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.
Summer Checklist for Rising Seniors
Your senior year will be here before you know it! Use your summer to take small steps that will make the fall less stressful and help you feel confident about your plans after high school.
College Planning
Create or update your resume with activities, leadership, work experience, and volunteer hours.
Build a list of colleges you're interested in.
Visit college campuses in person or take virtual tours.
Research admission requirements and application deadlines.
Start brainstorming or writing your college application essay.
Request letters of recommendation early if you know you'll need them.
Career Exploration
Research careers that interest you.
Complete a job shadow or informational interview with someone in a career you're considering.
Look for summer jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities.
Update your LinkedIn profile (if you have one).
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Search for scholarships and begin applying for those with summer deadlines.
Create a scholarship tracker to keep organized.
Talk with your family about college costs and financial planning.
Learn about the FAFSA and state financial aid programs.
Testing
Decide whether you'll take or retake the SAT or ACT (if required by the colleges you're considering).
Prepare for testing using free online resources.
Register early for fall test dates if needed.
Get Organized
Create a calendar with important senior-year deadlines.
Organize your digital files and important documents.
Make sure you know how to access your school email and student accounts.
Build Your Experiences
Volunteer in your community.
Participate in summer programs, camps, or workshops.
Continue activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
Read books or articles related to your future career interests.
For Students Planning to Work, Join the Military, or Enter a Trade
Update your resume.
Research apprenticeship and training programs.
Explore certification opportunities.
Meet with recruiters or employers if applicable.
Practice interviewing skills.
Take Care of Yourself
Get plenty of rest and enjoy your summer.
Spend time with family and friends.
Set a few goals for your senior year.
Remember that you don't need to have everything figured out—just keep taking the next step.
Small steps this summer can make a big difference during your senior year. You've got this!
COMMON APP TIPS (IF COLLEGE IS PART OF YOUR POST HIGH SCHOOL PLAN)
The Common App for the Class of 2027 officially opens and refreshes for the new application cycle on August 1, 2026.
While you cannot officially submit applications until this date, you can get a head start by creating an account and filling out basic profile, family, and educational information.
What to do before August 1:
Create an Account: You can register now and fill out the general information under the Common App tab, which will roll over to the new application year.
Draft Your Essay: The essay prompts are available in advance, so you can start writing your personal statement in a separate document.
Hold Off on Specifics: Do not fill out college-specific questions or invite recommenders yet, as this data typically does not roll over and will be wiped when the system resets
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.
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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
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GOING TO COLLEGE FALL 2027?
FAFSA WILL BE OPEN IN OCTOBER 2027!
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
