College & Career Exploration

  • Preparing Students for the Future

    Planning for college or a career after high school can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help students and families choose the path that best fits their needs. Students and families are also encouraged to meet with a college counselor in the Career Center at their high school. 

College Planning

  • Applying for College 

    SAT & ACT

    SAT and/or ACT college entrance exams are required at most public and private institutions in the U.S. Both tests are offered several times a year and many students improve their scores if they take it more than once.  Contact your high school counseling center to learn more about exam dates and if you qualify for a fee waiver.  

    College Board 

    Register for Advanced Placement (AP) tests, prepare for college entrance exams (SAT and ACT), and compare colleges and universities using their Big Future site. 

    Common Application 

    More than 800 institutions accept this generalized application, so you save time by completing it once and submitting it to multiple schools.  

    US News & World Report: Education 

    Explore colleges and university rankings, prepare for college entrance exams and take practice SAT and ACT tests.

    Paying for College 

    College can be expensive, so it’s important to plan and explore all your options. These resources will help you apply for scholarships, federal and state financial aid and more.  

    Want help figuring out how to pay for college? Meet with someone at the Career Center at your high school.

    Federal & State Financial Aid 

    Your college financial aid package may include scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study funds.  

    It’s important to submit your Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FASFA) and/ or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) as soon as possible after they open the applications on October 1. Both of these forms are used to determine how much money you will receive to help pay for your education.  

    Need help filling out the FASFA or WASFA? Contact your high school’s career center or college counselor.

    Worried about paying for college because of your immigration status?  

    There are scholarships available for undocumented students and you may be eligible for Washington state financial aid by completing the WASFA.

Career Readiness

Last Modified on March 30, 2022