Find tools to help you on your journey.

Welcome to our resource page! Here, you’ll discover a valuable collection of tools and links to assist you in every aspect of initiating your college search, applying to colleges, and securing funding for your postsecondary education.

GEAR UP Senior Workbook

Navigating the college application and financial aid process can be challenging. This guide is here to provide you with support at every step of the way. Intended to accompany you throughout your senior year of high school, it offers essential information, helpful tips, and interactive worksheets and charts to help you stay organized and ensure you are well-informed about the steps for a successful transition to your chosen postsecondary path.

Download

Applying for College

Application Timeline

Review the timeline to help you navigate each crucial step of the college application process. Download the College Knowledge Timeline.

Finding a College

Discover what college is the right match for you by exploring these tools:

Application Resources

Simplify your college application process with the convenience of the Common App and Coalition App, providing an easier way to apply to multiple colleges.

Check out these videos for a step-by-step guide for the common app.

College Application Tracker

Download our college app tracker and stay organized throughout the college application process.

Writing Personal Statements

Many college and scholarship applications require an essay or personal statement, but it can be hard to know where to start. Look at the following resources to help you get started:

College Admission Test

Sign up for the SAT and ACT exams here or enhance your SAT preparation by practicing with Khan Academy’s valuable resources.

College Words and Terms

Familiarize yourself with college lingo and help you to navigate the world of higher education with ease.

Paying for College

Financial aid is available, and we are here to help you understand what is out there for you. Discover essential information you need to know to help fund you through college.

FAFSA and WAFSA

FAFSA s the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A form students must fill out to receive federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Create an FSA ID.

WASFA is the Washington Application for State Financial Aid. A form for students in the state of Washington who are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status. Creating a WASFA account.

Scholarships

Check out these websites to help with your scholarship search:

Washington State Scholarships

Act Six is a leadership and scholarship program that connects local faith-based community affiliates with faith-and social justices-based colleges to equip emerging urban and community leaders.
The College Bound Scholarship provides an early promise of financial aid to students from low-income families.
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) helps low- and middle-income Washington students earn degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships in high-demand trade, health care, or STEM fields and launch careers in Washington State. This program is not administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council.
The American Indian Endowed Scholarship benefits eligible students who have close social and cultural ties to an American Indian tribe or community in Washington State.
The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) recognizes graduating high school seniors and community & technical college students for outstanding performance in career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Scholarships Offered at Public Colleges in Washington

Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Beyond Dreaming: Scholarship List For Undocumented Students in WA

TheDream.US
My Undocumented Life
Leadership 1000 Scholarship
Washington Apple Education Foundation
Sea Mar Scholarships
Golden Door Scholars – National Scholarships

Other Scholarship Resources

Grants

Loans

Federal: Unsubsidized, Subsidized, Parent PLUS loan
Private

Work Study

Federal work study jobs

Transitioning to College

Ease your transition from high school to college with our resources, valuable insights, tips, and guidance to help you with your next steps

College Navigators

GEAR UP staff are here to support you in all things post-graduation! Click here to connect with a navigator.

Gecko Enrollment

Stay up to date on helpful services, events, and GEAR UP information after you graduate! Connect with your GEAR UP coordinator to find out how to enroll.