College Application Process

School Information

Hood River Valley High School's CEEB code is 380480.

Hood River Valley High School's School Profile is linked here.

With thousands of colleges in the United States, the process of selecting a college can seem overwhelming. Attend admissions presentations and college fairs and tour colleges to learn more about the options. Here are a few resources to help students in their college search:

Building a College List

In general, aim to apply to 3-5 schools. Some students may choose to apply to more or fewer. This aim is a general guideline. Consider including:

One reach: A college where acceptance may be a stretch or is highly competitive
Two or three match: Schools you are likely to get into based on how well you meet the admission criteria
One safety: A school you are confident you will be admitted to

Starting the College Admissions Process

Seniors should check their Google Classroom for timely announcements regarding college fairs, informational events, webinars, college representative visits, and more.

The college application process is complex and requires planning, time, and effort. Below are a variety of resources to help students and families research college options, learn about the application process, and find resources to help pay for college.

College visits: College admissions representatives from all over the county visit high schools in the early fall. These presentations are open to students in all grades during WIN time who want to learn more about college options. Check the calendar and your Google Classroom, as well as daily announcements, for upcoming dates.

College fairs and tours: There are many opportunities throughout the year for college fairs and tours. Students should pay close attention to morning announcements, Google Classroom announcements specific to your graduation year, checking events in SchooLinks, and postings througout the school to learn about opportunities.

SchooLinks

How to Log In: Tap the SchooLinks tile in Clever (or click "Log in with Clever" on the SchooLinks login page).
Permissions: Existing staff account roles and permissions remain unchanged.
Caseloads: Counselor caseload rosters are set up and will update automatically.
GPAs: Student GPAs are currently preserved as-is while we work with Synergy to share Unweighted GPAs with Clever/SchooLinks.

College Applications

Students may begin submitting college applications in late summer or fall of their senior year. College admissions websites are the best resource for accessing online applications, admissions criteria, and deadlines.

Admissions deadlines may differ from scholarship deadlines, so make note of all important deadlines.

Many schools use the Common Application. This application allows students to apply to multiple schools through one application portal.

Common Application includes more than 1,200 colleges and universities
University of California System Admissions: This system includes nine undergraduate campuses in California.
California State University System Application: The CSU system includes 23 undergraduate campuses in California.

CSS Profiles

Do you have a November or earlier college application deadline? Do you know if you are requierd to complete the CSS Profile as part of your application? Talk to your school counselor, review the website, and check out this list of schools.

Additional Resources

Fairs and Events

Campus Tours

Colleges host prospective students on campus through campus tours, information sessions, and special visitation events. These tours introduce students to the college and provide general information about academics, admissions, financial aid, student life, and more. Each college's offerings will vary, so review the college's admissions office website for an overview of options and dates and join the college's mailing list to receive direct communications and invitations to events for prospective students.

Students can take exploratory campus tours as early as 9th grade. Consider touring local colleges and visiting colleges on family vacations to experience the breadth and depth of college options. Ultimately, visiting colleges in person helps students determine preferences for size, type, and location, and develop a broader understanding of college options.

Click here for helpful resources related to campus tours. If you are looking for virtual tours, check out these options:

Careers and Majors

Students can explore careers through job shadowing, informational interviews, internships, research, part-time jobs, service experiences, and activities like camps, enrichment programs, clubs, and workshops. Additionally, counselors can help students with selecting classes related to majors and careers of interest.

Please reach out to our counselor in the Summit Office if you have questions.

Helpful Links

Historically Black Institutions and Historically Hispanic Institutions

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

HBCUs are nationally accredited institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before 1964 to primarily serve the African American community. More than 100 HBCUs today offer graduate and postgraduate degrees.

List of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Find your HBCU match
HBCU 101 (what you should know when applying to an HBCU)
Scholarships for HBCUs, HSI, and minorities

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI)

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) are colleges or universities where Hispanic students comprise at least 25 percent of the full-time equivalent student body, according to the U.S. Department of Education. HSIs must be certified as such by the U.S. Department of Education. There are more than 300 schools designated as Hispanic Serving Institutions.

List of Hispanic Serving Institutions

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