College & Career Prep for Juniors

We will be presenting in US History classes in February to kick-off our work with juniors. As we support juniors during second semester, we will be discussing various post-secondary options with them. The goal is to inform and allow for exploration, then they can decide which path might be the best fit for them. If you missed our College & Career Planning Night in December, click below to view the recording and slides.

Presentation Recording

Slides

Below you will find some links to help you get started learning about potential college options as we begin supporting juniors and their families.

Be sure to register for any or all of the upcoming virtual college fairs hosted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

February 16

March 23

April 27

A number of four-year colleges and universities do not require students to submit ACT/SAT scores to be considered for enrollment for the Class of 2025. Many colleges are committed to staying Test Optional permanently and the Class of 2026 will find there are lots of options. We also know that public universities in Oregon, Washington, and California do not require a test score for admission or scholarships. Click HERE to view a list of popular colleges and their testing policy. Be sure to type 2026 in the Search box to view colleges that have made a policy decision for the Class of 2026.

Be sure to check out last month's newsletter for more details about testing and test optional.

During the spring of the junior year is an ideal time if you decide to take the ACT or SAT. You will still have time to retest (if needed) next fall. Be sure to plan ahead and register well in adanvce as spots will fill quickly. Here are links to the registration sites and upcoming test dates: ACT and SAT

Need a testing registration fee waiver? Eligible students who took the PSAT Test will have two SAT fee waivers saved in their College Board account. If you think you might qualify, please review the criteria HERE first. The same criteria applies to ACT fee waivers as well. See Ms. Calcagno if you have any questions.

Storytellers of Tomorrow Contest - All high-school-age students are invited to submit unpublished, original English-language stories of up to 2,000 words in length for the Annual “Storytellers of Tomorrow” Contest. The sole criterion for earning prizes in this contest is simply overall quality, meaning that well-edited, engaging, and evocative stories have the best chance of winning over the judges. Due January 15

Profile in Courage Essay Contest - Up to $10,000 for an essay on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Open to students in grades 9 through 12. Due January 17

College Board BigFuture Scholarships - BigFuture rewards students as they plan for life after high school. With no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements, BigFuture makes it easy to enter drawings each month. Simply complete unlocked steps on your dashboard, and you'll be automatically entered to win. One step completed = one entry each month. The earlier and sooner you complete tasks, the bigger your chances to win. Students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year receive two entries each drawing. Don't wait, get started today! ​

Each of the service academies offers a chance for current juniors to immerse themselves in academy life for one week over the summer.

U.S. Air Force Academy - Summer Seminar gives students the opportunity to experience life on campus firsthand. Specially designed for high school juniors heading into their senior year, Summer Seminar allows participants to live like a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet for four days. Application deadline: January 15

U.S. Coast Guard Academy - Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) helps students discover whether the USCG Academy experience is truly what they want from college and whether they have what it takes to succeed. There will be an AIM Application/Information Virtual Event on February 1. Application deadline: March 31

U.S. Military Academy - Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is a week-long immersion into the academic, military, and social life of a West Point cadet. Application opens February 15

U.S. Naval Academy - Summer Seminar is the first step for students in navigating their future to becoming one of our nation's next generation of leaders. The Summer Seminar application will also serve as a preliminary application to the Academy that students would complete for admission during their senior year. Application deadline: March 31

Naviance Student login - All juniors should know how to access their Naviance Student account before we visit History classes in February. Click HERE to login through the CC website. If you have never created an account, Ms. Calcagno will be sending an email to juniors with instructions on January 28.

Parent/Guardian Accounts in Naviance - Parents and guardians are able to have their own account linked to their junior in Naviance if they would like one. Please email collegecounselors@centralcatholichigh.org and include Naviance Account Request in the Subject line.

Sign up for Remind - Be sure to sign up if you would like to receive text message reminders regarding upcoming college & career events, test registration deadlines, college visits, etc.

• Students - https://www.remind.com/join/ccrams26
• Parents/Guardians - https://www.remind.com/join/87e4ae

Please only sign up for one account as space is limited. The same information will be sent to everyone.