Senior Fall Newsletter

Can you believe you are starting your senior year!?

As you begin your senior year of high school, you will need to be taking specific steps toward your next journey after graduation, and we are here to support you. Whether you want to head to college (technical, 2 year or 4 year), enlist in the military, join the trades, or get right into a job, we’re here to help you figure out how to make connections to do those things! Scroll through this newsletter to find the pathway you're hoping to pursue and learn about your next steps.

Come see us any time in the Student Pathways Center!

Kris & Morgan

The Senior Calendar is updated regularly as we add dates, times and places to important events for seniors. To view the senior calendar, please click here.

Washington State requires that each student complete a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP). You should complete all of the Core Lessons listed on the left-hand side when you log into Xello. Every student, regardless of program, including Running Start, IB, and Cascadia Tech must complete this requirement.

To log into Xello, go directly through Classlink, or go to xello.world and login with vps-IDnumber and your 8 digit birthdate. If you are struggling to log in, please connect with Morgan Parker (morgan.parker@vansd.org).

You must complete the CORE LESSONS on the left-hand side of the screen to complete the graduation requirement.

If you're applying to a 4 year university, you should narrow down which universities you'd like to apply for in the next few months. Start paying close attention to application deadlines, they vary by school. Some schools have special early deadlines as soon as November 1st. Other schools will accept applications until January, and some until March. For many schools, the earlier you apply, the better chances you have of being accepted. Aren't sure how to narrow down your list and start the application process? Check in at the Student Pathways Center for support!

Some colleges have begun to make it optional or not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, so be sure to check out their website to find out if you need to take the SAT or ACT for admittance. If you do need to register for the SAT, do so here or you can register for the ACT here. If you need help determining if the schools you are applying to will require the SAT or ACT, stop by the Student Pathways Center.

If the cost of taking the SAT is a hurdle, come see us and we can discuss a fee waiver.

Have you narrowed down your list of preferred schools? If so, it is time to look at their deadline for applications and documentation. Be aware that some schools have Early Decision/Early Action deadlines that differ from Regular Decision deadlines. If you are unsure of the difference, and whether or not it applies to you, check out this article for more details. If you still have questions, please reach out to us for help.

Follow these directions to request official transcripts:

1. Log into Xello through ClassLink

2. Click on "College Planning"

3. Then add each school they want a transcript sent to in the "College Applications" section

4. After adding the school, click on that school and hit the "request" button by transcript

5. Kris or I will fill these requests at least once a week on Tuesdays
   

If you have questions about requesting a transcript, connect with Kris Walther in the Student Pathways Center: kristina.walther@vansd.org.

Request recommendation letters as early as you can! Counselors and teachers need time to write you great letters. Send an email request to the person you'd like the letter from and include where you're applying and the due date for the letter. You can also fill out a brag sheet to send with the request so that the person writing the letter has a more holistic view of who you are and can share great things about you! Here is an example brag sheet you can use.

If you're planning on attending a community college, you can apply for next school year any time. Most community colleges do not have specific deadlines and allow you to apply any time. They do not require SAT or ACT scores for admittance, and the application process is typically simple, with no essay requirements.

Application processes for trade and technical schools can vary. At the very least, it's time to start considering what type of trade you may want to pursue. This website lists all of the technical schools available across Washington state, and the programs they offer. Check out this list to begin to narrow down what types of programs you may be interested in.

Each apprenticeship has a different application process, but it is not too soon to start! Many apprenticeship programs require a pretty thorough application packet that usually includes letters of recommendation and examples of projects you've worked on. So what can you do now? Start taking pictures of any projects you're doing around the house. For example, have you worked on a car? Changed electrical outlets? Wood worked? Any task you are using tools for is a great thing to document. Take pictures of the task you're working on, and the tools you used to complete it! Write 1-2 sentences about the experience and save these pictures and statements somewhere you can use them later.

Not sure what type of trade you may want to pursue? Here's an overview of available union apprenticeships in our area.

Want to learn more about what an apprenticeship is? Check out this video.

Not sure where to start with deciding if apprenticeships are the right path for you? Come chat with us in the Student Pathways Center!

It can be a great honor to serve our country in one of the five branches of the military, and almost any career that is available in civilian life also is available in the military. It’s important to know about enlistment options part-time or full-time, financial support for college education and other factors to consider about this career option.

Check out these resources to see if the military might be a match for you:

Career options in the military

Explore the military branches

If you're considering joining the military, you will need to complete the ASVAB test. We will be offering this test at River on 9/28, 12/13, and 4/26. You will be excused from class to complete the test. If you're interested, sign up here.

Wondering what the ASVAB is? The ASVAB is a career exploration program that includes an aptitude test and an interest assessment. You do not have to be planning to go into the military to take the exam and receive your career matches!

At the start of October, watch our weekly CR newsletter for updates on the financial aid process, including presentations and Q&A sessions regarding financial aid with local experts. Financial aid limits change each year, so it is recommended you apply, even if you are not sure that your family will receive anything.

Many of you have been inquiring about scholarships. Here are a few great resources for finding scholarships. Pro Tip: Focus on local scholarships! Often times our local scholarships do not get enough applicants to give out all of the money! Your chances of winning are very high, just for applying.

• Check out our website. We add scholarships here every week as they come available!
• theWASHBOARD.org is another great site to search for scholarships
• Remember that most universities or colleges you apply to will also offer scholarships based on your GPA, so check out their deadlines for submitting essays!