College & Career Center
To our dear senior class of 2020:
We are deeply sad about how the end of this year is turning out for you. This was supposed to be one of the most special times of high school and you were absolutely robbed of that. You all deserve so much better, and sad doesn’t begin to describe the situation. We are feeling it too, and it is devastating. We also know that you are an extremely resilient and strong class. You all bring something different and unique to the table and you will persevere. We think about you every single day and are working tirelessly to get answers for you.
We want to reassure our seniors that we are working very hard to make sure we meet graduation requirements and get everyone graduated. We will work so hard to make sure we celebrate you and your accomplishments, even if it is months out. We wanted to provide some information and clarification to help ease some stress in the meantime:
- Essential skills are no longer needed.
- If you needed essential skills in reading, writing, or math, the state has waived those and you no longer have to worry about them.
- Graduation credit requirements:
- Community service requirements have been waived.
Every day, teachers and staff are coming up with creative ways to get through this. We have not stopped caring. We are more worried about you now than ever. If you feel lost, we do too. We are all navigating it together, but there will be a point where we get some solace and structure. In the meantime, if you need mental health support, please reach out to Mrs. Elstone at aelstone@junctioncity.k12.or.us, Mrs. Madsen at cmadsen@junctioncity.k12.or.us, or Brian Miller at bmiller@junctioncity.k12.or.us. We want to hear from you, and we want to support you.
Furthermore, we would love to check in with all of you. Mrs. Elstone and Mrs. Madsen will be connecting with all of you for a senior meeting on Zoom on Monday, April 13th at 2 p.m. This is a meeting for seniors ONLY as Zoom does have a capacity on number of people able to join at a time.
We are so sad for you. But we will get through this. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and believe it or not, you will be better for enduring this. We are in this together, as Tigers.
We love and miss you all,
Mrs. Elstone & Mrs. Madsen
Mrs. Courtney Madsen - Counselor ext. 1292
The College and Career Center is located in the West Wing of the high school.
- Be sure to file your FAFSA and submit in time to meet college ‘s financial aid deadline (these can vary and can be different than admissions deadlines). Contact the financial aid offices at your colleges if your FAFSA information (based on prior prior year) is vastly different than your current financial situation. The College and Career Center has information on how to appeal for more financial aid.
- Send your Tri 1 transcript to the colleges you applied to. Mrs. Brandy Moore in the Counseling Office has a form for you to fill out. Once completed she will send out the official transcript required.
- If interested in military options, take the ASVAB at JC January 18th. Please see Mrs. Madsen to register and/or discuss results from test taken junior year. This higher the ASVAB score, the more jobs you qualify for!
- Confirm receipt of your information. SAT/ACT scores can get lost in the mail! Don’t assume the institution you have applied to has received them. Best practice is to check if you have not heard anything from the Admissions office.
- Pick up Letter of Recommendation form in counseling office!! This form helps to inform your teachers about activities/experiences/ that you have done in the past that they might miss.
- Confirm that Letters of recommendation have been sent (if required). Ask teachers for LOR for the upcoming ET scholarship application.
- Look into AmeriCorps, Jobcorps or Apprenticeship programs for options other than college.
- With an earlier FAFSA application opening Oct 1st this year, many financial aid letters will start to arrive. Compare offers and visit campus prior to making a decision. Financial aid offers can be misleading!! Schedule an Appointment with Mrs. Madsen to go over pros/cons of award letter.
- If waitlisted, learn more about the institutions waitlist policy. Make a plan B and move ahead. You can always change your plans if accepted late to your dream school.
- Register and start studying for AP tests.
If your GPA is at a 2.5 or higher, please apply for the Oregon Promise. The easiest 5-minute application ever! A full time college student can receive up to $3,000 toward community college tuition next year. Application found at www.oregonstudentaid.gov/ - Register for March 11th SAT by January 21st. The next ACT test is February 11th with a registration deadline of January 13th (without late fee).
- Males must register with selective service within 30 days of turning 18.
- Spring is the time for local scholarship applications! Several to choose from fitting most GPA ranges and academic interests.
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Linfield College 10/10/19 @ 9:15 a.m. |
Pacific University 10/22/19 @12:45 p.m. |
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Eastern Oregon University TBA |
University of Oregon 9/25/29 @ 12:25 p.m. |
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Oregon State University 10/21/19 @ 9:00 a.m. |
Oregon Tech TBA |
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Willamette University 10/23/19 @ 9:00 a.m. |
Lane Community College 11/5/19 @ 9:00 a.m. |
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Northwest Christian University 9/30/19 @ 9:20 a.m. |
Western Oregon University TBA |
CollegeBoard -
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board is composed of more than 5,700 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT® and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities and concerns.
Parent/Student PSAT Tutorials-Results -My College QuickStartACT Testing Information
Seniors and juniors - wonder what it will take to raise your GPA. Here is a quick tool to assist you. Back to College - Raise Your GPA
complete program-level information available on the web
with a database of nearly 20,000 general scholarships.
http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/accreditation/
Paying for College
What You Need to Know about Student Loans Student Loan Repayment CalculatorIs college still worth it?
Compare monthly payments based on different loan terms.
FAFSA
www.collegeboard.com -conduct search on any 2 or 4 year college in US & more
www.collegequest.com -college search & on-line applications
www.collegeview.com -college search w/links to homepages, scholarship info
www.collegexpress.com -virtual tour of some colleges & athletic info
www.ed.gov/thinkcollege -Site w/links to other college-related websites
www.jayi.com -create a profile of yourself to send to colleges
www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/Search.asp -National Center for Educational Statistics
www.novakint.com/colleges -directory of college email addresses
www.petersons.com -college search, financial aid, on-line apps. test prep
www.review.com -The Princeton Review lists "Best 331 College" provides test info.
www.wiredscholar.com -Sallie Mae Company's page w/links to loans & testing info.
Financial Aid & Scholarships:General Information:
www.lanecc.edu/foundation/scholarshipopps.htm
www.collegeboard.org -all aspects of costs & financial aid, estimate family contribution
www.collegesmart.com -help making financial aid calculation/estimate
www.ed.gov/studentaid -everything you need to know about financial aid w/links
www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm -complete & file FAFSA on line
www.ftc.gov -scholarship scams & how to avoid them
www.osac.state.or.us -State financial aid agency for Oregon administering state, local & private scholarships. Links to State verified scholarship sites & searches.
Scholarship Searches/Resources:
www.absolutelyscholarships.com/exec/scholarship -match student to national, state, local sources for financial aid
www.oregoncis.uoregon.edu/go/ -then enter user name: jc high school & password: maroon -Conduct scholarship search
www.collegeboard.com -various options for searches
www.collegenet.com/mach25 -search database
www.finaid.org -National Association of Student Aid Administrators links to info
www.fastweb.com - scholarship profile matches students to awards & emails notices of new awards -20-30 min process
www.scholarships.com -search database with over 6000,000 scholarships & financial aid info.
www.winscholarships.com -Ben Kaplan's site w/info & links to sites that offer searchers
www.srnexpress.com -Scholarship Resource Network
Specific Student Searches:
www.ahead.org/links2htm -learning disabilities resources
http://cnct.com/home/ijblack/BlackExcel.shtml -admission & FA info for black students
www.fie.com/molis/scholar.htm -search geared for minority students
www.hillwl.org/ -Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
www.hsf.net/ -Hispanic Scholarship Fund
www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/college.planning.LD.html -college planning for students with learning disabilities
www.lanecc.edu/library/don/found.htm -scholarships fpr LCC students listed by department, name, contact,amount & criteria
www.naia.org/ -National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
www.ncaa.org/ -National Collegiate Athletic Association
www.nmt.edu/~larranag/hef/hef.html -Hispanic Education Foundation
Tax Credits
The federal government provides several tax incentives for college students and their parents. Here's an overview of the key tax breaks for pursuing post-secondary education.
College savings plans, also called Section 529 plans, are a tax-favored savings account. Similar to IRAs and other savings plans, 529 plans allow people to save for college expenses by funding a special type of account. The key benefits: earnings and growth of investments inside the account accumulate without being taxed, and withdrawals from 529 plans are tax-free as long as they are used for specified higher education expenses. If the funds aren't used for education-related expenses, the distributed funds will be subject to taxes and a 10% surtax. College savings plans are sponsored by state governments, although you are free to invest through any state's 529 plan. Some states offer incentives for investing their plan.
Deducting college tuition can be accomplished through the tuition and fees tax deduction. This deduction is taken directly on your tax return without needing to itemize. Students don't need to be enrolled half-time or full-time, so even taking one course can qualify you for this deduction. 2011 may be the last year for this deduction.
There are two tax credits for higher education. The American Opportunity credit provides a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 for undergraduate education. The American Opportunity Credit is scheduled to expire at the end of 2012. The Lifetime Learning Credit provides a tax credit of up to $2,000 for any level of college education (even graduate school), and doesn't require a minimum level of enrollment. However, the Lifetime Learning Credit has a narrower income range compared to the tuition deduction.
Deducting interest on student loans. Students often take out loans to pay for college expenses. Interest on student loans may be deductible up to $2,500 per year. Be aware that this deduction is gradually phased out as your income raises. This deduction may change after 2012 to provide that interest is deductible only for the first 60 months of repayment. Like the tuition deduction, the student loan interest deduction is taken directly on your tax return and doesn't need to be itemized.
No education-related tax deduction or credit is allowed for taxpayers who are married but filing separately. Separate filers are not eligible for the American Opportunity credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, the tuition and fees deduction, or the student loan interest deduction.
Apprenticeships "The Other 4-Year Degree"
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and typically take two to four years to complete. Competition for available slots is often fierce because apprentices pay nothing for their education, and are actually paid for the hours they spend learning on the job. In addition, apprentices typically command relatively high salaries when they become journey workers.
Good resources to locate an open apprenticeship program include networking with people you know who work in an apprenticed trade, contacting Lane Community College Apprenticeship Training Program, checking the Oregon State Department of Apprenticeship & Training website, calling trade union offices, and contacting related professional associations. Some apprenticeship programs also advertise available openings in the newspaper, on job boards, or with state job services.
Successfully completing basic classes in English, math, and science is considered essential for all applicants to apprenticeship programs, and most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. In addition, taking special interest classes may help demonstrate an early aptitude, skills development, and improve your standing in the application process, as well.
Oregon Employment Division - Electrician Apprenticeship Position (Closes April 27, 2012)
Opportunities for Teen Study and Travel Abroad:
National Registration Center for Study Abroad
Since 1968, NRCSA has been evaluating programs around the world – selecting those best able to meet today’s students’ needs. On this site, you’ll have access to a database of study abroad opportunities. Check out the Teens Abroad section for study abroad opportunities especially appropriate to high school and early-college age students.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is a comprehensive source of information on educational opportunities for students to study in other countries. You can find Study Abroad Programs, including Summer Study Abroad, Internships Abroad, Volunteering Abroad, High School Study Abroad, Intensive Language Programs and more, all organized by Subject, Country or City.
Youth For Understanding – USA
Youth For Understanding – USA is a non-profit international educational organization with programs in 64 countries. One of the world’s oldest, largest, and most respected exchange organizations, YFU has exemplified excellence in exchange worldwide since 1951.
AYUSA
Since 1980, AYUSA Global Youth Exchange has been a leader in providing a wide range of life-changing cultural exchange experiences. AYUSA today maintains a proud legacy of offering high-quality programs for high school students
Walking Tree Travel
Have an exceptional summer experience in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, China, and Senegal — PLUS earn up to 100 service hours!
Junction City High School Placement Test Opportunities:
Junction City High School offers placement test opportunities for Lane Community College and Linn Benton Community College. These tests are used to determine the appropriate placement for a student in writing, reading, math and study skills. Test scores that do not represent your best work may mean extra classes- and extra time. Higher scores may allow you to skip certain classes. It pays to do your best, so come prepared and well rested. It is not a timed test. You should plan on spending approximately two hours for testing - more if you think you may need extra time. Please contact Liz Turner-Bolton in the College and Career Center for testing dates.Can I prepare for the computerized placement test?
Math Review Sheets : http://www.lanecc.edu/math/reviewsheets.html
Study Strategy Links : http://www.lanecc.edu/testing/studystrategylinks.htm
Study Tips : http://www.lanecc.edu/testing/studytips.htm
http://www.yccd.edu/assessment/sample.html
http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/Admission/Testing/upload/ACCUPLACER-Resources.pdf
Websites specific for reading and writing:
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/instrdg.htm
http://www.kvcc.me.edu/website/frames/websitedata/prospectivestudents/howtoenroll/pretest_reading.pdf
http://www.kvcc.me.edu/website/frames/websitedata/prospectivestudents/howtoenroll/pretest_reading.pdf
Websites specific for math:
http://www.mathtv.com
http://www.khanacademy.org/
http://wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/thea/math_help.htm
http://www.purplemath.com/
http://www.algebrahelp.com/http://www.oit.edu/default.aspx?dn=21183,4678,2676,2,1,documents
Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon State University
Portland State University
Southern Oregon University
University of Oregon
Western Oregon University
MyChildsFuture.Org
Scholarships
Education Together Foundation
The catalyst for the Education Together Foundation was an enthusiastic interest in emphasizing the positive influence that education had upon our community and in our society in general. The steering committee created this foundation to enhance educational opportunities for residents of the Junction City School District.