College Planning
Process & Timelines, Considerations, College & Career Exploration Resources, Beyond Internet Research, Counseling Center
The process of planning and exploring post-high school options can be daunting.
The College & Career Center is here to assist you in intentionally thinking through the options and paths available to you as you think about your next step:
Should you attend a technical school, 4-year school, community college, or pursue an apprenticeship?
There are many options to choose from. Post-high school education is not a one size fits all experience!
Your job is to choose the path that is right for YOU!
College Prep Series Presentation Slides
- targeted for juniors -
Below are the slide decks presented during the spring college prep sessions in May 2023.
PROCESS & TIMELINES
Please note that the FAFSA opens in December 2023, instead of October.
After December 2023, the FAFSA will resume opening in October.
Please note that the FAFSA opens in December 2023, instead of October.
After December 2023, the FAFSA will resume opening in October.
Planning & CONSIDERATIONS
WHERE TO NEXT_ (1).pdfThere are A LOT of factors that go into finding the right school for you. Start by putting together a list of things that are important to you and your holistic health and happiness. Do you want a 4 year or 2 year school? Can you handle humidity? Would you mind being in a landlocked state? Do they have at least 3 majors you would be interested in pursuing? Do you prefer the quiet suburbs or a more urban environment? Have you always dreamed of attending high spirited football games? How much money do you and your support system have to put towards your education? Do some reflecting. Think about what facets of your world energize you and bring you joy. Match your list up with schools that fit your personal preferences as well as your academic qualifications, majors offered, and financial package. If you don't know where to start, the CCC is always open to you to engage in these conversations. In the meantime, check out College Board's Big Future Step-by-step College Search guide to get you going.
COLLEGE SEARCH SPREADSHEET
Navigating the College Selection Process can certainly be daunting, but it should also be fun AND exciting. With careful planning and diligent tracking, a lot of the stress will be reduced. We've put together some general timelines for Junior and Senior year to help keep you on track for a smooth process.
Keep a college spreadsheet to organize your college interests.
COLLEGE & CAREER EXPLORATION RESOURCES
A step by step tool and interactive guide to help find the right next step -- career or school -- for you.
Log in to Xello and save careers, schools, majors, complete 'Core Lessons', set goals and make plans.
Announced by President Obama in 2015—College Scorecard provides the clearest, most accessible, and most reliable national data on cost, graduation rates, debt, and post-college earnings.
Want to learn more about colleges - from home?
Check out the College Tour!
Check out the College Tour!
Not only can you virtually visit campuses and hear from students from schools around the country, you can also learn what admissions counselors look for when accepting students to their school. There are many great resources available on the site, be sure to check them out to get a jump start on your college application journey.
Watch the College Tour Show Online
BEYOND INTERNET RESEARCH
Simply researching online and reading about schools usually isn't enough. If you have the time and financial resources, we always recommend you complete an in-person campus visit. Reach out to the Admissions Office at the schools you're interested in to sign up for a campus tour, check to see if they offer perspective student weekends, or ask to get in touch with current students! Sometimes setting foot on campus can completely change your plan!!
If visiting in person simply is not an option, do your best to interact with students, faculty and staff members from the schools on your list. Attend the Admissions presentations here at SHS, check out local college fairs, or check E-News to see if there are any local admissions events hosted by your school.
The Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) hosts several fairs throughout the year in different parts of the PNW.
50+ College Representatives from across the country conduct lunchtime info sessions.
COUNSELING CENTER
Students interested in attending college/university after high school will need to plan not only to meet graduation requirements, but also to be ready for college applications in their senior year. Students must plan ahead to meet college entrance requirements, to research your college options, and to prepare for and take college entrance exams.
In addition to the resources provided by the College & Career Center, your counselor can help you help with the following:
Transcript requests
Letter of Recommendation
Work Form
Senior Information
Academic planning for post-high school plans
College application procedures
Information on all in and outside credit completion options, including Running Start, WANIC, and Dual-Credit
Checklists for students that are bound for community college, technical college, 4-year college, apprenticeships and military
Skyline High School
Counseling Department
Ms. Christine Watson: Counseling Office Manager
Ms. Hayden Kersey: A-COA
Mr. Todd Caffey: COB-HOM
Ms. Megan Rieke: Counselor HON-LOO
Ms. Stephanie Anderson: LOP-PAR
Mrs. Deborah Walters: PAS-SMZ
Mrs. Kristen Flemer: SNA-Z
Mrs. Heidi Hendrickson: Registrar
Ms. Summer Igaz: Swedish Mental Health Counselor