College And Career Center
With a mission to offer SAHS students access to all available resources for college and career planning, the College and Career Center helps students prepare for the future while at Stillwater Area High School.
Students can find information on college visits, essay writing, FAFSA assistance, scholarship opportunities, summer enrichment programs, local job postings, military programs and outside affiliated programs such as college possible, work-based learning and Genesys works.
College Representatives: Please use RepVisits to schedule college visits
Students: Sign up for Daily College Visits in SchooLinks (From menu: School, Events)
calendar of college/university representative visits
May 2025
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- College and Career Center (CCC)
Contact
Alison Brodersen-Schroeder
Room E101
schroedera@stillwaterschools.org
651-351-8012
- Exploring Colleges
- Applying To College
- Paying for College
- SAHS Community Scholarship Program
- Military
Exploring Colleges
Finding the Right Fit
The beginning stages of exploring post-secondary options can be overwhelming. Many students focus on gaining admission to the “best” college possible and that definition varies by student. One may come to find that the definition of “best college” does not reflect the best fit for each students’ various needs, strengths and interests.
Ways to find the best fit are to consider:
- Admission Chances: What are my chances of acceptance?
- Location: Do I want to attend in-state or nearby?
- Size: How many undergraduate students attend this University? How big is the campus?
- Cost: What can I and/or my family reasonably afford?
- The sticker price does not reflect how much students will pay after financial aid and scholarships. Also, tuition price does not include room and board, books and supplies.
- Academic Programs: Do they offer programs that cater to my strengths, interests or intended career path?
- Extracurricular Activities: Do they offer activities that fulfill my interests?
- Social Life: Do they offer activities and spaces to make and hang out with friends?
- Support: How much guidance and support is provided so that I can succeed?
Applying To College
Students should plan to apply EARLY in the school year. Students and families are ultimately responsible for checking with each college to make sure their application file is complete.
Step One: Log into SchooLinks
Step Two: Search or add colleges and universities through the CommonApp
With SchooLinks and CommonApp, students have access to apply to numerous schools through one portal, upload their transcripts, send letter of recommendation requests and more. Make sure these two accounts are linked for a seamless application process.
Step Three: Fill out the application
Colleges and universities prefer that students apply online. Complete this through SchooLinks once the college or university is added from CommonApp.
Step Four: Add Letters of Recommendation
Adding contact information for letters of recommendation only shows up in an application when they are required. After contacts are added, SchooLinks automatically emails the request for a letter of recommendation when the application is submitted. For applications where letters of recommendation are not required, students can opt to include them or a teacher evaluation.
Let teachers or counselors know when a letter is needed - they require at least two weeks notice and will send the letter directly to the college or university through SchooLinks.
Step Four: Transcripts/Test Scores
Once a college application is submitted, SchooLinks automatically sends an official transcript to the college or university. Official transcripts do NOT include test scores. Contact http://www.actstudent.org/ orhttp://www.collegeboard.com/ directly to have ACT or SAT scores sent to the school of choice.
Student that graduated prior to 2025 should use Parchment to request transcripts by clicking on this link: www.parchment.com.
Use The Common App
Did you know that you could apply for 900 colleges by simply filling out the Common Application? Here's a step-by-step guide to successfully complete the Common Application.
Step 1: Gather your materials. There are a few items you'll need to submit with your application:
- Your high school transcript
- A list of your activities, work experiences, and family responsibilities
- Test scores and dates from your college entrance exams (some schools are test-optional--check with your specific school)
- Parent/guardian legal information
- Academic honors/achievements
Step 2: Create an account. Visit the Common App website and create an account. There is a box to check "First Year Students". Make sure to have your registration information handy: full legal name, address, phone number and date of birth. The sign up is easy and free!
Step 3: Browse and add college. There are over 900 colleges that accept the Common App; just add the colleges you are interested in applying to. You can see your full list by clicking on your dashboard.
Step 4: Talk to your supporters and request school forms. All colleges and universities require some official documents like transcripts, letters of recommendations. You can invite counselors, teachers, parents, advisors, and coaches to submit materials on your behalf!
Step 5: Understand the requirements. All colleges will ask you to complete the common questions and add your counselor. Beyond that, there are some additional criteria that will vary by college:
- Deadlines
- Application Fees
- Personal Essay
- Courses & Grades
- Test Policy
- Portfolio
- Writing Supplements
- Recommendations
Step 6: Write your essays. Most colleges will require you to plan, draft, and write a polished personal essay. Some college will have more than 1 question or writing supplements. Give yourself enough time to craft something you are proud of before you submit!
Step 7: Submit your application. This easy three-step process includes reviewing your application, paying a fee (this might differ depending on your college), and submitting your application!
Paying for College
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the college financial aid process. This is a required form for any student seeking federal aid. Many colleges require students receiving scholarship funds to complete a FAFSA. Additionally, some families complete a FAFSA in order to get access to unsubsidized federal loan funds that are not income dependent.
For a preview of the 2025-26 student FAFSA application process, click HERE (created by fafsa.gov for students and families)
Use this CHECKLIST to organize information before beginning FAFSA.
Use THIS ESTIMATOR to find out how much a student may qualify for.
FAFSA.gov
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
The Midwest Student Exchange Program enables residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska to enroll in designated institutions and programs at reduced tuition levels outside of their home state. Some schools in the province of Manitoba also participate. The Midwest Student Exchange Program is an interstate initiative established by the Midwestern Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to increase educational opportunities for students in its member states. This program enables residents at reduced tuition (150% of resident tuition) levels. The basic core college prep courses apply for many of these schools' requirements.
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is the College Board’s financial aid application that about 260 mostly private colleges and universities, use for their undergraduate admissions. In addition to filing the FAFSA, the CSS Profile application is required for participating schools.
All PROFILE schools use the FAFSA to determine which of their applicants qualify for federal and/or state financial aid. Most public and private colleges and universities also rely upon the FAFSA to determine who is eligible for the institutions’ own need-based financial aid. The PROFILE schools, however, want to dig deeper than the FAFSA allows when assessing who qualifies for money from their own institution.
Reciprocity Institutions
Minnesota residents may attend public institutions in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba and pay tuition at a rate lower than non-resident or, in some cases, comparable to resident rates. For more information, visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education's reciprocity website.
2024 FAFSA Night Presentation
University of St. Thomas Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Neil Leibundguth shared this information night on Oct. 23, 2024.
Paying for College Night
Cozy Whitman with College Inside Track, which is an outside organization that helps families navigate the college process, shared on Oct. 10, 2024.
SAHS Community Scholarship Program
What are Community Scholarships?
Stillwater Area High School seniors are eligible for more than $250,000 in local scholarships! Each year, various organizations, individuals, and businesses designate scholarship money specifically for SAHS senior students.
The window for seniors to apply is from Dec. 11, 2024 at 3 p.m. through Feb. 14, 2025 at midnight.
Want to learn more?
Informational meetings are held on Dec. 11, 2024 in the Main Forum Room (D205) at 7:40 - 8:30 a.m. (office hours) and 2:15 - 3 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend with their students. Parents who plan to attend must check in with the main office with a valid state ID.
2025 SAHS/ALC Community Scholarship Information Session
Watch Video - English
Spanish Presentation
Workshop Wednesdays
The College and Career Center is offering Community Scholarship workshop sessions every Wednesday during office hours for students that need application help, or just want a quiet, dedicated workspace to complete their applications.
Dec. 18, 2024
Jan. 8, 2025
Jan. 15, 2025
Jan. 22, 2025
Jan. 29, 2025
Feb. 5, 2025
Students sign up for workshops in SchooLinks - School - Events. Students must be in good academic standing and not requested by any of their teachers to be eligible to attend these scholarship workshops.
Student Resources
2025 Community Scholarship list
Find a comprehensive list of Community Scholarships offered to the 2025 Senior Class.
Community scholarship handbook
This is a complete instruction manual for applying to Community Scholarships.
General Scholarship Websites
SAHS regularly lists other local and vetted scholarship opportunities on SchooLinks. Students can find this by selecting Finances from the SchooLinks Menu.
Giving
Create a Scholarship
Those who are interested in offering a scholarship to Stillwater Area High School seniors can choose the award amount, the scholarship description, and any requirements in addition to basic application requirements. Community Scholarship basic requirements include a completed application form, an unofficial transcript that includes the first semester of grades for senior year, and a personal statement using one of the assigned essay prompts. Select recipients from the pool of applications or have an SAHS staff member assist in the process.
New scholarships must be approved before Nov. 1 to be included for that academic year.
Those that offer scholarships are invited to the annual awards ceremony to meet with recipients and celebrate together. The awards ceremony is traditionally held in May.
Those interested in offering a scholarship to Stillwater students should contact schroedera@stillwaterschools.org.
Military
Both college and military reps that come to Stillwater Area High School on a regular basis. College/Military admission reps visit so they can meet with students in small groups and help decide if their college/military is a good fit.
Wondering about the benefits of these visits? The answer to this question and more is HERE!
MN Army National Guard
Recruiting Rep:
SSgt Ross Quigley
651-435-0459
The Minnesota National Guard is under state jurisdiction and can be used by the governor to assist the state during disasters and other state emergencies. In times of war, Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen can be called into federal active service with the president of the United States as commander in chief.
Navy
Recruiting Rep:
SSgt Mitchell Stevens
651-238-6984
Whether you’re entering the Air Force as an enlisted Airman or an officer, there are a lot of factors that will shape your journey, including your unique background, current situation and goals for the future. We’ll help you determine the best path for you and figure out what steps you need to take to get your Air Force career started.
Active Duty Army & MN Army Reserve
Recruiting Rep:
SSG Michael Stanton Jr.
612-249-4693
As the largest United States military branch, we defend our nation's freedom and safety as well as provide stability during challenging times. This has been focus since 1775 when the Army's fight for independence began. Whatever your goals and passions are - there's an opportunity waiting. Both locally and globally, you'll be able to find your fit with the Army and make a difference in the world.
Air Force
Recruiting Rep:
Tsgt Ross Beckman
612-297-3134
Whether you’re entering the Air Force as an enlisted Airman or an officer, there are a lot of factors that will shape your journey, including your unique background, current situation and goals for the future. We’ll help you determine the best path for you and figure out what steps you need to take to get your Air Force career started.
US Marines
Recruiting Rep:
SSgt Cesar Reyes
651-755-7297
There are few reputations more storied and none more deserving than that of Marine Corps Recruit Training. The difficulties this process presents to every recruit are as deliberate as they are legendary, as physical, mental and moral toughness are prerequisites to fight among our ranks. During these 13 weeks of intense battles, it is not enough to simply endure, you must prevail. Pushing through surrender’s pull. Pulling together to prevent all from falling apart. Tapping into the purpose that brought you here, to win for the Nation you fight for.