College Planning Resources
College Application Overview
Steps – Use this overview to help you work through the steps in the college application process. Information about how to request transcripts, letters of recommendation, the FERPA waiver, college essays, etc., all in one resource!
Naviance – Our primary college research platform. Students can utilize their career interest and personality survey data to find “good match” schools. Utilize Naviance “Super Match” to identify colleges by major, region, cost, and many other factors.
Admissions in Washington:
- Guaranteed Admissions Program – Qualify with 3.0 GPA & CADRs
- Open Admission – Washington’s 2 yr CC & Tech colleges are open access
- Test Optional – Washington’s 4 year public colleges are all test optional
2-Year College/Transfer:
Search Careers & Majors:
Washington Career Bridge – Explore careers, view employment trends, find education.
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Research careers by fastest growing, pay, field of degree, projections, etc.
My Next Move – Search by careers by industry, careers by key word, or by interests. Sponsored by US Dept of Labor.
me3 Major & Career Quiz – Explore majors and careers that fit your interests and passions. Then chart an academic pathway to find a degree program that leads to a career so you can design the future you want. The results you see are the careers with scores that are most similar to your individual results. Especially helpful if undecided.
Roadtrip Nation – Career exploration that starts with you and your interests. Numerous video interviews and more.
Train for a Job – Information from the State Board of Community & Technical Colleges on job training options.
Apprenticeships – Search for apprenticeship jobs or programs as an excellent alternative to college.
Choosing a College Major – Resource from Big Picture on choosing a major that is right for you.
Choose a Major, Step by Step – Steps from the CollegeEssayGuy.
Choosing a Major – A resource from Forbes on choosing the right college major.
Get Organized:
- College Research Worksheet– Use to help you track college research & list
- College Application Checklist – NHS checklist and timeline for 11th and 12th grades
- College Application Organizer – Ex. of a handy tool that tracks college applications
- College Guidance Network – Student resources featuring nationally recognized experts and experienced professionals who offer insights on essential college and career planning topics
- Organize Awards and Activities – Sample resume
- Build Your Own College Rankings – Tool from NY Times
- Opportunities Guide & Workbook – Helps students choose the right college, understand admission requirements, identify types of financial aid and more. Highly recommended
- Scoir – Planning, search, applications
Search Colleges:
Federal College Scorecard – Search and compare colleges: their fields of study, costs, admissions, results, and more.
Big Future/CollegeBoard – Search based on majors, location, affordability, admissions, etc.
Appily – Search engine with a variety of variables.
College Navigator – Search tool run by the Federal Government.
Historically Black Colleges & Universities – Official list of HBCUs.
Princeton Review – Search engine with a variety of filterable criteria.
Peterson’s College Search Tool – Search by major, location, or key word.
Big Ed. Consulting – Handy charts to compare colleges by: Need-based & merit aid, ED & RD acceptance rates, and fin. aid for international non-citizens.
Choosing the Right College, Focus on Data – How to choose the right college, according to a professor and academic advisor with 40 years of experience.