Central Catholic - Find Your Path
Class of 2024 - College, Life & Career - May 2024
Senior To Do List
Complete your Graduation Survey by May 31 - Let us know your plans for next year. The survey can be found under the "Tasks from My School" section in Naviance Student. We ask that all students complete the survey regardless of their plans. The information helps us:
- Learn each senior's plan for next year. If you are attending college, we will send your transcript to your college by the end of June.
- Gain a better understanding of admission decisions in a confidential manner. We never publicly announce individual admission or enrollment decisions.
Need help completing either survey? Join us for Drop-In Sessions in the Commons:
- May 8 from 8:15 to 9 am
- May 14 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm
- May 20 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm
- May 29 from 2:40 to 3:30 pm
Have you signed a letter of intent to participate in college athletics next year? Our college bound senior athletes' breakfast is quickly approaching on May 22nd and we want to make sure you are included in it. Please see Ms. Shea in the Athletic Office or email kshea@centralcatholichigh.org for more information! Go Rams!
Get ready to make a decision on what you will be doing next year - The Make Your Decision Tool is a simple way to help you compare your options. If you are planning to attend a four-year college next fall, you would typically need to decide by May 1. This year many colleges are pushing back their decision deadline to accommodate FAFSA delays.
No Post-High School Plans yet? Drop by the Counseling Center and ask Mr. Ruiz to schedule an appointment with Mr. Blue or Ms. Calcagno for support.
Parent/Guardian To Do List
Review and compare all financial aid and scholarship offers - Take a look at Financial Aid Questions You Need to Ask for helpful suggestions including how to compare award letters. You might also want to check out the recorded webinar Navigating Financial Aid Offers too. Still have questions? Set up a meeting with a financial aid counselor at one of your student's colleges.
Help your student make a decision - If your student will be attending a four-year college next fall, they usually need to decide by May 1; however, we are seeing a number of colleges push back their deadline to accommodate FAFSA delays. The Make Your Decision Tool is one way to help students organize their thoughts about each of their options. It directs students to utilize College Scorecard providing information on student completion, debt and repayment, earnings, and more for individual colleges.
Enjoy the moment - You and your senior have accomplished a lot and need to celebrate this time in your lives.
Help your senior get ready to manage things independently - Students can learn to plan ahead and anticipate expenses by creating a budget. Use this form to help them figure out their true income and expenses while in college. You can help them set a goal for how much money they should plan to earn to help pay for college too.
Are you taking out a Parent PLUS Loan? Be sure to follow the steps listed HERE to complete the application.
***JOB OPPORTUNITIES***
Parents/Guardians: Interested in hiring students? Please send your information to Mr. Blue at dblue@centralcatholichigh.org and we'll add it to the job board.
*Central Catholic High School is a vehicle for sharing this information. It is the responsibility of students and families to fully investigate these opportunities.
***PREPARING FOR COLLEGE***
Making your Decision
Deposit at only one institution! In your acceptance packet from each college, there should be instructions. Read and complete everything carefully. Inform any other colleges that you will not be attending there. It may open up spots on the Waiting List for other students. If you are trying to decide between colleges with different deadlines, you have the right to ask for an extension. See Ms. Calcagno or reach out to the college directly
You made your college choice. What's next?
Students will be receiving a lot of information from their college. It is important to review everything that is sent and respond in a timely manner. Here are some items students can expect:
- If you're living on-campus, choose your housing and meal plan - Colleges have different methods for roommate selection. Be sure to complete everything as soon as possible to make sure you find a living option that is a good fit for you and your budget. Complete the housing contract and submit your deposit on time.
- Course Registration & Orientation - Usually dates will be set aside for incoming students to visit the campus, meet with their academic advisor, and register for classes. Sessions may fill quickly, watch for sign-ups and register as soon as possible.
- Health Documents - Students will receive health forms that need to be completed by a physician and returned to the college. It is highly recommended that all students have a complete check-up before heading off to college.
Check computer requirements - Some colleges may help students buy a computer or offer discounts.
- Placement Exams - Find out if you have to take placement exam before registering for classes. If you submitted ACT or SAT scores, you might be able to skip some or all placement exams. Look into testing requirements and exam schedules in advance.
Final Transcripts, Dual Credit, AP Info and more!
Below are common questions asked as students get ready to move onto college:
How do I send my final transcript from CC to my college?
We will send your final transcript to the college you listed in your Graduation Survey in Naviance Student. Transcripts will be sent out in late June.
How do I let my college know I received Dual Credit from PCC?
Later in June, your PCC transcript reflecting the Dual Credit that you earned during high school should be available. You must login to your myPCC account and request an official transcript be sent to the college you will be attending in the fall. Click HERE for instructions.
What about Advanced Placement (AP) Credit?
Scores will be sent via your College Board AP account to the college you will be attending next year. Be sure to update your college decision in your AP account soon. Check out AP credit policies HERE to find the scores needed on an exam to earn credit at your college.I'm playing a sport in college. How will my final transcript be submitted to NCAA or NAIA?
As long as you are registered with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center, we will automatically upload your final transcript later in June. Reminder note: If you are a recruited NCAA DI/II athlete, be sure to request your final amateurism certification. Click HERE for details.
***PAYING FOR COLLEGE***
Creative Ways to Help with College Expenses
Below are some possible options to help pay for college...
Apply for a job through your college - Even if you were not offered work study, lots of colleges still have opportunities for students to work on-campus. Apply for a job in the dining hall and save on food expenses. Ask about becoming a residence hall advisor after your first year. It could save you room & board costs.
Work for a company offering tuition reimbursement to employees - UPS offers tuition reimbursement for their employees through the Earn & Learn Program. Click HERE to check out companies offering similar programs.
Consider military service - If you're interested in serving in the military while going to college, explore joining the Reserves or National Guard. You might also want to apply for an ROTC scholarship next year. Check out the ROTC Programs available on your campus to learn more about your options.
Keep applying for scholarships - There are still scholarships available even after graduation and throughout college. Check out the scholarships listed below and use free scholarship search tools, such as Fastweb, to continue to searching for scholarships.
Learn about Loan Forgiveness Programs - Under certain circumstances, the federal government may cancel all or part of an educational loan. This practice is known as Loan Forgiveness. Click HERE to learn more. The financial aid office at your college will also be a helpful resource regarding these types of programs.
Volunteer - Some service programs, such as AmeriCorps, offer individuals who complete a term of service an award that can be used to pay for a range of educational expenses, like repaying qualified student loans or future tuition payments.
Don't Miss Out! Oregon Promise Grant
- Complete the Oregon Promise application by June 1.
- File a FAFSA or ORSAA application and list at least one Oregon community college.
- Have at least a 2.0 cumulative, unweighted GPA or above after seven semesters for high school.
STILL AVAILABLE - CLOSING SOON
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 392 Scholarship - Applicants must be a member of JROTC or a child or grandchild of a veteran. To apply, create a self profile highlighting your accomplishments, need for assistance, and future goals. Submit to Ms. Calcagno no later than May 3 at 3 pm.
Citizens Helping Citizens Scholarships - This program will provide need-based scholarships to seniors from underserved and historically underrepresented communities that will help to alleviate financial burdens of attending a four-year or two-year college. Preference shall be given to students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities who are first-generation to college and/or from low-income backgrounds. By May 5 at 2 pm PT
David Heller Memorial Scholarship - Seniors with at least a 3.25 GPA are welcome to apply for this scholarship. By May 5
MAY
Against the Grain Scholarships - Several scholarships for Asian-American students who are artists, entrepreneurs, fashion designers and leaders. By May 31
American Indian College Fund Scholarships - Any Native American U.S. citizen that is an enrolled member or descendant of an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized tribe with at least a 2.0 grade point average, and enrolled as a full-time student can apply for a scholarship. By May 31
American Lawyers Alliance Scholarship - The Jurgemeyer Scholarship is a one-time $10,000 prize awarded to a deserving high school senior whose work both inside and outside the classroom has demonstrated a special dedication to law-related education with academic excellence. By May 31
Erin Cowan Foundation Scholarship - The Foundation offers support to seniors with at least a 3.0 cumulative. Priority consideration will be given to seniors form a PIL school; however, applications will also be considered from Central Catholic, De LaSalle North, St. Mary’s or other PIL area schools. Competitive applicants should exhibit strong leadership and character within their school and community. By May 20
For A Bright Future Global Scholarship Program - Underserved students from low-income households who have earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA are encouraged to apply. Many scholarships are available, all with different criteria and requirements. By May 30 at 8:59 pm PT
Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for students of Chinese descent who are continuing onto higher education. Applications must be received by May 17 by 5 pm
Portland Community College Foundation Scholarships - The Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships every year to students who may not otherwise be able to afford an education. This application cycle is specifically for seniors who did not apply for PCC scholarships already and opens on May 1. By May 15
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund - Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership capability through a balance of extracurricular activities, community service and a track record of academic achievement. Graduating high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and planning to attend a two- or four-year college are eligible to apply for these scholarships. By May 15
The Bill of Rights Institute's MyImpact Challenge - This a civic engagement contest promotes and fosters a robust understanding of citizenship to get students active in their communities now. Student service projects can win up to $10,000. Submission is open to US citizens and US-based young people. Submissions must be received on May 19 by 11:59 pm PT.
United Negro College Fund Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program - In partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, this program is a scholarship and professional development program aimed at supporting students who wish to pursue a career in K-12 education. Open to all majors with a preference for students majoring in education, teaching, or related courses of study. Submissions are due on May 20 by 3 pm PT
JUNE
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program - To apply for this scholarship, students need to write a short essay (500-1000 words) describing their educational career and life goals. By June 10
All Native American High School Academic Team Merit Award - The funds provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students who have outstanding academic achievements, leadership in school, civic and extracurricular activities, and motivation to serve and succeed. Applicants must hold a current GPA of 3.25 or higher. This opportunity is a merit-based award. By June 1
Bertolino Government Regulatory Impact Scholarship - Change is constant and always shaping our future. With this in mind, Bertolino LLP invites students to complete videos between 30 and 60 seconds discussing a matter impacting American society that they believe will have a significant impact in the next 50 years. Any student enrolled in or accepted to an institution of higher education may apply. By June 1
Horatio Alger Association Career & Technical Scholarship - Scholarships for students to pursue a career or technical certificate or associate's degree. By June 17 at 9 pm PT
Islamic Society of North America Scholarships - Scholarships open to Muslim students pursuing higher education.
Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship - Scholarships are available at over 140 universities. This resource is intended to assist with college affordability while introducing students to campus life opportunities. Applicants have no obligation to join or affiliate with or join SigEp Fraternity to be eligible. By June 1 (early application deadline for most institutions)
Oregon Sports Hall of Fame MacTarnahan Scholarship - Every year the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame awards scholarships to outstanding Oregon student-athletes who will be attending Oregon colleges. Recipients are chosen on the basis of financial need, athletic accomplishment, academic achievement and community involvement. Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.3 GPA. By June 15
Women in HVACR Scholarship - Scholarships for women preparing to enter the HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry. Available for two- and four-year programs. By June 1