College Corner
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Below are resources to help students research college options, learn more about the college application process, and find resources to help them pay for college.
College Planning Resources
Finding the right-fit college can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are many resources to help you. Use these college planning tools to guide you through the process.
BigFuture is a free online resource that helps all students take the step after high school. ۰Plan for college: College Seach Tool & Connect with colleges ۰Pay for college: Scholarship ۰Search Tool & Financial Aid Resources ۰Explore Careers: Career Search Tool & Career Quiz
Think College - a great college resource for student with intellectual disability. They feature a College Search tool on 340 postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability and much more!
Oregon’s numerous private colleges and universities offer a wide range of degrees and programs. These institutions award undergraduate and graduate degrees in many fields, from nursing degrees to juris doctorates. The information here can help you explore independent colleges and universities that are authorized in the State of Oregon. Scroll down & click "Authorized Private colleges & Universities" for PDF list
Oregon Goes to College is a on-stop shop, with up-to-date, relevant info. It's easy to navigate & provides students and families exactly what they need. ۰Explore: Learn about your options for careers & colleges ۰Gets you organized with tools & helps make a list of deadlines & info you will need
The ASPIRE College Toolkit connects you with information about navigating the college search and selection process, understanding college admissions, and tools for helping you pay for college.
Explore all of Oregon's 17 community colleges to help you know your options. You will find links for admissions and getting started, tuition and fees, college costs and financial aid
Get Schooled is free source for students to help 1. Find their first job. 2. Get into College and more: ۰Get personalized feedback on college application essays ۰Text an advisor for help ۰Get help on financial aid and FAFSA ۰Find trusted scholarships
Explore Oregon's 7 public universities to help you know your options. You will find links for admissions and getting started, tuition and fees, college costs and financial aid
Many colleges and universities accept Common App applications. Navigate your entire application process with Common App.
Want to attend college out-of-state without the high tuition costs? The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program can help. It offers discounted tuition for students from certain Western states who attend participating colleges in other Western states. This means you can study in a different state while paying less than the usual out-of-state tuition rate.
College Planning Timeline
This takes you to one of our favorite sites, Oregon Goes to College. You will find timelines for all ages and other resources for students and families.
Whether you're a freshman, a senior, or planning to graduate early, it's never too early to start planning. Take advantage of meeting with an ORCA College & Career Counselor to create a customized timeline just for you! Schedule a virtual meeting as soon as possible. It's always a good idea to check in with a counselor once a semester to review and adjust your plan
College Entrance Testing (SAT/ACT)
Students planning to apply to four-year colleges should be aware that many colleges are now “test-optional,” and Oregon's public universities no longer require ACT/SAT scores for admission. However, some may still require them for eligibility for honors colleges or merit scholarships. Be sure to check the current guidelines and priority deadlines for each university.
It is extremely important to verify each college’s policy on ACT and SAT scores. Here are some definitions to guide your planning:
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Test Blind: The test scores will not be considered for any reason.
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Test Optional: Test scores can only enhance your application, not detract from it.
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Test Required: You must submit test scores for admission and/or scholarship consideration.
Students can register for the ACT and SAT online. Those who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for fee waivers for both tests. Please contact our College & Career Counselor for fee waiver or more information.
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When to take the SAT and/or ACT?
Check the admissions requirements to find out if the colleges and universities you may apply to are test-optional, meaning they do not require you to submit SAT and/or ACT scores. If you plan to take one or both tests for admission purposes, scholarships and other programs, you should verify which test is accepted (SAT only, ACT only or both). If the organization accepts both tests, it is up to you whether you wan to take the SAT only, the ACT only or take both. Read the article ACT vs SAT: 11 Key Differences to Help You Pick the Right Test (link below) If possible, take the test in the spring of your junior year. If you like, you can take the test again in the summer or fall of your senior year. If you take a test more than once, most colleges and universities will “super score” your tests. They will use the highest score you earned on each section when evaluating your application. Both tests are offered on some Saturdays at testing sites around the state. Whether you take it on a Saturday or during an all-school testing day, take it seriously. Get plenty of rest the night before, eat a good breakfast, and do your best on the exam.
Which test should I take?
It’s completely up to you which test to take. Neither test is inherently easier, and colleges accept both equally. To save time and money, it’s recommended to choose one exam. We suggest taking a free practice test for both the ACT and SAT to determine which test aligns better with your strengths and preferences. Reach out to our College & Career Counselor for assistance in choosing the right test for you and accessing practice tests
Score Reporting
When you register for the SAT and/or ACT, you can request up to four free score reports to be sent to colleges, universities, or other programs of your choice, such as the NCAA. If you're unsure which colleges to select, it's a good idea to include at least your community college. Students can also log in to their SAT or ACT account later on to send additional official scores for a fee to any colleges, universities, or programs that may require them.