Rising Senior Night

In June 2025, NCHS Counseling hosted a Rising Senior Night. This was an opportunity for current juniors and family to learn more about post-secondary plans.

Schedule:

5:15pm - 6:15pm College & Career Fair

BNBuilders (Apprenticeship), Army, Bellevue College, Central Washington University, Digipen, Financial Aid, LiUNA (Laborers Union), Marines, National Guard, Seattle University, Seattle University, Shoreline Community College, UW Seattle, UW Bothell, Washington State University, Western Washington University, Whitworth University

6:15pm - 7:40pm - 3 Breakout Sessions:

Applying for FAFSA, Apprenticeships 101, Finding the Right Fit, Community College Applications, How to Apply to US Schools - Understanding the American Application Process, Essay writing, Financial Planning, Applying to Washington State Schools WAGAP, Scholarships, Military Panel

Below are some key takeaways from the event:

Applying to the US College System:

FAQs:

How do I get into UW?

None of us can answer that. They work off a holistic review so internships, volunteering, and working, is just as important as grades and AP courses and test scores

Your essay is just as important, if not more! What is written really matters!

How early do I need to know what I want to pursue in college?

There is no due date. Some schools will have students declare on their application, but most are open enrollment after already attending college

When can I start the application ?

4-year Universities: As early as August 1st

2-year colleges: No earlier than January 1st of senior year

Apprenticeships: Spring-ish

Why should I fill out the FAFSA?

EVERYONE should fill out a FAFSA or WASFA. Not only does it help with grants and loans, but it can also help with scholarships that are unavailable if the FAFSA isn’t filled out

When and who do I ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

When: as early as now and as late as 21 days PRIOR to their first due date.

Who: generally, it should be a core teacher from 11th grade (i.e. math, science, history, English teacher) unless they are pursuing something specific (i.e. art school or computer science), or otherwise specified by the specific college

How can I support my student’s college or scholarship application?

You CANNOT and SHOULD NOT do any of the applications for scholarships OR colleges yourself.

Let them be the young adults you’ve taught their 16/17-year-olds to be. Let them learn the basic skills of calendaring, build in due date, maintaining their applications, etc. They are very capable!

Remind them to reach out to their counselor for support!

You’re not going to college/program with them. Let them learn the skills!

Counselor Suggestions:

College is not for everyone, consider looking at a 2 year to 4-year degree.

It’s cheaper, students can stay close to home, is allows exploration

Not enough people consider Apprenticeships, please look at their options.

It’s hands on learning and often require higher education (college)

EVERYONE should fill out the FAFSA or WASFA

UW’s acceptance rate is less than 50%, it’s very large, and shouldn’t be everyone’s first option

Your student shouldn’t be in more than 3 AP classes (less is suggested)

It still won’t guarantee admissions to college

3 AP or CHS classes is ALREADY a full time college student not to mention the extra classes on top of it

Your kids should be spending more time asking for help, study skills, verbal and non verbal communication, email edicuit, spending voicemails, etc. Grades only get students so far.

Senior Checklist:

*This does not mean every student needs to do all of these. Please check that the schools require these. 