College and Career

College Possible’s mission is to make college admission and success possible for students from low-income backgrounds through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support. College Possible Oregon serves 2,000 students annually on their paths to college graduation, and the results are striking: students enroll in college at a rate of 90% and are nearly twice as likely to graduate compared to to their peers from similar backgrounds.

Julia Adesida, Access Advising Specialist (College Possible)
8 AM-4 PM  |  Tuesdays & Thursdays  | RHS Career Center
jadesida@collegepossible.org

Yulissa Flores Lopez, Access Program Manager
yflores@collegepossible.org | 503-676-7538

Students can plan for a bright future with Naviance, a powerful, web-based college and career exploration resource that helps guide students through the post-high planning process by exploring colleges, training programs and other post-high training options, scholarships, and more!

Think of Naviance as your one-stop shop for college, career and life readiness! Naviance is rich with resources, activities, and valuable, interactive tools to help students make well-informed decisions when planning for their post-high goals and dreams. 
 

All RHS students have a Naviance account. To access your Naviance account: 

• Find the Naviance icon in Clever, where your other school-based apps live.
• Log in using your school-based username & password
• Use the tabs along the top to navigate 

In Naviance, students can:

• Take assessments to help students realize careers and career pathways based on their strengths, talents, skills, abilities, and preferences.
• Explore careers and career pathways; build career & career pathways lists
• Research colleges and universities; build college lists
• Explore careers in the trades
• Explore military options
• Watch Road Trip Nation videos by people actually doing the jobs students are interested in learning more about. 
• Check the schedule of Rep Visits (under "What's New" on your Naviance Home Page, bottom right corner of the home page)
  • College admission counselors schedule time to visit RHS throughout the fall to meet with prospective students and answer questions about their schools. Admission counselors will either be tabling in the Commons (in front of the Career Center), or inside the Career Center meeting with students individually or in small groups. 

Get Schooled helps young people get to college, find first jobs, and succeed in both. Get Schooled is free, has no advertising, and never shares personal user data.

Subscribe to Get Schooled's YouTube channel
 

SIGN UP for a FREE Get Schooled account to get digital resources on topics, like:

• College Application Essay & Resume Reviews: We’ll review your college and scholarship application essays, personal statements, and resumes.

• Financial Aid Help: Access to helpful articles to support you in completing the application, or text #FAFSA to 33-55-77 to chat with an advisor (We have a ton of resources to support FAFSA/ORSAA completion this summer!)

• Text-based Advising: You can SIGN UP to the advising text line that will send timely updates to meet your goals. You can also text in any questions you might have about the college-going or first jobs process, and we’ll help you out.

• Scholarship Emails: You’ll receive emails about scholarships that are easy and accessible.

• Help Finding a Job: You can search for entry-level, part-time and flexible jobs in your zip code, and access our jobs content for great tips.

• Create a strong, job-ready resume using the AI-powered Resume Builder.

• Practice interview skills with an AI-powered Interview Coach; get feedback in real time! 

It's easy...SIGN UP for a FREE Get Schooled account today! 

 

What Qualities Do Colleges Want? 

Colleges want to see more than just good grades and test scores on your college application. They want evidence that you possess personal qualities associated with success in college. They are looking for qualities that foster cooperation, community, and compassion. “It’s no longer the individual leader at the helm; now it’s the collaborative team member who attracts attention; students’ self-centered career ambitions are not appreciated as much as sincere personal and professional aspirations to make the world better a better place.

Highlight the "7C's" in your essays and college applications: 

• Collaboration
• Commitment
• Character
• Curiosity
• Cultural intelligence
• Challenge
• Creativity

When colleges describe their ideal candidates, here are 9 character traits that colleges often cite when describing what they're looking for in students.

9 Personality and Character Traits Colleges Look for in Applicants

CollegeData.com, your free online college advisor--a service of 1st Financial Bank USA

1. Curiosity - Passion for learning and enthusiasm about the world around you
2. Persistence - How do you challenge yourself, persevere through those challenges, set goals, and achieve them without giving up? 
   1. EXP: Sticking with challenging classes or activities even though you struggled or faced setbacks)?
   2. The key is to show that even when you faced obstacles, you maintained your energy, enthusiasm, and passion for what you set out to achieve.
3. Risk-taking - How have you ventured out of your comfort zone, either in the classroom or in life. Colleges are looking for students who are not afraid to make mistakes, and who understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. 
4. Compassion - How do you show concern for your peers and classmates? How has being compassionate and having empathy made you a stronger person? 
5. Open-Mindedness - College can be a great opportunity to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and to consider ideas, perspectives, and opinions that might be new or different from your own, and do it respectfully?
6. Social Consciousness - Colleges seek individuals who care about the world, and believe they can make it a better place...and who have the courage to try. 
7. Creativity - Do you think creatively or out-of-the-box? Are you a good problem solver, innovator, or entrepreneur? How do you come up with creative solutions and unique approaches to a problem or assignment?
8. Collaboration - How well do you collaborate with students and faculty? Do you put the needs of your team over your own? Do you demonstrate leadership abilities in a group setting? How do you bring people together? 
9. Cultural intelligence - Do you appreciate cultural diversity? Are you eager to engage with and learn from people who come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds? Are you interested in the world, in other peoples and cultures, and enjoy examining important issues from a global perspective? 

If college is in your future plan, it's important to start exploring different colleges/universities and the programs they offer early in your high school career. Don't wait until senior year to figure out your next steps! Do online research by using Naviance.

Request information from the colleges that interest you, check out virtual tours, attend virtual college fairs and contact Admissions Counselors with any questions you have about their programs and campus life. Most colleges/universities have extensive resources available online to help you make informed decisions.

Much of your college research can be done in Naviance. Every student at RHS a Naviance account. You can explore colleges and universities all over the US in a variety of ways by using Super Match, College Match, Advanced College Search and College Lookup.

Prioritize what you want to get out of college and make a list before you call or visit. 

• Do you want to attend a big school or would a smaller campus suit you better?  
• Does class size matter to you?
• Check out the cost of attendance: does it fit within your budget?
• Does the college/university you want to attend offer the program you need for your desired career goals?
• Do you want to stay in state or attend college in another state or even another country? 
• Do activities and clubs on campus matter to you?
• What about athletic programs, such as football, basketball, baseball and track? 
• Do you want to join a sorority or fraternity?  

Make a pros and cons list of all the things you've considered before making a decision on the college or university that best suits you. 

Oregon Promise is a grant program provided through Oregon Student Aid/HECC. The Oregon Promise Grant (OPG) provides students who qualify with free to low-cost tuition at any community college in Oregon (some exclusions/limitations may apply).

To qualify for Oregon Promise, students must:

• Have a 2.0+ cumulative GPA (by end of senior year)
• Live in Oregon for 12+ months prior to starting college
• File the FAFSA or ORSAAA by June 1st (earlier if the student graduates earlier than June)
  • List one or more Oregon community colleges on their FAFSA or ORSAA
• Start college the term directly following HS graduation (graduate in January=start college in spring term; graduate in June=start college in fall term)

APPLY for Oregon Promise

IMPORTANT: Oregon Promise benefits may or may not be subject to Student Aid Index (SAI) limits (as determined by FAFSA). Unfortunately, SAI limits (if applicable) are usually not announced until 2nd semester of a student's senior year in high school and will be adjusted based on the state's budget for that aid year.

Oregon Promise FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Oregon Promise TOOLKIT

Most colleges and universities used to require submission of SAT or ACT scores when you apply for admission. However, over the past few years, the rising trend made by many schools has been to adopt a "TEST OPTIONAL" policy.  

• What does TEST OPTIONAL mean? At its most basic definition, test optional means that you do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission to a particular school. While you may submit test scores if you want, you are not actually required to do so. Your school will make its admission decision based on your application, transcript (course history, course rigor, GPA, grades), essay(s), if required, and letter(s) of recommendation. 
   

Most Oregon universities have gone TEST OPTIONAL. Incoming freshmen are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores to be considered for admissions. You will need to check your schools' admissions requirements to find out if ACT/SAT scores and SAT Subject Tests are required as part of their admission process.

It's good practice to take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of your junior year.  If you aren't satisfied with your scores, it would benefit you to study and take practice tests over the summer and retake the test(s) in the fall of your senior year.

Some schools may require that you take a specific test (either ACT or SAT), so make sure to check the school's website before you register for testing. It's also recommended that you find out if the school(s) to which you are applying require the Essay portion and/or Subject Tests

DID YOU KNOW...if you're planning on attending community college, it is not necessary to take the ACT or SAT. Community colleges use a college placement test (Accuplacer or ALEKS) or transcript review process that assesses your reading, writing and math skills to determine appropriate class placement when you register for college classes.

Oregon Goes To College makes the college exploration and application process easier by providing: 

• Info & resources for students and families (website, social media, app, checklists, worksheets)
• Info & resources for educators (templates, activities, presentations, newsletter)
• Support for schools to host events (College Application Week, Spring Into Action, Decision Day)
• Opportunities for educators to learn & share (webinars, workshops, & monthly virtual chats)

How they do it: Oregon Goes To College is the first and best place to learn about getting ready for college. They are: 

• A centralized hub - By curating information from a variety of sources to be the best, first place to go for college information in Oregon.
• Comprehensive - By providing information and resources for educators, students and families so everyone is on the same page.
• Responsive - By listening to audience needs and collaborate with experts to produce timely information and resources.
• User-Friendly - By using clear, easy to understand language and simple, attractive and modern design.
• Oregonian - By providing information and resources about Oregon colleges and financial aid. They are attuned to meet the diverse needs of rural, suburban, and urban Oregon communities.

Oregon Goes To College is a statewide initiative of Oregon GEAR UP

• Explore your options for education beyond high school. 
• Apply - Make your plan. Learn the steps to apply for education beyond high school.
• Pay - You can afford college. Learn ways to pay and how to apply for financial aid.
• Go - Make your decision and learn how to get ready and be successful in college.

Prepare for college - Getting ready for college starts now. Here's an OVERVIEW of what students should be doing in each grade:

• Stay on track: Save, print or download COLLEGE CHECKLISTS for every grade level (middle school through high school).
  • GR 12 College Checklist 
  • GR 11 College Checklist
  • GR 10 College Checklist
  • GR  9 College Checklist

• Stay organized with Oregon Goes To College's Google Docs WORKSHEETS & TEMPLATES. 12th grade students: Make a copy and fill out the worksheet templates with the information you will need to apply, pay, and go to college.
  • Activities Chart - Track your school, community, and personal activities for college and scholarship applications.
  • College Application Information - Get organized and be prepared to apply to college by keeping track of the information you will need.
  • Compare Costs & FInancial Aid - Use your financial aid offers from colleges to compare the final out-of-pocket cost for one year.
  • Create a Budget - Make a budget to estimate and track your income and expenses in college.
  • Financial Aid Verification Tracker - Stay organized by keeping track of the financial aid verification process.
  • It's A Plan College Checklist - Keep track of what you need to do to apply, pay, and go to college.
  • Make Your College List - Make your college list by thinking about your needs and preferences and researching your options.
  • Make Your Decision - Compare colleges and reflect on your preferences and needs before making a decision about where to attend college.
  • Passwords & Logins - Keep track of your log in information to the various colleges you apply to, financial aid and scholarship sites, and other college-related sites.
  • Scholarship List - Make a list of scholarships to apply to and track the information you will need to apply.

Coca-Cola Scholars
National

$20,000 achievement-based scholarship for graduating seniors with strong academics, leadership and community involvement.

Coca-Cola Scholars

 

Beat the Odds Scholarship
Oregon

For Oregon public-school seniors who have overcome significant challenges, demonstrate financial need, and plan to attend a 4-year college.

Beat the Odds Scholarship

QuestBridge National College Match
National

For high-achieving seniors from lower-income households. Students can be considered for admission and a full four-year scholarship at participating colleges. The application deadline is typically October 1.

QuestBridge National College Match

 

Burger King Scholars
National

Scholarships for graduating high school seniors based on factors including GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities, financial need and community service. Awards range from $1,000 to $60,000. The application remains open until December 15 or until 30,000 applications are received.

Burger King Scholars

 

Mt. Hood Community College Foundation Scholarships
Local/Regional

RHS students planning to attend Mt. Hood Community College should check the MHCC scholarship portal. The current portal lists numerous scholarships with an October deadline, including scholarships connected to specific programs, careers and community backgrounds.

Mt. Hood Community College Scholarships

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
National

Open to current U.S. high school seniors. Students are evaluated on academics, leadership, service and financial need. 500 four-year scholarships are awarded, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 per year.

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

 

OSAC Scholarship Application
Oregon

This is one of the most important scholarship applications for Oregon seniors. One application provides access to 600+ Oregon scholarships. Scholarships can be based on major, financial need, high school, county, career plans and other criteria. The application opens November 1 and has an early February 15 deadline and March 1 final deadline.

Oregon Student Aid – OSAC Scholarships

 

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship
National

A major scholarship opportunity for high-achieving students with financial need. It can provide substantial support for undergraduate education.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Hagan Scholarship
National

A substantial scholarship for high-achieving students with financial need who demonstrate personal responsibility and a commitment to higher education. Reynolds specifically identifies the Hagan Scholarship among awards received by recent RHS graduates.

Hagan Scholarship Foundation

Dale Krueger Scholarship
LOCAL — Reynolds High School

The scholarship is specifically for graduates of public high schools in the Reynolds, Gresham-Barlow and Centennial school districts. Students can attend a college, university or trade school. Awards of $2000.00 can be renewed for up to four years.

Applications are accepted from January 1 through April 1.

Dale Krueger Scholarship – Application

 

Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber Scholarships
Oregon/Portland Metro

Scholarship opportunities for Latino/Hispanic students and students connected to the Hispanic/Latino community in the Portland area. Deadlines have typically occurred in January.

Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Renaissance Scholars Program
Oregon

For first-generation Oregon high school seniors with significant financial need and at least a 3.0 GPA who plan to earn a bachelor's degree. Awards can be up to $5,000 per year and renewable for up to four years.

The program has a February 1 deadline, with another application opportunity in May.

Renaissance Scholars Program

 

Al Forthan Memorial Scholarship
Oregon

For Oregon high school seniors whose families have been affected by alcohol or drug addiction and poverty. The scholarship is administered through Volunteers of America Oregon. Deadline is typically in February.

Al Forthan Memorial Scholarship

 

Oregon ACTE Scholarships
Oregon

Particularly useful for students pursuing career and technical education, trades and career-focused programs. The Oregon ACTE scholarship has typically had a February deadline.

Oregon ACTE

 

Oregon Music Hall of Fame Scholarship
Oregon

For Oregon students pursuing postsecondary education, particularly students with involvement or interest in music.

Oregon Music Hall of Fame

OSAC Scholarships — FINAL DEADLINE
Oregon

March 1 is the major OSAC deadline. Students should complete one OSAC application and select every scholarship for which they qualify. OSAC has more than 600 scholarships available through the application.

OSAC Scholarship Catalog

 

Harrington Family Foundation Scholarship
Oregon

A renewable scholarship for Oregon high school seniors who demonstrate emerging leadership and plan to continue their education at an Oregon college, university or trade school. Reynolds lists Harrington Foundation among scholarships received by its graduates.

The scholarship typically opens toward the end of the year and is awarded in early spring.

Harrington Family Foundation

 

Mark Sweeting Scholarship
Reynolds High School

The Mark Sweeting Memorial Scholarship seeks to support the educational aspirations of first-generation students pursuing post-secondary education in a trade school, community college, or four-year college. Mr. Sweeting was a beloved member of the Reynolds High School Social Studies Department. This award honors his commitment to supporting the career and educational aspirations of students who will be part of the first generation in their family to attend a post-secondary institution.

Amount: $500 towards educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, or materials.

Qualifications: Each Applicant Must:

• Be a graduating senior of Reynolds High School
• Be a member of the first-generation in their family to attend a post-secondary institution.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (not weighted).
• Plan to enroll as a student in an accredited trade school, community college, or four-year college. 
  

East County Math Scholarship
LOCAL — Reynolds High School

This is an especially relevant scholarship because the eligibility requirements specifically identify Reynolds High School seniors in Troutdale, Oregon. The scholarship is intended for students planning to attend a two- or four-year college.

East County Math Scholarship

 

Dale Krueger Scholarship — FINAL DEADLINE
LOCAL — Reynolds

The Dale Krueger application window runs January 1–April 1, so students should make sure this application is submitted before the April deadline.

Dale Krueger Scholarship

Renaissance Scholars Program — Second Application Window
Oregon

The Renaissance Foundation lists May 1 as another scholarship deadline. This can be particularly useful for students who missed the February application period.

Renaissance Scholars Program

 

APWU Scholarships
Portland-area/Regional

The Portland Area American Postal Workers Union has offered scholarships for graduating high school seniors, including a four-year scholarship and a vocational scholarship.  Students should check the current year's eligibility requirements because some APWU scholarships have membership/family requirements.

Portland APWU Scholarship Information

Oregon Promise Grant
OREGON — VERY IMPORTANT

Although technically a state grant rather than a private scholarship

Oregon Promise helps eligible Oregon graduates pay tuition at an Oregon community college. Reynolds specifically provides Oregon Promise information to its students.

For students graduating in the spring, the deadline has historically been around June 1, although the exact deadline depends on the student's graduation date.

Oregon Promise Grant