College & Career Center

Road To College 1: College Application Information Night

Road to College 1 provides a detailed overview of the college application. While the focus is on public California colleges (CSU and UC schools), the presentation also covers historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), private colleges, and community colleges. Other topics include the SAT & ACT, letters of recommendation, and senior year expected costs.

Road To College 2: College Essay Information Night

Often split into two separate events, Road to College 2 covers the two major college essay areas: UC Personal Insight Questions and the Common Application Personal Essay. Students learn strategies for tackling the essay writing process and how to compose an effective essay that stands out.

Road to College 2b: OUSD College Fair

More than 40 colleges and universities attend to provide information and answer questions. Participants will include representatives from University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses, local private colleges, and the California Community College system.

Road To College 3: Financial Aid Information Night & Workshop

Also usually split into two events, Road to College 3 provides valuable information about how to understand the true cost of college and how to research the schools students are interested in applying to. Financial aid and scholarships are discussed in-depth, including detailed instructions for filling out the FAFSA/Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Presenters also cover how to read a financial aid offer letter once students are accepted.

Planning for Success 1: College & Career Night for 11th Graders

Planning for Success 1 helps our 11th-grade students and families map out a plan for the future, including college entrance requirements, standardized testing, internships, and a detailed checklist and timeline for college and financial aid applications.

Planning for Success 2: College & Career Night for 9th & 10th Graders

Learn how Oakland Tech’s College & Career Center (CCC) can help 9th and 10th-grade students stay on track to meet their educational and career goals. Planning for Success 2 looks at various options for what to do after high school, including four-year or community colleges, trade programs, and gap years, with tips for parents to support their students on this journey.

College Essay Mentor Program

Volunteer essay readers are available to help Seniors with their college application essays (UC, Common App, etc.) Meetings and support offered online by special arrangement.

College Application Crunch Weeks

College advisors are available for assistance with college applications.

Financial Aid Crunch Weeks

College advisors are available for help with FAFSA applications. Raffles for prizes are held for participating students.

Scholarship Application Crunch Weeks

College advisors are available during designated weeks for help with scholarship applications.

‘I Applied’ Event

Students celebrate the completion of their college applications with sparkling cider, treats, and music. A coordinating event to I Applied includes a workshop where Seniors are guided through the next steps that follow the college application process.

Community College Week

Seniors get ahead on the community college application process and meet with counselors to select classes for enrollment.

Decision Day Celebration

Decision Day is a carnival day on the OT field after lunch period where Seniors play carnival games, enjoy music and snacks, and share their post-graduation plans. An exciting part of the event is when Ms. Hunter does multiple drawings for a few major prizes like laptops and dorm kits as well as smaller items like gift cards and college swag.

Scholarship Banquet & Ceremony

Scholarship Banquet & Ceremony is an event that recognizes students who earned scholarships they will utilize for their post-secondary education. Lunch and cake are provided to student honorees, scholarship donors in attendance, and participating staff. The ceremony regularly features speakers including local organizations that have awarded the scholarships to present to the recipients.