
Avoid Common Essay Mistakes
Khan Academy has some good videos about college essays:
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation Video - Khan Academy's helpful tips to request recommendation letters from teachers.
How to Get a Great letter of Recommendation - College Board Tips
Assign Recommenders through the Common Application
COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
Want to play sports in College? NCAA Eligibility Center As a college-bound student athlete, you are responsible for your eligibility - that means planning ahead, taking high school classes seriously and protecting your amateur status. If you want to practice, compete and receive an athletics scholarship during your first year at a Division 1 or 2 school, the NCAA Eligibility Center must certify you as eligible. Sprague students are encouraged to work with their sports or activity coaches when discussing their future plans after high school. Students and parents should notify the Athletics Department if your students are actively engaged in the recruiting process. School counselors will review high school transcripts based on the eligibility requirements.
Key Terms:
Quiet Period: A quiet period is that period of time when it is permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts only on the member institution’s campus. No in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts or evaluations may be made during the quiet period.
Dead Period: A dead period is that period of time when it is not permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts or evaluations on or off the member institution’s campus or to permit official or unofficial visits by prospective student-athletes to the institution’s campus.
Evaluation Period: An evaluation period is that period of time when it is permissible for authorized athletics department staff members to be involved in off-campus activities designed to assess the academic qualifications and playing ability of prospective student-athletes. No in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts shall be made with the prospective student-athlete during an evaluation period.
Recruiting Period: Authorized athletics department staff may make in-person, off campus recruiting contacts and evaluations.
NCAA Eligibility Center
College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically eligible. Students are encourage to start their recruiting process before the summer of their 11th grade year.
The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment.
Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college.
To see the sport-specific NCAA Recruiting Calendars, visit the following link: Division I and II Recruiting Calendars and Guides | NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA .
PlayNAIA.org helps future student-athletes discover and connect with NAIA schools, coaches and athletic scholarships. PlayNAIA is also the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university.
ESports & College
Along with the bursting popularity of Esports over the last two decades came a demand for extended opportunities for Esport's athletes. Universities across the world (mostly China and America) began offering scholarship opportunities to incoming freshmen to join their collegiate Esports teams.
As of 2019, over 130 colleges has esports-based variety programs. Within the state of Oregon, each college campus offers some type of Esports league for its students. Some schools such as Bushnell University and George Fox University have created ESports teams and offer scholarships for students.
Collegiate Athletics Visit Questions - Are you considering playing collegiate sports? When you meet with coaches consider questions like these.
CHECK OUT COLLEGESLIKE.COM FOR HELPFUL VIDEOS REGARDING STEPS FOR APPLYING FOR COLLEGE