College & Career Readiness - High School

Welcome to 9th Grade!

 

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
-Malcolm X

 

It’s your first year in high school and this is a great time for you to learn new subjects, join clubs, participate in sports or activities, and meet new people! It’s also an important time to learn more about yourself and what you care about - be intentional about who and what you invest your time and energy into and do what feels good for you! Here are some things to do this year to help keep you engaged, successful, and prepared for your future:

 

College and Career Exploration

• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an NCSD adopted college and career readiness system that supports students on their academic journey through middle school and high school. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact your counselor.  
   
• Find your school’s College and Career Center, introduce yourself to your College and Career Coordinator, find out what they offer, stay connected, and attend events!
   
• Get to know your counselors! They have excellent resources and are great persons of support for your journey to college and career and throughout your high school career. 
   
• Continue to explore Naviance and take interest surveys to discover your strengths and identify potential college and career pathways that spark your curiosity. 
   
  • Find Your Road! Explore RoadTrip Nation in Naviance where they offer thousands of video interviews with a multitude of leaders in different industries discussing themes of struggle, triumph, and self-discovery. 
     
  • Create academic and personal SMART Goals - monitor, adjust, and reflect often. 
     
• Dig in! Explore different career, trade, and military pathways. Research different colleges and universities and sign up for college rep visits.
   
• Attend Career Days offered by Portland Workforce Alliance. Listen to leaders in different industries about their pathway and profession. 

 

Forecast and Plan your Courses​

• Interested in Career Technical Education? NCSD’s very own professional technical center Sabin-Schellenberg offers instruction in 18 career programs including Technology, Health Services, Business & Management, Engineering, Education, Architecture and Design, Agriculture, Culinary Arts, Automotive, Fire Services, and so much more. See the SSC Course Catalog for a complete list of programs. 
  ​
• Exploration during freshman year should extend to classes as well. Seek out classes that interest and challenge you, as doing so will prepare you to take higher-level courses in the future (which is also great for personal growth and college applications). Take your schoolwork seriously - this is the time to be more organized and self-disciplined than you’ve been in the past. You’ll be helping your future self out if you start developing good study habits now. 
   
• Talk to your teachers and counselors to find out what your school offers in Advanced and College Level Courses. You can do it! Speak with your teachers and counselor about academic support options available at your school.
  • International Baccalaureate (Offered at Rex Putnam HS Only)
  • Advanced Placement 

 

Get Involved! 

• Participate in extracurricular activities that you enjoy - sports, clubs, music, volunteering, student government, etc. Check with your school and community to see what programs are available.  
   
• Engaging in a variety of activities and interests helps you to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, deepens your investment in yourself and others, and shows a commitment that colleges and employers look for in an application. Remember: the quality of your involvement is more important than quantity.
   
• Make summer plans to work or participate in a variety of college and career-related experiences, such as volunteering for a cause that you are passionate about, visiting a college campus, or working at a business that you love. Take the time to speak with adults who are in careers that may be of interest to you.
   
• Keep a record of all of your activities and accomplishments to add to your resume and college applications! 

 

Additional Resources

• 9th Grade Checklist for Student & Parents - Federal Student Aid offers insight on how a student can have a well-rounded experience in high school and how a parent can support their child.
   
• College Planning for 9th & 10th Graders - College Board checklist for 9th and 10th graders. 
   
• 9th Grade Checklist - Oregon Goes to College - What you can do to get ready for college in the 9th grade. 
   
• For caregivers: Supporting your Child at Every Grade Level - Oregon Goes to College has a multitude of resources. Parents, family members, and mentors all play an important role in helping students get ready for college. 

Welcome to 10th Grade!

 

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

It’s your second year in high school, and hopefully you are learning the fine art of balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and family life! Remember to take good care of your mind and body - breathe deeply, drink lots of water, exercise, sleep well, and eat extra fruits and vegetables.  You should also continue to dream about your future and feel more confident and supported in school and toward your future goals. Here are some things to do this year to keep you engaged so you are college and career ready: 

 

Continue to Explore College and Career Opportunities

• In your Study Hall, AVID, and core classes, take interest and skills surveys through Naviance to discover your strengths and identify potential college and/or career pathways that spark your curiosity.  
  • ​Find Your Road! Explore RoadTrip Nation in Naviance where they offer thousands of video interviews with a multitude of leaders in different industries discussing themes of struggle, triumph, and self-discovery.
     
  • Establish personal and academic SMART goals for the year and develop a plan with your teacher, counselor, and/or family to achieve them.
• Continue to connect with your counselor. They are an excellent resource and person of support for your journey to college and career and throughout your high school career.
   
• Revisit your school’s College and Career Center and speak with the coordinator to learn about opportunities that match your goals, interests, and skills. 
   
• Plan college visits and sign up for college rep visits. Consider visiting colleges that vary in size, location, and fields of study.
   
• Contact or visit apprenticeship programs and ask about specific programs, pathways, and on-the-job training.
   
• Attend Career Days offered by Portland Workforce Alliance. Listen to leaders in different industries about their pathway and profession. 

 

Forecast and Map out your Courses

• Meet with your school counselor to plan courses based on your college and career interests and goals. The Common Application, and most colleges, require a letter of recommendation from your school counselor and teachers. Making time to meet with and befriend your counselor will go a long way in helping you succeed in high school and when applying to college. 
   
• By sophomore year, you should start taking more challenging courses, especially in subjects of interest. Plan your coursework so it includes Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, and Career Technical Education.
  • Sabin-Schellenberg (Course Catalog)
• Keep up with your school work and maintain good grades. Many students need academic support to do well in rigorous courses. Speak with your teachers and counselor about tutoring and support options available at your school.
   

Get Involved

• Continue to participate in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, music, volunteering, student government, etc. Check with your school and community to see what programs are available.  
   
• Engaging in a variety of activities and interests helps you to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, deepens your investment in yourself and others, and shows a commitment that colleges and employers look for in an application. 
   
• Make summer plans to work or participate in a variety of college and career related experiences, such as volunteering for a cause that you are passionate about, visiting a college campus, and exploring internships. Take the time to speak with adults who are in careers that may be of interest to you.
   
• Keep a record of all of your activities and accomplishments to add to your resume and college applications! 

 

Prepare

• Learn about the different college admissions tests. Oregon and California state schools no longer require ACT or SAT scores for their application. Research your desired colleges and universities for information on whether they require the ACT or SAT scores for their applications. Community colleges do not require the ACT or SAT for admission but will use the scores for placement into math and English courses. If you don’t have an ACT or SAT score, you will need to take a placement test from the college as part of the application process.
   
• Take a practice/preliminary college admissions exam if you and your family feel it will best support you. 
  • PSAT/NMSQT - practice/preliminary test for SAT and used to determine National Merit Award finalists
  • SAT - Scholastic Assessment Test
  • ACT
  • TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language - evaluates ability of non-native speakers to use/understand English in an academic setting.
  • Khan Academy - SAT Prep and Practice

 

Additional Resources

• College Planning for 9th & 10th Graders - College Board checklist for 9th and 10th graders.
   
• Supporting your Child at Every Grade Level - Oregon Goes to College has a multitude of resources. Parents, family members, and mentors all play an important role in helping students get ready for college.
   
• 10th Grade College Checklist - Oregon Goes to College What you can do to get ready for college in the 10th grade.

Welcome to 11th Grade!

 

You must do the things you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt

 

You’ve made it to your second to last year before graduating and spreading your adult wings!  Hopefully, you are now feeling more accustomed to the academic, social, and other demands of high school, and you realize that graduation is going to be here before you know it.  It’s time to start thinking more seriously about your post-secondary plans and take the necessary steps to achieve your goals. You’ve got this. And remember to have fun along the way - If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life! Here are some things to do this year to keep you engaged and prepared for college and career: 

 

Take Aligned Action in your  College and Career Planning

• Take the semester-long College and Career Readiness class where you will enjoy units of study on job readiness, post-secondary options, career pathways, and financial literacy.   
  • ​Complete your resume and participate in a mock job interview with a caring and supportive adult. Your resume will give you the chance to highlight all that you’ve done. List all of your honors, achievements, skills, etc. 
  • Continue to take interest surveys in Naviance and explore viable college and/or career pathways, make a college list, and and continue to establish personal and academic SMART goals for the year and develop a plan with your teacher, counselor, and/or family to achieve them.​
  •  Paying for College Research scholarships and grants - there is so much money available to support your college dreams. 
     
• Revisit your school’s College and Career Center and speak with the coordinator to learn about upcoming opportunities that match your goals, interests, and skills. 
   
• Attend the Annual Portland Workforce Alliance NW Youth Careers Expo - designed specifically for 11th graders in our district! Attend Career Days offered by Portland Workforce Alliance. Listen to leaders in different industries about their pathway and profession. 
   
• Begin brainstorming topics for your college and scholarship essays, maybe even write an early draft. Be on the lookout for College Essay Workshops and check out the following resources: 
  • Writing a Strong College Admissions Essay
    ​
• Plan college visits and sign up for college rep visits. Consider visiting colleges that vary in size, location, and fields of study. If you are not able to visit college campuses in person, there are many ways to visit them virtually! Check the college or university’s website for virtual tours. The following links are also great : 
  • Virtual Campus Tours - Interactive campus maps and virtual tours
  • Campus Reel -  Virtual Campus Tours, Day in the Life,  and school information given by students who are attending. 
     
• Contact or visit apprenticeship programs and ask about specific programs, pathways, and on-the-job training. 
  • Oregon Labor & Industries - Apprenticeships
  • Oregon Apprenticeship
  • Oregon Tradeswomen
     
• Contact or sign up for talks by military branches. 
  • Military Branches and info
  • Today's Military
     

Consider Writers for your Letters of Recommendation

Connect with and get to know your teachers, coaches, employers,  and counselors. They are excellent sources of support, role models, and will write letters of recommendation when you are applying to college, internships, jobs, and other endeavors. This is the time to start an ongoing conversation about the college application process, get resources for your particular circumstances, obtain your transcripts, etc.  Remember to give the person who is writing your letter of recommendation a couple of weeks advance notice and to write the letter and be sure to write them a thank you note. 

 

Forecast and Map out your Courses

• Meet with your counselor. Plan challenging courses based on your college and career interests and goals. Plan your coursework so that it includes rigorous courses (AP, Dual Credit, etc.) including  Career Technical Education.   
  • Sabin-Schellenberg (Course Catalog)
     
• Keep up with your schoolwork and maintain good grades. If you need academic support, speak with your teachers and counselor about tutoring and support options available at your school.
   

Additional Resources

• Supporting your Child at Every Grade Level - Oregon Goes to College has a multitude of resources. Parents, family members, and mentors all play an important role in helping students get ready for college. 
   
• Parent/Guardian Action Plan 11th grade
   
• 11th Grade College Checklist - Oregon Goes to College. What you can do to get ready for college in the 11th grade. 

Welcome to the 12th Grade!

Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your
own purpose and potential. - Kerry Washington 

Congratulations! You made it to your last year of high school - what an accomplishment! Graduation and your adult life are just around the corner and this is the year that you will be making big decisions on what you are going to do next. This is the time to shine and showcase  all of the hard work you’ve put in to achieve your goals. Here are some things to do each season in order to prepare you for graduation and your post-secondary life:

Fall 

• Meet with your high school counselor to discuss the college application process and review colleges you’d like to apply to in Naviance. 
• Request letters of recommendations and/or transcripts for the schools and programs that require them - verify with your college or program. . Teachers and counselors are busy, especially during college admissions season, so ask early in the school year - at least three weeks in advance. Make sure to follow up with your recommenders so that the letters are submitted on time. Don’t forget to write a thank you note to your recommenders for their time and care in writing your letter. 

Understand the types of college admissions

• Regular Admission - Most common - school application deadline typically January or February and students notified early April.
• Early Decision and Early Action 
• Rolling Admission
• College Admission Timeline - Khan Academy

Review apprenticeship and trade program application processes 

• Apprenticeship programs have different open periods for their applications. Some are open all the time, while others are only open once a year.
• Oregon Labor & Industries - Apprenticeships
• Oregon Apprenticeship
• Oregon Tradeswomen

If you are considering a gap year, you may still be able to apply to colleges in your senior year

• Review the application process and deadlines for programs you are interested in.
• Check with your desired college to see how they handle gap years. Some will defer enrollment for a year while others require you to reapply.

Apply for Financial Aid and Research Scholarships 

• Check with your school about FAFSA Night! 
• Watch for applications dates. The earlier you apply, the better.
• Many larger private and institutional scholarships are due in early to late fall. Check out scholarships in Naviance and know your eligibility, requirement, and deadlines.
• Apply for Federal student aid using the FAFSA form.
  • Please note: US citizenship or immigrant status is required to complete the FAFSA.
• Be sure to check with the financial aid offices at the colleges to find out if additional forms are required to apply for aid.
• Work with your school counselor and family to learn about college loan options. Sources of Financial Aid.
• Watch for updates via your school's College and Career Center.

Complete and submit college and scholarship applications

• Use Naviance to apply for college and track your documents. 
• Watch for application and scholarship deadline dates. In general, it is beneficial to submit your application as early as you can. 
• Write your personal essay! NCSD often offers College Essay Workshops that support you in the brainstorming and writing process. Supportive adults are also available to proofread and help you refine your essay - check with your school and the CCR calendar for upcoming events. 
• The Khan Academy also offers some hints and tips: Writing a Strong College Admissions Essay.

Spring

Process your college responses

• Focus on the best match for you: academically, socially, and financially. Consider which college or college program best meet your goals, interests, and skills. The best match may not be the highest-ranked school.
• Review financial aid award letters and figure out which package works best for you and your family.

Complete the paperwork to accept a college’s offer of admittance, usually by May 1.

• Once you decide which college to attend, you will need to accept a college’s offer, manage your financial aid and tuition payments, and submit other required paperwork.

Additional Resources

• Supporting your Child at Every Grade Level - Oregon Goes to College has a multitude of resources. Parents, family members, and mentors all play an important role in helping students get ready for college. 
• ​​Parent/Guardian Action Plan 12th Grade - Big Future - timeline and checklist to support seniors successfully navigate this important time. 
• 12th Grade College Checklist - Oregon Goes to College. What you can do to get ready for college in the 12th grade. 
• 12th Grade Timeline - Big Future, College Board