College Readiness
Required for SAT/ACT registration, college applications and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Applying for College
Application deadlines: Public & Private Institutions
Application deadlines are approaching. Make sure you know the application deadlines for your schools of interest. A tip: If a school offers an early action deadline, we encourage you to apply by that deadline. Schools give first consideration to students in that applicant pool, and are accepting a higher percentage of those applicants as opposed to regular decision applicants. Confused about the terminology?
- Early Decision: This is a BINDING agreement. It is essential that you are certain about attending this particular college, regardless of financial package. By applying Early Decision, you make the commitment to attend that college if you’re accepted and it’s a commitment that’s taken seriously. If you go back on your agreement after being offered Early Decision, it could result in other colleges refusing to admit you.
- Early Action: This is a NON-BINDING agreement. Applications are typically due by early Fall and you should receive a decision by January. An Early Action application doesn’t commit you to enrolling if you’re accepted. You have until May 1 to make your decision.
- Regular Application Deadline: This is the most common option and you apply by the college’s deadline, hear from them on their release date, and make your decision by May 1.
Deadlines for Public Institutions
Deadlines for Private Institutions
Common App
Your future starts here. Explore nearly 900 colleges and universities using Common App. Whether you're applying to college for the first time or looking to complete your degree, Common App will help you reach new heights.
- 1st Year Students - Approaching the Common Application Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba4PiwIi6Mk
- 1st Year Students - Common Application Walk Through Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=804V5JiHx7Y
FAFSA/WASFA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The 2024-2025 FAFSA will not be released until December 2023. Visit the Career & College Center or reach out to Colleen Hall, our Financial Aid Specialist.
The WASFA is State Financial Aid for DREAMers. Eligibility for several Washington State financial aid programs has expanded to include students who are ineligible for federal financial aid due to immigration status Jun 28, 2016.
Washington Guaranteed Admission Program
The Washington Guaranteed Admission Program (WAGAP) guarantees your admission to a Washington public, four-year college or university!
Western Undergraduate Exchange
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program. Through WUE, eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs outside their home state, and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate. WUE increases affordable higher education choices for students and minimizes the adverse impacts of student loan debt.
College Essays
The College Essay Guy is where students, parents, and counselors find smart, practical guidance for the college admission journey! The website is full of information and resources to help you prepare for your college journey!
Testing
SATs - College Board
Mission-driven organization representing over 6000 of the world's leading colleges, schools, and other educational organizations.
ACTs
Your ACT score is a key component of your college applications. The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.
Washington Student Achievement Council
About the Council
Established as a cabinet-level state agency on July 1, 2012, the Washington Student Achievement Council provides strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy to support increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in Washington.
SAGE College Prep Services
Sage College Prep Services can help you get a higher score on the SAT and ACT! Enroll now to prepare for the upcoming SAT and ACT Exams. Sessions are classroom-style, with a maximum of 4 students per class. Rise to the challenge!
Sage College Prep Services can also help families narrow down their list of prospective colleges by considering a number of key factors, including field of study, type of school, selectivity, location, housing, sports and activities, academic credit, financial factors, and support services. After an interview and a short questionnaire, we deliver a report with a list of recommended schools and a detailed description of each.
E-mail: DoctorQ@SageCPS.com
Just click to check out the Fall Quarterlies: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Find us in Room 1223
Stephanie Schirm
Career Center Specialist
(509) 967-6596
Stephanie.Schirm@rsd.edu
Dana Stadelman
Career Center Assistant
(509) 967-6535 ext. 1695
Dana.Stadelman@rsd.edu
Colleen Hall
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
Colleen.Hall@rsd.edu