Post-Secondary Planning

The Career & College Readiness Center is open and ready to serve students at Richfield High School! The CCR Center provides students with ready access to postsecondary resources and support. Here, students can find information about jobs, scholarships and college fairs, as well as attend college and military rep. visits, sign up for WIN sessions and meet with the CCR coordinator for postsecondary planning, including FAFSA and college application assistance. Students are encouraged to visit the CCR Center and can schedule a meeting with the CCR coordinator.

Upward Bound and College Possible are both postsecondary support programs hosted at RHS. Information for these programs, along with other opportunities, are available from our counselors and CCR coordinator. We encourage our students to learn more about ways in which they can receive extra support as they prepare for postsecondary success.

Annual paid internships are available for qualified and selected RHS students through Genesys Works and BrandLab, and other internships also arise periodically. Our CCR coordinator and counselors are available to advise interested students of these and other relevant opportunities.

Naviance is a web-based tool that all students use for learning about and planning for careers and college. Naviance curriculum is embedded into CCR lessons from grades 6-12. Our counselors and our CCR coordinator will support you with accessing and using this tool. In addition, you can schedule a visit with your counselor or the CCR coordinator at any time to discuss your plans. 

Follow these steps to access Naviance:

1. Log into your student portal
2. Select the "Clever" icon
3. Click "log in with Google"
4. Choose your school email account
5. Click the "Naviance" icon

Once there, you can: 

1. Sign up for college rep visits from calendar on homepage
2. Explore careers and colleges from tabs on top of homepage
3. Access curriculum from purple box at bottom of homepage

College is not limited to only four-year institutions. Consider college to be any accredited postsecondary education or training that will lead you to a career (not just a job). That may be a certificate or license, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. The only “right” pathway is the one that fits you best.

Deciding on your Pathway:

• It is crucial that you carefully choose what is right for you, as one size does not fit all. Some important things to consider are how long it takes to attain postsecondary certification, location and size of the institution, housing options, social life, admission policy, cost and program availability. Most importantly, however, you should choose a school that feels like a good fit. There are many resources to help you make this decision, including talking with college representatives at Richfield High School, conducting campus visits and completing the “Super Match” survey under the colleges tab in Naviance to help determine your best fit. 

College Representatives

• Over 100 public and private educational institutions send representatives to the CCR Center at RHS to visit with interested students during the school year. This includes two-year and four-year colleges, universities and technical schools, as well as military representatives. Juniors and seniors are invited to sign up through Naviance to meet with the representatives during the school day. This is one of the ways you can obtain preliminary information about a college before scheduling a campus visit. College representative visits are posted on the Career & College Readiness ParentSquare group.

Campus Visits

• The best way to determine if you will "fit in" at a school is to make a campus visit. You are encouraged to schedule an official visit through the college’s admissions office, during which you will be given the opportunity to tour the campus, sit in on classes and visit with current students and/or professors. If possible, it is most beneficial to visit a campus when classes are in session to get a feel for true student life. We suggest that you use days off during the October MEA break or staff development days throughout the school year to set up your visits (as opposed to missing school).

College Admissions

• Admission to a postsecondary institution varies from school to school. Technical schools generally require that students have earned a high school diploma, and suggest that they have completed classes in areas to which they are applying. Two-year public colleges (often referred to as community colleges) generally require that students have a high school diploma, and suggest that they have completed a college preparatory curriculum. Four-year public colleges and universities generally require students to be in the upper 50th percentile of their class and/or earn a minimum 21 ACT score, in addition to completing a college-preparatory curriculum. Requirements for the University of Minnesota system and for private school admission vary greatly and we suggest that you speak with your counselor or to the college for more information. 

Student Athlete Information

• For students who are interested in participating in a collegiate sport at Division I or II level, it is important for you to complete the necessary paperwork through the NCAA. Please visit the NCAA website for more information.

Once you have made some college decisions, it is time to apply. We suggest that you pay close attention to due dates and that you thoroughly prepare your applications, allowing sufficient time to gather all of your materials in order to meet the college’s application deadlines. 

1. Log on to the college's website and go to the admissions page. Most colleges will have a button that says "Apply Now." Once you have completed each step, review the application before submitting it. If you need to quit and come back before submitting, make sure you save your information. When applying online, application fees must be paid with a credit card.
2. Request letters of recommendation (if needed).
3. Communicate with your counselor to finalize your transcript submission. NOTE: If you do not complete this step, your application file will remain incomplete at the college.

Financial Aid is a broad term for money to help pay for college or technical school. It includes grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. While financial aid is a critical piece of paying for education, you and your family should invest time in the college search process to create a list of colleges and universities for which you are a great fit. It is important that at least one of the schools is a “financial safety” school, or a school where you can afford to attend with little to no financial aid.

You are encouraged to speak with admission officers about how merit aid is distributed within the institution, and tools to assist families in understanding what sort of financial aid they could expect. Further, any institution that distributes federal monies is required by federal law to provide students with a “Net Price Calculator,” a tool that provides an institution-specific financial aid estimate.

Required by many colleges, universities and scholarship committees, letters of recommendation allow readers to develop a deeper, fuller understanding of the applicant. There are different types of letters of recommendation that serve different purposes:

Academic/Teacher Letter of Recommendation 

Typically written by core subject teachers from your junior or senior year, academic letters of recommendation describe you in the context of the classroom. They discuss your intellectual curiosity, student leadership, engagement, group work and response to challenges. 

Counselor Letter of Recommendation

The role of the counselor letter of recommendation is to describe you in context of the entire school and larger community. In addition to assisting readers in understanding what a “typical” student at the school looks like and how you compare, counselors can describe trends on your transcript, extra-curricular and familial obligations and special circumstances. 

Employer, Coach or Religious Leader Letter of Recommendation

You may consider including additional letters of recommendation if you feel that your application is lacking an important piece of information. In this case, you may consider getting a letter of recommendation from an employer, coach or religious leader. These letters of recommendation should be considered as supplemental and DO NOT replace a teacher or counselor letter of recommendation. You should speak with your counselor about how and when to use this option. 

Asking for Letters of Recommendation

Prior to asking for a letter, it is important that you know how many letters you will need, the type of letters required and the application deadline. With this information you are ready to request a letter of recommendation. Follow this process when you ask:

RHS/RCEP Teachers

• When to ask: One month prior to the earliest deadline where a letter is required.
• How to ask:
  • Ask in person.
  • Request via Naviance (see instructions below).
  • Send a follow-up reminder one week before the deadline.
  • Send a thank you note after completed.
• What to provide: Complete “Request for Recommendation” survey on Naviance
• How is the letter to be sent to the college? The letter will be loaded on Naviance and sent electronically.
• Do you get a copy? Most recommenders will not share their letter with the student.
• Once you have spoken with your teacher, you will need to submit an electronic request via Naviance. See below for information on how to do so.

PSEO Teachers

• When to ask: One month prior to the earliest deadline where a letter is required.
• How to ask:
  • Ask in person, if possible.
  • Request via email, including the college's guidance on what information is needed.
  • Send a follow-up reminder one week before the deadline.
  • Send a thank you note after completed.
• What to provide: Provide details about the information requested by the college. If no guidance is provided, take a moment to let them know what you really liked about their course, the most challenging parts, etc. 
• How is the letter to be sent to the college? You should provide the teacher with the email address of the admission officer or office.
• Do you get a copy? Most recommenders will not share their letter with the student.

Employer, Coach, or Religious Leader

• When to ask: One month prior to the earliest deadline where a letter is required.
• How to ask:
  • Ask in person, if possible.
  • Request via email, including the college's guidance on what information is needed.
  • Send a follow-up reminder one week before the deadline.
  • Send a thank you note after completed.
• What to provide: Let them know what you are hoping they will highlight for you. 
• How is the letter to be sent to the college? You should provide them with the email address of the admission officer or office.
• Do you get a copy? Most recommenders will not share their letter with the student.

How to Request a Teacher Letter of Recommendation Through Naviance

1. Complete Request for Recommendation survey.
   • This survey is used by your counselor and teachers when writing you a letter of recommendation. Thoroughly completing this survey is strongly recommended. 
   • Click on “About Me” in the right top corner of the screen and select “My Surveys."  If you have never started a Request for Recommendation survey you will find it under “Surveys Not Started”. Otherwise you can return to it under “Surveys in Progress." 
   • Many teachers find the background information you provide in this survey to be extremely helpful to them as they write your letter.
2. Request teacher on Naviance. 
   • Under “Colleges,” click on “Colleges Home," then click on “Letters of Recommendation” and then click on “Add Request.” 
   • The teacher will get an email within 24 hours notifying them of your request. Remember, requests for letters of recommendation should be made one month prior to the due date.

What do colleges look for in the essay?

• Creativity: Innovation, imagination
• Intellectual orientation: Enthusiasm for learning
• Exceptional recognition: Prestigious or unusual honors, awards, citations
• Hardship: Economic, educational, physical, familial; degree of hardship and ability to overcome it
• Initiative/motivation: Going far beyond normal expectations in academics and/or extracurricular activities
• Leadership: Guiding, directing, taking responsibility and following through
• Persistence: Tenacity
• Special spark: Extraordinary attribute(s) not described elsewhere on the list (could be unusual insight or maturity)
• Substantial experience with other racial/cultural groups: Experience in or with another culture, resulting in distinguishable personal growth or insight
• Rare talents: Uncommon ability in the arts, sports, and academics

Visit your counselor for additional tips on writing your essay, including how to select an essay question if completing the Common App.

The ACT is the college entrance exam most commonly taken by college-bound students, although many colleges now consider the ACT optional, due to the pandemic. If you are considering an application to a four-year college, military academy or ROTC, you may opt to take the ACT in the spring of your junior year with the option to test a second time in the fall of your senior year. There are scholarships that do require the ACT, so that is a consideration in deciding whether or not to take the ACT.

Richfield High School is a test site for the October and June test dates, which makes it extra convenient! To register for the ACT, you can pick up a packet in the counseling office or register on the ACT website.

Note that the ACT has an optional writing test that is being required for admission to some colleges and universities. You should decide whether to take the writing test based on the requirements of the institutions to which you are applying.

Some Richfield students planning to apply to colleges outside of the Midwest choose to take the SAT in addition to the ACT. The SAT is also now considered optional by many colleges, due to the pandemic. You should check with individual colleges to determine their preferred admissions test. Richfield High School is not a test site for the SAT. Visit the College Board website for details regarding test dates, test sites and registration.

The PSAT (also known as the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), must be taken by junior students wishing to be candidates for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Other reasons for taking the PSAT include:

• Assess verbal and mathematical skills
• Find out what the SAT is like
• Gain test-taking experience
• Participate in the Student Search Service (receive information from colleges and government-sponsored scholarship programs)
• Qualify for scholarship recognition and enrichment programs

Academically-able students in the top 10-15% of their class are strongly encouraged to take this test. The PSAT will be given in mid-October. Students planning to take the PSAT need to sign up in the counseling office in advance.

The Accuplacer Course Readiness Assessment is used to assist you with the selection of appropriate courses to help assure your academic success. Course readiness assessment tests, like the Accuplacer, are not timed tests and they provide immediate results that predict college readiness.
 
Many community colleges use the Accuplacer. It consists of three multiple choice tests that measure skill levels in reading, writing and mathematics. You will use the keyboard or the mouse to answer the questions. You will receive instructions on the computer and practice questions when you start. Questions are presented one at a time and each assessment has no more than 20 questions. You should allow at least three hours if taking all three assessments. A current government-issued photo I.D. is required for testing (a high school I.D. is not accepted).

You will receive a printed copy of you scores upon completion of the assessments. There is no pass or fail. The scores will recommend the first course you should register for in English composition, reading and mathematics. If you demonstrate readiness for college-level coursework, the course number will be above 1000. If you require preparatory coursework, the course number will be below 1000. Only the mathematic assessment will allow you to demonstrate readiness beyond entry-level college coursework.

Learn more about the Accuplacer and how to prepare by visiting the College Board website.

It's always a good idea to prepare for college entrance exams!

Books and computer software are available to be checked out from the counseling office and the library. For ACT prep we recommend utilizing sample tests online. You can reach out to your counselor for tips on the best websites for practice tests and test prep.

Financial aid is intended to fill the gap between the actual price of postsecondary education and what you and your family can realistically contribute from savings and income to pay for this education. Financial aid comes in three forms: grants, loans and work-study.

• Grants are a form of financial aid, based on need, which you do not have to repay.
• Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid, with interest. Education loans come in three major categories:
  • Student loans (e.g., Stafford and Perkins loans). 
  • Parent loans (e.g., PLUS loans) 
  • Private education loans (also called alternative loans).
  • The fourth type of education loan, the consolidation loan, allows the borrower to lump all of their loans into one loan for simplified payment.
• Work-study programs are jobs offered through the college to help you earn money to pay for your education. The school's financial aid office will determine how many hours you are eligible to work according to your financial need and class load. Common work-study jobs include being a parking lot attendant, tutoring other students, or working in the college cafeteria, bookstore or library.

Students who have a Social Security Number can complete the FAFSA to apply to receive financial aid for college. Students without a Social Security Number can complete the Dream Act.

FAFSA
All students wishing to apply for financial aid must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be filed even if families assume they won't qualify for aid because it is needed for most loan programs. In order to provide complete and accurate information, the best time to complete the FAFSA is after your family has received their income tax information. In terms of content, the paper and online forms are essentially the same, but for accuracy and speed, FAFSA online offers distinct advantages:

1. You can receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) in less than a week if you provide an email address, or 2-3 weeks if you don't. File a paper FAFSA and you'll wait up to five weeks. 
2. The FAFSA online automatic "edit check" finds errors on your application then prompts you to fix mistakes. 
3. There are fewer questions on the online application. 
4. Know they got it. Once you complete FAFSA online, you'll get a confirmation number that proves you successfully submitted the application. 

→Steps to Completing the Online FAFSA

1. Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID: Students, parents and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically sign your federal student aid documents. 
2. Gather information by starting with your Social Security Number, driver's license, income tax information, bank statements and investment records. Use the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet to ensure you've gathered all the necessary information. 
3. Complete the FAFSA.

Paper copies are also available by calling 1-800-433-3243.

Dream Act
Students without a Social Security Number can complete the Dream Act online to apply for financial assistance. You will need at least 30 minutes to complete the application, as well as the information listed below: 

• Parent(s) Social Security Number(s) (only if they have one, it’s OK if they don’t)
• Parent(s) full legal name(s) and birthdates
• Full legal names and ages of all people who live in your household
• Federal Tax returns (1040) from 2022 (NOT 2023) (if you have them)
• W2 statements from 2022 (if you have them)
• Amount of any 2022 untaxed income (i.e. jobs that were paid in cash)
• Close/best estimate amounts of cash + savings account + checking account
• Information on any investments (this isn’t super common)
• List of schools you are interested in

→Steps to complete the Dream Act:

1. Make sure you have all of the required documentation listed above on hand.
2. Once you start, you need to finish - the website does not allow you to ‘save and exit’ to come back and finish later.
3. Log on to MN DREAM ACT.
4. Choose 2024-25 for the application year and complete the application.
   TIP:  if you run out of time, you will need to start over another time (this won’t affect your eligibility in any way)

You are college ready.

Seniors, we have an exciting announcement! Richfield High School has chosen to participate in the Direct Admissions pilot program through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. That means every senior at Richfield High School who is on track to graduate has the opportunity to participate in the Direct Admissions program, which automatically accepts you into various colleges and universities based on your academic performance — and applying to these colleges is free!

What is Direct Admissions? 

The Direct Admissions program is designed to promote college access by ensuring that all graduating high school students know that they qualify for admission to a variety of Minnesota colleges and universities. This program is coordinated by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Education, selected high schools, and participating colleges and universities. This program is funded by the State of Minnesota.

What are the next steps?

1. Students receive an email with a personalized list of colleges and universities in October. They should confirm their interest in one or more of the colleges to which they have been directly admitted on the Google form that was in the notification email. Note: If you select "yes" on the form,  you are interested in being directly admitted for the following fall. After you confirm your interest, the colleges or universities will follow up with you with more information. Can’t find the email? Reach out to the CCR Center.

2. Review application deadlines and submit applications. When they are ready to apply, students should check out the websites for the colleges they are most interested in to make sure they have all their application materials ready (some schools may require an essay, recommendations or other materials). Note:  Although your application fees will be waived, you must still meet the application deadlines, even if you are applying through Direct Admissions.

3. Get help paying for college! You can apply for financial aid by completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (check out our FAQ for more information on getting help with your FAFSA!).

Timeline

October:
Each October, seniors at Richfield High School who are on track to graduate will receive a personalized email about Direct Admissions. The email includes the colleges they are eligible to be accepted into via Direct Admissions. Can’t find the email? Reach out to the CCR Center. 

Once students receive Direct Admissions communication:
It's time to explore the options! Determine which college or university is the best fit. Visit MyHigherEd.mn.gov and use the college search tool to compare college profiles, program options, institution size, tuition and much more. Schedule a visit to top colleges, get a feel for the campus and don't forget to reach out and ask questions! 

During conferences:
Join us for fall conferences, where we will have a joint presentation with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on Direct Admissions. Check the RHS Calendar for conference dates.

October-March (be mindful of application deadlines):
It's time to apply! 

• Complete the free applications to the colleges and universities that you are interested in.
• Make a final decision.

December:

The FAFSA form becomes available. Note: this date changes yearly. Keep an eye on the Counseling Corner for updates.

Yes! The Direct Admissions program lets you know which colleges and universities are ready to accept you, but you still have to complete the admission process to officially receive admission. Please check the college's website for application deadlines and a list of application materials required. You must supply all the requested application materials by each college's application deadline to secure a spot through the Direct Admissions program. You will receive your official acceptance letter after you have submitted your application and it has been processed according to the institution's timeline.

Richfield High School volunteered to participate in the Direct Admissions program, and you were included because a review of your academic record showed that you met the specific academic criteria for general admission to each school on your list and are on-track to graduate. If you opted in to the program, your academic information and contact information were shared through a data sharing agreement between RHS and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

You aren’t limited to the colleges on your list! If you see a college you want to apply for, but it isn’t included in your Direct Admissions list, that’s okay! Just follow the regular application process for that college. Need help? Connect with your counselor or the CCR Coordinator.

Check out the “Financial Aid” section below for information and resources about paying for college!

No need to worry about any applications you may have already submitted! Your application will still be processed and there is no need to re-apply. Please note that if you've already submitted an application, the application fees will not be refunded.