TIGARD HIGH
MISSION: Every student will graduate from Tigard High School prepared for admission to an Oregon college/university. All students will be choice-ready.
Cada estudiante se graduará de la Escuela Preparatoria Tigard preparado para ser admitido y asistir a un colegio/universidad de Oregón. Todos los estudiantes estarán listos para elegir su futuro.
Our College and Career Center is one more tool our students can access in an effort to achieve our mission.
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
Tuesday
October 13 10am
Pacific University
Wednesday
October 14 9am
University of Southern California
Wednesday
October 14 10am
Seattle University
Wednesday
October 14 11am
Sarah Lawrence College
Wednesday
October 14 1pm
Whitman College
Thursday
October 15 10am
University of Utah
Thursday
October 15 11am
University of Montana
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2026
OREGON CONVENTION CENTER
NACAC NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR
REGISTRATION IS FULL
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2026
PCC SYLVANIA CAMPUS
SIGN UP ON SCHOOLINKS BY OCTOBER 30
https://app.schoolinks.com/events/Vm4pQn/k12-user/redirect/
&
SIGN UP ON PCC
https://connect.pcc.edu/register/preview2026_student_sylvania
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2026
UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND
SIGN UP ON SCHOOLINKS
https://app.schoolinks.com/events/E5A6q3/k12-user/redirect/
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
FAFSA Senior Workshops
10/13/26
over both lunches
THS Library
*Bring your ID & SS#
PCC & Oregon Promise Workshop
11/4/26
over both lunches
THS Library
Financial Aid Information Night
When: THURSDAY OCTOBER 15 from 6:30-8:00
Takes place in the Tigard High School Auditorium
For families and students
Join us for an informational presentation on ways to finance University, Community College, or Trade Programs. Our evening consists of a presentation on the "ins & outs" of the FAFSA and ORSAA, Oregon Promise and other government financial aid forms.
Spanish translation will be available.
GOING TO COLLEGE FALL 2027?
FAFSA IS OPEN!
A Few Tips:
Be sure your name is typed exactly as it is on your Social Security Card (for FAFSA)
Use your personal email address (not THS email address!)
When inviting a Contributor (parent/guardian) be sure the information is typed identically to the information entered when your contributor creates their account (FAFSA)
Not sure if you should complete the ORSAA or the FAFSA. Find out which form you are eligible for HERE
Do you want to find if you're eligible for a Grant? (free money for college) - complete the Estimator
COMMON APP TIPS (IF COLLEGE IS PART OF YOUR POST HIGH SCHOOL PLAN)
1. The Basics & Organization
Start Early: Create your Common App account early to roll it over into your current application year. This gives you time to request letters of recommendation and carefully review your school's score submission policies.
Track Deadlines: Use the Dashboard tab to actively track deadlines. Make sure to select an admission plan (e.g., Early Action, Regular Decision) for every college to keep your timeline clear.
Have Documents Handy: Keep a copy of your official transcripts and test scores nearby to avoid mistakes in the Education and Testing sections.
2. The Activities List
Focus on Impact: Don't just state what the club was; use your description lines to highlight your specific leadership, unique contributions, and quantifiable impact (e.g., "raised $3000" or "taught 15 students").
Be Truthful & Clear: Accurately estimate your hours per week and weeks per year. Colleges notice when numbers don't add up.
Include Family Responsibilities: If you spend significant time taking care of siblings or working part-time jobs to support your family, list these experiences. They are highly valued by admissions officers.
3. The Personal Essay
Write Outside the Portal: Draft your personal statement in a word processor (like Google Docs or Microsoft Word) to properly check grammar and word count. Then, copy and paste it into the application.
Focus on Your Voice: Choose one of the provided prompts (or the "Create-Your-Own" option) and let your authentic personality shine. Avoid making it just a recap of your resume.
Use the Additional Information Section: If you have an extenuating circumstance (like a dip in grades) or need space to elaborate on a unique activity, use the 300-word Additional Information box to explain.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Use the "My Colleges" Tab: This is where you officially invite your teachers and counselor. Always complete the FERPA release authorization first.
Ask Early: Request recommendations at least a few weeks before your application deadlines to give your teachers plenty of time to write.
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Need to request a transcript?
Log in to SchooLinks through Clever.com
(You'll have an alumni account with your personal email when your THS email is inactivated).
Hover on "College" and select "College Applications".
If you haven't already, move throughout the College Application Set Up.
Click on "Enrollment Decision" and select the college that you are attending.
Be sure to click "Confirm Enrollment".
Your transcript will automatically be requested through the THS Registrar in the Counseling dept.
Do you need a transcript for an organization other than a college, need an unofficial transcript or having trouble with your SchooLinks account? Request through this link found on the THS Counseling Page.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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MICRO SCHOLARSHIPS - WHY SMALL SCHOLARSHIPS ADD UP
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TIPS AND BENEFITS OF MICRO SCHOLARSHIPS
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NEED HELP CALCULATING THE TRUE COST OF COLLEGE FOR FOUR YEARS? UTILIZE NICHE AS A TOOL TO HELP YOU UPLOAD FINANCIAL AID OFFERS AND GIVE YOU AN ESTIMATE OF YOUR TOTAL COST.
NICHE
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SCHOLARSHIPS
Money for trades school, 4 year university, 2 year collegeCheck out the more HERE!
Due 9/30 Nuts, Bolt, Thingamajigs Trades $4,000
https://www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/scholarships#scholarship-scholarships
For students who will explore a career in Manufacturing - includes engineering and trades.
Due 9/30 Path to Pro Scholarship Trades $2,500
https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/skillpointefoundation_homedepot-pathtopro
$2,500 scholarship for students attending an approved trade-related program (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing or Construction Management) at an accredited two-year school.
Due 9/30 Coca Cola Scholarship $20,000
https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/
Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.
Due 10/1 National College Match 4 years tuition and room and board
https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college/programs/national-college-match/the-match-scholarship
The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship is for outstanding students from low-income backgrounds. To receive a Match Scholarship that covers tuition, housing and food, and other expenses, you must rank colleges. By ranking colleges, you could be “matched”-admitted early with a four-year Scholarship
Due 10/6 National Arts Committee Young Arts Scholarship $10,000
https://youngarts.org/apply/
Competition for visual, literal and performing arts
Due 10/8 AES Engineers Scholarship $500
http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php
500-1000 word essay: When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?
Due 10/8 NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarship $2,000
https://www.nshss.org/scholarships/s/nshss-student-athlete-scholarship-2026/
Essay on the benefits and challenges of balancing academics and sports.
Due 10/12 Youth Senate Program $10,000
https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/pages/united-states-senate-youth-program.aspx
Leaders in student government, education, public affairs or community service. Students must be nominated by school principal and will attend national conference.
Due 10/15 Evans Scholarship $120,000
https://wgaesf.org/a-life-changing-opportunity/
This scholarship provides full tuition and housing for four years to specific colleges. The University of Oregon is included.
Due 10/15 American Muscle's Student Scholarship $2,500
https://www.americanmuscle.com/scholarships.html
700-1500 word essay on who you are and how you plan on using your automotive education to incite positive change and innovation within the custom car industry.
Due 10/27 NSHSS Performing Arts: Dance $1,000
https://www.nshss.org/scholarships/s/nshss-performing-arts-dance-2025/
Students interested in pursuing their studies in the performing arts. A portion of the application requires the applicant to submit a short video of their performance.
Due 10/27 NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
https://www.aspirations.org/recognitions/AiCAward
Those who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions.
Due 10/30 Oregon Lucia Scholarship $3,000
https://www.nordicnorthwest.org/lucia-scholarship
Interest in Scandinavian heritage. Required to attend various events throughout the year
Due 10/31 Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
$1,000,000 give to students planning to study approved jobs in the skilled professions and Trade industry. Includes electrical, welding, nursing, auto, emergency services, aviation, construction, manufacturing, cosmetology, culinary and more.
JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
COOLIDGE SCHOLARSHIP
A quick refresher: the Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that recipients may use for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2028 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (current high school seniors are not eligible to apply). Winners may use the scholarship to pursue any academic major.
Academic excellence is the primary criterion considered by the Coolidge Scholarship. Secondary criteria include an interest in public policy and an appreciation of the values President Coolidge championed. Successful candidates will also demonstrate humility and have a record of genuine service to their communities. A complete description of the scholarship’s criteria is available here.
The competition for the Coolidge Scholarship is significant -- only a few new Coolidge Scholarships are awarded each year from a pool of candidates that spans the entire country. Even so, students have reported to us in past years that they were glad to have applied even if they didn’t win, because the experience helped prepare them for college applications later on. Furthermore, the Coolidge Foundation invites one hundred of the top Coolidge Scholarship applicants to participate in the Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid summit gathering and a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarship applicants are automatically considered for the Senators Program.
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Most Valuable Student Contest:
The 2027 MVS application is now open. Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The application deadline is November 12, 2026.
The Elks National Foundation awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year. The national awards will be announced in April 2027. The Sherwood Robin Hood Elks Lodge awards 4 scholarships, 2 for boys and 2 for girls. First place is $1200 and second place is $600.
MVS scholarships are for high school seniors who plan to pursue a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university starting in 2027-28. Some important applicant details include:
« Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
« Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
« Male and female students compete separately.
Applicants select from a list of the Lodges closest to their home address zip code. Please have your students choose Sherwood Robin Hood #2342 as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.
Legacy Awards – The Legacy Awards contest opens on September 1, 2026. Legacy Awards provide $6,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 400 national awards. The application deadline is February 1, 2027. Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg for more details and the application link.
An Elks scholarship is more than financial aid; it’s an invitation to a network of service-minded peers and a promise that an Elks Lodge is always there with open arms.
