High School and Beyond

College and career readiness is a big concept with a lot of moving parts. Preparing students for life after high school is an inarguably important job! At A3, we do things differently and aim to guide our students and their families towards a specific learning path that takes into account a student's strengths, passions and lifelong goals.

Whether going to college or directly into the workforce, students and families should think together about the possibilities in high school and beyond, and explore the jobs that match a student's interests.

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Applying for College

Oregon's seven public universities generally require a minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA and completion of specific core subject coursework (such as math, English, and science). Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 typically undergo an additional comprehensive campus review. This brief guide will cover a few things to consider should you decide to apply to any of Oregon's public universities: Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University.

Admission Requirements 
All universities conduct more comprehensive reviews of applicants who do not meet the minimum required GPA for admission. Most schools require at minimum: 16 or more core units. The ACT might be needed for applications, and is offered to our current juniors; there is no make up day.   '

Core Subject Requirements 
High school graduates need to satisfactorily complete at least 15 units of college preparatory high school classes (with one unit defined as the equivalent of one year or one credit). This must include 4 units of English, 3 units of Mathematics, 3 units of Science, 3 units of Social Studies, and 2 units of a World Language, with a grade of C- or above or demonstrated proficiency. Pass/No Pass grades and “D” grades in core subjects are not accepted for any of these subjects.

College Credit Opportunities 
College Now classes are offered at A3. College Now classes are classes taught by A3 teachers, and students can earn both high school and college credit.

DUCKLINK
A program through the University of Oregon available to juniors and/or seniors who have taken every class available to them at A3 in one subject area and would like to continue learning in that subject area. Students may contact their counselor to discuss options, registration, process, and timelines. Applications are due 8 weeks prior to the start of the quarter and require district approval. 

Lane Community College
A3 juniors and seniors can complete coursework and earn college-level credits at Lane Community College, provided they exhausted all classes available to them at A3 in one subject area (English, Math, Science and Social Science) and would like to continue learning in that subject area. Students may contact their counselor to discuss options, registration, process, and timelines. Applications are due 8 weeks prior to the start of the quarter and require district approval.

College Prep Information 
Planning for college should begin as soon as possible.  A3 has a counselor to help navigate the process.  A variety of opportunities will be offered to all A3 students, including Financial Aid Night, and college info sessions around our community.  We will also take time in Advisory every year to plan post-high school.  

Naviance 
Naviance is an online website that provides comprehensive information that students can access to learn about careers, colleges, scholarships, and four-year course planning. Students can access their Naviance account anytime from home or school. During the school year students can speak with college representatives regarding their college interest.

Advisory 
This is a class that every student attends all 4 years while at A3. Students will meet with their Advisory teacher and a parent(s)/guardian(s) three times a year to review their portfolio, their transcript, and their plans for the future.

ACT PLAN 
ACT PLAN testing may be offered to all sophomores for free. The ACT PLAN is offered during the school day.  In addition to providing opportunities to measure performance on a national scale and providing practice in testing formats employed on the ACT college admission test. There is no make up day; you must be on time to school on the test day.

Other Standardized Tests 
While not the primary means of assessment at A3, standardized tests are one way to measure student achievement. All students will take the Oregon Assessment Tests. Standardized testing can be part of the college application process. Some colleges, universities, and scholarship programs require one of two standardized tests: the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the ACT (American College Test). Accordingly, students at A3 will learn strategies for taking standardized tests as part of their academic preparation. Many colleges and universities are going test optional.  

ACT testing is offered to all juniors, one time, at no cost. The ACT is a college admissions test offered during the school day.  In addition to providing opportunities to measure performance on a national scale, students can meet essential skills in Reading, Writing and Math if they meet the cut score. There is no make up day; you must be on time to school on the test day.

Academics while in high school are one of the best predictors of success in college, but admissions officers are taking a closer look at the rigor of academic preparation and the kind of courses a student takes. Please note, the Oregon University System schools will not accept “D” or “P” grades in college prep core courses. Extracurricular activities will still be very important on a student’s record.

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