College And Career Center

Welcome to the Stillwater Area High School College and Career Center

Our mission is to offer SAHS students access to the many resources available for college and career planning. Here, students can find information about our College Visits, Essay Writing and 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 Representative: Please use RepVisits to schedule college visits.

Contact

Alison Brodersen-Schroder
Room E101
schroedera@stillwaterschools.org
651-351-8012

Post-Secondary Planning Checklists

Junior Checklist

Senior Checklist

Paying for College Night

This past year has resulted in some of the most significant changes to the college planning process in decades.

Admission trends have changed how colleges admit students
There are substantial changes to the FAFSA and college financial aid
Schools have gone ACT/SAT optional, but not necessarily when they award scholarships.

Join your Stillwater High School College and Career Center as we partner with national college expert, Cozy Wittman of College Inside Track, to learn how these changes may impact your family and new strategies to consider to give your student the best opportunity to be admitted and maximize scholarships and financial aid.

If you are the parent of a high school student in grades 9-11, this is incredibly important info you will not want to miss.

Seats are limited. Register HERE to reserve your seat today.

WHEN: November 16 at 7:00p.m. WHERE: SAHS Main Forum (D206)

calendar of college/university representative visits

calendar of college/university representative visits

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September 2023

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Sun, Aug 27

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Fri, Sep 8

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Mon, Sep 11

Tue, Sep 12

Wed, Sep 13

Thu, Sep 14

St. Olaf College

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

College and Career Center

Fri, Sep 15

Sat, Sep 16

Sun, Sep 17

Mon, Sep 18

SouthWest Minnesota State University

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

College and Career Center

Tue, Sep 19

Wed, Sep 20

University of Wisconsin-Superior

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

College and Career Center

Thu, Sep 21

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

College and Career Center

Bentley University (MA)

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

College and Career Center

Fri, Sep 22

Sat, Sep 23

Sun, Sep 24

Mon, Sep 25

Subscribe to Alerts UW-Stout

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

College and Career Center

Subscribe to Alerts University of Minnesota-Duluth

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

College and Career Center

Subscribe to Alerts Academic Awards Ceremony

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Tue, Sep 26

Wed, Sep 27

Thu, Sep 28

Subscribe to Alerts University of Vermont

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Virtual Visit in the College and Career Center

Fri, Sep 29

Sat, Sep 30

Visit our High School Roadmap

Need help registering for classes? Not sure how to apply for scholarships or even when applications or due? The roadmap is designed to help you find the answers to all of your school-related questions. Or just reach out to our staff in the counseling center. We're here for you!

Exploring Colleges

Finding the Right Fit

The beginning stages of exploring postsecondary 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 narrow your options and find the best fit:

Admission Chances - what are my chances of acceptance?
Location - Do I want to attend in state or nearby?
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

Steps To Apply To College

College Application Process

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: Fill out the application

Colleges and universities prefer that students apply online. Go to the college’s website to complete and submit your application.

Step Two: Counselor Section or School Report

In most cases these will be sent to your counselor electronically. You shouldn't need to print out the counselor section (sometimes referred to as the school report). The counselor will complete the form and send it directly to the college or university. Please follow up with your counselor to ensure this has been completed.

Step Three: Request letters of recommendation if necessary

Check to see if you need to submit letters of recommendation (this is not necessary in all cases - the application will indicate if this is required). If a school requires two letters, you should send no more than two.

Fill out a Request for Recommendation Form found HERE. You will be asked if you would like to make a copy of the Request for Recommendation outline. Click "Make Copy" and complete the form.
Once you have completed the Recommendation Form, be sure to rename it to "Your Name - Request for Letter of Recommendation".
You may then 'share' your completed form with anyone of your choosing; We recommend giving only "view" rights to those you send this to.
Give your teacher a stamped envelope addressed to the college. Some recommendations can be submitted electronically and do not require an envelope (for example - The Common Application).
Let your teacher know when you need the letter sent. Teachers and counselors require at least two weeks notice.
The teacher will send the letter directly to the college or university.

Step Four: Transcripts/Test Scores

Current SAHS students should use Parchment to request transcripts by clicking on this link: www.parchment.com.

Your transcript does NOT include testing scores. Contact http://www.actstudent.org/ orhttp://www.collegeboard.com/ directly to have your ACT or SAT scores sent to the school of your choice.

The Common Application

University of WI System

University of MN System

MN Private School System

MN State University System

Request For Recommendation

Free Application Opportunities

Use The Common App

Learn about how to apply to college using 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!

Financial Aid

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.

Start Here

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.

Start Here

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 will 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.

Start Here

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.

Start Here

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SAHS Community Scholarship Program

Community Scholarships

Community Scholarships application window opens Wednesday, Dec. 14

Did you know that Stillwater Area High School seniors are eligible for more than half a million dollars in community scholarships? Various organizations, individuals and businesses designate scholarship money every year specifically for SAHS seniors.

The window for seniors to apply is from December 14, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. through February 17, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Instructions can be found online.

Want to learn more?

Community Scholarship Informational Meeting
Wednesday December 14, 2022
7:00-7:30 a.m. in the auditorium
or
1:18-2:10 p.m. (office hours) in the College and Career Center

You must sign up online for the Office Hours session.

Need help filling out your scholarship applications?

Scholarship Application Workshop
February 8, 2023
Office Hours (1:18-2:10 p.m.)
College and Career Center

You must sign up online for the workshop sessions.

For additional help, Alison Schroeder in the College and Career Center will be available by appointment during BLAST week (Feb 13 - Feb 16).

Sign up for a calendar spot.

All Other Scholarships

General Scholarship Websites

Military

Did you know we have college and military reps that come to our school? College/Military admission reps visit Stillwater Area High School, so they can meet with YOU in small groups and help you decide if their college/military is a good fit for you. Are you wondering why should I meet with them? Why is it important to get to know the rep? The answer to those questions and more are here.

MN Army National Guard

Admission Rep:
Nicholas Evgen

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

Admission Rep:
Giovanna Macias
651-370-3098

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

Admission Rep:
Eric Smith
612-450-5678

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

Admission Rep:
Sgt Beckman (Ross)
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

Admission Rep:
Michael Vasquez
651-470-9351

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.

Career/Job Opportunities

Direct Care Assistant (16-17 year olds) ACR Homes

Direct Care Assistant (age 16-17)

$14-16/hour

Suburban Twin Cities

Pinch 'n Rub is hiring a TEAM MEMBER

Pinch 'n Rub spice & tea shop

$13.50/hour

Downtown Stillwater

State Fair Employment-The Perfect Pickle

State Fair Employment

The Perfect Pickle

Welcome to the Stillwater Area High School College and Career Center

Contact

Post-Secondary Planning Checklists

Paying for College Night

calendar of college/university representative visits

SAHS College and Career Center Instagram Feed