Postsecondary
Support Center
The Postsecondary Support Center at Solorio is focused on ensuring that all students and families have the guidance and resources to explore options, engage in meaningful conversations, and develop a concrete postsecondary plan for life after high school graduation. We encourage you to explore the resources included on this site and to contact any member of the postsecondary support staff with questions or requests.
Learn. Plan. Succeed.
Life Beyond High School
Learn.Plan.Succeed. is a Chicago Public School initiative that focuses students, families, and schools on the idea that a successful high school experience means that students have a viable plan for life BEYOND high school. This initiative recognizes six postsecondary pathways - College, Employment, Gap Year Program, Job Training, Apprenticeship, and Military. With support from school counselors, college and career coaches, teachers, trusted peers and family, students should define career goals and develop plans during high school so that they graduate with a concrete postsecondary pathway.
To learn more about Learn. Plan. Succeed. (LPS), check out the resources below:
CPS Site
LPS Overview
LPS Overview
Presentation
Financial Aid
Calculating The
NET PRICE of a school
Use this Net Price comparison tool to learn more about how Net Price is calculated and what it might mean about the affordability of different college options.
Scholarships:
There are many scholarship resources out there and we highly suggest students use the CPS Academic Works resources since these are organized and vetted by the district. Once students create a profile, they can find specific scholarships that you might be eligible for and use other tools created by CPS to learn more about deadlines and eligibility.
- Create and utilize your Academic Works profile here
- Learn about specific scholarships organized by deadlines: CPS Academic Works Scholarship Alert Workbook
Applying to
College
Students are encouraged to apply to colleges and universities via the Common Application when it is possible. By using this app, they can navigate their entire college application journey with Common App.
Order School
Transcripts
Standardized Test scores
SAT or ACT
College Research Resources
The search feature of
Naviance
Embark on school research with our powerful feature. A simple search yields abundant info, including graduation rates, acceptance rates, programs, tours, deadlines, and more. Discover selectivity scattergrams to compare your GPA and test scores with Solorio alumni.
Recommended Colleges by
Selectivity Level
Test-optional selectivity might seem confusing, but GPA and past test scores provide a sense of school selectivity. Our lists serve as a starting point, recommended by the Postsecondary Support Team. We consider acceptance rates, persistence trends, academic programs, and affordability.
Information about
In-state public schools
The Illinois Association for College Admissions Counseling offers yearly reports on public in-state 4-year institutions. Dive into detailed summaries, contact info, and learn more through provided links.
City Colleges of Chicago
Program Finder
Each City College specializes in unique programs and focus areas. Explore our tool to uncover certifications, degrees, and specific pathway options for your postsecondary journey.
Careers and Trades
- Trades -
Construction Trades
Guidebook
A guidebook to help students, families, and staff to learn more about the considerations and pre-planning needed for students interested in careers related to the trades.
Construction Service Industry Corporation
CISCO
This site will provide a wide range of information about the local construction industry including information about when and where to sign up for apprenticeship opportunities.
Building Trades
Videos
“Construction Talks” is a series of Zoom interviews with instructors & apprenticeship coordinators highlighting various building trades such as carpenters, electricians, bricklayers, plumbers, etc.