Counseling

Are you planning to continue your education after high school graduation but are overwhelmed at the prospect of paying for it? Do you aim to better understand the college funding options available to students? Have you heard of the FAFSA, but are confused on how to fill it out? The counseling office will be hosting a financial aid information session on Monday, November 2 during Advisory. Students will get an overview of financial aid and answers to some of the frequently asked questions. While the session is geared towards seniors, underclassmen are welcome to attend as they prepare for the future. If you are interested in participating, please complete this form by Wednesday, October 28 at NOON.

The AP Exam Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 3:00 p.m. Please watch these video instructions, complete the AP Exam Registration Form, and submit payment. Information is also available in the Counseling Office Google Classroom under "Classwork." Anything received after the deadline will incur a $40 per exam late fee. 

Ottawa Area Academy Internship Program: The futurePREP'd Academy Program is open for winter enrollment! This program provides 9th-12th grade students with opportunities to learn about the professional world and complete an internship. Students will meet at a business location in West Michigan and will immerse themselves in the business with a team of other students from around Ottawa County to solve a real challenge that the business is facing. The program runs 2 days/week from approximately 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Jan. 5 to Feb. 25 and students will need to provide their own transportation. First year participants can earn 3 free transferable college credits and second year participants earn 3 additional credits. For additional information, or to apply to participate in this program, please visit this link or email Nicole Gitler at ngitler@oaisd.org. The deadline to register is 12/1.

Juniors/Junior Parents: Here is the Slides presentation from the counseling office junior planning meeting held during Advisory on 10/1.  It contains important information regarding the junior year.  If you have not already done so, please complete the fall junior survey. Thank you.

Seniors/Senior Parents: The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is NOW AVAILABLE. Submitting the FAFSA is the first step to qualifying for student grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans for post-secondary education. It also helps determine eligibility for most state aid programs, like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which can cover up to $27,500 for college. Please follow the steps outlined in this letter.

Careerline Tech Center will be hosting a fall open house on Thursday, 11/5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Check out programs, meet teachers, and learn more about the career/tech ed experience! 

GRCC will be hosting virtual dual enrollment information sessions this fall for students/parents interested in learning more about the opportunity to take college classes while in high school. Register through this link. 

October is Michigan College Month! Check out the schools that waive application fees during the month of October, or have no application fees at all HERE! Plan your college applications accordingly, but we do recommend that all applications are complete by November 1 for timely admissions and scholarship consideration. 

Seniors/Senior Parents: Here is the slideshow from the fall senior counseling meeting. Please review the information in the presentation and utilize this senior year planning checklist for information relevant to your last year of high school. It is very important that you complete the senior survey in order to inform your counselor if you would like to schedule an individual meeting to review post-high plans and ask questions. 

Come and check out our new spin on college rep visits - college speed dating!  Connect with multiple schools during one Advisory session. Learn more and register HERE.