Resources

There are lots of things you can do after high school, and many ways to get there! This resource guide will equip you with the information you need in three sections: Finding Your Path, Preparing for College, and Paying for College.

Finding Your Path

There’s no single “right” path after high school. There are a many directions you can choose from based on your interests, goals, and values.

  • College Exploration Course

    This free course helps students understand their options and plan next steps with confidence.

    Open to all students; recommended for 10th–11th graders

    Students will:

    • Explore different types of colleges (2-year, 4-year, public/private, trade, etc.)

    • Learn how to find schools that are a good academic and financial fit

    • Get tips on financial aid and scholarships

    • Use tools to search and compare colleges

    When: Offered every spring semester

    Career Exploration Course

    This free course helps students explore careers that match their interests and strengths.

    Open to all local high school students

    Students will:

    • Learn about career pathways and job fields

    • Connect interests and strengths to potential careers

    • Explore education and training options

    • Use tools to discover real-world career options

    When: Offered every fall semester (check back for 2026 dates)

  • Here are some of the paths students take after high school:

    • Four-Year Colleges and Universities: Offer bachelor’s degrees in a wide range of subjects.

    • Community Colleges: Offer associate degrees and certificates with transfer pathways to four-year colleges.

    • Trade and Technical Schools: Provide hands-on training for specific careers (Examples: auto repair, plumbing, cosmetology, HVAC).

    • Certificate Programs: Short-term programs focused on developing specific skills for immediate entry into the workforce.

    • Apprenticeships: Paid, hands-on training programs that combine work experience with classroom instruction, often in skilled trades.

    • Workforce / Full-Time Employment

    • Service Programs (e.g., AmeriCorps): Opportunities to engage in community service, gain work experience, and often earn education benefits.

    • Gap Year: Taking a year to work, travel, volunteer, or explore interests before continuing education or entering the workforce.

    Many students end up combining a few of these paths throughout their journey.

    Resources for exploring career pathways:

  • Will you be the first person in your family to obtain a four-year college degree?

    These resources are available to all first-generation students:

    • I’m First is an online community celebrating first generation college students and supporting those who would be. They offer inspiring stories, answers to college questions, and access to colleges that want to help you succeed.

    • There are many scholarships intended for first-generation students. The JLV College Counseling site provides a good list.

    These resources are available to high-achieving, low-income students through an application process:

    • LEDA Scholars Program is for high achieving juniors from low income families who demonstrate leadership. Special consideration is given to first gen students. LEDA Scholars receive training, writing instruction, standardized test prep and personal guidance through the admissions process at the most competitive colleges.

    • Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers a scholarship program for low income high school seniors with strong SAT or ACT scores (1200/26 or more) and high GPAs (3.5 or more). Winners receive up to $40,000 per year in scholarships, and personal advising to get you to and through college.

    • QuestBridge offers two programs for high achieving first generation and/or low income students. In order to qualify, students need high PSAT/SAT or ACT scores, top grades (top 5-10% of class), and a low family income ($65,000 or less). 

      • College Prep Scholars is open to high school juniors and helps them prepare for college admissions and visit colleges. The Deadline to apply is in March.

      • National College Match is open to high school seniors and allows them to gain admission and full-ride scholarships to top colleges and universities.

    • Collegepoint offers free mentoring and advising through the college process, from selecting schools to apply to choosing which school to attend. Open to seniors with good grades and test scores and family income of less than $80,000.

    • Matriculate offers free mentoring and advising provided by students from low income backgrounds now attending top colleges. The program is open to high school juniors with good grades and test scores and family income of less than $80,000.

Preparing for College

Starting to prepare for college early gives students time to explore interests, learn about different education paths, and build a strong foundation over time. Taking small steps each year of high school can create more opportunities, clarify goals, and make the transition after graduation smoother, no matter which path you choose.

  • 9th Grade (Freshman Year)

    • Focus on building good study habits and time management skills

    • Explore your interests through clubs, sports, and volunteer work

    • Meet with your school counselor to understand graduation and college entrance requirements

    • Start developing a strong academic foundation - grades matter from the beginning

    • Begin keeping track of your activities and accomplishments

    10th Grade (Sophomore Year)

    • Continue exploring extracurriculars and leadership opportunities

    • Take the PSAT (Practice SAT) to get familiar with standardized testing

    • Research different careers and the education paths that lead to them

    • Talk to your counselor about course planning for junior and senior year

    • Attend local college and career fairs or info sessions

    11th Grade (Junior Year)

    • Focus on maintaining strong grades

    • Take the SAT or ACT (or both) and consider test prep options

    • Begin creating a list of colleges that match your interests and goals

    • Visit campuses (in person or virtually) to get a feel for different environments

    • Ask teachers for letters of recommendation toward the end of the year

    • Learn about financial aid, scholarships, and college application timelines

    12th Grade (Senior Year)

    • Finalize your college list and track all deadlines

    • Complete and submit college applications, including essays and letters of recommendation

    • Fill out the FAFSA and/or state financial aid applications (as early as possible!)

    • Apply for scholarships (local, regional, national, and schol-specific)

    • Review financial aid offers and make your final college decision

    • Stay on top of your classes - colleges will see final transcripts

    • Celebrate your accomplishments and prepare for the transition to college

  • The right college depends on what matters most to you. From academics and campus life to cost and location, there are many factors to consider when exploring colleges. Whether you're just starting your search or narrowing down your options, use this guide to help you find schools that align with your needs, values, and future goals.

    Important factors to consider:

    Academic Programs

    • Does the college offer majors or programs you're interested in?

    • What are the internship, research, or hands-on learning opportunities?

    Size and Setting

    • Do you prefer a large campus or a smaller, close-knit environment?

    • Do you want to be in a city, a suburb, or a small town?

    Cost and Financial Aid

    • What types of scholarships or financial aid are available?

    • Don’t rule out a college based on price before seeing the financial aid package, some colleges give very generous aid that covers most or all costs

    Campus Life

    • What kinds of clubs, activities, or student organizations are available?

    • Do you see yourself feeling welcome and supported there?

    Support Services

    • Are there academic advising, tutoring, mental health, and career services?

    • Are there resources for first-generation, BIPOC, or other underrepresented student groups?

    Transfer Opportunities

    • For community colleges: Is there a clear path to transfer to a four-year university (if that is your desired plan)?

    • Are there guaranteed admission or partnership programs?

    Tools to Help You Decide

    • College Websites: Take time to explore the website of each college you are considering

    • Campus Visits (Virtual or In-Person): Get a feel for the environment and student life

    • College Fairs and Info Sessions: Ask questions and gather materials

    • College Search Tools: Use websites like BigFuture, College Scorecard, and Niche

    • Talk to People: Reach out to current students, alumni, or admissions counselors

  • Standardized tests can be one part of the college application process, but they’re not the whole story. Understanding your options, planning ahead, and knowing what is and isn’t required will help you make informed choices as you prepare to apply to college.

    College Admission Test Options:

    SAT

    • Offered by College Board

    • Tests math, reading, and writing skills

    • Scored on a scale of 400 to 1600

    • Accepted by most colleges and universities in the U.S.

    ACT

    • Offered by ACT.org

    • Tests English, math, reading, science, and an optional writing section

    • Scored on a scale of 1 to 36

    • Also widely accepted by colleges across the country

    SAT vs. ACT: What’s the Difference?

    • The ACT includes a science section while the SAT focuses more on evidence-based reading and math

    • The SAT math allows a calculator only on some sections while the ACT allows a calculator throughout

    • Timing and question style differ - the ACT is faster-paced with more questions while the SAT gives more time per question but may have more complex problems

    • Recommendation: Try practice tests for both to see which format feels most comfortable before deciding

    When Should I Take the SAT/ACT?

    • Most students take the SAT or ACT during 11th grade, usually in spring

    • Some students retake the test in the fall of 12th grade

    • Plan ahead so your scores are ready in time for college application deadlines

    • The PSAT (Preliminary SAT), a practice version of the SAT usually taken in 10th or 11th grade, helps students practice for the SAT and can qualify students for National Merit Scholarships

    “Test-Optional” Colleges

    In recent years, many colleges have become test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. Here's what to know:

    • You won’t be penalized for not submitting scores if a college is test-optional

    • If you feel your scores strengthen your application, it’s a good idea to include them

    • Some schools may still require test scores for specific programs or scholarships

    • Policies vary, so always check each college’s admissions website for details

    Fee Waivers for the SAT and ACT

    • Available for eligible students based on income or participation in free/reduced lunch programs

    • Plan early to meet registration deadlines

    • SAT Fee Waivers - College Board: Talk to your school counselor about getting a fee waiver code or request a fee waiver directly from College Board. Your fee waiver will cover up to two SAT tests.

    • ACT Fee Waivers - ACT.org: Check with your school counselor to see if you are eligible to apply. If eligible, you will receive up to two fee waivers to use on ACT tests.

    Free Study Resources

    Preparing for admissions tests doesn’t have to cost anything. These free resources offer high-quality study materials, practice tests, and tutoring:

  • Your college application essay is your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. It’s an opportunity to share your story, values, and what makes you unique. Many colleges use essays to understand how you think and what matters most to you.

    The Main Essay: Common Application and Coalition Application

    • Most schools accept applications through the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

    • Each application offers several prompts to choose from, focusing on your experiences, challenges, or personal growth.

    • The Common Application’s essay's word count limit is 650 words. The Coalition Application’s word count limit is 500 to 650 words.

    Brainstorming Ideas

    Start thinking about your essay by asking yourself questions like:

    • What experiences have shaped who I am?

    • What challenges have I overcome?

    • What am I passionate about?

    • How have I grown or changed over time?

    • How could I tell a story about an interest or moment that is meaningful to me?

    • What do I want colleges to know about me that they can’t learn from my grades or test scores?

    • Jot down ideas, stories, or moments that feel meaningful to you. Your essay doesn’t have to be about a big event. It can be about something small but important.

    When to Start

    • Aim to start brainstorming in the summer before senior year or earlier. This gives you plenty of time to draft, get feedback, and revise.

    Supplemental Essays

    Some colleges require supplemental essays in addition to the main essay. These are usually shorter and more specific. Common supplemental essay topics are:

    • Why you want to attend that particular school

    • How you’ll contribute to the campus community

    Make sure to carefully read each college’s application instructions and meet their essay requirements and deadlines.

    Final Tips

    • Be honest and personal, admissions officers want to hear your true voice

    • Proofread carefully and ask teachers, counselors, peers, or family members for feedback

  • Selective colleges can offer strong academic and personal opportunities, as well as generous financial aid packages.

    What Makes a College "Selective"?

    • Accepts a smaller percentage of applicants

    • Often has rigorous academic expectations

    • Often requires a strong academic record and extracurricular involvement

    Financial Aid at Selective Colleges

    Many selective colleges offer generous financial aid, especially to students from low- and middle-income families. However, there are key things to know:

    • Need-Based Aid Only: Some selective schools offer limited or no merit scholarships and instead focus on offering need-based aid.

    • Many colleges meet 100% of demonstrated need without requiring students to take out loans. These schools can be very affordable for low-income students

    • CSS Profile: Many selective colleges require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional aid

    Resources to estimate your costs:

    • MyinTuition Quick Cost Estimator: answer six questions to estimate your cost at different schools across the US (over 75 included)

    • Use each college’s Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate of financial aid and out-of-pocket costs

    Testing Policies

    • Some selective colleges require the SAT or ACT, while others are test-optional

    • Be sure to check the testing policy for each school you're applying to

    • Explore this list: FairTest.org - Test-Optional Colleges

Paying for College

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but there are many types of financial aid available to help students and families manage the cost.

  • Types of financial aid

    • Need-Based Aid

      • Based on your family’s income

      • Includes federal programs, state programs, and aid from colleges

      • Determined by forms including FAFSA, CSS Profile, and WASFA

    • Merit Aid

      • Based on academics, leadership, involvement, test scores, etc.

      • Not based on family income

    • Other Aid Sources

      • Outside scholarships, work-study, tuition waivers for certain groups (e.g., veterans, foster youth)

    Common Financial Aid Terms

    • Cost of Attendance (COA): The total estimated cost to attend for one year (including tuition, fees, room and board, supplies, etc.)

    • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The form for public college financial aid

    • CSS Profile: The form for private college financial aid

    • WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid): The form for non-FAFSA eligible WA students (e.g., undocumented or DACA students)

    • Grants: Money that does not need to be repaid

    • Scholarships: Awards based on merit or financial need, don’t need to be repaid

    • Loans: Money that must be repaid, usually with interest

    • Student Aid Index (SAI): A number from the FAFSA that schools use to determine your family’s financial need (previously “Expected Family Contribution”)

    How is my FAFSA Student Aid Index determined?

    • Financial Need = Cost of Attendance (COA) − SAI

    • Considers taxed and untaxed income, assets, household size, and number of family members in college

    • A lower SAI means you may qualify for more need-based aid

    • For divorced parents, SAI is based on the income of the household providing the most financial support to the student

    • Parents’ savings including 529 Plans don't increase SAI by much so it pays to save

    • Students' income/savings can increase SAI by a lot

    Public vs. Private Schools

    • Public:

      • Lower tuition for in-state residents

      • May offer tuition discounts to some out-of-state students (see WUE section)

      • May offer need-based aid and merit aid/scholarships

    • Private:

      • Tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state

      • Have a higher “sticker price” but give more financial aid

      • May give need-based aid, merit aid, or a combination

    Colleges that Meet Full Need

    • These colleges cover 100% of the difference between what your family can pay and the cost of attendance using scholarships and grants (money you won’t need to pay back)

    • Students from lower-income families often pay less than they would pay at an in-state public school, and sometimes even attend for free

    • Some colleges cover full tuition—or even all costs—for families below a certain income level (e.g., < $125,000)

    • Check out this list of colleges that meet full need

    Non-Citizen and Undocumented Students

    • Non-Citizen Students

      • Eligible non-citizens (permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain others) can apply for aid via FAFSA and CSS

      • May qualify for state aid in Washington (Washington College Grant) and Idaho

      • Many private scholarships and college grants are open to eligible non-citizens

    • Undocumented Students

      • Not eligible for federal aid

      • In Washington, students (including DACA recipients) apply for state aid with WASFA

      • Some private scholarships don’t require citizenship/legal status

      • Some private colleges offer substantial aid regardless of immigration status

      • This blog shares lots of valuable and up-to-date information about applying for financial aid as an undocumented student

    Featured Programs

    • QuestBridge National College Match

      • Matches high-achieving, low-income seniors with top colleges that cover full four-year tuition, housing, meals, and other costs

      • U.S. students with family income < $65,000 are eligible to apply

    • Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

      • Students can attend participating out-of-state public colleges and universities at a reduced tuition rate (150% of in-state rate or less)

      • Over 150 public colleges and universities participate in WUE

      • Examples: University of Arizona, Boise State, Oregon State

    More Resources

  • Scholarships

    Scholarships are awards you don’t have to pay back. They can come from colleges, community organizations, companies, nonprofits, and more.

    How to Find Scholarships

    • Local sources

      • Some schools in our area offer scholarships that seniors can apply for, check with your academic counselor!

      • Check local businesses, banks, religious organizations, and clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.)

    • Online scholarship search tools

    • Tip: You don’t have to be a senior to apply for scholarships!
      There are many scholarships that are open to students in all grades. As you can see from my favorite college scholarship site, there are even scholarships available to students in middle school.

    • On Raise Me, students can keep a running list of their high school achievements, including grades, attendance, serving as an officer of a class or club, and earn merit scholarships from participating colleges (if they decide to attend that school).

    • Amanda Miller’s Guide to ScholarshipsUnderstand what scholarships are out there, your odds, and what makes sense to apply for. Having a strategy and being realistic is key to success, and will avoid disappointment.

    • College Bound is a great scholarship and resource program for seventh and eighth graders in Washington State who are low income or in foster care.

    Scholarships to Check Out

    Loans

    Loans are borrowed money that you must repay, usually with interest. They can be a helpful tool, but it’s important to borrow only what you need and understand the terms.

    • Types of student loans

      • Federal student loans: These loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education and are the best option if you need to borrow money. They have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. To apply for federal loans, submit the FAFSA.

        • Subsidized loans: Based on financial need. The government pays the interest while you’re in school.

        • Unsubsidized loans: Not based on need. You are responsible for all interest, even while in school.

        • PLUS loans: For parents or graduate students. Higher interest and credit check required.

      • Private student loans: Offered by banks or private lenders. These often have higher interest rates and fewer protections than federal loans. Always compare terms and read the fine print.

    • Resources

  • 529 college savings plans

    • One of the most popular and effective ways to save for college is through a 529 savings account

    • Tax benefits: Contributions may grow tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free when used for qualified education expenses

    • You can use 529 funds at any accredited college or university in the U.S.

    • State plans:

    Other college savings plans and strategies

    • Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)

    • Custodial Accounts (UGMA/UTMA)

    • Regular Savings or Investment Accounts

    • Roth IRA (can allow withdrawals for qualified education expenses)

    What if my family hasn’t saved for college and/or won’t be able to?

    • Don’t panic - many families cover the cost of college through financial aid, scholarships, grants, and work opportunities. Saving is just one piece of the puzzle.

    • Affordable college options can include:

    Resources

  • Amanda Miller is a financial aid specialist and college advisor who has given presentations all over the country. Below is a link to a recording of her presentation at our College Within Reach: Paying for College Fair in October 2025.

    Amanda Miller’s Presentation at College Within Reach

Student Experience Opportunities

Student Experience Opportunities (SEOs) are what Palouse Pathways calls experiences that allow students to explore college options, career paths, academic areas, and personal interests. These opportunities include:

  • College fly-in programs that allow students to visit campuses, meet faculty and students, and learn more about college life.

  • Summer programs focused on areas of interest including STEM, medicine, leadership, the arts, etc.

  • Internships and jobs that provide hands-on experience and insight into potential career paths.

  • Volunteer experiences and community projects that allow students to engage in meaningful and enriching work.

Check out our new Student Experience Opportunities webpage featuring a database of opportunities for students!

Student Experience Opportunities Page