College Planning

St. Louis Park High School provides comprehensive college planning resources, including Naviance Student, college representative visits, and application guidance to help students prepare for postsecondary success.

Grade-level College Readiness Checklist

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Take the PSAT/NMSQT for scholarships
Prepare and Register for the ACT or SAT
All juniors will take the ACT in the spring of their junior year at St. Louis Park High School.
- Students do not register for the ACT that is administered at the high school.
- Students who plan to take an additional ACT test must register and pay on their own at: ACT.org.
Research colleges and build a list
Attend college fairs and info sessions
Look for scholarships
Talk to your family about paying for college
Update your resume and activity tracker

Create Your College List (in Naviance)

Log in to Naviance Student – Use your SLPHS Google account to sign in.
Go to the College Tab – At the top of the screen, click on the “College” tab.
Click " Colleges I'm Thinking About" – This is where you’ll build and manage your list.
Click the “+ Add” Button – Begin entering the colleges you're applying to.
Search for Each College – Use the search tool to find your colleges.
Click “Save” – Add each college one at a time.
Repeat for Each College – Continue until your full list is entered.
Review & Update Regularly – Keep your list current with submission dates, transcript requests, and other updates.

Grade 12

Financial Resources for College

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA helps families apply for federal and state financial aid to support college costs.

Apply now - English Apply now - Español

2026–2027 FAFSA Checklist

StudentAid.gov account: Username and password
Social Security Number: And Alien Registration Number if applicable
2024 Tax Information: Federal tax returns and W-2s
2024 Financials:
- Records of child support received
- Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
- Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms (if applicable)
List of schools: You want to receive your information

Parent/Contributor information (for dependent students)

Email address: To send an invitation to the contributor
2024 Tax Information: Federal tax returns and W-2s
2024 Financials:
- Records of child support received
- Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
- Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms (if applicable)
Social Security Number: For each required contributor

Why Complete the FAFSA?

Required for most federal, state, and college financial aid
Qualify for Minnesota North Star Promise – free tuition for eligible students

Helpful Tools

Earn Your Degree Tuition-Free

Question	Answer
Who qualifies as a Minnesota resident?	A student who meets the residency requirements outlined by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, including living in Minnesota for a specified time period before enrollment.
What if my family AGI is slightly above $80,000?	Unfortunately, to qualify for North Star Promise, the family AGI must be under $80,000. You may want to explore other financial aid options.
Can I use this program if I am attending a private college?	No. North Star Promise applied only to Minnesota public higher education institutions and Tribal Colleges.
How many credits must I be enrolled in?	You must be enrolled in at least one credit during the semester to qualify.
What does Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) mean?	SAP means maintaining the minimum GPA and credit completion rate required by your institution to remain eligible for financial aid.

SELF Loan (Student Educational Loan Fund)

The SELF Loan (Student Educational Loan Fund) is a loan program from the State of Minnesota that helps students and families pay for college or career training. It's run by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, not a bank. Here's why it's different from other loans:

It has low interest rates (you can choose a fixed or variable rate).
The rate is the same for everyone – it doesn't depend on your credit score.
You'll know the interest rate before you apply, so there are no surprises.
It's a good option if grants, scholarships or federal aid don't cover all your costs.

The SELF Loan can help fill the gap between your financial aid and the total cost of college – in a fair, transparent, and lower-cost way.

Learn more

Scholarship Search Sites and Featured Scholarships

General Scholarship Search Sites

Site Name	Description
Go Merry	Comprehensive scholarship matching platform
Scholly	Search thousands of scholarships with a smart filter
Raise.me	Earn micro-scholarships for academic achievements
BOLD Scholarships	Scholarships organized by class year and eligibility
Cappex	College search & scholarship tool
Fastweb	Popular scholarship database and resources

Featured Scholarships & Grants

Scholarship / Grant	Details / Deadline
American Indian College Fund	Scholarship opportunities for American Indian students
American Indian Education Fund	Funding and scholarships to Native students
Hispanic Scholarship Fund	Scholarships for Hispanic students
Native Forward Scholars Fund	Scholarship opportunities for Native students
Dollars for Scholars – St. Louis Park	Opens Feb 2025
Horatio Alger Scholarships	Apply as a high school junior!
Wallin 4-Year Scholarship	$16,000 over 4 years
Wallin 2-Year Program	Opens March 15
Page Education Foundation Scholarships	About \| Application \| Info Sessions Deadline: April 1
Questbridge	Connecting exceptional, low-income students with top colleges
SPAM FC Scholarship	Open Mar 1 – Due Apr 16
UNCF (United Negro College Fund)	Provides scholarships to students at HBCUs and other institutions. Learn more
NAACP Inspire Initiatives	Scholarships and funding through Inspire Initiatives. Visit NAACP
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)	Scholarships for motivated Black students. View CBCF Scholarships
Jackie Robinson Foundation	Scholarships covering 4 years of undergrad study. Visit Foundation
Thurgood Marshall College Fund	Scholarships to students at HBCUs and other Black institutions. Learn more
Ron Brown Scholars Program	Scholarships for talented African American seniors. Apply here
The Gates Scholarship	Full financial aid, leadership, and mentorship. Learn more
Black at Microsoft Scholarship	Scholarships to Black HS seniors pursuing STEM. Visit BAM Scholarship
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST)	Financial assistance for Black STEM undergraduates at HBCUs. View Fund Details
Actuarial Diversity Scholarship	For Black, Hispanic, Native American actuarial students. See Details
Federal Pell Grant	Need-based federal grant supporting many students including Black students. Learn about Pell Grants
MAKA	The Minnesota Association for Korean Americans (MAKA) is awarding a limited number of scholarships to Minnesota high school seniors of Korean origin/heritage who plan to pursue a higher education. These scholarships are intended to enhance the positive self-esteem of students of Korean heritage and to encourage their pursuit of a college degree. All interested individuals are encouraged to apply.

Free college application opportunities/fee waivers

Download the School Year 2025-2026 Form

Open the form you downloaded and complete it with the instructions below.
- Name of the college or university: The student completes this part. The student writes the name of the college or university. Students can submit to a maximum of four universities. (One form for each university they are applying to).
- Student: The student completes this part. The student can sign by using the “Fill & Sign” tool on the PDF or simply type up the initials.
- Authorized official: The authorized official completes this part. A school counselor, postsecondary support personnel, or principal at the student’s school OR an official from a community-based organization completes the Authorized Official section and verifies the student’s economic eligibility.
  - Note: CEEB# or PROGRAM# field can be found on the College Board website. If not found, this field can remain blank.
- Economic Need: The student completes this part. International students should check the “Other Request” box in the Economic Need section and explain their financial barrier(s) to paying the application fee on the lines provided.
Save the form. The completed form must be sent directly to the institution’s office of admission. The student should contact the office of admission to determine the school’s accepted mode of delivery (e.g., mail, email, fax). The student should follow up with the office of admission 2-4 weeks post submission to check on the approval status.

MN Dream Act and Federal Grants

The Minnesota Dream Act allows eligible students to access state financial aid for college. To receive federal grants (like Pell Grants), students must complete the FAFSA and meet one of these conditions:

U.S. citizen or national
Permanent resident (Green Card - I-551)
Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
I-94 status as:
- Refugee
- Asylee
- Cuban-Haitian entrant
- Parolee
- Victim of trafficking (T-Visa)
Note: You may qualify even if your parents are undocumented.

Scholarships Regardless of Immigration Status
Many colleges offer scholarships open to undocumented students. Check with your school’s financial aid office. Here are some resources:

MN Dream Act – State Aid for Undocumented Students

To apply, students must:

Attend a MN high school for at least 3 years
Graduate from a MN high school or earn a GED
Male students (18–25) must register with U.S. Selective Service
Provide proof of applying for lawful immigration status if a federal process exists (not DACA)

Apply here

College Planning Resources

Five Steps to the College Application Process

Determine where you want to apply by building your list.

Make sure you know the type of education you need to pursue your career goal(s). Example: If you want to be an electrician you would attend a technical college or an apprenticeship program.

2. Apply to colleges. Choose your method of application, and make sure to apply as an incoming undergraduate student:

Direct application on the college's website – Learn how to use Naviance to request transcripts/recommendations (learn more).
The Common App (access the app)
- Completing the Common Application - Linking to Naviance (learn more).
Common Black College application (learn more)
The Coalition (learn more)
Pro-tip: Write down all usernames, passwords and STAR ID info. MN State Colleges and Universities require a STAR ID before applying.

3. Match Common App with Naviance.

Completing the Common Application - Linking to Naviance (learn more).
Log into your Naviance Student account
Click Colleges I'm Applying To
Click Match Accounts
Enter your Common App email and click Match Accounts
You're done! The accounts are now linked. Please sign the FERPA Waiver so your counselor can send school documents. Nothing is sent until you submit the Common App.

4. Use Naviance to manage applications -> Log into Naviance Student (log in here).

5. Add Colleges to “Colleges I’m Applying To” (If not using Common Application).

Select the Colleges tab.
Click Colleges I’m Applying To.
Click + Add Colleges to This List.
Search for the college by name and select it.
Choose the Application Type (Regular, Rolling, Early Action, etc.).
Select How You’re Applying (Common App, college website, etc.).
Click Add and Request Transcript or Add College depending on your next step.

6. Request Transcripts.

After adding the college, select Request Transcripts if prompted.
If not prompted, go to Colleges I’m Applying To > Manage Transcripts.
Choose the type of transcript your college requires:
- Initial Transcript – includes all grades through junior year
- Final Transcript – sent after graduation
Click Request and Finish.

7. Request Letters of Recommendations (ask teacher/coach/counselor before requesting).

Go to Colleges tab.
Select Apply to College > Letters of Recommendation.
Click Add Request.
Choose the teacher from the drop-down menu.
Select Specific Colleges or All Colleges (if allowed).
Add a short thank-you message.
Click Submit Request.

8. Complete the FAFSA.

Determines your federal and state aid eligibility
Used by many colleges for institutional aid

What's Next? Your Guide to College Options

College type	Description	Resources/Links
Public in-state universities	Affordable, high-quality options close to home.	University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Public out-of-state universities	Explore out-of-state opportunities, especially at HBCUs.	107 HBCUs Top 25 HBCUs HBCU program search
Private colleges and universities	Smaller class sizes and personalized education.	Minnesota Private College Council Dunwoody College of Technology HBCU Private College Access
Two-year technical and community colleges	Start a career or transfer to a four-year college with less debt.	Minnesota State Community and Technical Colleges Two-Year HBCUs
International Universities	Study abroad for a global perspective and unique experiences	NACAC Guide to International Admission (PDF) American Universities Abroad
College Autism Spectrum	Support and resources for neurodivergent students and their families	College Autism Spectrum Resources

Ways to Apply to College - Key Vocabulary Terms

Application Type	Description	Who It's For	Key Features	Deadlines
Common Application	A standardized application accepted by over 1,000 colleges nationwide.	Students applying to multiple colleges, including some in Minnesota.	Submit one application to multiple schools; may require additional essays.	Varies by college; typically fall of senior year.
Direct to School	Fill out the online application located at the schools website	Students school does not use the Common Application	Typically, colleges will be able to process applications more quickly if done on its own website.	Varies by college; typically November, December
Direct Admissions Minnesota	Eligible students are proactively admitted to participating colleges based on academic records.	Seniors at participating Minnesota high schools.	Receive admission offers without applying; must confirm with a free application.	Notifications sent early in senior year.
Early Action (EA)	Non-binding early application process.	Students who want early admission decisions without committing.	Apply early and receive decisions sooner; can apply to multiple EA schools.	Usually October or November of senior year.
Early Decision (ED)	Binding early application process.	Students who have a clear first-choice college.	Must attend if accepted; can only apply to one ED school.	Usually October or November of senior year.
Rolling Admission	Colleges review applications as they are received.	Students seeking flexible application timelines.	Decisions made continuously; applying early is beneficial.	Varies by college; often open until spaces are filled.

Keep track of deadlines and requirements for each application type. Use a spreadsheet or Naviance to stay organized!

Applying with the Common App vs. Directly to Specific Colleges

Using the Common App	Applying directly to specific colleges
What it is: One centralized application accepted by 1,000+ colleges and universities. Complete personal info, activities and essay ONCE and submit it to many schools.	What it is: Apply through a college's own admissions portal or system (for example: University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, many technical colleges, and some HBCUs). Each school may have unique forms, supplemental questions or fee arrangements.
How to use: Create an account. Add colleges to your “My Colleges” list (check whether each school requires supplements). Complete your Profile, Education, Activities, and Personal Essay sections. Answer any college-specific supplemental questions in each college’s tab. Link Common App with Naviance (if required by your school) to request transcripts and teacher/counselor recommendations. Review each college’s requirements and submit before their deadlines.	How to use: Go to the college’s official admissions webpage (search the school's name + "apply"). Create an account in that school's applicant portal (e.g., MyU applicant portal). Complete that institution’s specific application form and any supplemental materials. Request or upload required documents: transcripts, test scores (if required), essays, and recommendations. Confirm application fees, fee waivers, and submission deadlines. Tip: When applying directly, bookmark your applicant account login and save confirmation emails – they contain next-step info like housing and financial aid links.

Using the Common App

Applying directly to specific colleges

What it is: One centralized application accepted by 1,000+ colleges and universities.

Complete personal info, activities and essay ONCE and submit it to many schools.

What it is: Apply through a college's own admissions portal or system (for example: University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, many technical colleges, and some HBCUs).

Each school may have unique forms, supplemental questions or fee arrangements.

How to use:

Create an account.
Add colleges to your “My Colleges” list (check whether each school requires supplements).
Complete your Profile, Education, Activities, and Personal Essay sections.
Answer any college-specific supplemental questions in each college’s tab.
Link Common App with Naviance (if required by your school) to request transcripts and teacher/counselor recommendations.
Review each college’s requirements and submit before their deadlines.

How to use:

Go to the college’s official admissions webpage (search the school's name + "apply").
Create an account in that school's applicant portal (e.g., MyU applicant portal).
Complete that institution’s specific application form and any supplemental materials.
Request or upload required documents: transcripts, test scores (if required), essays, and recommendations.
Confirm application fees, fee waivers, and submission deadlines.

Tip: When applying directly, bookmark your applicant account login and save confirmation emails – they contain next-step info like housing and financial aid links.

Why use the Common App

Saves time when applying to multiple Common App schools.
Organizes essays and activities in one place.
Easy to reuse the same core materials for many colleges.
Often integrates smoothly with school tools like Naviance for sending transcripts and recommendations.

Why apply directly

Some important local schools (e.g., University of Minnesota, Minnesota State campuses, and many technical colleges) are not on the Common App.
Direct apps sometimes have shorter or simpler forms.
You can follow school-specific instructions closely and avoid extra steps if you apply to only a few institutions.
Occasionally direct applicants receive school-specific guidance or reminders from the college portal.

Gap Year/Study Abroad Resources

Explore gap year and study abroad options that expand learning beyond the traditional classroom.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) – nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization.
Gap Year Association – Provides trusted resources for planning gap year experiences.
Guide to Gap Year Programs | Teen Life – Teen Life’s guide helps students explore gap year programs and plan experiences.
GO Overseas – GO Overseas helps students explore gap year, study abroad, and volunteer programs.
International Universities
- NACAC Guide to International University Admission
- American Universities Abroad

Test Preparation (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer etc.)

Minnesota residents have access to a huge collection of research and information databases, including test preparation tutorials and free practice tests.

To access the ACT test prep resources, including a guided ACT Prep Program, Practice Tests, Flashcards and eBooks, go to elibrarymn.org → All Databases → Content Type → Test Preparation → LearningExpress Library → Prepare for College → Get Ready for the ACT Test

ACT.org - Delivered by experts and designed to fit every learning style, budget, and schedule.
Accuplacer - The ACCUPLACER is a series of tests that evaluate students’ skills in reading, writing, and math to help college administrators place them in courses that match their skills. Placement testing | M State - scroll to Preparing for Accuplacer - FREE App
ACT - The ACT is an entrance exam used by colleges and universities to make admissions and/or placement decisions
ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery - enlistment testing practice tests
SAT Information
PSAT/SAT

ACT introduces super scoring - the process of averaging students’ four best subject scores from all their ACT® test attempts – Get the Details

Naviance Student

Naviance Student helps students plan for college and careers, access scholarships, complete surveys and assessments, and for seniors, request transcripts and recommendations.

How to sign up:

Log into Naviance Student
Select Student and Single Sign-On

Log into Naviance student

Create Your College List (in Naviance)

Log in to Naviance Student
Use your SLPH Google account to sign in.
Go to the College Tab
At the top of the screen, click on the “College” tab.
Click “Colleges I’m Applying To”
This is where you’ll build and manage your list.
Click the “+ Add” Button
Begin entering the colleges you're applying to.
Search for Each College
Use the search tool to find your colleges.
Choose Your Application Type
Select how you’re applying
Select Application Platform
Indicate how you're applying
Mark “Application Submitted” if You’ve Sent It
This helps your counselor track your progress.
Click “Save”
Add each college one at a time.
Repeat for Each College
Continue until your full list is entered.
Review & Update Regularly
Keep your list current with submission dates, transcript requests, and other updates.

Meet with College Representatives

Take advantage of reps visiting our school! Ask questions, learn about programs, scholarships, and campus life, and make connections for your future. It’s quick and all about your next steps.

How to Sign Up:

Log into Naviance Student
Click the Colleges tab --> College Visits
Select the school --> Register
Save the date and visit the Career & College Center