Applying to College
Applying to College Overview
Refer to this page for answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college – both 4 year and 2 year as well as upcoming events and opportunities.
Ballard HS
Counseling Team
Sonja Petersen
A – Deg (M-Th)
Maya McKenzie
Deh – Kar
Tom Kramer
Kas – Pes
Gail Olson Laing
Pet – Wat
Katie Huguenin
Wau – Z (T, W, Th)
Students & Families
Explore the sections below for details and specifics on each topic for Seniors and their families.
Resources are also available on the Counseling Schoology page.
Students you can also Book an Appointment with your Counselor too.
Check back regularly, as new content is being added.
Counseling Center News
How Financial Aid Works
SVG Error: badpath at wp-content/themes/sps-base-theme/includes/asset-paths : /code/wp-content/uploads/svg/.svgFAFSA & WASFA Information
Federal Student Aid: FASFA Information
Seattle Promise Scholarship Information & How to Apply
SVG Error: badpath at wp-content/themes/sps-base-theme/includes/asset-paths : /code/wp-content/uploads/svg/.svgHow to Apply For Financial Aid
BHS Counseling Center Resources & News
Applying to College Resources for Students
Seattle Promise College for Every Seattle Student
Students must start in September following their June graduation. No gap years allowed.
Free Tuition is Just the Beginning | Seattle Promise brings college education within reach for every Seattle public high school student, no matter your grades or finances. Students accepted to the program can receive up to two years (or 90 credits) of free college tuition at North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, or South Seattle College, as well as personalized support to transition from high school and succeed in college.
The Support You Need To Thrive In College
Focus on your studies without the financial burden of tuition. During your senior year of high school, we’ll help you complete college and financial aid applications, choose your first classes, and help you prepare for college success.
BHS Outreach Specialist | Seattle Promise Scholarship
Jacob Shapiro B.A. (he/him)
Make an Appointment or Drop in BHS Counseling Center on Tuesdays or Reach Out via Email: jacob.shapior@seattleschools.org or Phone or Text: 206-661-1290
Visit the College Visits and Events page OFTEN for current information about ongoing Virtual College Visits and upcoming College Fairs.
If a college is under a test-optional policy , colleges still welcome test scores from students who choose to submit them and consider them a valuable data point and part of the review process if testing is available.
At the same time, they are confident in reviewing a file without a test score and still rendering a fair decision—in other words, students without scores are not disadvantaged. In contrast, if a school is test blind , it means they will not consider standardized testing at all. Even if you send it to them, they will not consider it as a part of your file.
Application Websites
- Common Application | 900 Colleges, 1 Application | Examples: Seattle U, Lewis & Clark, Chapman. The Common Application is a popular college and university application platform. Visit the Common App website for more information.
- Coalition For College Application | Over 100 colleges, 1 Application | Examples: UW Seattle, University of Oregon. The Coalition For College is another popular college and university application platform.
- College Specific | Examples: WSU, CWU, Boise State
- WA State Community & Technical College Application. Visit the WEB Admissions Center for Quick Start Instructions.
What is the Common App? (2:29 min)
Common App Getting Started (4 min)
This gives a brief overview of the Common App.
Common App Comprehensive Help for First Year Students (21 min)
This video is a more comprehensive tutorial on completing the different sections of the Common App with helpful advice and hints for what to include on your application
The My Colleges Tab on the Common App (1:20 min)
This video walks through all the information that is need on the Colleges Tab on the Common App which is the location for ALL the colleges that you are applying.
Submitting Your First Year Application (1:20 min)
This video outlines the 3-step process for completing your application and submitting it.
Follow and view videos on the BHS Counselors YouTube Channel.
How Financial Aid Works
For most students planning to attend college or career school, financial aid is essential. We’ll walk you through how financial aid works, resources to pay for college, and loan repayment options.
- Start Planning Early
- Fill out the FAFSA Form
- Review Your Aid Offer
- Get Your Aid
- Graduate and Start Repayment
Visit the Federal Student Aid site for more detailed information.
Financial Aid Overview
There are many steps students should take to be prepared for college. The Department of College and Career is here to support students as they navigate this process. Read more about College and Career Readiness at Seattle Public Schools.
Completing the FAFSA or WASFA is the first step in accessing college financial aid. It is required for most scholarships, grants, and loans. High school seniors should apply early to get all of the financial aid that they are eligible for.
Federal — The FAFSA is the application that citizens and eligible non-citizens (i.e. permanent resident card/green card, conditional permanent resident, refugee) complete to access financial aid. Apply online for free FAFSA. More information in the Financial Aid Applications tab.
Washington — The WASFA is the application undocumented non-citizens complete to access financial aid. Apply online for free WASFA. More information in the Financial Aid Applications tab.
Seattle Promise Scholarship | Visit the Seattle Promise website for updated information. The program provides financial support and ongoing college and career guidance for students to attend one of three Seattle Colleges. All graduating seniors are encouraged to apply.
What do I need to apply for FAFSA?
- Basic information, such as legal name, birth date, etc.
- Social Security Number(US Citizens) or ARN (non U.S. citizens)
- Parent and student tax returns, W-2’s, and other records of money (Note: you may be able to transfer your federal tax return information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool)
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable) •Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- An FSA ID to sign electronically
What do I need for WASFA
- Basic information, such as legal name, birth date, etc.
- Parent and student income tax returns, W-2’s, and other records of money
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- Your list of colleges (Washington state colleges only)
- Your DACA number or Social Security Number (if you have one)
- Your WASFA log-in information
More Information
- The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step to receiving aid for college and is used by most schools to award financial aid. Many financial aid deadlines are in mid-January so complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Visit FAFSA.gov.
- CSS/Financial Aid Profile is used by some colleges in addition to the FAFSA to determine financial aid which can be offered from sources outside of the federal government. Visit the CSS CollegeBoard site for more information.
- WASFA The Washington Application for State Financial Aid or WASFA is a free application for state financial aid for students who are not eligible for federal aid because of immigration status, including undocumented students. Visit the ReadySetGrad.wa.gov site.
- FAFSA Help – This guide on the Nitro College website will walk you through the why and how of the questions on FAFSA.
- FAFSA Help with Otterbot!
Otterbot is a free texting service designed to help Washington students navigate financial aid. Students can access Otterbot via text message 24 hours a day, seven days a week by texting “Hi Otter” to 360-928-7281. After a student signs up for Otter, they will receive periodic messages with need-to-know financial aid information, resources, suggestions, dates, and deadlines.
When a student gets a text from Otter, they may follow-up with questions by replying directly to the message. Visit the WA Student Achievement Council site for more details.
FAFSA & WASFA Information
Commonly Asked for Resources and Links
- Who’s the Parent for Financial Aid Purposes – English
- Who’s the Parent for Financial Aid Purposes – Spanish
- Financial Aid 101 Video – English
- Financial Aid 101 Video – Spanish
- Updated Financial Aid Deadlines for WA Colleges (Public and Private) (posted soon).
WASFA
Applying for Financial Aid
Seattle students follow many paths upon graduation from high school. For seniors interested in college, completing a FAFSA or WASFA is one of the first steps to receive college financial aid.
The BHS Counselors will be presenting to all Seniors an overview of the College Admissions & Options Resources for 2023-24 in their Language Arts classes at the end of September.
Resource List
- Senior Year College & Post High School Planning
- College Financial Aid Info and Resources
- Senior College Planning Information
* These resources are also posted on the BHS Counselors Schoology page.
- G.P.A. (cumulative grade point average) This is unweighted, 4.0 highest, and is on your transcript.
- Class Rank | This uses a weighted G.P.A. (grade point average) with bonus points for AP, Honors, CIHS classes. Some colleges and universities ask students to submit their class rank as a part of their application process. Ballard High School reports class rank by decile. Decile reporting means that rather than reporting the exact number rank, we report the decile in which a student falls (i.e. Top 10% of the Senior class, top 20%, top 30% etc.). To request your decile rank, email Counseling Secretary, Ms. Bristol at chbristol@seattleschools.org.
Letter of Recommendation from your Counselors
Seniors needing a letter of recommendation from their BHS School Counselor will need to answer questions on the “Student Information Sheet” form & attach a resume or activity log during the beginning of each school year.
Counselor Letters of Recommendation describe the student holistically as a person. Please allow a minimum of 2 school weeks before your first deadline. Letters will not be provided without this form being completed within this time frame.
Complete the online “Student Information Sheet” by logging on with your SPS school email address.
Benefits of Letters of Recommendation From Student’s Teachers
- Helps Admissions Counselors get a complete picture of applicant
- Not all colleges request recommendations (check each schools requirement)
- Teacher Letters of Recommendation describe the student as a learner in the classroom
- Choose a teacher you’ve developed a rapport within a core subject
- If a second is required, ask a teacher in a different subject area–so if you asked an LA or SS teacher then ask a math/science, WL or elective teacher
Official and Unofficial Transcripts
- An Official Transcript is one that is sent through official channels directly from BHS staff to a college or university.
- An Unofficial Transcript is one that can be e-mailed directly to you for your use on your application. For details of how to submit your transcript to each school you are applying to, go to the college admissions website of the school you are applying to find out how they want this information.
Requesting a Transcript Guidelines
- 1. If you need an unofficial transcript, please email Ms. Bristol; chbristol@seattleschools.org to request one.
- If your application is on Common App & Coalition platform, add your School Counselor to your profile on the platform. Your school counselor will send your transcript for you directly through that platform (depending on the school – i.e. UW does not require a transcript).
- If the first two options do not apply, request your transcripts through Naviance. Visit the district Naviance page if you want to know more about Naviance.
Former Students and/or Employees Seeking Graduation Verification
Former Ballard HS Students and/or Employees seeking graduation verification, if it has been more than 2 years since you’ve graduated or withdrew from Ballard High School, please contact Seattle Public Schools Student Recordsonline or via phone 206-252-0139.
Visit the district School Records webpage for additional details and information.
The High School & Beyond Plan is a WA State requirement which helps students set goals and plan for their future including a post high school career/college plan. Seattle Public Schools uses Naviance to support students in creating their High School Graduation Plan.
You can’t graduate without one!
Naviance is the district’s tool for students in grades 6 -12 to explore colleges and career paths, analyze skills and talents with career and personality assessments and help stay on track to reach academic goals.
Naviance is part of the High School and Beyond Plan: A Graduation Requirement.
Visit the district Naviance/High School and Beyond for more information for parents and students.
Graduation Requirements Checklist for Class of 2021 & Beyond | (24 Credits Required to Earn Diploma). Visit the SPS Graduation Requirements page for district updates.
BHS Students What Counts For What?
Students wondering what courses count as CTE Credit or CTE or Science or ART or if Choir counts for PE view the What Counts For What list and find out for sure! If you have any questions at all you can contact your School Counselor too.
Refer to the Ballard HS Assessments Overview for detailed information about the different kinds of testing that occurs for students at Ballard HS.
Please visit SPS Testing and Assessments for updates and news on how assessments are used and their requirements in Seattle Public Schools.
ACT | actstudent.org | SAT | collegboard.org/sat
- Used for college admissions decisions and in awarding merit based scholarships.
- SAT Subject Tests – required by a handful of schools
- Request scores be sent directly from SAT or ACT sites. Send scores as soon as you begin applying to a college. Do not wait!
- Many schools are going test-optional -Check each schools current testing policy!
- Testing Policies -If a college is under a test-optional policy, colleges still welcome test scores from students who choose to submit them and consider them in the review process. If a school is test blind, it means they will not consider standardized testing at all.
Check testing policies on the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
College Admissions Options
Early Decision | Binding? YES | Due? Nov | Commit? Upon Acceptance
Early Action | Binding? NO | Due? Nov | Commit? By 5/1
Regular Decision | Binding? NO | Due? Nov, Dec & Jan | Commit? By 5/1
Rolling | Binding? NO | Due? Varies depending on how quickly spots fill up | Commit? By 5/1
Early Action and Early Decision allow students to apply to their first-choice schools earlier than regular applicants and to receive admissions decisions before regularly admitted students. While the timeline varies, most colleges and universities set November deadlines and send out results as early as mid-December.
An article in the Best Colleges Guide provides details about the differences between early action and early decision so that you can pick the option that best suits your needs.
Study Abroad | Gap Year
Study Abroad
Applying for University Abroad? Here’s some helpful links
- Applying for University Abroad? Here’s How to do it Right
- International Student
- International CollegeBoard
Gap Year
Gap Year Opportunities. A gap year is typically a year break before college during which students engage in various educational & developmental activities such as travel or work.
Visit the Go Overseas site for more information and assistance and refer to the other options listed below as well.
Military
- If you’re thinking of enlisting, start with some research
- It’s a big decision you’ll have important choices to make when you sign up
- As an active duty enlisted member, you’ll learn job specialty and do hands on work. You’ll sign a contract, usually for 4 years.
- The military has 5 branches: Airforce, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, & Navy. Each has it’s own focus, job specialties, base locations and more.
Visit the Todays Military website for more information and help or Join the Military website.
The Essay Basics
- To find out more about you that can’t be seen on any other part of the application
- To see how you utilize critical thought and apply i to a variety of situations
- To get a glimpse of your writing “voice” and how you communicate ideas
- Allows you a voice in the decision process
Essay Tips
- Leave yourself plenty of time
- Research prompts (both main & supplements – if required)
- Ask someone to read it
- Write out potential paths
- Use whatever method fits your personality
- Outline
- Write, read, let it sit, repeat
Essay Examples
Examples of Essays that worked. Visit the Connecticut College and the College Essay Guy as well as the examples of Essays that worked section on John Hopkins University.
Personal Insight Resources, visit the University of California Admissions for details.
Examples of Essays and activity lists at WWU Essay and Activities Tips.
Read more about College Essays.
High School Resumes
- Tips for writing a High School Resume(s)
- Resume Building | Instructions on how to create and build a resume in Naviance.
The Service Learning Hours Requirement is currently 60 hours as part of graduation.
When is the SL Documentation due to earn the Above and Beyond Service Learning Award (240 or more hours). If students (seniors) already have 240 or more hours turned in, they do not need to do anything else in order to receive the award. Forms must be submitted and completed by TBD. Hours beyond the required 60 do not appear on The Source. To keep track of SL hours beyond 60, contact Carol Bristol at: chbristol@seattleschools.org
PE Waivers will be granted for only 1 Semester at a time.
- A student must take other classes to make up for the missing credits to meet the 24 credit requirement.
- A student who is a Teacher / Office Assistant or has “late start” / “early release” cannot receive a “Full Academic Schedule” waiver
- PE Waivers are available to download or on your counselor’s Schoology page.
SPS & BHS Scholarship Resources
Seattle Public School and Ballard High School Scholarship Bulletins | Review the published Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Scholarship Bulletin opportunities as well as the list on Naviance. In addition view the posted Ballard High School (BHS) Scholarship opportunities such as the Golden Beaver Scholarship and others as they become available.
Seattle Promise Program Scholarship
- Seattle Promise is a program offered to all Seattle Public School Graduates who wish to attend one of the local Seattle colleges, North, Central, or South. The program provides the first two years (or up to 90 credits) of tuition, additional financial support for books, transportation, housing, etc. to those with financial need, and personal guidance to succeed in college. All Seattle public high school graduates are eligible regardless of grade point average (GPA), income, or country of birth. Visit the Seattle Promise website for more information.
More Scholarship Resources
- Naviance, log onto your student Naviance account and search for scholarships.
- Fast Web, Free scholarship resource matched to you. Refer to the fastweb website for more details.
- The Washboard is a free, web-based, nonprofit scholarship clearinghouse for Washington students seeking college scholarships. Visit WashBoard.org for more information.
- The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), is an agreement among WICHE’s 16 member states and territories, through which eligible students can choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate. Visit the WUE for more details.
- Formerly the State Need Grant, makes education and training beyond high school affordable.
- Beginning in 2021, more low-and middle-income families now qualify. An eligible student from a family of four making around $64,500 or less per year would receive a full award. Partial grants are available for families making up to the state’s median family income, around $107,000 per year.
- What does it cover? The maximum award amount will cover full tuition at any approved in-state public college or university, including community or technical colleges, or provide a comparable amount toward tuition and other education-related costs at an approved private college or career training program.
- For Dual Credit information refer to the College Credit High School page.
- To learn more visit the WA College Grant website.
- Full list of eligible schools can be found on the State Financial Aid – Participating Institutions page.
Many undergraduate students can cover some or all their college costs with the Washington College Grant (WCG) and Federal Pell Grant (Pell).
To get an estimate, you’ll need to enter information about your family size and income. You can optionally enter the estimated family contribution (EFC) from a current, completed FAFSA or WASFA to estimate awards.
Visit the Financial Aid Calculator site for more details.
Big Future is a college search engine through the CollegeBoard. Students can explore for colleges and universities that fit their interests.
College Like provides free, fast, and helpful information for college searches and the application process.
Arrow College Planning YouTube Channel has videos and topics that may be helpful in your college planning.
Whether transferring to a university, training for a career or getting the basics, Washington state community & technical colleges have classes, programs and majors for you.
Visit the Wa State Community and Technical Colleges website for more information about community and technical colleges and programs of study.
Apprenticeships a system of education & training using a planned, closely supervised combination of hands-on, on-the-job training, and academic classroom-style education.
- Seattle City Light Apprenticeship program– training for a variety of craft positions in the electrical utility industry. Visit the Seattle City Light website for more details.
- ANEW -Offers high-quality, pre-apprenticeship training programs that help individuals obtain careers in construction trades. Visit the ANEW website for more information.
- YEAR UP – One-year training program offers real access to today’s best companies and a proven path to career success. Visit the YearUp site for more details.
- Job Corps – Offers free education and vocational training to young men & women ages 16 to 24. Visit the Job Corps website for more information.
Counseling Center Office
Counseling Secretary
Carol Bristol
206-252-1014
chbristol@seattleschools.org
BHS Student Counselor
Assignment List
Sonja Petersen | Co-Head Counselor
Student List A – Deg (M-Th)
206-252-1106
slpetersen@seattleschools.org
Maya McKenzie | Counselor
Student List Deh – Kar
206-252-1011
sabowman@seattleschools.org
Tom Kramer | Counselor
Student List Kas – Pes
206-252-1102
tkramer@seattleschools.org
Gail Olson Laing | Co-Head Counselor
Student List Pet – Wat
206-252-1103
gsolsonlaing@seattleschools.org
Katie Huguenin | Counselor
Student List Wau – Z (T, W, Th)
206-252-1104
Career Connected Learning Coordinator:
Mr. Martin; brmartin@seattleschools.org at 206-252-1122
Counseling Center Contacts
School Psychologist
Melissa Hoang
206-252-1108
mnhoang@seattleschools.org
BHS Nurse
Beth Guynes
Office: 206-252-1007
Confidential Fax: 206-743-3106
eaguynes@seattleschools.org
BHS Teen Health Center
Teen Health Center Info 206-390-3355
Testing Coordinator
Katie Huguenin (AP, PSAT & SAT)
206-252-1104
kwhuguenin@seattleschools.org
Testing Coordinator
Eric Enign (State Testing)
206-252-1076
erensign@seattleschools.org
Service Learning
Carol Bristol | 206-252-1014
chbristol@seattleschools.org
Registrar
Erin Hayes
206-252-1011
emhayes@seattleschools.org
Fiscal Specialist
Jana Pitman | 206-252-1075
jrpitman@seattleschools.org
Follow Us!
Subscribe to the Counselors YouTube Channel: bhsschoolcounselors and follow on Instagram @bhsschoolcounselors
Can’t Find What You Are Looking For?
Email me with tips on information you would like located here or better ways to support your searches on the Ballard HS website. Diane Taylor at dmtaylor@seattleschools.org Thank you!