College and Career Planning

College & Career Planning

Whether you plan to attend a 4-year university, a 2-year community college or head straight to the work field, it always helps to have a planned path that is well prayed over, asking God to lead you in His plans for your life.

Here are general steps that you should take toward your goals:

Pray. God wants us to pray over the things that matter to us. He will lead our paths.
Study and try hard in classes. Ask teachers for help. Create a study group. Find online resources such as videos or flashcards to help you understand.
Be active in the community. Colleges and future bosses like this!
Work on your Christ-like behavior. It will take you a long way in life!
Work towards your goals. Set baby steps to get there and don’t forget about them!

Things to Accomplish by Year

Freshmen

Sophomores

Take classes that fit the Hathaway/CCS Requirement Chart (Bible, Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies & Electives)
Visit colleges that you have interest in.
Volunteer, play sports and hone your interests. Keep track of what you do outside of school - Colleges want kids that show their personality through community involvement.

Juniors

Take classes that fit the Hathaway/CCS Requirement Chart (Bible, Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies & Electives)
Take the ACT Test - On your own via ACT.org. 2023-2024 dates are below. Sign up at ACT.org and take the test at Casper College. It is recommended to take the February or April test to get the most time out of your junior year. That leaves time for a retake for a Superscore if desired.
Possibly take ACT again for an ACT Superscores - Your superscore is the average of your best scores from each subject from multiple test attempts.
Begin researching and filling out scholarships. Good resources include scholarship.org or find local scholarships on the Kelly Walsh High School page, https://kellywalsh.org/resources/scholarship.pdf
Visit colleges that you have interest in. Attend their school visitations in the summer.
Volunteer, play sports and hone your interests. Keep track of what you do outside of school - Colleges want kids that show their personality through community involvement.
When registering for next year classes, verify that you take all classes necessary.

Seniors

Take classes that fulfill your Hathaway/CCS Requirement Chart (Bible, Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies & Electives). Verify that you take all classes necessary.
Research the college you wish to attend. Check their Admission policies. Determine what Standardized test scores are needed to attend that college (ACT, SAT?).
Retake the ACT early in the year if you plan to do so.
By December 1st: Apply for the college you want to attend.
By December 1st: Apply for scholarships at the college you want to attend.
Begin researching and filling out scholarships. Good resources include scholarship.org or find local scholarships on the Kelly Walsh High School page, https://kellywalsh.org/resources/scholarship.pdf
For NCAA Sports, fill out the following form: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
Just after October 1st, fill out your Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This is a needs based government program that gives grants and loans for college.
Volunteer, play sports and hone your interests. Keep track of what you do outside of school - Colleges want kids that show their personality through community involvement.
Attend New Student Days at your chosen college to see the dorms, meet staff and make sure it is right for you.